Sign up for Tilth Producers conference

Tilth Producers of Washington, the state's oldest and largest association of organic growers, announces registration for its annual organic farming conference, to be Nov. 12-14 at Fort Worden in Port Townsend.

The event attracts more than 400 growers and agricultural industry representatives.

The Tilth Producers conference is an opportunity for Washington organic farmers and agricultural professionals to network and share knowledge.

The event's keynote speaker is Chuck Hassebrook, executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, Neb., which strives to better family farms, small business and rural communities through policy, research and strategic services.

Hassebrook was instrumental in the passage of Initiative 300, Nebraska's anti-corporate farming amendment.

The conference includes 28 workshops for novice and seasoned farmers, ranging from pollination and pest management to agricultural policy, marketing and farmland preservation.

Special events include a trade show, organic wine tasting, silent auction and live entertainment from Jangle Bones, a mountain blues and country music band from Sequim.

The conference is open to the public. To participate in Tilth Producer of Washington's Conference, find registration information, including a full schedule and sponsorship information, online at www.tilth producers.org.

The deadline to register without a late fee is Oct. 23. Discounted registration is available for all Tilth Producers of Washington members. For general inquiries, contact Nancy Allen at nancy@tilth

producers.org.