Events

The first ever Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference, held in August, 2009, was an incredible success, building expectations for a repeat this summer. For agenda and registration information, please click on the link on the following page. http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/

August 19, 2010 - Birmingham, AL
Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner
Honoring award-winning author, Alice Walker.

August 20-21, 2010 - Epes, AL
Federation Annual Meeting

On Friday, August 20th from 8:00AM - 4:00PM, a series of activities to include exhibits; cooperative, agroforestry, and conservation workshops and Agtours. Guest speakers will include Ms. LeAnn Oliver, Deputy Administrator, USDA Cooperative Programs; Mr. Dave White, Chief, NRCS; Mr. Tom Tidwell, Chief, USDA Forest Service; and Mr. Johnathan Coppess, Administrator, Farm Service Agency.

On Saturday, August 21 we will begin with a Prayer Breakfast at 8:00AM and a sumptuous home cooked southern meal. Following the prayer breakfast we will hold the Federation's business meeting along with state caucuses

For more information: (404) 765-0991 or http://federation.coop/

Are you getting the most out of your high tunnels? This short webinar will focus on the use of low-cost inner tunnels in cool weather to increase microclimate temperatures. These microclimate enhancements have provided significant increases in plant growth and production capacity. There will be a significant portion of time for high tunnel questions. Please register online at https://justgrow.wufoo.com/forms/webinar-registration-high-tunnel-enhancement/.

WHAT: An exciting gathering of activists, farmers & ranchers, consumers, and nonprofits who care about the state of our food and food choices. Come learn about the latest developments in agriculture and food, and get the tools you need to help make a difference!

TOPICS and SPEAKERS

* Keynote, Jim Hightower
* Genetically Modified Foods, Howard Vlieger, FARFA
* Codex: What's happening with supplements? Scott Tipps, National Health Federation
* Update from D.C., Patty Lovera, Food & Water Watch
* Food Policy Councils, Marla Camp, Edible Austin
* How to Develop an Effective Message, Colin Rowan, Rowan Communications
* National Animal ID System: What Has Changed? Judith McGeary, FARFA
* How to Lobby
* Getting Food From Farm to Table: Distribution Issues
* Land and Water Use Issues

For more information, visit http://farmandranchfreedom.org/conference-2010

And more! The full list will be posted on the conference page soon.

Wildscape Acres in Fannin County, Texas, will be the site of an intensive, hands-on course in permaculture design scheduled from Sept. 25 - Oct. 9, 2010. The course will be taught by Patricia Allison* — who has been teaching the course since 1994 — along with Dylan Ryals-Hamilton, Mateo Ryall, and guests.

The 72-hour curriculum fulfills the required elements for Permaculture Design Certification, those being: Ethics, Principles, Pattern Understanding, Design Processes, Ecosystems, Soil, Site Analysis, Trees & Forests, Agroforestry, Water, Wastewater Treatment, Microclimates, Ecosystems, Gardens, Orchards, Natural/Green Building, Appropriate Technology, Animals, Aquaculture, The Home System, Mapping, Economics, Urban Permaculture, Ecovillages, Ecovillage Design, Erosion Control, Earthworks, Design for Human Dynamics, Budgeting & Costs, and Cultural Sustainability:

Course details are at http://wildscapeacres.homestead.com/Permaculture.html

http://www.foodsecurity.org