The Wayne Conservation District (WCD) held its monthly meeting on March 14. Among the topics discussed, the board of directors approved establishment of a county-wide committee on the development of biomass as part of an effort to “keep county farmland in farmland,” according to WCD director Robert Mueller.

In other matters, the board unanimously approved Jim Sanders of Honesdale as its newest associate director. Sanders and his wife, Pat, are strong advocates for alternative energy, having installed a geothermal heating system, solar panels and more at their home (see www.riverreporter.com/issues/10-08-26/feature.html).

Jane Bollinger shared information about an upcoming networking and educational event for farmers interested in organic certification. The event is scheduled for March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Be Life Café, Village Plaza, 639 Northern Boulevard, South Abington Township. It will feature speaker Lee Rinehart, director of education for Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO), a USDA-accredited certifying agency that certifies over 550 farms in the mid-Atlantic, conducts educational programs and provides material review services for members.

The event is funded by the Pocono Northeast Resource and Development Council and Natural Resources Conservation Services, United States Department of Agriculture. Information will be provided about mini-grants available to help farmers or organic food producers to become certified organic. Cost is $10 with food provided by Be Life Café. To register, mail $10 per person, check made payable to Pocono Northeast RC&D Council, 1300 Old Plank Road, Mayfield, PA 18433.

An overwhelmingly positive response to the recent manure management training was also reported. Assistance with the new manure manuals is available through WCD on an ongoing basis. Contact Heidi Ferber, WCD nutrient management specialist, at hferber@co.wayne.pa.us or 570/253-0930.