Registration for the 10th Organic Seed Growers Conference is now open! Did you know there are a number of BONUS educational opportunities ahead of the conference? One of these events is an Organic Plant Breeding Intensive on Thursday, February 13, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This crash course in organic plant breeding will teach participants basic skills for initiating and advancing organic plant breeding projects. Topics will include breeding vegetable and grain crops of self- and cross-pollinated species. Presenters will include experienced organic plant breeders who will share advice on how to source seed, build breeding populations, manage crosses, and apply more advanced techniques to select for key traits under environmental challenges.
The intensive will include both classroom and hands-on activities to demonstrate breeding tools and techniques. Presenters will also touch on the basics of lab-based breeding techniques that comply with organic methods, including marker-assisted selection. The day includes a field trip and lab component at the Oregon State University vegetable and grain breeding programs. This course is intended for farmers and agricultural students. Prior knowledge of basic seed biology is recommended.
We’re honored to have the following breeders leading this intensive: Richard Bernard, independent breeder; Brigid Meints and Jim Myers, Oregon State University; Jonathan Spero, Lupine Knoll Farm; and Bill Waycott, Nipomo Native Seeds, LLC.
The cost of this intensive is $150 and includes breakfast and lunch.
