Connecticut NOFA Winter Farming Conference

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Winter Farming Conference: The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA) is pleased to invite the public to its 34^th Annual Winter Conference on March 12 and 13 at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) in Danbury.

Guests at the Winter Farming Conference will discover new ways to strengthen Connecticut’s local food system and help combat climate change using practices rooted in organic farming and land care. Keynote  speaker Travis Marcotte,Executive Director of the Intervale Center in Vermont, will inspire and energize guests about building community food systems as the conference kicks off.

Saturday programming features more than 60 workshops taught by industry experts about organic gardening, land care, homesteading, farming and do-it-yourself foods including kombucha, ginger beer, wine, and fermented vegetables.  Gardeners will learn how to graft fruit trees, grow roses organically, and cultivate mushrooms while land care professionals further their expertise in soil biology, creating landscape designs for feathery friends, and using beneficial insects for pest management.

Jack Kittredge, longtime NOFA Massachusetts leader and author of The Natural Farmer newspaper, will lead a soil carbon restoration workshop designed to teach farmers techniques for returning carbon to the soil and restoring soil health. Farmers can explore climate change adaptation strategies with Kip Kolesinskas, Conservation Scientist at American Farmland Trust, and learn a practical approach to cover crops with Dr. Elizabeth Dyck, a plant scientist and founder of the Organic Growers’ Research and Information-Sharing Network (OGRIN).

“We are very excited to present two days of outstanding programming for our diverse and growing membership and community of supporters” says CT NOFA Executive Director Jeff Cordulack “and look forward to sharing inspiring news about the power of regenerative ‘carbon farming’ to absorb carbon from the air and help reverse climate change. Our organic mission has never been more relevant than it is today.”

Guests may purchase lunch tickets for $15 and enjoy their choice of delicious and locally-sourced dishes prepared by generous lunch sponsors including Barcelona, The Whelk, Kawa Ni, Sugar & Olives, Mill Street Bar & Table, Wave Hill Breads, New Morning Market, Plan B and Sodexo. A complimentary tasting of locally-roasted, organic coffee is being sponsored by Shearwater Coffee Roasters and at lunchtime, organic teas are being sponsored by local tea producer Harney and Sons.

Saturday admission includes access to workshops and more than 60 organic food and farm exhibitors. Sunday features a choice of intensive workshops for farmers and serious backyard gardeners, including programs for beginning farmers who want to improve their crop planning and business skills.

Register online at ctnofa.org for CT NOFA’s 34^th Annual Winter Farming Conference for the organic food and farming community held on Saturday, March 12 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday, March 13 from 9:00-3:30 pm at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. Saturday admission is $60 for non-members and $50 for members; Sunday admission is $50 for non-members and $35 for members; combined Saturday and Sunday admission is $110 for non-members and $85 for members.