Our Living Soils: 2nd Annual EFAO Conference, Dec. 3-5
Posted: November 4, 2015
Categories: Events / GoodFoodBites / News from Sustain Members
Following the success of last year’s conference in Orillia, the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) is hosting their second annual Ecological Farmers of Ontario Conference, taking place December 3rd to 5th, 2015 in London at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
Credit: EFAO Facebook.
The conference is presented in partnership with FarmStart, the Local Organic Food Co-ops Network, Everdale and The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security. The theme of this year’s conference, Our Living Soils, supports the United Nations’ designation that 2015 is the International Year of Soils. It also celebrates soil as the foundation of ecological farming practices, and a truly sustainable food system.
Expect over 300 ecological growers from across the province, and an incredible list of presenters, including a soil focused keynote address by local producer and ecological farm leader Ken Laing of Orchard Hill Farm.
Ken Laing is also leading a series of workshops alongside Chris Blanchard (Purple Pitchfork) in Sudbury on November 20th as part of the Bring Food Home conference’s farmer training day, brought to you by FarmStart and EFAO. Register now! EFAO Members can get a $25 rebate for the full-day of training.
Our Living Soils will offer over 30 intermediate and advanced level workshops on livestock and vegetable production, field crops, soil health, business, and more. The conference will highlight both local knowledge and expertise from farther afield including Gary Zimmer, farmer and internationally renowned author on biological farming; Steve Bogash, horticulture extension educator at Penn State; Heather Darby, farmer and soil health and grain researcher at the University of Vermont; and John Slack, Ontario farmer, agronomist and geologist.
The conference also provides a fantastic social gathering and many networking opportunities, including two pre-conference farm tours (Thursday afternoon), a two-day Trade Show (Friday and Saturday), and a Banquet Dinner and Member Recognition Ceremony (Friday evening.)
“Last year’s conference delivered on what it promised: an inspiring and educational ecological growers’ conference right here in Ontario. I walked away with new ideas, new friends, and new perspectives on ecological agriculture. Can’t wait to be inspired again!” says Angie Koch of Fertile Ground CSA, EFAO Board member.
For information about the conference visit conference.efao.ca or contact conference@efao.ca.