[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”underline solid” sep_color=”#000000″ margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Organic Processing in Minnesota half-day workshop covering the regulatory and logistical basics of organic food processing and certification registration now open[/title][fusion_text]Tuesday, September 15th, 2015
Organic Processing in Minnesota is a half-day workshop covering the regulatory and logistical basics of organic food processing and certification. The session is designed to help businesses decide whether adding organic is an opportunity they want to explore further. It also provides information and context for employees whose companies’ already produce certified organic products. Business owners, quality assurance managers, operations teams, and production employees are invited to register now for one of three dates: September 21 (St. Cloud), Sept. 24 (Twin Cities), or Sept. 25 (Rochester). Space is limited, but spots are still available in all three locations. “Minnesota is a leading state when it comes to organic farming,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Program Administrator Meg Moynihan. “We also want to make sure our processors, manufacturers, and handlers are positioned to take full advantage of the business opportunities presented by strong consumer demand.” The U.S. organic food market has sustained an average growth of more than 12 percent per year for the last decade, a pattern expected to continue for items like organic meat, eggs, dairy, canned and frozen foods, beverages, and convenience foods. According to 2014 data from the USDA’s National Organic Program, Minnesota already has a strong showing for organic food processing, ranking tenth in the nation. The organic market isn’t limited to food: certified organic livestock feed, pet food, health and beauty products, clothing, and other items are all seeing strong sales locally, nationally, and internationally. While some organic processors produce only organic, many manufacture organic and non-organic products in the same facility. The workshop will explain how this is possible, covering topics like organic ingredient sourcing and segregation, allowed processing aids and cleaning products, pest control, documentation, and recordkeeping. Co-packers may be especially interested in adding organic capacity to attract new customers. The MDA is sponsoring these workshops in order to help companies learn about the opportunities in the marketplace and requirements for organic certification. The Organic Processing Institute, which is creating and coordinating the events, is a nonprofit organization that provides organic education, networking, and technical assistance to farmers and processors in the Upper Midwest.
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