ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — The 12th annual Minnesota Organic Conference is expected to draw more than 500 people to St. Cloud.

The farmer-focused conference runs Friday and Saturday at the River’s Edge Convention Center. It offers 36 educational sessions for crop and livestock producers as well as vegetable and fruit growers.

There will be special programming for farmers interested in transitioning to organic and for beginning farmers. Keynote speakers include state climatologist Mark Seeley. Farmers and researchers from several other states are also on the agenda, along with a lot of home-grown expertise.

In addition to the educational programs, there will be a trade show with more than 80 booths. And there will be plenty of organic food.

The Minnesota Organic Conference is organized by the state agriculture department.

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