Organic farming to be topic of forum

December 6, 2007 — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County is hosting a workshop Tuesday to help consumers understand what is meant by the term organic gardening and the many labels that are associated with it.

The terms organic, natural organic, grass-fed and free-range on a product all fit into the definition of “organic” or naturally grown but are classified under different categories. The discussion will be led by Greg Swartz, director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, who will be joined by two local organic farmers to talk about their farming practices. The session will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Extension Center in Canandaigua.

“There is definitely a misunderstanding with consumers of what the terms mean,” said Russell Welser, resource educator at Cornell Cooperative. "For some individuals, when they hear the term organic, they think that it’s going to be pesticide-free, and that’s not necessarily the case either.”

The forum is free. Organizers are asking that guests register by Monday by calling (585) 394-3977, ext. 427.