FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : February 2007

Northeast Organic Farming Association to hold 33rd Annual Summer Conference

August 10-12, 2007, Amherst, MA; Bill McKibben and Hazel Henderson to deliver Keynotes

The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) is proud to announce its 33rd annual Summer Conference to be held August 10-12, 2007 at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. The Summer Conference is not just for farmers. With over 150 workshops, everyone can find something to choose from in the fields of sustainability, nutrition, spirituality, homesteading, agriculture, and food politics and activism, among others.

A sustainable future based on the strength of local economies will be the major focus of this year’s Summer Conference. Presenters from all over the Northeast will offer their strength of information and experience for all to deepen their knowledge in topics ranging from beginning and advanced organic farming and gardening, herbology, animal husbandry, organic land care, natural building, alternative energies, and growing locally.

At the same time as the adult workshops, there will be a separate Children’s Conference and Teen Conference with fun, imaginative workshops for young ones aged 2-17. This year's conference-goers can also look forward to cherished NOFA traditions such as the family contradance and the Old-time Country Fair with a parade, live music, farmers' and crafters' market, games, contests and prizes. There is also the much-anticipated Local Meal, which is prepared entirely with locally grown and produced organic foods.

Environmentalist and best-selling author, Bill McKibben will be the keynote speaker on Friday evening, August 10th. McKibben is the author of over 10 books on the environment and other topics. His first publication, “The End of Nature” has been translated into 20 languages and is a classic work addressing global warming. McKibben continues to raise alarm about the effects of climate change by publishing in Harper’s and The N.Y. Times Book Review, organizing a national day of climate action on April 14, 2007, and public speaking. He promises to offer inspiring words and uplifting thoughts.

Hazel Henderson will keynote the conference on Saturday evening. A first in NOFA Summer Conference history, she will be “appearing” via satellite transmission and participants will have the unique opportunity to ask questions through this manner. This is due to her belief in not wasting fuel via airline transportation. She is a world renowned futurist, evolutionary economist, a worldwide syndicated columnist, consultant on sustainable development, and author of Beyond Globalization: Shaping a Sustainable Global Economy, and eight other books.

Dorm rooms, camping and wholesome organic meals with vegetarian and meat options are available at reasonable rates. Registration material will be available in late April 2007. For more information, visit www.nofamass.org or call Julie Rawson at (978) 355-2853 or e-mail julie@nofamass.org.

NOFA is a non-profit organization of nearly 4,000 farmers, gardeners 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 encompasses Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

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