Mission

The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota supports the development and enhancement of sustainable farming systems through innovation, demonstration, education, and farmer-to-farmer networking.

SFA’s 19th Annual Conference
Sustainable Farming 2020: What does it look like?  How do we get there?

Saturday, February 20, 2010
St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
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At the close of the first decade of the 21st century, many people are looking back at the decade that was. The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota (SFA) is looking forward to living, working, learning, building, eating and farming in the decade to come and beyond. There are many challenges that sustainable farming will face; however, there are many opportunities as well. No one can predict the future, but you can farm and live with an eye towards sustainability and work towards more resilient farming systems.

At SFA’s 19th Annual Conference on Saturday, February 20 at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, the day will revolve around: “Sustainable Farming 2020: What Does it look like? How do we get there?” The conference will also feature a variety of breakout sessions, speakers and exhibits on the future of sustainable farming in the face of climate change and rising input costs, practical skills sessions, sessions on local foods and youth, and the debut of the sustainable farming movie, “Farm Forward.”

“Farming 2020: A Sustainable Vision”
Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie will be the keynote speaker at our 2010 conference. In the 1980s, Ritchie worked for Governor Rudy Perpich in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, addressing the economic crisis threatening family farmers and rural communities. From 1988 to 2006, he served as president of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. Ritchie will speak on the subject of “Farming 2020: A Sustainable Vision.”