University of Illinois Extension and the College of ACES Organic Task Force will conduct three listening sessions in June and July for organic growers in Illinois. The purpose of the listening sessions is to get input from current organic growers about pressing issues in Illinois organic production. We will be doing the listening. University of Illinois Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and crop systems Extension educators Suzanne Bissonnette, Pablo Kalnay, and Ellen Phillips will facilitate the listening sessions.

Do you have questions to ask about the production and marketing of organic commodities, pest management, or other issues relating to organic production? This is your opportunity to discuss current issues in organic production in a roundtable setting. Your input will guide future research and educational programs of the Organic Task Force.

The sessions will all be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; registration is free, but preregistration is requested. The dates and locations are June 18 in Redbud (contact U of I Monroe or Randolph Extension units to preregister at (618) 939-3434 or (618) 443-4364); June 26 in Sycamore (contact U of I DeKalb Extension Unit to preregister (815)758-8194), and July 2 in Lincoln (contact U of I Logan Extension Unit to preregister at (217)732-8289). Choose the location most convenient to you; we look forward to your attendance.