Exhibit pushing organic farming draws attention at Pa. Farm Show
A banner hangs from the Farm Show complex Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
(Harrisburg) – Hundreds of exhibits can be found at the Pennsylvania Farm Show – which wraps up tomorrow, but one notable display that pushes organic farming is getting attention.
The box of compost materials might first draw you in.
And as you step closer, the Rodale Institute – based in Kutztown, Berks County – might offer a pamphlet about organic versus conventional farming.
It’s all a part of a concerted effort by the group, which also runs scientific studies comparing the two methods, holds classes on organic farming, and offers tours of its experimental farm.
“A lot of people now are becoming consious of the fact that they need to eat healthy food, and growing food organically is about the only way I know that you can do that,” says Emmanuel Omondi, a research director with Rodale.
“I’m hoping that organic will become the norm. I’m hoping that even conventional growers, can, and some of them are doing it, can be able to try some of the practices like using cover crops, like using the roller crimper to roll cover crops in an effort to reduce their use of herbicides and using chemicals.”
The Farm Show is ending tomorrow with the rodeo finals.
Parking is $15. Admission is free.
The Associated Press and WITF’s democracy reporter Jordan Wilkie are partnering to tell stories about how Pennsylvania elections work, and to debunk misinformation surrounding elections.
