Growing Organic in Arkansas Conference set for Sept. 8 in Fayetteville
Aug. 21., 2026
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Free event highlights impact of mentorship and technical assistance
- Sessions for workforce development, efforts to support organic producers
- Co-hosted by Midwest TOPP and USDA
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Download PHOTOS of the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Strengthening and expanding organic agriculture will be the focus of the Growing Organic in Arkansas Conference on Sept. 8, co-hosted by the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
The daylong event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences, 1371 W. Altheimer Drive, in Fayetteville. Although free, registration is required.
A registration link and agenda details can be found at https://aaes.uada.edu/events/2026-growing-organic/.
“Attendees will hear from farmers about their challenges and successes, learn about organic agriculture research taking place in Arkansas, and explore opportunities to influence the future of organic farming in the state,” said Heather Friedrich, director of the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food.
Conference sessions will highlight how mentorship, technical assistance and workforce development efforts support organic producers and agricultural entrepreneurs, Friedrich added.
The event is designed to foster collaboration and help shape future activities that support organic agriculture while providing practical information for growers, educators, researchers and others interested in organic agriculture.
Conference topics
- Arkansas Transition to Organic Partnership in review, highlighting partner successes.
- Practical insights from experienced organic farmers.
- Discussion on the next steps for the Arkansas organic agriculture industry.
- Research findings related to markets and poultry and livestock processing.
- Gaps where collaboration and investment can make a difference.
The Growing Organic in Arkansas Conference is co-hosted by the Midwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic Program and Transition to Organic Partnership Program.
To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit aaes.uada.edu. Follow the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station on LinkedIn and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
John Lovett
U of A Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
(479) 763-5929
jlovett@uada.edu