Grass Valley, CA December 5, 2016 – Over 600 farmers, foodies and homesteaders will gather in Grass Valley on January 6 -8 for the 2017 Sustainable Food & Farm Conference. This year’s conference features internationally recognized soil scientist and Elaine Ingham, widely known in the sustainable and organic agriculture movement as one of the leading innovators in promoting soil health. The conference also features Ben Hartman, market farmer and author who develops lean principles inspired by the Japanese automotive industry to work smarter, prevent burnout and promote success among family farmers. Greg Judy, rancher and author, will share how he transformed his bankrupt ranch into a profitable, debt-free business by adopting holistic management techniques for producing pasture-raised beef, pork, chicken and more. The conference also features a full day of sustainable food and farm workshops by local experts, and a tour of local, sustainable-minded farms and ranches in Nevada County.
The Sustainable Food & Farm Conference is designed to support farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, and gardeners to adopt innovative, sustainable practices that promote nutrient dense food and a healthier environment.
“This conference was founded by farmers, for farmers” says Malaika Bishop, Co-Director of Sierra Harvest, the local food and farm organization that hosts the event. In keeping with the spirit of giving the attendees what they want, the conference continues to respond to the needs of its participants. “This year, we have incorporated a number of new elements based on the feedback we received from past conference goers – including more hands-on activities integrated into the program, and bringing the most requested speakers and topics into the conference line-up”. In addition to the keynote presentations, the conference will include workshops on beekeeping, on-line marketing for farms, making compost tea, growing delicious fruit and more.
More About the 7th Annual Sustainable Food & Farm Conference
The conference is sponsored by: BriarPatch Coop, Vital Landscaping, Forever Flowering, Organic Valley, Sweetland Garden Supply, Peaceful Valley Garden Supply, The Union, and Four Seasons Nursery.
January 6th: Local Farm and Ranch Tour, featuring holistic management techniques for pasture at Elster Ranch and biodynamic composting class Fulcrum Farm; plus a new Mushroom Cultivation workshop at Tumbling Creek Farm.
January 7th: Keynote speakers & in-depth workshops, Food & Farm Expo at Nevada Union High School
January 8th: Food & Farm Workshops with a hands-on track at Nevada Union High School
- Full Conference agenda at www.foodandfarmconference.com/event-details/
- More on Keynote speakers at www.foodandfarmconference.com/speakers/
- Register for tickets at www.foodandfarmconference.com/tickets/
- Farmers can apply for registration discounts by contacting rachel@sierraharvest.org
Contact: Rachel Berry 530-265-2343, rachel@sierraharvest.org
Additional information is available at www.foodandfarmconference.org
About Sierra Harvest
Sierra Harvest’s mission is to educate, inspire, and connect Nevada County families to fresh, local, seasonal food. Learn more at www.sierraharvest.org
Event Details
What: Sierra Harvest’s Sustainable Food & Farm Conference
When: January 6 – 8th
Where: Nevada Union High School
Tickets: www.foodandfarmconference.org