636 Introduction to the Organic Horticulture Colloquium

Abstract

Consumption and production of organic food has quadrupled since 1990. Certified organic or pesticide-free produce and other foods are common in most grocery chains. Increased consumer demand and concerns about pesticide use has led to mandates for national standards and local implementation. The Organic Horticulture Colloquium addresses organic certification, production, pest management, consumer demand, education, marketing, and economics. Challenges and results in implementing policy and encouraging change will be related from both national and local perspectives. While the “organic movement” was originally focused on food crops, it has evolved to address issues of pesticide use in non-food horticultural crops as well. This colloquium addresses issues of concern to food and non-food agricultural products.