SPRING VALLEY, Wis. — During this economic recession, when many other industries have dropping numbers, organic food is still increasing in both sales and recognition.
This proved true in more ways than one at the nation’s largest organic farming conference, hosted by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service.
Approximately 2,750 organic farmers attended this year’s Organic Farming Conference.
Increase in sales
Organic food sales in the U.S. increased 5.6 percent in December 2008, according to The Nielsen Co.
Although this increase is down from last year, sales are still rising.
Held Feb. 26-28 in La Crosse, Wis., the conference featured more than 60 organic farming workshops and 140 exhibitors.
Theme
The theme of the conference was looking back 20 years and looking forward to the next 20 years of organics.
Governor Jim Doyle recognized the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service for 20 years of service to Wisconsin’s farmers by issuing a proclamation Feb. 27.
In Wisconsin, organic farming contributes more than $80 million to the agricultural economy.
