|
Untitled document
Untitled document
EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
OSA staff to present at The Organic Farming Conference sponsored by MOSES in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Feb 25-27.
Update and Discussion from the State of Organic Seed Symposium
Friday, February 26th, Workshop Session I - 8:30am
Join members of the Organic Seed Working Group Kristina Hubbard, Theresa Podoll, Michael Sligh, and Matthew Dillon for a review of the key findings from the February 25th Organic Seed Symposium, as well as discussion on improving organic seed access and quality, and the effort to protect organic seed from GE contamination.
Crop Improvement & Variety Development: Accessible Breeding Techniques for Farmers
Friday, February 26th, Workshop Session II - 2:00pm
This workshop offers a practical, hands-on explanation of plant breeding methods to achieve real, lasting improvements for some of our most important vegetable crops. John Navazio, with the Organic Seed Alliance and Washington State University, and Seeds of Change's Joel Reiten and Steve Peters will discuss the fundamentals of a successful approach to plant breeding.
Organic Seed Production Basics
Friday, February 26th, Workshop Session III - 4:00pm
Covering the basic skills necessary to grow and save seed, Organic Seed Alliance and Washington State University's John Navazio, Organic Seed Alliance Director of Research and Education Micaela Colley, and Seven Seeds Farm's Don Tipping will look at the practical considerations for organic seed production, including field planning, isolation, selection, and harvesting and cleaning techniques.
OFC Seed Swap - hosted by Organic Seed Alliance
Friday evening, February 26th, 5:00-8:00pm - First time at OFC!
Saving, sharing, and trading seeds is a fundamental farmers right which marks the birth of agriculture. Today it represents a powerful act of ensuring open access to genetic resources, preserving and increasing biodiversity, and acquiring varieties adapted to your bioregion. Come to the seed swap where you can exercise your rights while celebrating with a cold beer, popcorn (a seed) and good company. Bring your seeds to share if you’ve got them, but no seed or seed experience is required to join in the seed swap. Some envelopes will be provided, but extra bags and envelopes are encouraged. Next spring sow your garden or farm with seeds from the Organic Farming Conference community. Seed saving information and experts will be available onsite to field your seedy questions.
Dance to the PHEROMONES
Friday, 8:00pm-11:00pm
Come on! Stir it up - cut loose and get your compost cooking. Digging deep in the gut bucket rock, jump blues and rock-a-billy crop rotation, the Pheromones (John Navazio, lead singer and rhythm guitar; Glen Borgerding, bass and vocals; Martin Diffley, lead guitar and vocals; David Edminster, saxophone; Gene Mealhow, drums; Meg Moynihan, percussion and vocals) will have you dancing like sweet summer's sweat. Their rural rhythms are a visceral experience sure to get your knees a knockin' and your toes a rockin'. And don't forget, they'll play a few waltzes, polkas and country 2-steps too! Of course, all ingredients are certified organic performed by organic farmers!
Apply Now to be a Participant in the State of Organic Seed Symposium
Date: February 25, 2010
Time: 830am-530pm
Place: Radisson Hotel; LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Cost: $50 general registration. $25 for farmers and NGOs (includes lunch)
General Information:
Organic Seed Alliance in partnership with MOSES, National Organic Coalition, and OFRF will be hosting a one day working State of Organic Seed Symposium at the 2010 Organic Farming Conference on the day of the “Organic University” sessions.
There are currently many regional and national initiatives, organizations, committees, and individuals working on organic seed issues. Organic Seed Alliance has convened an Organic Seed Working Group made up of representatives from these diverse stakeholders. The group is drafting a State of Organic Seed Report in order to assess accomplishments, challenges, risks, and opportunities for action in organic seed system development. The Symposium will be an opportunity for the organic community to discuss and refine the Report, and prioritize an action plan.
The Symposium will be limited to 125 participants. We seek the following representation:
- organic farmers (30)
- organic trade - retailers/processors/distributors (25)
- private seed sector - breeders/seed producers/brokers (25)
- non-profits (20)
- university researchers (10)
- certifying agencies (10)
- other (5)
State of Organic Seed Symposium Information Page
To apply to participate please send an email to matthew@seedalliance.org with:
- Name
- Business/organization/farm name
- Address, email, and phone
- Which of the above sectors you believe you represent
|
