Organic Growers Alliance launches Organic Matters, the first UK horticulture conference created by growers, for growers. Dedicated exclusively to exploring innovative solutions and technical issues in UK organic and sustainable horticulture, Organic Matters fills a vital gap for UK growers of all kinds. Both experienced and new entrant growers are invited to join this day-long conference where growers can connect, share new ideas and learn about pioneering techniques.
Taking place on 22nd October 2019 at the Trinity Centre in Bristol, Organic Matters will be a day-long event, featuring 8 x 90-minute technical sessions. Hear from growers and researchers at the forefront of horticulture, covering subjects such as Soil and Plant Analysis Techniques and Planting for and Introducing Beneficial Insects.
There are limited opportunities for organic and sustainable horticulturalists to come together, hear ideas from peers and experts and meet fellows working in the same sector. Organic Matters is aiming to create this space for the horticulture sector, whilst keeping the price fair and is scheduled at a time of year when there is a bit more space in the growing calendar.
Organic Growers Alliance (OGA) is at the helm of this conference. OGA is a community interest company and member organisation made up of organic food growers and horticulturalists from across the UK. It is steered by a group of voluntary directors who felt there was a real need for a conference focusing on the technical side of horticulture to help those in the sector expand their knowledge, push forward new ideas and give an opportunity for membership to come together.
Kate Collyns, Chair of the OGA says “we want to showcase cutting-edge techniques in our sector as well as explore under-represented topics which are critical to growers. We have a session on Scaling up no-dig farming led by Jake Eldridge from Oxton Organics, a really popular area; as well as Woodchip and Soil Health which is being championed by long-time organic hero Iain Tolhurst of Tolhurst Organics, and the merits of using woodchip are being realised by more and more growers. We love the idea of bringing together growers and horticulturalists of all experience levels from around the country to learn, meet, and exchange knowledge and experiences.”
Organic Matters day-tickets are now on sale and cost £35/£45 + booking fees (members/non-members) which includes 8 x 90-minute sessions, industry stalls, networking opportunities with the other 150 delegates and refreshments. There will be an organic lunch available on site at an affordable price (not included in ticket). OGA will be organising an evening before meet-up as well as a farm walk at Sims Hill Shared Harvest on the Wednesday morning following the conference.
For more information:
www.organicgrowersalliance.co.uk/organic-matters/