Welsh dairy farmers wishing to convert to organic are to benefit from a series of free training workshops. These are to be held by the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo) - the UK's leading and longest established organic dairy cooperative. Held throughout March in association with Organic Centre Wales with funding from Farming Connect through the Organic Development Programme, the OMSCo initiative follows successful trials in the South West of England late last year. Providing technical support and advice, the sessions help farmers understand the intricacies of organic production and cover diverse subjects such as husbandry, financial implications, herd health and forage management. The courses last three days they are open to both OMSCo and non-OMSCo members who have applied to start the organic conversion process. The sessions are available in Narberth (March 14, 28 and 29). Those wishing to attend should contact Organic Centre Wales by calling Carolyn Wacher on 01970 621 852. Peter Savidge, technical manager at OMSCo, said: "Many producers will start thinking about organic conversion in the spring and our workshops are the perfect source of information and advice. Incorporating all aspects of the organic farming system it makes the process as simple as possible for farmers. The decision to go organic is massive for any business and it is essential the conversion process is properly planned. As a result, producers will be able to prepare their individual conversion plan during the sessions." OMSCo is the UK's leading and longest established organic dairy cooperative uniquely focused on the production and supply of organic milk. With nationwide membership, OMSCo now supplies the majority of organic milk produced in this country from milk fields offering the most cost effective collection. The result is the best blend of stability, efficiency and highest possible farm gate returns. OMSCo is dedicated to building a sustainable long term organic milk market in the UK - to the benefit of farmers, processors, manufacturers and consumers.
