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Profile: Organic Consultant Leslie McKinnon
 When Leslie McKinnon ran the organic certification program at the Texas Department of Agriculture, over 1200 businesses were certified and the Texas program was a model for the nation and the world.
Leslie obtained her education and research experience in soil microbiology, entomology, and biological control from Texas A & M University. Her experience led to a career with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) as Coordinator of the Organic Certification Program. Read the full interview here.
Meet H-E-B and Whole Foods Produce Buyers!
Texas growers interested in organic production are cordially invited to two upcoming informational meetings with produce buyers from H-E-B and Whole Foods Market.
The H-E-B meeting will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, at H-E-B's retail produce distribution center in San Antonio. The Whole Foods meeting will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, at a Whole Foods store in Austin. Besides learning what is needed to sell organic produce to H-E-B and Whole Foods, you'll have the opportunity for some one-on-one time with produce buyers.
These meetings are hosted by NCAT, with funding from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program as administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, and from the Organic Transitions Program of the National Institute of Food & Agriculture.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. E-mail Robert Maggiani at robertm@ncat.org. Don't wait. Space is limited, and we expect a sellout.
Free Webinars on Organic Certification in Texas
 Thursday, August 14, noon to 1 p.m. CDT - Organic Certification Basics: Learn the ABC's of organic certification requirements, from organic consultant Leslie McKinnon (profiled in this newsletter) and Brent Johnson of Johnson's Backyard Garden in Austin, Texas. Space is limited.
Register here:
https://attra.ncat.org/certification_basics
Thursday, August 21, noon to 1 p.m. CDT - What's in an Organic Farm Plan? Learn what information is needed when submitting your farm plan to an organic certifying agent. Featuring Mary Ellen Holliman, Coordinator for Organic Certification, Texas Department of Agriculture, and Skip Connett of Green Gate Farms in Austin, Texas. Space is limited.
Register here: https://attra.ncat.org/farm_plan
Job Opening
NCAT is hiring a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist to work directly with farmers and ranchers on organic certification, soil health, water quality, and other topics. This regular full-time position will be located at NCAT's San Antonio, Texas, office. Please spread the word. Information is here:
www.ncat.org/sustainable-ag_job/
 Apology and Correction
In our last issue, we ran an interview with two of our favorite organic farmers: Katie Kraemer Pitre and David Pitre of Tecolote Farm. Unfortunately we printed a draft version of the interview by mistake, misquoting Katie and leaving out David's answers entirely. We sincerely apologize to Katie and David for our error. You can read the correct and full version of their interview here: www.ncat.org/tecolote-farm/
Questions from the ATTRA Vault
Q: How can I grow apples organically?
A: Apples are among the most difficult crops to grow organically. They are prone to attack by more pests than perhaps any other crop. Without effective management, the worst of these pests can be devastating to the fruit, to the grower's spirit, and to the bottom line. To minimize or eliminate chemical inputs while keeping yields and profits sound, the grower must develop a detailed understanding of the orchard as a managed ecosystem. Read the full answer here.
Q: Where can I source organic seeds in my area?
A: The ATTRA website offers several databases, including a directory of organic seed suppliers. This database identifies organic seed sources for both agronomic and horticultural crops. Some national mail-order suppliers of untreated seed are included, with emphasis on small, alternative seed companies offering open-pollinated vegetable, flower, and herb seed. Read the full answer here.
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