Iowa Organic Conference Celebrates 25 Years

By Andi Anderson

The Iowa Organic Conference will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Monday, Nov. 17, in Iowa City with a full day devoted to organic production, markets, and community.

This year’s theme, “Nourishing Community through Organic Agriculture: The 25th Anniversary,” highlights the people, practices, and policies that have shaped organic farming in Iowa and beyond.

Organic pioneer and “king of kamut” Bob Quinn—Montana organic farmer and director of the Quinn Institute—will deliver the keynote, “Nourishing the Organic Community through Enriched Soils, High Biodiversity and Nutritious Crops.” Quinn will emphasize the pivotal role of small grains in resilient organic systems and share practical insights from decades of on-farm innovation.

Following the 8:30 a.m. keynote, breakout sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. and cover transitioning to organic certification, weed management (including robotic weeders), organic livestock production, specialty crops, marketing strategies, organic vegetable production, and tips for beginning organic farmers.

More than 30 vendors—from organic seed and equipment suppliers to certifiers and nonprofit organizations—will be available in the vendor hall for hands-on learning and networking.

Lunch, a signature feature of the conference, will be crafted by Chef Anne Watson and the University of Iowa dining team using local and organic produce, meat, and dairy. The gourmet meal is included with conference registration.

“We are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of the Iowa Organic Conference,” said Kathleen Delate, professor and extension organic specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “It is a celebration of organic agriculture in Iowa and a testament to the resilient systems-based approach organic production provides to over 950 farms in Iowa. We look forward to the next 25 years of celebrating organic agriculture in Iowa!”

Registration is $100 through Nov. 2 and $150 afterward. Companies and attendees can register online. Hotel rooms are available at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City. For details and directions, visit the 2025 Iowa Organic Conference webpage or contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu or 515-294-5116.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski