Largest Organic Farming Conference in the US held in La Crosse in February
Each February thousands of farmers and farming aficionados descend on La Crosse to participate in the largest organic farming conference in the country. Sponsored by the Wisconsin-based Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), the conference is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community.
The 19th annual Organic Farming Conference will be held at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, from February 21 -23, 2008. The conference commences with a general session on Thursday evening (not to mention a really yummy organic supper!) followed by musical entertainment. On Friday and Saturday, the conference is packed with workshops, a lively exhibit hall, lots of local and organic food, and just plain good folks to talk to.
With over 60 different workshop sessions and 130 exhibitors, there is something of interest for everyone. Workshops are often led by farmers themselves – the farmer-to-farmer approach is appreciated by those attending. For those interested in one specific topic, the Organic University is held on Thursday, with intensive, day-long courses in ten different areas of organic farming.
And for the first time in 2008, the conference will be hosting the Organic Research Symposium where current research on organics will be presented. This will be a fantastic opportunity to get the latest information from cutting-edge researchers who are showing the world the real, positive value of an organic approach to farming. Each Research Symposium session will include an open discussion with the presenters in their specific area of research interest.
Keynote speakers this year will address various aspects of organics and how to find good food, food truth, and justice for all. Thursday’s general session will feature several young organic farmers and researchers talking about what the next generation of organic farmers will look like from their perspective.
If you register by February 6, the cost to attend the conference is $175; this includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, workshops, general sessions, research symposium sessions, admission to the exhibit hall, and evening entertainment. Supper is available at the conference for $15. For those who want to attend the in-depth Organic University sessions on Thursday, February 21, the cost is $140. There are activities for children and teens on Friday and Saturday – registration for children under 18 is $76. Volunteer opportunities abound at the conference for those who want to lend a helping hand and get involved. The MOSES website, www.mosesorganic.org, is quite extensive and a great place for more details – plus, you can register online.
Formerly known as the Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference, this farmer-centered event is the largest organic farming conference in the U.S. Last year, in spite of a major snow storm, more than 2,200 people attended the conference, an impressive demonstration of its importance and lasting value.
To request a conference flyer with complete information, contact the MOSES office. Email: info@mosesorganic.org, or call 715-772-3153. All information and registration details are also available at www.mosesorganic.org.