Sustainable agriculture conference slated for March 14-15
March 7, 2012
907-474-5406
3/7/12
The Sustainable Agriculture Conference March 14-15 in Fairbanks will cover a variety of topics, including funding opportunities, farmers markets and large black hogs.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service will host the eighth-annual conference at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.
Two preconference workshops will kick off the event March 13. John Collins of Alaska Farmland Trust will present a business-planning workshop for individuals interested in starting a farm. A mushroom workshop, led by Glenn Coville of Craftsbury, Vt., will include a short presentation on his organic mushroom operation, followed by a hands-on segment on cultivating mushrooms in straw.
Conference topics will include Alaska’s only flour company, the history of plant varieties developed in Alaska, pasture management, innovative farm contraptions, a peony growers update, beekeeping, growing grass on gravel runways and more. Local food efforts will be addressed with presentations from farmers markets, schools and universities, and a panel with restaurateurs and farmers.
The Alaska Community Agriculture Association will host its annual meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. March 14, following conference activities. This group of Alaska farmers, gardeners and community members promotes sustainable local food systems.
Preconference workshops are $35 and registration for the conference is $55 per day or $75 for both days. Preregistration is requested for planning purposes. See a full conference schedule, register online or download a registration form at www.uaf.edu/ces. For more information, contact Tanana District program assistant Taylor Maida at 907-474-2422.
ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/ces/ah/sare/conference
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