Organic Seed Growers Conference in Washington State

Tweet

Registration Now Open for 2012 Organic Seed Growers Conference in Washington State

Nation’s Largest Organic Seed Conference to Take Place in Port Townsend, WA

WHAT: Organic Seed Alliance’s Sixth Organic Seed Growers Conference features presentations, panel discussions, networking events, and entertainment around the theme: Strengthening Community Seed Systems.

How we steward our seed determines the quality and integrity of our food. Developing organic seed systems is therefore paramount to the ongoing growth and success of organic agriculture. Gather with others in the organic community for the nation’s largest conference focused solely on organic seed to learn from experts in the fields of organic plant breeding, organic seed production, marketing and distribution, and policy. The agenda suits a range of experience levels and interests.

Two nationally recognized authorities serve as 2012 conference keynotes: Dr. William F. Tracy is the interim dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Dr. Tracy leads one of the few remaining public sector sweet corn breeding programs in the U.S., and is active in organic plant breeding projects; Dr. Eric Holt-Giménez is the executive director of Food First/Institute for Food and Development Policy, an organization working to end the injustices that cause hunger, poverty and environmental degradation throughout the world. Dr. Holt-Giménez’s work on the global food crisis, the Farm Bill, fair trade, and food justice are widely recognized.

WHEN: The conference begins with a one-day tour on January 19, 2012, showcasing organic seed projects and the burgeoning organic seed industry in Washington’s Skagit Valley (co-sponsored by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange). The two-day conference is January 20 – 21, 2012. Separate registration is required for the tour and conference.

WHERE: Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center in Port Townsend, WA, is a wonderful gathering place that offers historic buildings on the water with stunning views. The facility offers reasonable rates for participant lodging and delicious organic food featuring the Northwest’s best. There will also be live music.

CONTACT: To register and for more information, visit www.seedalliance.org. For media inquiries, contact Kristina Hubbard at kristina@seedalliance.org or 406-493-6965