Author, cancer physician to speak at Iowa Organic Association meeting in Marion

The Iowa Organic Association will hold its annual meeting Dec. 1 in Marion with guest speakers Angela Tedesco, author of “Finding Turtle Farm: My Twenty-Acre Adventure in Community Supported Agriculture,” and Dr. Andy Nish, medical director of the John Stoddard Cancer Center.

“Organic is a growing movement where more and more people are turning to organic practices and products out of care and concern about current climate, health and food challenges, and to ensure a lasting farm legacy for future generations,” Olga Reding, the association’s education and outreach coordinator, said in an email.

“There is so much good coming from the organic community, especially here in Iowa, and so much more to be done — we want to share these experiences and opportunities to help inspire greater production and participation and grow the organic movement in Iowa,” Reding said.

The Iowa Organic Association, formed in 2006, now has more than 250 members including farmers, gardeners, food and farm businesses, consumers and advocates. At summer field days and at the annual meeting, the group tries to raise awareness about organic opportunities and resources to encourage greater participation in the industry, Reding said.

At the Dec. 1 annual meeting at Red Cedar Lodge, 1700 Big Bluestem Dr., Marion, from 3 to 7 p.m., members will gather to hear speakers, have a meal and hold a short business meeting.

The agenda is as follows:

The meeting also will feature a local-organic meal, cash bar and prize drawings throughout the evening.

No cost to members, email or call Reding at (515) 412-4802. The cost to non-members is $25. Please RSVP here to attend.

Tedesco of Johnston is an organic farmer, sustainable farming advocate and author of “Finding Turtle Farm: My Twenty-Acre Adventure in Community Supported Agriculture.” She will share about her passion and purpose for organic farming and food and health. Books will be for sale at the event.

Nish, medical director of the John Stoddard Cancer Center, in Des Moines, has dedicated his medical career to learning and teaching about the impact of food on human health and how current agricultural practices impact the health of people, animals, our food systems, and the environment.

Comments: (319) 339-3157; erin.jordan@thegazette.com