Organic farming will have its day Nov. 17, as hundreds gather for the third annual Iowa Organic Conference at the Scheman Building.

The all-day conference will showcase 30 speakers, a trade show and will also feature an organic lunch.

The conference will begin at 8 a.m. with a short welcome and will be followed by a keynote address by Theresa Marquez, the director of marketing for Organic Valley Cooperative.

“Marquez is a very imaginative marketing person,” said Frederick Kirschenman, the director of the Leopold Center. “She will share her marketing skills and will discuss the future of organics.”

The conference is meant to teach participants about organics.

“Farmers, USDA-extension people, master gardeners, local farmers and companies related to organic farming will all be in attendance,” said Terri Hunter, continuing education and communications clerk. “We’re expecting around 300 people.”

In the past the conference was held at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, but with the organic industry rapidly expanding the conference needed to be moved to a larger facility.

According to the USDA, the number of organic farmers is increasing by about 12 percent per year.

Kathleen Delate, assistant professor of horticulture, said farmers can tap into the demand for organic products, considering its 20-percent expansion annually.

Kirschenman said people who are considering converting to an organic operation should try “spending a lot of time with someone who [farms organically] in your area.” In the past the conference has proved a successful tool for producers of organic goods and is always a good time, he said.

In addition to the general presentations, breakout sessions will offer the option of learning more about a variety of topics.

Registration is still open, and costs are $25 for students and $70 for the general public. For people who don’t have the funds available there are alternative options.

“We work with people if they can’t afford it, they can pitch in at the conference and obtain free admission,” Delate said.

This is one of the more reasonable organic conferences in the nation, she said.

“The meal alone costs $25 and we also provide a notebook of information to the attendees,” Delate said.