Connecticut’s Largest Sustainable Food and Agriculture Conference on March 2

David Zemelsky of Starlight Gardens will teach
Winter Growing: Have a Winter Salad at the Conference

All are welcome to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut’s annual celebration of local food and organic farms, the Winter Conference on March 2.  Now in its 31^st year, the 2013 Winter Conference will feature more workshops and vendors than ever before and has moved to a new venue, Wilton High School. 

The 2013 Winter Conference’s theme is adjusting to climate change on the farm, in the garden, and at home.  With rising temperatures and increasing food prices, now is the time to talk about climate change. To discuss climate resilient farming and land management, the keynote speaker is David W. Wolfe Ph.D., the Faculty Fellow and Chair of the Climate Change Focus Group, Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future and Professor of Plant and Soil Ecology, Department of Horticulture at Cornell University.

The 2013 Winter Conference will feature over 50 workshops for homeowners, farmers, cooks, students, environmentalists and activists.  Beginners can learn the basics of how to start a garden or keep backyard chickens while the experts can attend technical workshops about growing fruit trees and soil biology. Connecticut’s experienced organic farmers will instruct on growing a variety of crops from grain to garlic. Food lovers can explore adventurous foods (like wild edible plants and mushrooms), healthy foods (with workshops about GMO-free purchasing and intestinal health) and new recipes.  Refer to the complete list of workshops at www.ctnofa.org to check if any of the 2013 workshops can teach you something to improve your health, garden, or ecological footprint!

Visit with any of 60 vendors and exhibitors who will be distributing information and selling delicious local foods, Connecticut crafts and garden tools.  Learn about purchasing shares of food from farms with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs at the CSA Fair.  Attendees may also bid on goodies donated by our vendors at the silent auction and help support CT NOFA’s work in 2013.

Young children can stay with a guardian in the Family Play Area where they can relax, read or enjoy music, story time, and children’s workshops.  Everyone will enjoy a lunch provided by seven of Fairfield County’s favorite restaurants including: Schoolhouse at Cannondale in Wilton; Barcelona in South Norwalk; Terrain Garden Café, Dressing Room and LeFarm in Westport; and Sugar & Olives and Wave Hill Bread in Norwalk. 

The 2013 Winter Conference is on March 2 at Wilton High School at 395 Danbury Road in Wilton.  Registration fees range from $30-$60 with an additional $15 fee for lunch.  To register, please visit www.ctnofa.org or call the CT NOFA office at 203-888-5146.  For information on being a vendor, exhibitor or sponsor, please visit the website, e-mail ctnofa@ctnofa.org or call the office.