8 farm tours 50 sessions & workshops 1,000 Farmers, Cooks, & Eaters KEYNOTE:
HUGH ACHESON
18TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO BETTER FARMS, BETTER FLAVORS FEB. 20-21, 2015 IN ATHENS, GA CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG
Made from the finest local grains grown by certified organic farmers
BEYOND "NATURAL", NEVER CONTAINS SYNTHETIC HERBICIDES, PESTICIDES, ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS, OR GMOS
SUPPORTING RURAL ECONOMIES BY PROMOTING ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
www.CoyoteCreekFarm.com 2
RECIPE FOR CHANGE BETTER FARMS, BETTER FLAVORS
200-A Ottley Dr. Atlanta, GA 30324 678.702.0400 www.georgiaorganics.org
STAFF DONN COOPER Farmer Services Coordinator
ERIN CROOM Farm to School Director
SUZANNE GIRDNER Conference Coordinator/Atlanta Local Food Initiative DIrector
TERI HAMLIN Northeast Georgia Farm to School Coordinator
BROOKE HATFIELD Communications Director
KATE KLEIN Development Coordinator
ANDREW LADD Director of Operations
SANDY LAYTON Development Director
DANIELLE MOORE My Market Coordinator
ALICE ROLLS Executive Director
STEPHANIE SIMMONS FoodCorps Fellow
MICHAEL WALL Director of Programs
Anthony-Masterson Productions
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mandy Mahoney, CHAIR Linda DiSantis, VICE CHAIR Ellen Macht, TREASURER Kurt Ebersbach, SECRETARY Robert Currey Naomi Davis Dee Dee Digby Jessica Reece Fagan Cheryl Galway Julia Gaskin Roderick Gilbert Diane Harris Jenni Harris Connie Hayes Mark Hennessy Carroll Johnson Melissa Libby Cashawn Myers Rashid Nuri Joe Reynolds Brennan Washington
A recipe is only as good as its ingredients. A recipe for change is no different. We need farmers and farmers markets, cooks and community, restaurants that source from our farmers, and an army of eaters who love good local food and care about where it comes from. We need better farms producing organically and rejuvenating the soil and land. When farmers grow foods raised with community, health, and the environment at heart, the result isn’t just better flavors—they’re also building a better world. The 2015 Georgia Organics conference, “Recipe for Change: Better Farms, Better Flavors,” will highlight the chef to farmer bond and the critical culinary threads of the farm to table movement, as well as ways for home cooks to support growers (and their own health!) in their own kitchens. Grower and rancher education will also be front and center—we’ve added an additional farmer education track on Saturday, bringing the total to five, and sessions will cover fruit and vegetable production, pest management, livestock, business training, and much more. For this, our 18th annual conference, Georgia Organics is returning to Athens and the heart of the northeast Georgia’s farming community. We've got eight Food and Farm Tours featuring 18 farms, 14 In-depth Workshops, 36 Educational Sessions, a Better Farms, Better Flavors Expo, a keynote from chef and author Hugh Acheson, and the famous Farmers Feast, featuring local, organically produced food. We’ll be uniting more than 1,000 attendees to learn, network, feast, and champion organic foods and farms. The two-day conference is one of the largest sustainable agriculture expos in the country and attracts famers, health advocates, gardeners, parents, DIYers, and everyone in-between who cares about healthy food, farms and families. CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG. www.facebook.com/ GeorgiaOrganics
@georgiaorganics
pinterest.com/ georgiaorganics
vimeo.com/ georgiaorganics
ANIKA WHITE Administrative Assistant
CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG 3
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS OF THE 18TH ANNUAL GEORGIA ORGANICS CONFERENCE & EXPO (as of Nov. 11, 2014)
Steward $10,000+ USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach 2501 Program
Artisan $5,000+
Producer $2,500+ Coyote Creek Farm Global Organic Specialty Source Sodexo Southern SARE Turnip Truck
Cultivator $1,000+ Animal Welfare Approved Anson Mills Atlas Greenhouse Coastal Organic Growers Destiny Organics Preserving Place Riverview Farms Southern Exposure Seed Exchange Taste of Atlanta Wallace Center at Winrock International Watsonia Farms
Want to be a sponsor? Contact Sandy Layton at 678.702.0400 or sandy@georgiaorganics.org.
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RECIPE FOR CHANGE BETTER FARMS, BETTER FLAVORS
HIGHLIGHTS FRIDAY
SCHEDULE FRIDAY, FEB. 20, 2015 7 a.m.—noon Expo setup
KEYNOTE: HUGH ACHESON
9 a.m.—noon
Farm Tours
The proudest way I can support my community is by forging relationships with local farms, those people whose names I know who are working hard to farm land in a sustainable way for the next generations.
1 p.m.—9 p.m.
—CHEF HUGH ACHESON
Keynote: Hugh Acheson
Expo Open 1 p.m.—6 p.m.
Registration open 2—5 p.m.
In-depth workshops 5:30—6 p.m. 6—7:30 p.m.
EXPO RECEPTION We'll have tastings, beer, an expo raffle, and dinner promotions in Athens, as well as a Farm Star Living photobooth, a book signing with Hugh Lovel, and an installation from the
Expo reception SPECIAL WORKSHOPS See page 8 for information. SOIL HEALTH & BIOLOGY MICROSCOPE WORKSHOP
BIODYNAMICS WORKSHOP W/HUGH LOVEL
STATE OF ORGANIC SEED LISTENING SESSION with the Organic Seed Alliance
Lexicon of Sustainability!
SATURDAY
SEED SWAP Bring your seeds, and prepare to take some home! The Organic Seed Alliance, Heirloom Seeds, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, and more will be on hand to lead. THE LEGENDARY FARMERS FEAST The Farmers Feast is always a highlight, and features local, organically produced food and great music. AWARDS CEREMONY We'll honor two of the state’s foremost sustainable agriculture leaders with the Georgia Organics Land Steward Award and the Barbara Petit Pollinator Award.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21, 2015 7—8:30 a.m. Registration and Breakfast 7—2 p.m.
Expo Open 8:30—9:15 a.m.
Welcome Address Educational Session A 9:30—11 a.m.
11:15 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Educational Session B 12:30—2:30 p.m.
Buffet Lunch 2:30—3:45 p.m.
Educational Session C 3—5 p.m.
Expo Breakdown 4—5:15 p.m.
Educational Session D 5:15—6 p.m.
Reception Awards Ceremony 6—7 p.m.
7—9 p.m.
Farmers Feast Schedule subject to change.
CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG 5
FRIDAY, FEB. 20 FARM TOURS Note: Farm tours are Friday, Feb 20, 2015 from 9 a.m.—noon, and are subject to change.
urban farm using Biointensive growing methods to support a Community “Sponsored” Agriculture Program and a weekly produce stand.
1. WEST ATHENS TOUR 3 Porch Farm The nine-acre farm is Certified Naturally Grown, runs on waste vegetable oil collected from Athens restaurants, is entirely solar powered, and is experimenting with varieties of apples, plums, pears, peaches, kiwis, nectarines, and more. Little Flock of Community Meat Co. Little Flock is a small scale Pastured Poultry Operation and the head of Community Meat Co. The Community Meat Co. is a Co-op of three farms in the Athens area: Anderson Farms, Little Flock, and Wagon Wheel Ranch. 2. NORTH ATHENS TOUR Veggie Patch This 300-acre organic farm in Commerce, Ga., that produces a huge variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits. The farm has one large commercial green house and seven hoop houses along with 30 acres of prepared fields. Dayspring Farm DaySpring Farms is currently Certified Organic, in addition to being Certified Naturally Grown. 2015 will mark its fourth growing season where they will have about 30-40 acres under cultivation. 3. DARBY FARMS TOUR First starting with a market garden, moving next to laying hens and finally to meat chickens on those 3 acres, the farm now leases a house with 50+ acres of pasture and mixed hard wood and pine with hopes of negotiating more. 4. SOUTHEAST ATHENS TOUR Rhonda’s Blueberries This beautiful farm is operated
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3 Porch Farm
by Chris & Rhonda Luther, who specialize in naturally grown blueberries sold locally and at the Athens Farmers Market held at Bishop Park in Athens, Ga.
Limousin-Angus cross that is known for producing meat both tender and flavorful as well as lower in fat and cholesterol than other cattle breeds.
Front Field Farm Front Field Farm is a small farm committed to growing organically and sustainably. The farm started on a small scale, cultivating 1 acre. Their crops include varieties from all 11 vegetable families.
6. METRO AREA ATHENS TOUR Mills Farm Mills Farm makes grits in northeastern Clarke County. The grits, along with corn meal, are ground up in a mill invented by Tim Mills and turned with the power of a mule.
5. SOUTH ATHENS TOUR Greendale Farm Greendale farms produces delicious handmade cheeses that start with gorgeous full fat milk from pastured cows from Johnston Dairy in Morgan County. These cheeses that are lovingly crafted and cared for have both a traditional and a local southern influence. The Pastures of Rose Creek This fourth generation family farm consists of 345 acres of pasture lands, woods, creeks, and ponds and maintains a herd of 100 cattle and specializes in raising a Piedmontese-
Woodland Gardens Woodland Gardens is a certified organic vegetable, fruit and cutflower farm in Winterville, just outside of Athens. Established in 2000, the farm specializes in highly diverse annual production and grows over 80 different fruits and vegetables, focusing on specialty production for chefs and markets. 7. URBAN AG TOUR West Broad Market Garden & Farmers Market The West Broad Market Garden is a ½-acre production oriented, Certified Naturally Grown
For longer descriptions, and the most up-to-date information about sessions, check out our conference site!
CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG
RECIPE FOR CHANGE BETTER FARMS, BETTER FLAVORS
Williams Farm The Williams Farm builds on the success of the West Broad Market Garden and will increase the opportunities for production and education that have begun on the half-acre school site. 8. UGA GARDEN TOUR UGArden UGArden seeks to promote the social, environmental, and nutritional benefits of sustainable gardening through the creation of a student-run community garden. This unique outdoor learning experience encourages engagement with the natural world, fosters interdisciplinary pursuits at the University of Georgia, and offers a meaningful sense of place to a largely transitory student body. Durham Horticultural Research Farm This 90-acre facility serves as a living laboratory for faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates of UGA to conduct research in horticulture as well as other disciplines. As part of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, they also host research in plant pathology, entomology, and soil science. The J. Phil Campbell Sr. Research and Education Center A former USDA-ARS research station, the 1055-acre facility was closed by USDA as part of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012. In the fall of 2013 the station was transferred to University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences to be used for agricultural and natural resources research, instruction, and Extension.
CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG 7
FRIDAY, FEB. 20 INDEPTH WORKSHOPS ALL-DAY WORKSHOPS The following two all-day workshops are add-ons for Friday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are not part of an educational pass. They must be purchased in addition to conference registration. SPONSORED BY WHITE OAK PASTURES
1. Developing a Food Hub (All Day) $80/$105 Haile Johnson, Common Market & Anthony Flaccavento, SCALE
The Wallace Center at Winrock International and its consulting partners will lead this start-up and capacity-building course to support the development of food hubs and the decisions needed to create them. This training will help people and communities understand various hub models and make initial decisions about feasibility, business planning, operations, and capitalization. The workshop will also address gaps in the public’s understanding of what is needed to establish and operate food hubs as viable businesses and as strategies for social impact. 2. Introduction to Biodynamics and Biochemical Sequencing $110/$135 Hugh Lovel, Quantum Agriculture
What is biodynamic farming and gardening? How do we do it? Great questions! Biodynamic preparation encourages: healthy humus formation, mineral retention and availability, improved crumb structure and tilth, beneficial soil microbes, including nitrogen fixers, rhyzobial activity (nodulation) on legumes, soil animal life from protozoa to earthworms, improved absorption and retention of water, fine, highly developed, robust root systems, and improved nutrient uptake by plants. This is a five-hour course with Hugh Lovel, author of “A Biodynamic Farm,” and his newly published book: “Quantum Agriculture: Biodynamics and Beyond." Over the past 35 years, Hugh has gained broad experience in biodynamic farming while operating a market farm and the first CSA in Georgia.
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These workshops are part of a conference educational pass and last 3 hours. They are being offered on Friday, Feb. 20, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. SPONSORED BY CAFÉ CAMPESINO
3. RAINWATER HARVESTING Nate Downey, Permadesign New Mexico & Terri Jagger Blincoe, Ladybug Farms
Whether you grow for production or your own personal garden, collecting rainwater to irrigate is a viable and often healthier alternative to municipal water. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, without the chlorine, and it’s free! Come learn how Ladybug Farms has utilized a 6,000 gallon rainwater harvesting system to irrigate a 1/2 acre growing area which yields 10,000 pounds of produce each season. 4. USING COVER CROPS IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION OFFSITE WORKSHOP: Bee Laboratory at the Durham Horticulture Farm Julia Gaskin, University of Georgia
This workshop will focus on cover crops in vegetable production—species selection, the importance of timely planting, estimating nitrogen release, and more. There will also be an interactive and hands-on dem-
interactive listening session will allow farmers and others to provide their perspectives on how best to build the availability, quality, and integrity of organic seed. The results of this listening session will inform the recommendations of the State of Organic Seed report. Colley will also share preliminary results from the national 2014 Organic Farmer Seed Survey. 6. ROTATIONAL GRAZING WORKSHOP OFFSITE WORKSHOP: The J. Phil Campbell Sr. Research and Education Center Dennis Hancock & Lawton Stewart, University of Georgia
If you plan to raise animals sustainably, this workshop is for you. It’ll cover key pasture establishment techniques and grazing management principles. The focus will be on using sustainable grazing systems. SPONSORED BY KAISER PERMANENTE
7. THE DIY BUFFET: HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION WORKSHOPS AT UGARDEN OFFSITE WORKSHOP: UGArden David Berle, University of Georgia
Pick one set of the following: 1. HOW TO GUIDE FOR DRIP
Biodynamics is a holistic approach, so the benefits include everything: soil biology, fertility, flavour, nutrition, better weed and pest control, easier breeding, better animal health, better profitability, greater ease the more progress you make—just about any parameter you can name improves. —HUGH LOVEL, QUANTUM AGRICULTURE
onstration for planting and roller crimping. If you want to grow organically and if you want fertile soil, cover crops are crucial. 5. STATE OF ORGANIC SEED LISTENING SESSION Micaela Colley, Organic Seed Alliance
The State of Organic Seed project monitors progress in building seed systems that meet the diverse and regional needs of organic farmers. In 2011, the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) published the first State of Organic Seed report, a comprehensive analysis of organic seed systems in the U.S. Next year, OSA will publish an updated report that includes results from a national organic farmer seed survey, an analysis of changes over the last five years, updated policy and action recommendations, and more. This
RECIPE FOR CHANGE BETTER FARMS, BETTER FLAVORS
IRRIGATION: Best methods and materials and maintenance for setting up a drip irrigation. & HOW TO BUILD A RAISED BED: Best methods and materials for building a raised bed garden. Or 2. SMALL ENGINE REPAIR:
How to guide for maintenance and basic repair for small engine farm tools. & SMALL FARM EQUIPMENT OPERATION: Participants can test out small riding tractors or walk behind tractors outfitted with various implements to see how they work best. 8. SOIL HEALTH & BIOLOGY MICROSCOPE WORKSHOP OFFSITE WORKSHOP: Miller Plant Sciences Building Dr. Peter Hartel, University of Georgia
This hands-on workshop is limited to 20 people. Please bring a handful of your own moist garden soil or compost in a plastic baggie. We will teach you how to use a microscope and a stereomicroscope to see and identify bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and other soil microorganisms that live in your soil or compost,
will lead this in-depth workshop on building a farm business from A to Z.
For longer descriptions, and the most up-to-date information about workshops, check out our conference site!
CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG
an otherwise unseen world of beauty, wonder and important intel on your soil’s health. 9. HIRING AND MANAGING INTERNS AND STAFF Panel TBD
Labor is perhaps the most important component of managing a successful farm. While farmers often employ interns and apprentices to cut costs in exchange for invaluable educational experience, sometimes those arrangements exist in a legal gray area. Are your interns actually employees? What labor and tax laws affect your farm? How should your contracts be written? Armstrong tackles these questions and more. 10. WHOLE FARM PLANNING Daniel Parson, Oxford College at Emory University
Are you preparing to start a farm? Are you reevaluating your produce business to maximize profitability? It’s never too early or too late to look at your operation holistically. Daniel Parson, the organic farm manager for Emory University’s Oxford College,
11. LET’S GET REAL: ORGANIC CERTIFICATION Quality Certification Services (QCS), Florida Organics Growers
For those farming organically already, certification is an easy next step. Florida Organic Growers and Consumers, a communitybased outreach and education organization, will lead attendees through a step-by-step process of USDA organic production and certification, highlighting the importance of record-keeping in any sound business and available reimbursement funds for the cost. 12. FOOD SAFETY UPDATES Sarah Hackney, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
After two years of proposals, comments and revisions, the new produce rules, part of the Food Safety Modernization Act will soon go into effect. This workshop will outline these changes to food safety, which places the responsibility for food-borne illness prevention on farmers, and will examine exemptions for food produced and sold locally. Good Agricultural Practices and other safety programs will be highlighted.
13. GROW YOUR PROFITS BY GROWING YOUR BRAND Danielle Moore, Garnish & Gather & Amy Bean, The Little Farm
Learn how to develop an affordable, timesaving marketing strategy for your farm to increase sales. You’ll get tips on executing proven methods to reach consumers and increase sales through interactive communication with your customer and building a strong farm brand. Moore will cover the basics of how to market yourself, your farm and your products through e-marketing, merchandising, branding, sales, and promotion, and Bean will give real-life examples of how these techniques have worked for her farm. 14. A VITAL ECOLOGY Robby Astrove, DeKalb County Park Service & Concrete Jungle, Almeta Tulloss, Athens Land Trust
Create viable soil, vibrant sustainable edible landscapes, and building personal vitality and health. Through demonstrations, tours, and hands-on activities you'll learn about starting and sustaining fruit tree orchards, composting systems, urban farm management, and tonics to keep us healthy. We will share resources, recipes, enjoy tastings, and contribute towards a better understanding of soil ecology, nutrition, and the promise of fruit trees.
SARE: Since 1988...
...pioneering change innovation by innovation...
....making a difference result by result....
....improving lives farmer by farmer.
http://www.southernsare.org
CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG 9
SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY
USDA Office of Advocacy & Outreach 2501 Program
TRACK 1 BEGINNING FARMING
TRACK 2 LIVESTOCK
TRACK 3 FARMER OUTREACH
TRACK 4 EXPANDING MARKETS
Grassfed Beef Genetics
Building Capacity for Socially Disadvantaged Producers
How to Sell Food to Schools and Preschools
SESSION B Small Fruit 11:15 a.m.—12:30 p.m. Production
Master Goat Production
Get Certified!
How to Sell to Restaurants
SESSION C High Tunnel 2:30 p.m. —3:45 p.m. Production
Raising Hogs Outdoors
Spotlight: Georgia’s Latino Growers
Unique Distribution Services
Raising Poultry for Market
Engaging Veteran Farmers
Farm-Based Food Enterprises
SESSION A High Tunnel Pest 9:45 a.m.—11 a.m. Management
SESSION D Increasing Efficiency 4 p.m.—5:15 p.m.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21 EDUCATION SESSIONS TRACK 1 BEGINNING FARMERS Organic Insect Control in High Tunnels Dr. Ayanava Majumdar, Auburn University
Controlling pests in Georgia’s hot and humid environment will continue to be a challenge. Dr. Ayanava Majumdar, Alabama Extension entomologist and IPM specialist, will discuss the latest techniques to control traditional and invasive pests on vegetable crops. Small Fruit Production Jerry Larson, Fort Valley State University
Jerry Larson, former Fort Valley State University Extension agent and organic small fruits specialist, will demonstrate proper production and care of small fruits in Georgia. Focus will be on muscadines, blackberries and strawberries—particularly strawberry propagation. High Tunnel Production Nicolas Donck, Crystal Organic Farm, Bryan Barrett, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Informational session on organic production in high tunnels, including fertility management
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and crop variety selection. USDA National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will cover the latest details on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) high tunnel cost-share program. Increasing Efficiency Darby & Elliott Smith, Sun Dog Farm
Learn how to diversify your farm or garden to benefit both the land and your larder while reducing the need for outside inputs. In this workshop, you'll discover the steps of growing your personal economy—allowing for increased self-reliance, and decreased expenses—while working toward building closed looped systems that enhance the ecological landscape. SPONSORED BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET
TRACK 2 LIVESTOCK Grassfed Beef Genetics Dan Glenn, Deep Grass Graziers
Grass-fed beef is not as simple as turning cows out onto pasture. Success depends on proper breed and genetic makeup to add fat and protein efficiently. This session will cover traits
ranchers and grass-fed enthusiasts should look for when assembling a first-rate grass-fed herd. Master Goat Production Frances Martin, Gotcha Goat, Bob Waldorf, UGA Cooperative Extension
Goats provide a potential lucrative market for many small-scale producers. They have broad diets and are relatively inexpensive to produce, provided farmers can manage pest and parasite issues. This session will feature best practices for managing goats, as well as touch on the growing market for goats in Georgia through Gotcha Goat. Raising Hogs Outdoors Panel featuring Ben and Kellie Deen, Savannah River Farms
Hogs are a culinary wonder animal: infinite uses and a favorite of chefs everywhere. Raising them naturally outdoors can be a profitable enterprise as part of a diversified operation. The session features experienced hog farmers discussing their lessons learned managing hogs on the land and growing profitably for the direct market. Raising Poultry for Market Daniel Dover, Darby Farms
RECIPE FOR CHANGE BETTER FARMS, BETTER FLAVORS
One of the premier pasturedpoultry producers in Georgia, Daniel Dover will cover the ins and outs of raising chickens in north Georgia, including sourcing feed, processing and managing dormant pastures over the winter. SPONSORED BY USDA OFFICE OF ADVOCACY & OUTREACH 2501 PROGRAM
TRACK 3 FARMER OUTREACH Building Capacity for Socially Disadvantaged Producers Fredo Jackson, Healthy Living Farm; Shyeasta Cullars, National Women in Agriculture; Cashawn Myers, Habesha; Eric Simpson, West Georgia Farmer's Cooperative; Tammy Burnell, Burnell Farms; Christina Hylton, Athens Land Trust
Hear leaders from innovative regional organizations performing regional outreach to underserved producers across Georgia as they discuss overcoming the production and market barriers of their small-acreage and rural farmers and the benefits of farmer-based networks. Get Certified!: The Organic Opportunities in Georgia Panel: Donn Cooper, Georgia Organics, remaining TBD
SPONSORED BY
TRACK 5 INTERMEDIATE FARMING
TRACK 6 FARMERS MARKETS
TRACK 7 BACKYARD BOUNTY
TRACK 8 COOKING UP CHANGE
TRACK 9 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
Applied Agroponics
Grow Market Shoppers
Agrohomeopathy
Cooking Matters: Affordable Meal Planning
Food System Alchemy
Maximizing Profits for Small Spaces
Cooking DemonstraRight On, Sister tions: Sell More for Homesteader! Farmers at the Market
Food Labels, for Farmers and Consumers
From Markets to a Mission: GA Mountain Farmers Network
Developing a Southeast Organic Variety and Seed System
Sustaining Your Farmers Market
Eggs for Breakfast: Backyard Chickens 101
The Secret Ingredient: Success With Kids in the Kitchen
Supporting Autonomous Community Garden Projects
On-Farm Pollinators
Finding and Cooking Farmers Market Gems
Year-Round Bounty for the Home Gardener
Recipe Writing: Telling Your Story
Emerging Young Leaders in Good Food
Sessions, topics, and order are subject to change.
Right now is the best time for farmers to get certified organic. This session will cover the tremendous potential in the organic marketplace, as well as new training, marketing materials and cost share incentives for farmers to be part of Georgia’s new 100 Organic Farms Campaign. Spotlight: Georgia’s Latino Growers Pilar Quintero, Rancho Alegre Farm; Karla Blaginin; Juan Carlos Diaz-Perez, University of Georgia
Georgia is home to growing farm and food communities that are largely out of view of conventional and organic agriculture. A panel of representatives from the Latino community will discuss cultural foodways, possible markets, and lay out possible opportunities for producers yet to connect to available resources. Engaging Veteran Farmers Panel featuring Bryan Barrett, Natural Resources Conservation Service
This session will provide an overview of agricultural programs and initiatives that support veterans and discuss ways that farmers and organizations can provide critical and effective outreach to this community.
TRACK 4 EXPANDING MARKETS How to Sell Food to Schools and Preschools Teri Hamlin, Northeast Georgia Farm to School and Erin Croom, Georgia Organics
An overview of how public, private and pre-schools buy food and how farmers can work with these educational institutions to sell them local food. How to Sell to Restaurants Jason Zymont, Five & Ten & Michael Schenck, the Turnip Truck
Restaurants can play an important role in a farmer’s business and marketing plan. This session will cover how to approach restaurants, what they are looking for, and how to prepare and deliver crops to their back doors, as well as distribution options as an alternative to direct delivery. Unique Distribution Services Moore Farms + Friends, Natural Roots, and Joe Dirt
Learn best practices for successful CSA aggregating and how to sell to direct-to-consumer delivery services, while networking with some of the state’s most innovative farm delivery partners!
Farm-Based Food Enterprises Steve O’Shea, 3 Porch Farm & Ross Harding, Verdant Kitchen
Learn about different valueadded food enterprises and how they can grow a farmer’s bottom line or break ground on new specialty crop farmland. Speakers will cover the opportunities and pitfalls of both small and capital intense value-added food products and what to expect in starting a farm based food enterprise. TRACK 5 INTERMEDIATE FARMING Applied Agroponics Aaron Hart, Applied Agroponic Solutions
Nothing in local farming is hotter than intensive production inside environmentally controlled conditions. Real farmers will outline their working hydroponic and aquaponic systems in Georgia and discuss appropriate crops, costs, and markets. Maximizing Profits for Small Spaces Brennan Washington, Phoenix Gardens
Back by popular demand. The guru of backyard farming, Brennan Washington will lay
out the growth of his operation from suburban homestead to profitable small farm. Developing a Southeast Organic Variety and Seed System Micaela Colley, Organic Seed Alliance, and Suzanne Stone and Elizabeth Little, University of Georgia
The need for organic varieties adapted to regional growing conditions was identified as a top priority in the 2011 State of Organic Seed Report. Growers, researchers, extension personnel, and seed producers have now come together to develop a southeast regional organic seed and variety improvement collaborative. On-Farm Pollinators Panel featuring Perri Campis, Georgia Organics; Karen Smith, Southern Native Plantings
Pollinators across the country are threatened by agriculture’s reliance on monocultures and herbicides that eliminates their native habitat. Learn the issues facing pollinators, like ground bees and Monarch butterflies, as well as how farmers and homeowners can help these critical species by planting spe-
CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG 11
cific food sources and recreating the natural environment. TRACK 6 FARMERS MARKETS Grow Market Shoppers Danielle Moore and Michael Wall, Georgia Organics, Sara Berney, Wholesome Wave Georgia
This session will look at the impact shopper incentive programs and double value coupon programs can have in building a community’s access and demand for fresh, local food. Come learn what to do, and not to do, to keep local dollars flowing into your farmers market. Cooking Demonstrations Sell More for Farmers at the Market Mary Moore, Cook’s Warehouse, Rebecca Lang, Southern Living
Back by popular demand, come learn the keys to engaging and educating shoppers when they visit your booth at the farmers’ market. Educating your customers will result in selling more and create a loyalty that keeps them shopping with you year round. Sustaining Your Farmers Market Jan Kozak and Jerry NeSmith, Athens Farmers Market, Katie Cash Hayes, Community Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets in Georgia are popping up like pigweed in a peanut field. But how do you take your farmers market from surviving to thriving? Finding and Cooking the Farmers Market Gems Chef Seth Friedman, Forage & Flame
If you’re going to eat healthy and locally, it might as well be delicious and easy. Join Chef Seth Friedman, who will offer guidance on some of the most nutritionally dense but underutilized foods at the farmers market. Tastings for all! TRACK 7 BACKYARD BOUNTY Agrohomeopathy Shabari Bird, Quantum Agriculture
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For longer descriptions, and the most up-to-date information about sessions, check out our conference site!
CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG
Learn about affordable and non-toxic applications for homeopathic remedies for pest deterrents, soil fertility and growth enhancement. Right On, Sister Homesteader! Cyndi Ball, Lazy B Farm
Each year more women are entering into post-secondary degrees and professions related to farming and agricultural services. This session will draw on the collaborative power of the Ladies Homestead Gathering, which provides a haven where female homesteaders can share new ideas, celebrate victories, re-think perceived failures and cultivate friendships with other like-minded women. Eggs for Breakfast: Backyard Chickens 101 Anne-Marie Anderson, The Celtic Gardener
Backyard chickens are the new "must-have" item for the urban homestead. Eggs, meat, fertilizer, pest patrol and kitchen waste disposal services, all wrapped up in one cute, feathery package. Find out about legalities, daily upkeep, breeds, coops and everything you'll wish someone had told you BEFORE you bring home that cheeping, fluffy bundle of fun. Year-Round Bounty for the Home Gardener Ira Wallace, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Crisp winter salads, rainbow carrots, fresh kimchee, and sweet braised greens are just a few of the fresh from the garden delights awaiting food gardeners in the southeast in winter. This session covers practical information for planning, planting, and producing a garden all year where summer heat is more of an issue than winter lows.
SPONSORED BY GEORGIA FOOD OASIS
TRACK 8 COOKING UP CHANGE Cooking Matters: Affordable Meal Planning Amber Flannigan, Cooking Matters, Athens Land Trust
For 20 years, Cooking Matters has empowered families with the skills to stretch their food budgets and cook healthy meals so their children get nutritious food at home. Food Labels, for Farmers and Consumers Emily Lancaster Moose, Animal Welfare Approved
Today’s consumers and producers face a bewildering range of terms and claims used to promote and label food. Come and learn what the most commonly used labels mean (and don’t mean) and how certification and effective labeling can help your products stand out in the marketplace. The Secret Ingredient: Success With Kids in the Kitchen Rachel Waldron, Sarah Dasher, and Ian Rossiter, FoodCorps
"Eat your vegetables!" is so passé, and research shows it's sure not the way to convince kids to clean their plates. At this workshop, you'll learn the secret ingredient for fixing a plate that your child will actually eat. Recipe Writing: Telling Your Story Tamie Cook, The Cook’s Warehouse
A recipe is so much more than a list of ingredients and instructions. Well-written recipes are an amalgamation of each writer’s own history, scholarship and personal taste. You’ll learn how to identify a well-written and thoroughly tested recipe, as well as lay the groundwork for developing and writing
RECIPE FOR CHANGE BETTER FARMS, BETTER FLAVORS
your own ‘stories’ or recipes. TRACK 9 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY Food System Alchemy Eugene Cooke and Nicole Bluh, Good Shepherd Agro Ecology Center
This Socratic-style seminar will pose questions to help us explore our collective possibilities and move past pathology into purpose. It will be a chance to sit and share with urban growers and key players in the Atlanta Food System. From Markets to a Mission: Georgia Mountain Farmers Network Justin Ellis, Georgia Mountain Farmers Network, Chuck Mashburn, North Georgia Locally Grown
Small-farm financial success is increasingly a function of cooperation over competition. One of the leaders of this movement in Georgia is the Georgia Mountain Farmers Network, an offshoot of Northeast Georgia Locally Grown. This session will feature the organization’s history, structure and its market expansion, including Farm to School activities. Supporting Autonomous Community Garden Projects Fred Conrad, Atlanta Community Food Bank
This workshop will share information that might be useful to organizations that are deploying their resources to assist community gardens in their cities, towns and counties. Emerging Young Leaders in Good Food Lauren Cox, Woodland Gardens and Southeastern Young and Beginning Farmers Alliance; Sumer Ladd, FoodCorps; Cathy Micali, Real Food UGA; Dontae Meadows, Young Urban Farmer Program; Natalie Celeste, Athens Land Trust
Hear from a panel of young folks working in different parts of the movement on what they do, why, and what they hope to achieve in the future.
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Georgia Farm to School & Preschool Feb. 19-20, 2015 Athens, GA, Classic Center The 5th Annual Georgia Farm to School Summit will gather stakeholders from across the state to learn the best and latest in school gardens, nutrition education, and local food procurement. For the first time, the Summit will also include great resources for farm to preschool leaders. Join us for: MRM#: 60281708 • Education Sessions Date: 11/03/14 • Field Trips Project Name: 60281708_2015_GA_Organics_Brochure_AD Designer: Jason Sherriffs • Workshops • Farm to School Exhibitors
KEYNOTE DEBORAH KANE, USDA National Director of Farm to School Kane was appointed in January 2012 to promote and expand USDA’s Farm to School efforts by implementing the provisions provided Size in the Healthy, Document Flat: 7.5” w x 4.5” h Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHPrints: 4/0; CMYK FKA) of 2010. 1;She oversees Pages: 1; Sides: Bleeds: 4 a new farm to school grantPDF Notes: Files Deliverable Hires program, and continues to look for creative ways to increase schools’ access to healthy, local foods.
The following content is provided by Kaiser Permanente as part of the sponsorship of the Georgia Organics 2015 conference.
Here’s to growing a healthy future That’s why Kaiser Permanente supports Georgia Organics for their dedication to connecting healthy foods from Georgia farms to Georgia families. Together, we believe in helping communities thrive. kp.org/georgia
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc. Nine Piedmont Center 3495 Piedmont Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-364-7000 60281708 10/14 ©2014 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc.
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RECIPE FOR CHANGE BETTER FARMS, BETTER FLAVORS
11/3/14 10:36 AM
RATES & PRICING
TWO-DAY EDUCATIONAL PASS Friday Lunch, one intensive workshop, Friday Keynote, Expo Pass & Reception, four education sessions, Saturday Breakfast, Saturday Lunch
FRIDAY EDUCATIONAL PASS Friday Lunch, one intensive workshop, Friday Keynote, Expo Pass & Reception
SATURDAY EDUCATIONAL PASS Four education sessions, Expo Pass, Saturday Breakfast, Saturday Lunch
ADD-ONS FRIDAY FARM TOUR Transportation to and from farm, farm tour and light snack from the farm
SATURDAY DINNER Pass for Saturday evening’s Farmers Feast
FRIDAY HUGH LOVEL WORKSHOP Friday Lunch, Friday Keynote, Expo Pass & Reception
FRIDAY FOOD HUB WORKSHOP Friday Lunch, Friday Keynote, Expo Pass & Reception
MEMBER EARLYBIRD RATE (THROUGH JAN. 12, 2015)
MEMBER STANDARD RATE
$200
$220
$300
$320
$80
$100
$150
$170
$135
$155
$235
$255
MEMBER STANDARD RATE
NON-MEMBER STANDARD RATE
$45
$60
$45
$60
$110
$135
$80
$105
NON-MEMBER EARLYBIRD RATE (THROUGH JAN. 12, 2015)
NON-MEMBER STANDARD RATE
Volunteer and save more! Volunteers who work for four hours get $40 off any conference registration on top of the membership discounts we offer. To learn more, visit conference.georgiaorganics.org.
Scholarships
Eligible farmers can get $100 off conference registration. To learn more, and to apply for a scholarship, visit conference.georgiaorganics.org.
Student Discount
Student discounts are available— for more information, contact Development Coordinator Kate Klein at katek@georgiaorganics.org.
REGISTER AT CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG Got a question? Having trouble registering online? Give us a call! (678) 702-0400
COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU 2/21/2015 CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG 15
Is your membership current? Check mailing label for your expiration date & renew today. Non profit ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID #4009 ATLANTA, GA
200-A Ottley Drive, Atlanta GA 30324 Address Service Requested
Printed on post-consumer recycled paper with soy ink
MORE GROWER EDUCATION THAN EVER. 18TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO BETTER FARMS, BETTER FLAVORS FEB. 20-21, 2015 IN ATHENS, GA CONFERENCE.GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG