Call for Papers Organic Agriculture Research Symposium February 25-26, 2015 La Crosse, WI
The Organic Agriculture Research Symposium invites papers to be presented. The Symposium will take place immediately before the Organic Farming Conference organized by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES). Co-sponsored by the University of Wisconsins Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS), the conference invites researchers from all disciplines related to organic farming and food systems, and other systems of sustainable agriculture that employ techniques compatible with organic standards. Topic tracks of interest include: Functional biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by organic farming systems; Soil health, quality and nutrient cycling; Biological and cultural practices to manage insects, diseases and weeds; Holistic animal health and nutrition, grazing and pasture management systems; Breeding, selection of crops and animals, and seed systems suitable for organic production; Climate change mitigation and adaptation, including renewable energy systems; Integration of perennials in organic farming systems and permaculture system design; Value added production and processing without synthetic food additives and processing aids; Organic agricultures impact on rural communities; Organic farm economics, marketing and consumer behavior; Appropriate methods and practices for systems and on-farm research; and Public policies to facilitate the transition to organic farming. Researchers are asked to submit an abstract not to exceed 500 words that includes names of the co-authors, contact information, a working title, the topic area, an introduction that explains the context and purpose of the research, the methods used, and a brief summary of the results and conclusions. Cross-disciplinary papers are encouraged. Works in progress may be considered, but the work needs to be substantially completed by December 31, 2014. The symposium will be held in La Crosse, WI on February 25 and 26, and broadcast by live streaming. The intent of the symposium is to provide current information to farmers, ranchers, extensionists, educators, agricultural professionals and others interested in organic agriculture, held in conjunction with a meeting that is regularly attended by organic producers and processors. Presentations will be selected based on their innovative excellence, relevance to the research needs and priorities of organic farmers and ranchers, soundness of the methodology used, and the overall scientific quality. Proceedings will be open access and electronically available via eOrganic.info. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2014. Abstracts should be sent to Brian Baker at [email protected]. Reviews are expected to be completed and registration information available by September 15, at which time presenters of selected papers will be asked to confirm their participation. The program will be set by October 31. Researchers with questions about the conference can call 541-228-0876. More information about registration and the program will be posted on the conference website at http://www.cias.wisc.edu/oars/ as the conference date approaches.
