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Posted FEBRUARY 20, 2003:
Join viewers nationwide this March for the first of two satellite broadcast discussions focusing on the basic requirements of the USDA's National Organic Standards and how the new regulations affect organic producers. Washington State University Cooperation Extension and the Washington State Department of Agriculture have gathered together a panel of experts to address all aspects of the National Organic Standards, including the growth of the organic food industry, the certification process and controversy surrounding the standards.

You will hear from Michaele Blakely, organic vegetable and poultry farmer from King County, Washington; David Granatstein, sustainable agriculture specialist at Washington State University and member of the state Organic Advisory Board; and Miles McEvoy, long-time inspector, president of the National Association of State Organic Programs (NASOP) and founding director of The Food Alliance.

Also on the panel is The New Farm's® very own certification answer team chair, Jim Riddle, who told us, "The WSU National Organic Agriculture Standards satellite broadcast will provide two hours of interesting and useful information to help farmers, educators, researchers, and ag professionals understand the new National Organic Standards. There will be opportunities to submit questions and have them answered during the broadcast. Tune in!"

The program will be aired on March 21, from 10:00am to 12:00noon (Pacific) and viewers will have an opportunity to submit their questions toll-free via phone, fax or e-mail. For program details and registration information, go to: http://ext.wsu.edu/noas/