Northeast Organic Faming Association of New York’s (NOFA-NY) 2017 Winter Conference
- Friday, January 20, 2017, 8:00 AM - Sunday, January 22@ 12:00 PM
Registration Deadline is January 13.
January 20-22 event also encompasses first-ever Northeast Organic Seed Conference
Long Live the Farmer: Diversity & Biodiversity this year’s bonus includes the first Northeast Organic Seed Conference: Owning Our Own Seed.
“Each year our conference strives to inspire, inform, and provide an unparalleled opportunity for networking,” noted NOFA-NY Executive Director Andrianna Natsoulas. “Although the conference falls on the same weekend as the Presidential inauguration, we will have live streaming of events in Washington, D.C., street theater recognizing a new political climate, as well as additional events.”
This year’s Keynote Speaker is the eminent CR Lawn, founder of Fedco Seeds. He will focus on creating an ethical, sustainable seed system and share strategies for overcoming obstacles. Many additional conference highlights include a seed swap, a special joint presentation by award-winning chef Dan Barber of Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Cornell vegetable breeder Michael Mazourek on chef-breeder collaboration, special half-day workshop intensives, a participatory on-farm horse-powered workshop, book signings, films, special discussion groups, and social activities.
More than 100 workshops in 17 special interest tracks feature fruit, vegetables, livestock, grains, beverage, mushrooms, permaculture, gardening and homesteading, draft animals, plus marketing and business, policy, social justice, urban farming, small scale food processors, and community, education, and co-ops. There will also be discussion groups and workshops focusing on farmer diversity, from the LGBTQ community to dismantling racism. Additionally, more than 80 conference exhibitors will be in attendance.
Mike and Gayle Thorpe of Thorpe’s Organic Family Farm are the 2017 NOFA-NY Farmers of the Year. Their family-owned and operated farm in East Aurora, NY encompasses more than 2,000 acres of organically managed land. The Thorpes grow over 300 varieties of certified organic fruits, vegetables, hay, and grains, have a CSA of 540 families, and a citrus grove in Florida.
For attendees with children ages 5-12, a children’s conference with hands-on activities is available. Pre-registration is required. Full children’s conference fees are $130 or $55/day.
Online registration is open through Friday, January 13, 2017 at www.nofany.org/conference, or by calling the NOFA-NY office (585) 271-1979. Full conference registration is available ($285) or pro-rated for full- and half-day intensive sessions. NOFA-NY members receive a 10% registration discount.Walk-ins are welcome.
A 20% student discount may be awarded to groups of three or more students; those interested should contact (585) 271-1979. (Valid Student ID required.)
Registration fees include breakfasts and lunches, all workshops (including the seed conference), trade show, keynote addresses, meetings, and all other scheduled activities. The Saratoga Hilton and City Center is located at 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Learn More
https://www.nofany.org/events-news/events/winter-conference
Last updated December 22, 2016