Organic Agriculture Research Symposium (Wisconsin) Call for Papers

Call for Papers now open for the Organic Agriculture Research Symposium February 25-26, 2015 in La Crosse, Wisconsin

The Organic Agriculture Research Symposium invites submissions for proposed research papers to be presented. The Symposium will take place immediately before the Organic Farming Conference organized by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES). Co-sponsored by the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS), the conference invites researchers from all disciplines related to organic farming and food systems, and other systems of sustainable agriculture that employ techniques compatible with organic standards.

Topic tracks of interest include:

·        Functional biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by organic farming systems;

·        Soil health, quality and nutrient cycling;

·        Biological and cultural practices to manage insects, diseases and weeds;

·        Holistic animal health and nutrition, grazing and pasture management systems;

·        Breeding, selection of crops and animals, and seed systems suitable for organic production;

·        Climate change mitigation and adaptation, including renewable energy systems;

·        Integration of perennials in organic farming systems and permaculture system design;

·        Value added production and processing without synthetic food additives and processing aids;

·        Nutritional quality, health benefits and integrity of organic food;

·        Organic agriculture’s impact on rural communities;

·        Organic farm economics, marketing and consumer behavior;

·        Appropriate methods and practices for systems and on-farm research; and

·        Public policies to facilitate the transition to organic farming.

Tweet

Researchers are asked to submit an abstract not to exceed 500 words that includes names of the co-authors, contact information, a working title, the topic area, an introduction that explains the context and purpose of the research, the methods used, and a brief summary of the results and conclusions. Cross-disciplinary papers are encouraged. Works in progress may be considered, but the paper for the proceedings will need to be completed by December 31, 2014.

The symposium will be held in La Crosse, WI on February 25 and 26, with plans to broadcast by live streaming. The intent of the symposium is to provide current information to farmers, ranchers, extensionists, educators, agricultural professionals and others interested in organic agriculture, held in conjunction with a meeting that is regularly attended by organic producers and processors. Presentations will be selected based on their innovative excellence, relevance to the research needs and priorities of organic farmers and ranchers, soundness of the methodology used, and the overall scientific quality. Proceedings will be open access and electronically available via eOrganic.info.

The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2014. Abstracts should be sent to Brian Baker at bpb33@cornell.edu. Researchers with questions about the conference can call 541-228-0876.