Free workshop on growing safe produce set for June 8 at Happy Hollow Farm, Jamestown

JAMESTOWN, Mo. –  A free workshop on food safety and conservation on diversified vegetable farms is set for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, June 8, at Happy Hollow Farm in Jamestown.

Liz Graznak of Happy Hollow Farm will share practices for growing healthy, safe produce, said Juan Cabrera, University of Missouri Extension state horticulture specialist. Other speakers will offer guidance on ways to identify resource concerns and conservation practices that improve soil, water, animal and plant health, air quality and energy use.

Participants will learn about U.S. laws regulating the production fruits and vegetables as well as basic principles for identifying potential contamination routes and on-farm risks, Cabrera said.

Attendees will learn about the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program, and see practices funded by these programs in action. Presenters will explain how to apply for technical and financial assistance from NRCS programs, including the new Regenerative Pilot Program.

The workshop will highlight additional resources available through the Missouri Department of Conservation, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture’s CRCL Project.

There is no fee to attend, but registration is requested to ensure an accurate count for a locally sourced lunch. Details and registration.

For more information, contact Cabrera-Garcia at 573-882-0567 or jcabrera-garcia@missouri.edu.

In the event of inclement weather, registrants should check their email by noon on Sunday, June 7, for additional information.

This event is made possible through Missouri Farmers Union, Happy Hollow Organic Farm, Missouri Rural Crisis Center and MU Extension.

Photo

Happy Hollow Farm. A free workshop June 8 at Happy Hollow Farm in Jamestown will help diversified vegetable growers learn about resources available to them to improve food safety and conservation on their operations. Liz Graznak, right, of Happy Hollow Farm will be among the speakers. Photo courtesy of Liz Graznak, Happy Hollow Farm, LLC.