If you would like to list an event in the Food and Society Update, please contact Cari Beth Head at cbhead@headwatersgroup.com.

Tennessee Organic Growers' Association 3rd Annual Conference
Sponsored by the Tennessee Organic Growers' Association
Nashville (TN), March 3

The keynote speaker will be Eliot Coleman, an expert organic grower, author, and advocate for organic and sustainable farming practices. He is sure to bring plenty of practical advice to share with attendees through his presentation "Making a Success of Organic Farming." In addition to Mr. Coleman's keynote address, participants can choose from a diverse lineup of workshops, including presentations on organic certification, marketing, food security, and more. A local, organic lunch and exhibition hall will provide opportunities for networking and enjoying the bounty of Tennessee 's organic and sustainable farms.
From the Tennessee Organic Growers' Association Web site
For more information visit: http://www.tnorganics.org

Michigan Organic Conference: Saving and Sowing the Seeds of Organic
Sponsored by the Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance
East Lansing (MI), March 3

This is an annual conference that offers educational sessions and discussions by and for farmers, researchers and marketers. The conference also offers a trade show. Michigan Organic Food and Farming Alliance is a member organization dedicated to promoting local and organic food and production and offering education on farming, environment and healthy foods. This year the conference offers three educational tracks: Organic Production, Consumer Education, and Marketing. This conference will offer information, inspiration, and networking opportunities for organic and transitioning farmers, farmers considering organic production, and consumers interested in understanding organic food.
From the Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance Web site
For more information visit: http://www.moffa.org/page/page/4069041.htm

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association Conference
Sponsored by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
Granville (OH), March 3-4

"Landscapes of Well-Being: Renewing People, Place, and Spirit" is the theme for this conference that offers keynote speakers Sally Fallon and Mark Shepard, over 40 individual workshops focused on growing and eating sustainably produced food, a kids' conference, and networking opportunities.
From the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association Web site
For more information visit: http://www.oeffa.org/conference2007.php

California Farm Conference
Monterey (CA), March 4-6

The California Farm Conference is the state's premier gathering of small farmers and those who support them. The three day educational conference includes on-farm tours, focused workshops, general educational sessions and opportunities for peer networking.
From the California Farm Conference Web site
For more information visit: http://www.californiafarmconference.com/joomla/

Georgia Organics 10th Anniversary Conference
Sponsored by Georgia Organics
Douglas (GA), March 8-10

This year's three-day conference will feature keynote speaker Joel Salatin, one of the nations most renowned and legendary sustainable farmers, and includes more than 25 cutting edge workshops, in-depth educational sessions, farm tours, an on-farm field day and the ever popular Organic Banquet, featuring local and organic foods and the culinary talents of Georgia chefs.
From the Georgia Organics Web site
For more information visit: http://www.georgiaorganics.org/events/

Fourteenth Annual Organic Growers Spring School
Sponsored by the Organic Growers School
Flat Rock (NC), March 10

The Organic Growers School seeks to provide down-to-earth and affordable information on all aspects of sustainable living, from raising healthy food with environmentally friendly methods, to using renewable energy, cooking wholesome meals, and creating native landscaping. Network with fellow producers and enjoy over 70 exciting classes, hands-on workshops, a children's program, a seed exchange, and a trade show with informational and educational booths. The classes cover a range of topics, from beginning gardening, medicinal herbs, and permaculture, to pest management, livestock production, and marketing.
From the Organic Growers School Web site
For more information visit: http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/

From Cafeterias to Capitol Hill: Growing Healthy Kids, Farms and Communities
Sponsored by the Community Food Security Coalition
Baltimore (MD), March 16-19

Join hundreds of farm to cafeteria and food policy enthusiasts to share experiences, and get the latest, up-to-date info on institutional purchasing on both the organizing and policy perspectives. A major focus of the conference will be issues related to the Farm Bill, including farm to cafeteria and beyond. On Monday, attendees will have the opportunity to visit with their elected representatives on Capitol Hill.
From the Community Food Security Coalition Web site
For more information visit: http://www.foodsecurity.org/F2C_Food_Policy_Conf.html

SPIN Cities: Farming Where We Live
Sponsored by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
East Troy (WI), March 22-24

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute hosts this workshop taught by veteran urban farmer Wally Satzewich, who developed the SPIN-Farming method after he realized the income from his large acreage in the country could be exceeded by growing intensively in small plots in the city. S-mall P-lot IN-tensive Farming is organic-based and makes it possible to generate $50,000 in gross sales from a half-acre by growing common vegetables. After the SPIN workshop, a follow-up session at Growing Power in Milwaukee will feature demonstrations on vermiculture, aquaculture, and season extension.
From the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute Web site
For more information visit: http://www.michaelfieldsaginst.org/news/events.html

Creating the Farm of Your Dreams
Sponsored by Holistic Management International
Van Horn (TX), March 23-24

You will learn: How to invest in fencing, water, corrals, and other infrastructure so it pays for itself, how to improve your land management through strategic planning, and ways to develop your land with future generations in mind.
From the Holistic Management International Web site
For more information visit: http://www.holisticmanagement.org/new_site_05/Info/IR7_calendar.html

Southwest Marketing Network Conference
Sponsored by the Southwest Marketing Network
Flagstaff (AZ), March 26-28

The Southwest Marketing Network, which focuses on expanding markets for small and minority agricultural producers in the Four Corners region, holds its fifth annual conference.
From the Southwest Marketing Network Web site
For more information visit: http://www.swmarketingnetwork.org/calendar.htm

Agriculture at the Metropolitan Edge: New Ruralism and Other Strategies for Sustainable Development
Sponsored by the Center for Global Metropolitan Studies and the Agriculture at the Metropolitan Edge program at the University of California at Berkeley
Berkeley (CA), April 5-6

The New Ruralism Symposium, a project of the Agriculture at the Metropolitan Edge Program (AME), will bring together researchers, practitioners, producers and policy makers involved in bridging sustainable agriculture and smart growth. The symposium will explore systems- and placed-based issues affecting the urban-rural interface.
From the University of California, Berkeley Web Site
For more information visit: http://metrostudies.berkeley.edu/agmetroedge/events/symposium2007

Agriculture in the City Conference
Sponsored by The Food Project
Boston (MA), April 13-14

Community gardens, urban farms, rooftop gardens, and other food lots in cities have become an innovative way to address food insecurity, environmental issues, and a host of other public problems that urban residents face. The emerging importance of urban agriculture as a solution to many public problems is the focus of the 2007 Urban Agriculture in the City Conference entitled, “Urban Agriculture: Changing the Way We Think about Food, Hunger, and Health.” The conference will highlight research, policies, and programs from the grassroots and up that are utilizing urban agriculture to address problems that relate to the health of producers, consumers, land, and community.
From The Food Project Web site
For more information visit: http://www.thefoodproject.org/