Registration is now open for the largest sustainable agriculture conference in Ohio, which is relocating in 2017 to a larger venue to offer an expanded program and more networking opportunities for farmers, backyard gardeners, consumers, businesses, and others interested in sustainable and organic agriculture.

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association's 38th annual conference — Growing Today, Transforming Tomorrow — is Feb. 9-11 at the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton.

"We are thrilled with this new location, and excited about this year's lineup," says Renee Hunt, OEFFA director. "There certainly is something for everyone interested in food and farming." 

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association's 38th annual conference is for anyone interested in sustainable and organic agriculture.

Register online at oeffa.org/conference2017 until Jan. 23. As a special "Move With Us" incentive, OEFFA is offering a reduced registration rate for members who register by Dec. 15. A limited number of beginning farmer scholarships and reduced volunteer spaces are available.

Keynote speakers
Friday keynote speaker Jim Riddle has been an organic farmer, inspector, educator, policy analyst and activist for more than 30 years. From 2001 to 2006, Riddle served on USDA’s National Organic Standards Board, chairing the board from 2004 to 2005. He is founding chairman of the International Organic Inspectors Association and owns Blue Fruit Farm in Minnesota.

A former financial and food industry analyst, Robyn O’Brien will speak Feb. 11. She has been called food’s “Erin Brockovich.” O’Brien analyzed the impact our food system has on the health of our families, companies and our economy in her bestselling book, “The Unhealthy Truth,” and became recognized around the world after her TEDx Talk in 2011, which has been viewed by millions.

Workshops for farmers by farmers
Four full-day preconference workshops on Feb. 9 are designed to help farmers grow their businesses and hone their farm skills:

• “Farming Smarter, Not Harder: Tune Up Your Farm Business and Increase Your Net Profit,” with Richard Wiswall of Cate Farm and author of The Organic Farmer's Business Handbook

• “Respect Your Elderberries: Growing and Selling Niche Fruit Crops from Aronia to Service Berries,” with Jim Riddle of Blue Fruit Farm

• “Growing Bionutrient Rich Food: Applying the Principles of Ecological Systems,” with Dan Kittredge of the Bionutrient Food Association

• “Building a Profitable Pastured Broiler Business,” with Mike and Christie Badger of Badger's Millside Farm and the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association

Workshops, networking and more

• Nearly 80 workshops will cover sustainable farming, gardening, cooking, livestock, business management and policy.

• A three-day trade show will feature businesses, nonprofits and government agencies, offering an array of food, books, products and services.

• The Contrary Farmers' Social on Feb. 9 at Second Street Market will feature food and drinks.

• The Cream of the Crop Banquet on Feb. 10 will offer a dinner celebrating Ohio's farming community.

• Feb. 9 will host the reception called “A Farm Land of Opportunity” and a discussion on the association’s history.

Source:OEFFA