AUGUST 8-10, 2008, Amherst, MAKeynote speakers Arden Andersen and Mark McAfee
AMHERST, Mass, May 2nd 2008 " NOFA, the Northeast Organic Farming Association, is pleased to announce its 34th Annual Summer Conference. An enlightening weekend-long event, this year’s conference will be held at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.
The summer conference is not just for farmers. There is something for everyone who is interested in organic agriculture, food politics, sustainability, activism, nutrition, homesteading, spirituality, and much more. Engaging workshops and inspiring speakers make this a weekend that should not be missed.
Over 200 workshop presenters will share their knowledge and experience on a range of topics, from global warming to wine-making, honeybees to herbs, chickens to CSA’s, soil to spirituality, and much more. Running concurrently with the adult workshops are exciting ones for kids and teens with creative crafts, games and projects. Saturday’s schedule also includes a Grazing School organized by Mass Grass, a Massachusetts grazing group. The Grazing School features seven workshops and a pasture walk for both beginning and experienced graziers.
Our keynote speakers have much to share and promise to inspire and educate. Friday’s keynote will be delivered by Arden Andersen. Holistic medical practitioner, expert in human and agricultural nutrition, author, and educator, Dr. Andersen will share with us his extensive knowledge on the link between healthy agricultural practices and healthy people.
Saturday’s keynote speaker will be Mark McAfee, founder of the Organic Pastures Dairy Company in California. OPDC is the only retail approved raw organic dairy products producer in North America. A pioneer in raw organic milk production, safety and technology, Mark has been at the forefront of the movement to change the laws regarding raw milk.
Along with information and education, the conference also offers plenty of entertainment. Families from all over the Northeast come to the conference to enjoy a traditional contra-dance, a spicy zydeco dance band, drumming, special children’s programming, an old fashioned country fair, and local products from the farmers market.
Dorm rooms, camping and wholesome organic meals with vegetarian and meat options are available at reasonable rates.
Registration forms are now available. For more information, visit www.nofamass.org or call Julie Rawson at (978) 355-2853 or e-mail julie@nofamass.org. About NOFA
NOFA is a non-profit organization of approximately 5,000 farmers, gardeners, land care professionals and consumers working to educate members and the general public about the benefits of a local organic food system based on complete cycles, natural materials and minimal waste for the health of individual beings, communities and the living planet. NOFA has chapters in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. ###