The Soil Association, Rijk Zwaan and Stockbridge Technology Centre will be joining forces to present the UK's largest ever conference for organic growers, covering both the future direction of the organic horticultural sector - and the challenges it faces now.

Supported by Defra, crucial issues such as soil health and quality, local and multiple retail marketing and pest and disease control will be discussed.

While the implications of the government action plan for organic growers will be by Rt Hon Elliot Morley, the category director for meat, poultry and fish at Tesco, Steve Morrells, will discuss whether the multiples will show a genuince commitment to organic growers.

In addition to lectures, delegates will be able to view rotation trials, weeding machinery and composting in field and glasshouse demonstrations that will run throughout the day.

Workshops will also be held to include advice on marketing seed, plant raising and the practicalities of organic compost - providing technical detail and information on making organics work.

The Organic Horticultural Symposium will be held at the Stockbridge Technology Centre, near Selby. For further information and bookings, call The Soil Association's events team on 0117 914 2451 by September 10.

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