Dec 1, 2020

41st EcoFarm Conference goes virtual in partnership with Sierra Harvest

For the last 40 years, ecologically minded farmers, ranchers and foodies alike have gathered in Pacific Grove, California, to network, learn and activate at the EcoFarm Conference.

In partnership with Sierra Harvest, this year’s EcoFarm Conference will be held live, online, Jan. 20-23, 2021. The move to a virtual format opens up this galvanizing event to a wider audience, with even more amazing speakers and a lower price tag.

While the conference won’t be on the coast as it usually is, the array of opportunities and diverse voices that come with the digital format is sure to inspire and empower.

With a focus on practical regenerative agriculture and a strong lens of equity, social justice, this year’s gathering is not one to miss!

A few of this year’s visionary keynote speakers include Rupa Marya, M.D., John Kempf and Reginaldo (Regi) Haslett Marroquin. Focusing on everything from ecology and climate change to regenerative strategies for soil health to sustainable poultry systems, even the most seasoned grower will find something new to learn in this year’s conference.

Friday’s Successful Organic Farmers keynote session features leading farms owned and run by people of color. Matthew and Althea Raiford, and Ben Burkett will share their stories and what they’ve learned along the way.

The final keynote will be given by renowned physician, activist, musician, and farmer’s wife – Dr. Rupa Marya. Dr Marya advocates deeply for creating a culture of care as the most effective way to manifest impactful change in population health.

The event starts with all-day Pre-conference intensives that will take place on January 19 and January 20 including Organic Pioneers and the Future of Real Organic, Regenerative Agricultural Systems: Equity and Inclusion Healing People and the Planet, Lessons from the Hemp Field: Navigating Opportunities and Risks of the New Market, White Out: Retelling the Story of Our Identities and Our Role for Racial Justice.

Too cold outside to think about bundling up to go on a farm tour? EcoFarm has you covered. Pre-conference events will culminate with Friday’s virtual Nevada County Farm Tour focused on Ecological Agriculture on Small Farms of the Sierra Foothills and Live Q&A with Farmers.

Stone’s Throw Farm will discuss soil occultation, For the People Seeds will teach about seed production cleaning and saving, and Super Tuber Farm will share skill around bed preparation and weed management.

“Through a grant from CAFF and my own interest, I’ve been experimenting with various weed management techniques for years now and have finally settled on something that is working well for us! I love that EcoFarm and Sierra Harvest are allowing me to share my strategies with other farms. If I can help share what I’ve learned with any other farmer, I’m happy to do so. I love the collaborative spirit of this conference, and I’m honored to be involved,“ said Jeremy Mineau of Super Tuber Farm.

A few of the workshops sponsored by Sierra Harvest (and taught by local experts) include: “Contract Grazing in the Time of Fire” with Dan Macon, Marie Hoff and Andree Soares plus “Native and Land Management on Organic Farms” with Grayson Coney and Maya Harjo.

Sierra Harvest Farm Institute Director Molly Nakahara said, “Collaborating with EcoFarm is a big win for our local farmers! It enables Sierra Harvest to deliver cutting edge ag research, the wisdom of successful farmers from across the nation, and important conversations on the role of farming in reversing climate change right into the homes of our local farmers, ranchers, homesteaders and local food lovers.”

In addition to world-class keynotes, the conference will be offering 50+ workshops, networking opportunities, and a virtual Expo.

Scholarships are available for new and beginning farmers who seek to attend EcoFarm Conference at a reduced cost.

Tickets to the conference are available now, and prices will go up December 15^th. Help 2021 get off to a new start by joining EcoFarm and Sierra Harvest for a conference filled with visionary leaders and practical skills to elevate our farms, gardens and consciousness.

To learn more about EcoFarm Conference and to register, visit www.eco-farm.org/conference.

Photo at top: Making seed balls to regenerate the land after fire devastation.