The Moore County Cooperative Extension Service will host a program on the organic produce market and the benefits of organic growing on Monday, Nov. 17.

Tony Kleese, production manager for Eastern Carolina Organics, will speak about opportunities and challenges of growing organically. Eastern Carolina Organics is an organic produce distributor based in Pittsboro.

Herb Cottle, an organic strawberry farmer, will join Kleese to relate his personal experiences in this field. The program will also cover organic certification.

Melissa Hall, sustainable agriculture agent, says farmers and gardeners interested in organic growing are invited to the program, scheduled from 5 until 8 p.m. with supper included. The meal will be served from 5 until 6 p.m., followed by the program. The event will be held at the Moore County Agriculture Center on Pinehurst Avenue in Carthage.

Milton and Karen Pilson, owners of Nature's Own, a natural food store in Southern Pines, are sponsoring the meal.

The event is supported by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Hall said interested farmers and gardeners should call the Moore County Cooperative Extension Service office at 910-947-3188 by Nov. 14 to reserve a place.

There will be a $10 registration fee.