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New York

Hudson Valley Farm Beginnings®
Thu, Oct 1st, 2009 - Mon, Mar 1st, 2010
Deadline for application is mid august, get your application in soon! The cost is $1200 for the full course + certificate. Scholarships are available, the class meets bi-monthly from October?March.

This program will include nine classroom sessions in on-farm goal setting, strategic and business planning, marketing, and financial management, for those interested in developing or expanding farming enterprises. Hudson Valley Farm Beginnings is farmer led and farmer taught so participants will gain access to many local and regional farmer-mentor colleagues during the classroom sessions and during four additional field days at local, sustainably managed farms. After completing a fully articulated and written business plan, participants will be able to have the plan reviewed by a farmer-mentor of their choosing. This course is based on curricula developed by the Land Stewardship Project and Angelic Organic?s Learning Center, programs which have graduated over 500 farm entrepreneurs in past years.
Contact: Rachel
Download PDF

National

Calling All Chefs: School Garden Recipe Contest! Visit Website
Mon, Feb 1st, 2010 - Mon, Mar 1st, 2010
Because there's nothing better than eating what you've grown, we're calling all educators, parents and children to submit your favorite school and youth garden recipes.

Winning recipes will be published with recognition in an upcoming children's book by Anne Nagro, author of the nationally-acclaimed Our Generous Garden and Nuestra Huerta Generosa, and Dancing Rhinoceros Press.

Winners also will

· Receive an autographed copy of the book, and

· Have their garden project featured on GardenABCs’ website and newsletter


Everyone who submits a recipe will be entered into a drawing to win a GloPanel 45® LED grow light by Sunshine Systems - Valued at $140!

The GloPanel 45® doesn't get hot to the touch, consumes less energy (a "green" lesson here) and never requires bulb replacement. It emits red, blue and white wavelengths to promote fast and vigorous growth (another science lesson!). You’ll never be disappointed with week, leggy seedlings again! This LED light covers a five-foot growing area and is a must-have for indoor or classroom growing!
Contact: Anne Nagro
Download PDF 2010 Supermarket Synergy Showcase Visit Website
Tue, Feb 9th, 2010 - Fri, Feb 12th, 2010
The National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) enthusiastically invites you to participate in the 2010 Annual Convention and Supermarket Synergy Showcase (S3) located in the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. Every year we welcome food manufacturers, service providers and grocery industry experts like you from around the world to share fresh ideas and innovative thinking about food products, services and technology that help strengthen the grocery industry and help build profits for our companies.

As a supplier, you cannot afford to miss the opportunity to put your company on center stage for the independent sector that represents over $200 billion in annual domestic sales. This event brings together community-focused retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and service suppliers all in one place. The S3 Concept Show Floor provides suppliers with an interactive, value added program available only at the 2010 N.G.A. Convention. Reach an estimated 1,500 top level executives in the grocery retailer and wholesaler industry. Connect with the decision makers and find new business contacts. You as the principal will bring new ideas and solutions to this audience to combat their most challenging business issues.
Download PDF Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society Winter Conference Visit Website
Tue, Feb 9th, 2010 - Thu, Feb 11th, 2010
Guest Speakers Include: Tom Stearns " High Mowing Organic Seeds Dr. Paul Dettloff, DVM Karl Schmidt " Glacial Lakes Permaculture Dwayne Beck " Dakota Lakes Research Farm Workshops " Entertainment " Over 50 Exhibitors
Contact: N/A, N/A
2010 Winter Conference Visit Website
Wed, Feb 10th, 2010 - Thu, Feb 11th, 2010
Mark Your Calendar!
2010 Winter Conference
Weds., Feb. 10 and Thurs., Feb. 11
Watertown Event Center
Watertown, S.D.

Mississippi

North Mississippi Producer Advisory Conference Visit Website
Thu, Feb 18th, 2010 - Thu, Feb 18th, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 1:00
City: = Verona, MS
Facility: Magnolia Conference Center
Audience Type: Agriculture, Forestry, and Livestock producers

Click here to go to Mississippi State University's Calendar of Events.

Contact: Adam Tullos or Dr. Bill Herndon, 662.566.2201

New Mexico

New Mexico Organic Farming Conference Visit Website
Fri, Feb 19th, 2010 - Sat, Feb 20th, 2010
It?s time for New Mexico?s premier organic farming conference! This year?s conference will be held at the Marriott Pyramid North in Albuquerque on Friday and Saturday February 19th and 20th, 2010. The event includes:

*Welcome by Dr. Miley Gonzalez, Secretary of the NM Department of Agriculture
*Keynote by US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Kathleen Merrigan (invited)
*Delicious organic meal and snacks with a focus on locally produced items
*Over 30 sessions on crops, livestock, weed and pest management, market gardening, and farm support. Sessions are taught by experienced organic producers and experts in the field.
Contact: Le Adams or Ilana Blankman, 505-473-1004

National

Georgia Farm to School Summit Visit Website
Fri, Feb 19th, 2010 - Fri, Feb 19th, 2010
The Georgia Farm to School Summit will be held on February 19, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. The purpose of this summit is to bring together key stakeholders from across the state to learn about Farm to School success stories, challenges, and strategies, as well as create a unified vision for the growing Farm to School Summit. Presenters include Anupama Joshi, National Farm to School co-director and the New Orleans middle school Rethinkers.
Cost
Contact: Erin Croom, 678 702 0400

Wisconsin

Madison Youth Grow Local Conference Visit Website
Sat, Feb 20th, 2010 - Sat, Feb 20th, 2010
Goodman Community Center in Madison

Registration Due: FEBRUARY 6. MYGL Conference Registration materials are attached to this email and downloadable from our website: www.notlong.com/youthgrowlocal

Connect with others who are involved in the youth gardening movement, learn about seed starting, cooking in the garden, hands-on activities, school gardens, how to access community resources for your garden & much more!
Contact: Elizabeth, 608-240-0409

National

21st Annual Organic Farming Conference Visit Website
Thu, Feb 25th, 2010 - Sat, Feb 27th, 2010
Our 21st Anniversary conference takes place February 25-27, 2010 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Pre-registration is required to guarantee your spot at the 2010 conference, which is open now. More information about the conference will be available in the fall. An extraordinary, farmer-centered event, the Organic Farming Conference is the largest organic farming conference in the U.S. Sponsored by the Wisconsin-based Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), the conference is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community. The conference is highly regarded due to its practical workshops designed to help beginning, transitional, and experienced organic farmers.

Wisconsin

MOSES Organic Farming Conference (OFC) Visit Website
Thu, Feb 25th, 2010 - Sat, Feb 27th, 2010
The Organic Farming Conference is the largest organic farming conference in the U.S.
Contact: Cathy, 715-778-5775

Oregon

OSU Small Farm Conference Visit Website
Fri, Feb 26th, 2010 - Sat, Feb 27th, 2010
Keynote Speaker - David Mas Masumoto - a third generation farmer and writer working with his family on their 80-acre organic farm near Fresno, CA. Author of several books, Epitaph for a Peach, Four Seasons in Five Senses, and his latest entitled Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies from the Land.
Invited Capnote - Congressman Kurt Schrader was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 representing Oregon’s 5th District. Congressman Schrader currently serves as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture. He is a veterinarian and farmer who lives with his wife Martha on their Three Rivers Farm in Canby.

Contact: Chrissy Lucas, 541-766-3556

North Carolina

2010 Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference Visit Website
Sat, Feb 27th, 2010 - Sat, Feb 27th, 2010
ASAP?s annual Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference will be held at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC on February 27, 2010. Farmers, those seriously interested in farming, food buyers, and high school age FTA students are invited to attend the full day of networking and training. The conference has often sold out, so register early.

Workshops will address topics such as:
-Farm to Institution: school and hospital markets
-Farm to Grocer: selling to grocery buyers
-Farmers tailgate markets: basics and management
-CSAs: farm subscription marketing
-Promotions and what they cost
-Quickbooks for farms
-Farm business planning
-Services for farmers available from regional organizations
-WNC Ag Options grant program
Contact: Brook Thompson, (828) 236-1282

California

California Small Farm Conference Visit Website
Sun, Feb 28th, 2010 - Tue, Mar 2nd, 2010
The California Small Farm Conference is the state's premier gathering of small farmers and those who support them. The three day educational conference includes on-farm tours, focused workshops, general educational sessions and opportunities for peer networking.

The 2010 California Small Farm Conference will be February 28 to March 2, 2010 in San Diego.

The theme of the conference ? Sustaining our Bounty ? reflects the incredible bounty of agricultural products that the state of California produces. California leads the state in the production of many valuable agricultural products and California Grown is a respected symbol of quality throughout the world. California's small farmers are an integral part of this agricultural system and are the leaders and innovators whose efforts are helping to prepare the state for the challenges ahead.
Contact: , 1-888-712-4188
California Small Farm Conference Visit Website
Sun, Feb 28th, 2010 - Tue, Mar 2nd, 2010
The theme of the conference – Sustaining our Bounty – reflects the incredible bounty of agricultural products that the state of California produces. California leads the state in the production of many valuable agricultural products and California Grown is a respected symbol of quality throughout the world. California's small farmers are an integral part of this agricultural system and are the leaders and innovators whose efforts are helping to prepare the state for the challenges ahead.


Contact: N/A, N/A

National

FamilyFarmed EXPO: Chicago Visit Website
Mon, Mar 1st, 2010 - Mon, Mar 1st, 2010
See the website link for the specific date in March 2010 for this event. FamilyFarmed EXPO is a two day gathering of Chicago-area fans of locally grown and responsibly produced food and artisanal goods. Join the crowd and join the fun! Friday?s plenary and seminar sessions feature business-to-business connections. Saturday's seminar schedule will be jampacked with cooking demos, interactive seminars and a busy Kid?s Corner. Over 120 exhibitors offer a wide selection of local food, gifts and lots of useful information that will help you eat healthy year-round, while supporting local, family-run businesses.

Sustainable=Profitable Aquaculture 2010
Mon, Mar 1st, 2010 - Fri, Mar 5th, 2010
World Aquaculture Society is holding their international, triennial meeting at the Town & Country Resort and Conference Center in the San Diego, California from March 1 - 5, 2010. Abstract submission deadline - August 31, 2009.

AQUACULTURE 2010 is the place to learn about the latest in aquaculture, see the newest technology in the trade show. Aquaculture America is known for the high quality of its Producer Program organized by National Aquaculture Association. AQUACULTURE 2010 will continue to expand the size and scope of the producer program to address all of the issues facing producers in the U.S. as well as around the world.

AQUACULTURE 2010 will have the largest aquaculture trade show in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest anywhere in the world with over 200 booths!

Copy and paste this web address for more information:
https://www.was.org/WasMeetings/meetings/Default.aspx?code=AQ2010
Download PDF NYS Farmers Market Managers Training Conference: Growing Market Opportunities Visit Website
Thu, Mar 4th, 2010 - Sat, Mar 6th, 2010
The Farmers Market Federation of New York announces its annual Professional Farmers Market Managers Training Program Conference, Growing Market Opportunities , scheduled for March 4-6, 2010. The conference will be hosted by the Seneca Falls Development Corporation and Seneca Falls Farmers Market. It will be held at the Holiday Inn of Seneca Falls/Waterloo.
Contact: Diane Eggert, 315-637-4690

Ohio

Ohio Farmers Market Conference Visit Website
Thu, Mar 4th, 2010 - Fri, Mar 5th, 2010

Contact: Christine Welch, 740-289-2071 ext. 23

National

Nevada Small Farm Conference Visit Website
Fri, Mar 12th, 2010 - Sat, Mar 13th, 2010
Join farmers and those who support small farms at this premier gathering which will include educational workshops, round table discussions, and networking opportunities. Three conference tracks will include a variety of sesions.
Contact: Ann Louhela , 775-351-2551

Michigan

"Setting the Table for Wellness" Conference Visit Website
Mon, Mar 15th, 2010 - Mon, Mar 15th, 2010
The conference will be held March 15 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Registration is $25 per person; after Feb. 15 it goes up $10. The price includes a conference notebook, morning and afternoon snacks and a local foods lunch.

The daylong event is suited for schools, camps, students, farms, parents and others who want to learn how to bring fresh, local foods into cafeterias and curriculum. It's presented by Taste the Local Difference, an agricultural program of the Michigan Land Use Institute.

For more information or to register, go to www.mlui.org or call 941-6584.
Contact: N/A, 941-6584

National

2010 Food Safety Education Conference Visit Website
Tue, Mar 23rd, 2010 - Fri, Mar 26th, 2010
Location: Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, GA

Foodborne illness is a preventable and under-reported disease that presents a major challenge to both general and at-risk populations. Empowering consumers worldwide with knowledge and safer food-handling behaviors is one of the best lines of defense against pathogens causing these illnesses. Plan to attend and participate!

Who should attend:

* Public health educators
* Health care providers
* Medical communicators
* Food safety educators
* Cooperative extension educators
* Sanitarians
* Consumer representatives
* Health writers and journalists
8th Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference Visit Website
Wed, Mar 24th, 2010 - Thu, Mar 25th, 2010
The Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference (formerly the Maryland Nutrition Conference) is recognized as a premier educational event for the animal nutrition industry. Local, national, and international nutritionists share new, innovative, and practical research being conducted at universities, in industry and at government institutions. Regulatory issues and future opportunities are discussed. The program is focused on poultry, dairy, and equine nutrition.

Pennsylvania

Farm to Table Conference Visit Website
Fri, Mar 26th, 2010 - Sat, Mar 27th, 2010
Farm to Table is an educational program that is offered in conjunction with our wellness program, Pathways to SmartCare. The goal of this program is to provide opportunities for healthy eating, which includes providing access to local food producers.
For More information about the conference, Click here.

Conference Highlights:
* Farmers Market
* Cooking Demonstrations by Chefs and Dieticians
* Presentations by researchers and scientists about the benefits of eating local food
* Local Food Tasting on Friday night: Learn More
* Saturday morning networking breakfast

The conference will take place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.
Contact: Erin Hart, 412-563-7807

Kansas

Cordley Elemtary School Farm-to-School Lunch Event Visit Website
Fri, May 21st, 2010 - Fri, May 21st, 2010
A group of Lawrence residents, chefs, business owners, farmers and parents have joined together to bring the students and staff at Cordley Elementary School an all local, mostly organic, non-processed delicious lunch on Friday, May 21, 2010.

The event is in honor of the amazing Cordley Picnic Shelter that was recently completed and is a tribute to all the wonderful local food producers and purveyors that Lawrence has to offer.

Funding for the event is being supplied by The Kansas Rural Center and through donations from several local businesses. The Art Tougeau Art Car Cruise is also schedule to stop by Cordley during the event. Attendance for lunch is limited to Cordley Students and staff along with several contributors and key individuals, but parents and friends are welcome to stop by and observe the days festivities.

Contact: Linda Cottin, 785-843-2981

California

"Schooling for Sustainability: Strategies That Make Learning Come Alive" Visit Website
Wed, Jun 23rd, 2010 - Fri, Jun 25th, 2010

Contact: The Center for Ecoliteracy

Tennessee

School Nutrition National Conference Visit Website
Sat, Jul 10th, 2010 - Tue, Jul 13th, 2010
Turn today's challenges into BIG opportunities at the 2010 Annual National Conference (ANC), where you will connect with more than 3,600 key decision-makers in the multi-billion-dollar school nutrition market. These individuals represent a broad cross-section of the professionals who work in school districts nationwide, and they have the power to authorize, recommend and influence the purchase of your products and services.
Contact: N/A, N/A