The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) hosts its 23rd annual Organic Farming Conference, February
23-25, 2012, at the La Crosse Center in La
Crosse, WI. 
The annual Organic Farming Conference (OFC) is the nation’s
largest and foremost educational and networking event for the organic farming
community.
The farmer-centered OFC will feature more than 65
informative workshops, 160-plus exhibitors, nationally known keynote speakers,
and locally sourced food and live entertainment. MOSES expects attendance to be
about 3,000 farmers and agricultural professionals.
Held on Thursday, February 22 prior to the OFC, the Organic University will offer 10 full-day
courses on various organic agriculture topics for novices and experts alike.
“We’re really focused on farmer-to-farmer education and
networking at our conference,” notes Conference Co-Director Chris Blanchard.
Keynote Speakers
Two nationally recognized authorities are featured
presenters at the OFC.
On Friday, February 23, Margaret Krome, Policy Program
Director of the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, will present: “Growing
Food, Health and Democracy: How Farmers, Activists and Consumers are Finding
Our Power and Transforming the Food System.”
On Saturday, February 24, Heinz Award-winning filmmaker Curt
Ellis will present a rich multi-media presentation titled: “Growing Forward:
The New Faces of Food and Farming.” King Corn filmmaker Ellis is Co-Founder of
FoodCorps.
Organic Farmer of the Year
MOSES also will announce and feature the 2012 Organic Farmer
of the Year award recipient. The award is granted annually to an outstanding
organic farmer or farm family who are innovators; who excel in managing farm
resources; and who serve as educators and examples in their communities and to
the next generation of organic farmers.
Young Organic Stewards
Young people have always been at the heart of the OFC. The Young Organic Stewards program
recognizes, honors and supports the next generation of organic farmers through
targeted workshops and social activities.
Attendance Details
Cost to attend the conference is $195, which includes
breakfast, lunch, snacks, workshops, general sessions, admission to the exhibit
hall and evening entertainment. Supper is available at the conference for $15
for adults.
The fee for the in-depth Organic University
sessions on Thursday, February 22, is $170.
The deadline for OFC and Organic University
advance registration is Monday, February 13. Walk-ins will be accepted after
that for an added fee.
There are numerous events for children and teens throughout
the conference, including childcare as well as discounted meals and attendance
fees.
More information
To learn more, call MOSES at 715-778-5775 or go to our
website.
