Organic arable and horticultural systems

Event Date : February 4, 2015

With regret, we have had to cancel this event due to insufficient numbers

Introduction to organic arable and horticultural production systems and markets

One day workshop for farmers/farm managers, advisers/land agents, researchers, young people including students/apprentices, and others involved in the food supply chain.

Venue: Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 OBW 10 am – 4.30pm

The workshop will support farmers and others in the food chain in the development of more sustainable arable farming systems and practices. It will include:

• Organic arable and horticultural systems: rotation design, stockless and mixed crop/livestock systems, agroforestry
• Soil management and fertility building: green manures and cover crops, leys and manures
• Weed, pest and disease control
• Farm business financial performance and markets/supply chains for organic crops
• Conversion issues

Participants will receive copies of the 2014 Organic Farm Management Handbook and Arable Conversion Handbook from HGCA and other relevant publications.

Seminar cost (local and organic lunch & refreshments included):

• Reduced price for eligible participants (see below) £50 + VAT
• Full price for participants not-eligible for funding £100 + VAT
• 100% bursaries available for eligible individuals (see below)

On-line booking is available here. Alternatively, you can register directly and pay by cheque, BACS or credit card by contacting Gillian Woodward.

RDPE support available:

50% fee reduction for English producers and others obtaining a living from agriculture or agricultural products. Eligibility includes producers and employees of producer groups, supply chain businesses, direct retailers, small consultancy businesses, but not multiple retailers, government departments, agencies or public bodies including universities. Participants must be living/working in England. To benefit please download, complete and sign the Trainee Registration form (60kb pdf file) and send to Gillian Woodward at ORC. You can still register and pay on-line.

Bursaries available:

We have funds from various sources, including the Ernest Cook Trust (nationwide), the Gordon Palmer Memorial Trust (Berkshire residents only), and the Greenham Common Trust (West Berkshire residents only) to enable young people (students/apprentices/new entrants) with limited means to attend the seminars. If you think you may qualify, for any of the above bursaries please contact Gillian Woodwardwith details of your address, age and circumstances to check eligibility.

For more environmental jobs and courses please see environmentjob.co.uk