Although it's only spring, it's the time of year to begin planning next year's EcoFarm Conference. And this is where you come in. Did this year's conference get you thinking about important and timely topics - ones that would make a valuable workshop or discussion group? Share your ideas for consideration in our workshop selection process. Suggestions for workshops and speakers will be accepted through June 15, 2015 via our online Workshop Suggestion Form . The Ecological Farming Association provides a grassroots, open forum for planning each year's conference...Read more
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EcoFarm wants to express its gratitude for the commitment and generosity of the individuals and businesses who made it possible for us to meet our goal of raising $35,000 for our Scholarship & Fellowship Fund. THANK YOU!!! With additional funding from a USDA Beginning Farmer & Rancher grant, a record 394 attendees were provided with financial support to participate in the 2015 EcoFarm Conference! These funds made it possible to award 37 farmer Fellows full attendance at the conference, who are now members of the newly formed EcoFarm Farmers' Association,...Read more
The 35th annual EcoFarm Conference was a lively gathering that brought together over 1,700 farmers, educators, students, speakers, exhibitors, activists, retailers, and distributors in the agriculture and food world to learn, share and discuss the health, viability and justice of our food and farming system. The 35th anniversary was an important milestone for the community, and this year's conference included over 70 workshops and discussion groups covering topics ranging from water rights to climate change, and urban agriculture to Chinese medicinal herb production...Read more
Why does it matter if the EcoFarmers of tomorrow participate in the 35th annual EcoFarm Conference? Hear directly from the farmers themselves who attended last year in this video!Read more
Here they are. Just a few of the scholarship and fellowship applicants who want to participate in the upcoming 35th annual EcoFarm Conference. Your generous donation will not only help make this possible, it will also actualize the growing community of farmers, educators, farmworkers, activists, and students working to build a thriving, sustainable food and farming system.Read more
Let’s help more aspiring farmers like Javier, on their path to success! "EcoFarm has been a blessing to me. Not only did it get my foot in the door - I learned so many valuable farming and marketing skills. I got to hear directly from buyers what they want and how they want it. I made important connections I had been lacking. Being a small organic farmer myself, I know how difficult it can be to afford the conference. That’s money that could be used to purchase things like drip tape or boxes. That’s why the gift of a Scholarship or Fellowship is so invaluable."....Read more
There are literally hundreds of ways for the whole family to experience this magical weekend. Wine tasting, Olive Olympics, ice cream churning, local breweries, the Manure Pitch Off, a 700-bale hay fort, sheep shearing, a sudan grass maze, contra dancing, felting, solar cooking - the list goes on! Get the Top 10 Reasons to come to Hoes Down here. Help us celebrate the harvest and this fundraiser which supports over 30 local and regional community organizations (including EcoFarm). Adults $20 (online) or $25 (at gate) per person, Children 2-12 years $5, Children under...Read more
We are pleased to announce the 35th annual EcoFarm Conference plenary speakers ! Bill McKibben , founder of 350.org , the first planet-wide, grassroots climate change movement. Brock Dolman, Director of OAEC’s WATER Institute , Permaculture Design Program, and the Wildlands Biodiversity Program. Gary Nabhan , internationally-celebrated nature writer, food and farming activist, and proponent of conserving the links between biodiversity and cultural diversity. Deborah Madison , author of Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone and The New Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone ,...Read more
"Viva EcoFarm - 35 Years & Growing!" It's true - thirty-five and EcoFarm is still alive! Having made it this far gives us a chance to reflect on our roots and our history, as well as the promise of the next generation to shape the future of food and farming. For the old-timers – "What will our legacy be?" For the new-comers – "What opportunities call me?", and "What is needed to meet those challenges successfully?" For all of us who are the EcoFarm community – "How do we most effectively continue to organize ourselves to gather and grow and feed the world we want...Read more
Have you wanted to use more organic seeds in your operation? Wished you had more viable open-pollinated varieties adapted to your soil and regional climate? Something special to offer your customers? Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) invites certified organic farmers to participate in a national seed survey. This national survey is only conducted every five years to monitor organic seed use and availability, challenges in sourcing organic seed, and organic plant breeding needs. The survey also seeks to address and inform the organic community’s understanding of the barriers...Read more