Mark your calendars for the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota Youth Day on Friday, February 1, 2008 and the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota’s 17th Annual Conference on Saturday February 2, 2008. Both are being held Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN.
Local Foods: The Next Step
SFA’s 17th Annual Conference
By Anne Borgendale
Locally produced foods are the focus and livelihood of many of SFA’s farmer members -- whether they direct market meats, make and sell artisan cheeses, run a CSA, sell vegetables at the farmers market or any of the other ways of raising and marketing foods locally. SFA and local foods go hand in hand. Fortunately, local foods have more than caught on as the best and tastiest choice. Local foods are healthy for people, the environment and the local economy.
At the Sustainable Farmers Association of Minnesota’s 17th Annual Conference on Saturday, February 2nd at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, “Local Foods: The Next Step” will be viewed from three angles: Production – “Who grows it and how?” Processing, distribution and enhancement – “How do we get it?” and Consumer issues – “What do we do with it?” Farmers, grocers, processors, brokers, cooks, nonprofit leaders, and many other ‘experts’ will discuss their research, lessons learned, current best practices, and goals for the future—for themselves and for local foods.
Conference Location
Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN will host SFA’s 2008 annual conference. Gustavus is a liberal arts college in south central Minnesota, about 75-miles southwest of the Twin Cities, Jackson Campus Center -- a spacious, modern facility, will accommodate our sessions nicely. Jackson Center is also home to the campus’ in-house food service, where delicious meals with organic and locally produced ingredients are served regularly, and meal plans are organized to reduce food waste. Sustainability is a top priority on campus.
Sustainers Coalition Plenary Session
A plenary session featuring the Sustainers Coalition will kick off the conference. We are fortunate to have many organizations in Minnesota concerned with sustainable farms, nutritious food and a healthy environment. The Sustainers Coalition is a group of five nonprofit organizations that have worked together to form and foster the Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Minnesota. Beth Waterhouse will share a brief history of the Sustainer’s Coalition, followed by panelists Rebecca Bauman, Minnesota Project: George Boody, Land Stewardship Project; Mary Jo Forbord, Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota; Jim Harkness, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy; and Glen Hill, Minnesota Food Association. Hal Schroer, an independent business consultant, will moderate a discussion on how each organization is involved in local foods, what is the next step, and what we might do together.
Wine, Cheese and Local Foods Everyday and/or Chef Somebody
The conference will close with “Local Foods: A Taste of the Future” anda reception featuring Minnesota wines and an array of artisan and local cheeses. Savor these well-crafted foods while reflecting on the day and talking with old and new friends.
Youth Sustainability Confabulation
Confab-u-what? You might be scratching your head about this word. A “confabulation” or “confab” is an informal talk, a discussion, a chat. SFA invites young adults less than 35 years old to gather at Gustavus Adolphus College the day before SFA’s annual conference to connect and discuss a wide range of sustainability issues. This informal, yet guided discussion will also include video clips, music and tapas. Please see the related link.
The Youth Sustainability Confab Celebration
SFA members, guests and anyone who RSVPs are invited to a “Sustaining Celebration” on the eve of the conference. Starting at 5:00 p.m. join the young adults from the Youth Sustainability Confab (YSC) in a “Minnesota tapas” style supper and conversation. A panel discussion by the YSC participants with plenty of time allotted for questions. Get ready for reminiscing, reconnecting, music and general merriment as the night rolls on. Just remember you need to be up bright and early the next day for the main event.
Sustainable Farming Association Awards
SFA will present its annual Sustainable Farmer Emeritus and Distinguished Service Awards at the conference. Have you nominated your favorite farmer or person dedicated to the advancement of sustainable farming? You still can by visiting www.sfa-mn.org/discussion, look for the “SFA Awards” category. You can also email your nomination to Joel Rosen (PLFarm@aol.com) or mail in your nomination form by Friday, January 18, 2008.
Exhibits
The array of exhibits is likely to catch your attention between thought-provoking sessions and delicious food. Are you a farmer or organization that would like to exhibit? Contact Anne at communications@sfa-mn.org or (320) 226-6318 for more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Do you like what SFA is doing? Would you like to be a catalyst for our work? Become a sponsor – please use the sponsorship link or call Mary Jo Forbord (320) 760-8732 for more information!
We’ll see you all – farmers, processors, distributors, students, cooks, restaurateurs, consumers and eaters – at Gustavus Adolphus College on Saturday, February 2nd!
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