Practical Farm Certifications Workshop Scheduled In Alexandria April 9th

Johnny Morgan

LSU AgCenter

ALEXANDRIA, La. — Anyone interested in farming can learn about the various required certifications at a practical farming workshop on April 9 at Inglewood Farms, 6287 Old Baton Rouge Highway, Alexandria. 

The meeting will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 1:05 p.m., said LSU AgCenter Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program assistant Sydney Melhado. 

“The goal of the meeting is to explain the different produce safety certifications and brandings, which include Good Agricultural Practices, Food Safety Modernization Act, U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic, Safe Quality Food, Certified Naturally Grown and more,” she said. 

A portion of the workshop will provide information on branding Louisiana products with programs such as Louisiana Grown, Certified Louisiana, American Grassland Association Certified and Farmers Market Nutrition Program. 

During the organic part of the agenda, participants will hear about USDA certified organic and Certified Naturally Grown programs. 

The meeting will conclude with a tour of Inglewood Farms with Elisabeth Keller and Chris Jarreau and a time for questions. 

Interested persons are asked to pre-register as there will be a working lunch provided. 

Registration is $12 and can be completed online at http://farm-certifications.eventbrite.com/. 

For additional information, contact Melhado at smelhado@agcenter.lsu.edu. The program is being hosted by Louisiana SARE and the LSU AgCenter.