CRYSTAL SPRINGS — Small farmers will have an opportunity to learn more about organic vegetable production during an upcoming workshop.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service will host the Organic Vegetable Production Workshop on April 17 in Crystal Springs at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station. Both producers who currently grow organically and those interested in organic production practices are welcome.

Educational sessions will include information on variety selection, food safety, organic certification, and nutrient, weed, disease and insect management. Experts will give scientific updates on horticultural practices for vegetable crops.

A hands-on session will offer participants the opportunity to explore and use some of the organic integrated pest management resources available for the Southeast. Each registrant will receive curated pest management resources.

Extension specialists and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, or MAFES, scientists with MSU and Auburn University will lead the workshop sessions.

The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Preregistration is required and costs $15 per person. The fee covers handouts, refreshments and lunch. Register online through the Extension registration portal at https://msuext.ms/ovpw2026.

The Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station is located at 2024 Experiment Station Road in Crystal Springs. The 175-acre facility is one of 12 MAFES branch research stations throughout the state. Scientists there conduct research on horticultural crops, including vegetables, ornamentals, fruits and pecans that benefit both commercial growers and the public. For disability accommodation or more information, contact Jermaine Perier at [email protected].