23rd Annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference
February 23rd - 25th, 2012
Organized by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), the annual Organic Farming Conference (OFC) is the largest organic farming conference in the U.S. This is an extraordinary, farmer-centered event featuring more than 65 informative workshops, ten day-long Organic University trainings, 160 + exhibitors, nationally known keynote speakers, locally sourced organic food and live entertainment.
The OFC is considered the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community. In 2011, the OFC attracted nearly 3,000 farmers and agriculture professionals.
2012 Conference Highlights
MOSES Organic Farmer of the Year Award – Every year, MOSES recognizes an outstanding organic farmer or farm family who are innovators, who excel in managing their farm resources, who are good stewards of the land, and who serve as educators and shining examples in their communities and to the next generation of organic farmers.
Keynote Speakers – MOSES will once again be host to two outstanding keynote speakers. Curt Ellis, King Corn filmmaker, FoodCorps co-founder and Heinz Award winner will deliver a multi-format talk, “Growing Forward: The New Faces of Food and Farming,” focusing on the new, young breed of farmers and agriculture leaders who are transforming the way we farm and eat. Margaret Krome, policy program director at the Michael Fields Institute’s talk, “Growing Food, Health and Democracy,” will explore the principles and building blocks for individual action, political influence and how to harness the movement’s energy to create fair markets, fair access to good food, personal and community health and a sound agriculture system.
Young Organic Stewards – Young farmers are vital to our food and farming future. Young Organic Stewards is a program of MOSES and Renewing the Countryside which aims to educate, inspire and empower young farmers to thrive in a sustainable, organic system of farming. Workshops and social activities for our young organic steward attendees will be offered during the conference, providing lots of educational and networking opportunities. Young Organic Stewards is for any young person (18+) who is interested or involved in organic and sustainable farming.
Other Features of the 2012 OFC
Workshops – More than 65 workshops will be offered on a multitude of organic farming, marketing, production and management topics and timely agriculture issues.
Organic University – Ten pre-conference, full-day courses offered on various organic agriculture topics for new and experienced growers.
Research Forum – Integration of the Organic Research Forum with the Organic Farming Conference gives researchers a unique opportunity to share their cutting edge organic agricultural research with farmers, students and agriculture professionals.
Networking Opportunities – The OFC is an outstanding place for new organic farmers to connect with experienced ones to share and collect information. This year offers great opportunities through Farmer Connection Roundtables, meetings, receptions and a free resource area.
Organic, Locally-Sourced Food – Two full days of meals for conference attendees featuring the best locally-sourced, organic food prepared in delicious entrees, side dishes, salads and desserts.
Evening Entertainment – Live music, topical films, a children’s show and a poetry slam will all be featured as “after hours” entertainment at the 2012 OFC.
To register and for more information,
go to the MOSES website,
http://mosesorganic.org/conference or call 715-778-5775 to request a conference flyer and registration form.