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View from the Pasture: Building Good Food Community Takes Us All
Georgia Organics
Board of Directors
NEWS
Feb. 19 – 20, 2010 Friday – Saturday • The Classic Center, Athens, Georgia
2010 Highlights
Reclaiming Agriculture :
Celebrating the Culture of Farming and Food
The city of Athens has consistently given Georgia some of Chef Hugh Acheson
the state’s most important art, music, literature, and academic (pictured), of Five & Ten
vigor. It’s also the epicenter of Georgia’s agricultural wisdom, and The National restaurants
thanks to the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and winner of the 2009 James
and Environmental Sciences, the oldest ag school in the na- Beard Award, is leading a
tion, founded in 1887. Before there were tractors, there were dream team of Southern chefs
agriculture studies and classes at the University of Georgia. for the famed Farmer's Feast,
the climactic and organic
dinner party of the conference
In February, Athens is opening its arms to that honors the hardworking
the entire Georgia Organics family for the growers who put healthy and
delicious food on our tables.
13th Annual Conference and Expo, one of the Plus, at the Farmers Feast,
southeast’s largest – and most affordable – the winners of the Georgia
Organics Land Stewardship
events focused on local, sustainable foods and Barbara Petit Pollinator
and farms. awards will be announced.
For the first time in conference history, the exhibitors’ Expo And of course there’s Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini, the
area will be open to the public. There’s just way too much international face of joyful eating and agricultural insight.
amazing educational opportunities to keep all to ourselves. Petrini proved one person can change the world when
his convictions to protect his native Italian culture from
In the spirit of Reclaiming Agriculture, film, music, and food homogenization launched the worldwide Slow Food, which
events are being planned by local Athenians in conjunction is spreading the Good, Clean and Fair Food movement
with the conference. Look for details on our website. across the globe.
11 Farms
2 Research Stations
70 Exhibitors
9 In-depth Workshops
9 Tracks, Including 1 Just For Children
36 Education Sessions
5 Gardens
2 Restaurants 3 Mules
4 Local Sustainable Meals
2 Book Signings
1 Farmers Feast
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Composting Mushrooms
Soil health Herbs
Organic Certification
Cheese Making Seed Saving
PestsWeed Control Anthony-Masterson Photography
1. Growing the Family Farm Hartell will present background on the scientific methods employed
Two family farms offer a glimpse of working sustainability through at the UGA ag research site, as well as useful information on soil
innovated and diverse agricultural practices. health and water quality. Participants will also visit the USDA J.
Phil Campbell, Sr., Natural Resource Conservation Center in Wat-
kinsville, and the nearby University of Georgia Horticulture Farm,
home of UGA's new organic farm.
4. Maximum Yield
Woodland Gardens is a certified organic market garden, intensively
growing a great variety of vegetables, micro-greens, herbs, fruit, and
flowers on six acres. The farmers there produce food year round, us-
ing unheated and heated greenhouses to help extend seasons during
the colder months. Each week they sell direct to consumers at the
Morningside Farmers Market in Atlanta, and through a subscrip-
tion box program in Athens, as well as selling to restaurants.
Just down the road, the tour stops at the Roots Farm, a diverse two-
Alice & Tim Mills are crafty folks; they have transformed less than
an acre and a mule into a handsome business. Tim uses his mule
Luke to turn the mill that grinds organic corn into cornmeal and
grits, sold under their “Red Mule” label. Next, we'll head to Ath-
ens restaurant Farm 255 and get an introduction to the innerwork-
ings and logistics of connecting a restaurant and local growers, and
taste those spectacular organic grits. The tour will conclude with a
short walk to The National, a casual neighborhood gathering spot,
which also supports local farms, and enjoy another taste of Red Mule
ground corn prepared with a seasonal bent.
1. Sustainable Beekeeping
Bill Owens, Master Craftsman Beekeeper
Learn a whole system perspective from three highly successful organic farms
in Georgia. Topics covered include land acquisition, farm design, capital
investments, equipment, marketing, fertility, and pest and weed manage-
ment. D&A Farm started out in 2001 as a half acre hobby garden and is
now a full time 10-acre vegetable and fruit farm with nearly all sales going
Robert Tate, Workshop 2.
direct to consumers. Serenbe Farms is a four-acre certified organic farm in
Feed the soil, not the plant. This workshop will cover the basics of soil structure
and biology, soil organic matter and its forms and function in soil; evaluating
soil amendments (including nutrient content, and carbon to nitrogen ratios),
how to convert inorganic fertilizer recommendations to organic ones, how
cover crops add fertility, and tips for proper management. Weather permitting,
we will do a tillage demo and test soil quality. Please come dressed for the field
and potentially wet or cold weather. Limit 25 people.
Explore the magic of the earliest man-made fabric, felt. Sheep are
delightful, self-propelled gathers of some of the solar energy captured
by grasses and other vegetation. Using modern methods and materi-
als (including Athens area grown wool from the instructor's flock
of sheep), participants will complete a beautiful felted scarf while
experiencing the infinite possibilities of this newly revived ancient
craft. Presenter Jennif Chandler shares stories of shepherding for
more than 20 years, as well as teaching the basics of the felter's craft.
Each participant leaves with a felted scarf. There's an additional fee
of $15 for materials. Small class size so register early.
James Harris, Workshop 6.
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To reserve call: 706-995-4000 and ask for the Georgia Organics Room Rate. Can-
Heritage $10,000+ cellation without penalty up to Feb. 4; After Feb. 4 a one-night charge will be
incurred. The hotel is not walking distance from the Classic Center so you will
need to arrange your own transportation.
Camping Options
Pine Lake Campground located at 5540 High Shoals Thanks to our
Rd, Bishop, GA 706.769.5486. Their website, www. Athens/Clarke
Artisan $1,000+ pinelakervcamp.com, lists them as an RV campground, County Conference
Animal Welfare Approved but they do allow tent camping as well. The water on the Host Committee
Bionade site will be turned off in February, but there are heated for their support
The Classic Center bathrooms and hot showers. Tent sites (7) are $20.00 per
night for 1 or 2 people, and RV full hook-up sites (25) are Hugh Acheson
Destiny Organics
$28.00 and $30.00 per night. The campground is 13.6 Mark Adams
FreshPoint Ellen Bagwell
Sustainable Agriculture miles from the Classic Center - about a 20 minute drive. Celia Barss
Research & Education George Boyhan
University of Georgia, College of Home stays Heidi Davison
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Host homes are available for farmers only, for one to Julia Gaskin
U.S. CentersforDiseaseControl and Prevention three nights, Thursday Feb. 18 to Sunday Feb. 20. Farm- Alicia Haire
ers interested in a home stay may download the applica- Teri Hamlin
Classic City $500+ tion from our conference web page, in the “Travel” sec- Davis Knox
ACE/Georgia Green Loan Gena Knox
tion. If you have any questions please call Brian Barth at
Cafe Campesino Sara Larusso
831.566.3336. Jason Mann
Georgia Future Farmers
Douglas Moore
of America Association Getting to the conference Craig Page
The Classic Center is located at 300 N. Thomas Street, Sarah Petit
Athens, GA 30601. The phone number is 1.800.918.6393. Olivia Sargeant
Interested in adding your business For a map of the Classic Center’s position in downtown Robert Tate
or organization to the list? Athens, go to http://www.classiccenter.com/user_files/ Susan Varlamoff
See page 11 for details. ccdeck.pdf. Eric Wagoner
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more information contact Jennifer Owens at jennifer@georgiaorganics.org. This sale features 32 native, antique, and hardy varieties, selected to grow well in Georgia’s
climate using sustainable methods. Sales will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Cash
and check only. For a list of varieties and event information, visit www.atlantalocalfood.org.
Volunteer
The success of the annual conference greatly relies on volunteers,
who commit at least two hours of help, commonly with set up, reg- SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010, 9 AM - NOON
istration, clean-up, or other activities.
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Bugging Out USDA’s Food Safety Marketing Service Using Plants to Control Worms in Livestock Business Planning for Organic Farms
Drs. Stormy Sparks and John Ruberson, Kathleen A. Staley, Food Safety Officer, USDA Thomas Terrill, Fort Valley State University Daniel Parson, Parson’s Produce
UGA Tifton Agricultural Marketing Service Controlling gastrointestinal nematodes In this workshop you will learn what it takes
This course will cover the identification, Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administra- (worms) is a major challenge in organic to write a farm business plan. We’ll talk about
biology, and management of common tion (FDA) is the primary protector of public animal production systems in the southeast. the details of farm capital, expenses, potential
pests and beneficial insects in vegetable health, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Ser- Feeding or grazing anti-parasitic forages is income sources, and business record keeping.
production. vice, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, provides an alternative to using chemical deworm- Daniel Parson has been farming for 12 seasons
food safety audit programs. Areas covered ers to control these parasites. A summary of and running his own farm business for six years.
include the USDA “Know Your Farmer, Know research on anti-parasitic forages and their
Your Food.” food safety education and research potential application for controlling internal
initiatives, Good Agricultural Practices, Good parasites in organic livestock production sys-
Handling Practices and Good Manufacturing tems in Georgia will be presented.
Practices audit programs, and industry com-
modity specific food safety initiatives.
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
In the Weeds Soil Testing and Soil Fertility Get Your Goat Going Into Labor
Drs. Carroll Johnson and Ted Webster, Re- Dr. David E. Kissel and Robert Tate, Univer- Mark Stevens, Coles Lake Dairy Alex Hitt, Peregrine Farm, Jason Mann, Full Moon
search Agronomists, USDA Agricultural sity of Georgia Learn about the experience of working with Farm, Joe Reynolds, Love Is Love Farm
Research Service Soil fertility knowledge and soil testing can and through state regulations to establish a Learn about the labor practices, experiences and issues
This two part presentation will discuss be used in combination with crop knowl- goat milking and cheese making facility, as from three different small farms marketing direct to
the latest weed management research in edge to manage nutrient inputs for crop well as important tools to properly manage consumers. Peregrine Farms has had between one to
organic cropping systems, and how weeds production. Topics to be covered include husbandry for maintaining herd health. eight seasonal workers for 20 years, and now manages
rapidly adapt to selection pressure. Dr. the basics of soil acidity, phosphorus and Cole's Lake Dairy is located in Carrolton, and the entire farm with 60 hours a week of well paid la-
Johnson and Dr. Webster have a combined potassium in soil, tissue tests, the role of currently manages 100 goats and processes bor, in addition to the owner operators. Joe Reynolds,
38 years of weed science research experi- organic matter and decomposing cover 50 gallons of milk a day into soft cheeses of Love is Love Farm, is entering his third season of farm
ence. Dr. Johnson’s research program fo- crop residues, and other organic materials in marketed wholesale and direct to consumer. management and will be sharing the experiences of a
cuses on the integrated management of regulating nutrient availability. new farmer figuring out his model to balance steady
weeds in organic cropping systems and Dr. labor and grow new growers. Finally, Jason Mann
Webster conducts research on the ecology from Full Moon Farm utilizes only intern, apprentice,
of weeds, including pigweeds and nut- and volunteer labor, and compares his approach to
sedge, in the southeastern coastal plain. that of a teaching hospital.
2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Seed Saving Fundamentals Seasoned Farmer Q&A Better Grass Management A Virtual Farmers Market
James R. Veteto, Southern Seed Legacy, Nicholas Donck, Crystal Organic Farm Dr. Charlie Brummer, UGA Eric Wagoner-Athens Locally Grown
University of Georgia Celia Barrs, Woodland Gardens The session will focus on forage species LocallyGrown.net, an online farmers market, has
In this workshop, participants will learn Alex Hitt, Peregrine Farm useful for grass-based organic beef systems spread to over 100 communities across the coun-
the fundamentals of how to the save Relinda Walker, Walker Organic Farms and methods to make them productive and try with Athens Locally Grown becoming one of
seeds from some of the most prominent These farmers have close to 60 years com- nutritious, particularly focusing on fertiliza- the larger farmers markets in the southeast. Eric
crops in the South. Beans, peas, toma- bined experience as organic farmers in the tion, grazing management, and cultivar Wagoner, software developer and Athens Locally
toes, corn, squash, peppers, watermel- southeast. They have mastered diversified choice. The session will be informal, with Grown’s market manager, will describe how vir-
ons, and other crops will be covered. fruit, vegetable and flower production, year open discussion. tual markets operate and what lessons have been
round production in high tunnels and green- learned over the last eight years. Several ALG
houses, and agronomic crops such as rye, vendors and other market managers will join Eric.
soybeans and peanuts. Each will briefly share
their experiences and open the floor to your
production and management questions.
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The Rethinkers: New Orleans Youth Take In Search of a Righteous Porkchop Preserving our Harvest Fruit and Nuts on the Home Landscape
on School Food Nicolette Hahn Niman April McGreger, proprietor of Farmer's Daughter Robert Hamilton & Lindsey Mann
The Rethinkers are a dynamic group of New Shortly after Nicolette Hahn Niman was Whether you are a farmer interested in value-add- Why plant a Bradford pear when you can
Orleans middle school students who want to hired by Bobby Kennedy, Jr., to be senior ed foods, a gardener geared toward self reliance, plant a fruiting pear? Why plant a Camellia
rethink and rebuild their schools after Hurricane attorney for his environmental group, Wa- or a local eater interested in extending the season when you can plant a Pomegranate? Fresh
Katrina. Recently, the Rethinkers tackled the terkeeper Alliance, he asked her to lead a through food preservation, this talk will give you fruit from your own yard is possible and
state of school food with chefs, farmers, archi- national campaign to reform the livestock the information and inspiration you need to get easy. Robert Hamilton and Lindsey Mann
tects, and artists to create 12 recommendations industry. In this talk, she will detail her ef- started. We will discuss the basics of water bath share tips on how to incorporate fruit and
for change. Four representatives share advice forts to help lead the United States toward canning, lacto-fermentation, purchasing the nec- nuts into your landscape. Suggestions on
on how to get the attention of adults, and how more humane, environmentally sustainable essary equipment, ingredient selection, and how varieties, planning, planting, and care will
to positively affect change from the ground up. animal farming. She will also discuss her time invested up front reaps returns later. There be discussed.
work with her husband, Bill Niman (founder will be a demonstration of making homemade
of Niman Ranch, Inc.), to run their sustain- sauerkraut and a tasting of the real thing versus
able livestock ranch. supermarket brands.
Connecting to the Curriculum Fair Trade Policy’s Influence on Food Choice and Access Ten Sustainable Herbs Everyone
Lindsay Wyczalkowski, Mary Lin Elementary 3rd Café Campesino Joel Kimmons Ph.D, CDC, Diane M. Harris Ph.D. CDC Should Grow and Use!
grade teacher, Joe Green, Agriculture Education Our friends at Café Campesino give an over- Policies at many levels, often in ways unseen, Patricia Kyritsi Howell, BotanoLogos School
and FFA teacher at Pope High School, Kenya Greer, view of fair trade, its definition and practice, influence our food environment and the food of Herbal Studies
Cascade Elementary School 1st grade teacher, as well as Fair Trade Federation Certification. choices we make. This session will present policy Learn about ten easy-to-grow herbs that
Moderator: Nichole Lupo, Seeds of Nutrition They will share first hand examples of the strategies to improve access to and availability of may be used to treat everyday health prob-
Three Georgia teachers share how they are in- importance of fair trade in the field and its healthy foods, while creating and supporting a lems safely and effectively. Topics covered
corporating food, farm, and nutrition activities direct affect on the lives of producers. sustainable food system. include growing, harvesting, medicinal
into their standards-based curriculum, and why uses, and simple guidelines for making
they feel it’s important to teach these concepts them into herbal medicines.
amidst pressure to “teach to test.” This workshop
is a perfect fit for parents, community volunteers,
and farmers who want to get a sneak peek into
how kids are learning about good food.
Rooting the Farmer in Farm to School Food’s Role in the Built Environment Family Dinner--The Real Happy Meal Gourmet Mushrooms for Home or
Joe Reynolds - Love is Love Farm, Brad Carlton Dan Nadenicek & Eric MacDonald, UGA Marshall P. Duke, PhD, Charles Howard Candler, Market Gardens
- Carlton Farms, Emily Jackson - Appalachian Design decisions about the built environ- Emory University Psychology Professor Kim Kelly, Davis Farms
Sustainability Project ment effect where buildings, roads, schools, Ten years of research at the Center for the Study of This class will cover the basics of low-tech
Moderator: Will Harris, White Oak Pastures farms, community gardens, and farmers Myth and Ritual in Family Life at Emory University mushroom growing in outside beds and
Farmers are a core component of successful markets go and in part determine the vi- have shown that families and children that eat at green houses without special facilities.
farm to school programs, but it’s often chal- ability of community food systems. Learn last one meal at home together each week are Mushrooms as a garden helper, pick your
lenging for them to determine if it is a good the role that planner and landscape design- stronger, better functioning, and more resilient. own, and diversifying your growing will
fit for their business. This panel discussion will ers can play in shaping our community food This session will review this research and explain be explained. Low-tech, low cost, and easy
explore three avenues farmers can pursue in system. why this connection exists. Discussion will focus maintenance will be the focus.
adopting farm to school: selling to schools, of- on the family meal as a key to the development of
fering farm field trips, and developing relation- family narratives which, ultimately, are the source
ships with students. of strength and resilience.
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Farm Tours: Please rank in order of preference 1st Choice # __________ 2nd Choice # __________
Conference ADD-ONS:
Children’s Program
__ Saturday Children’s Educational Sessions __ $30 Member __ $40 Non Member # Children _____ $ ________________
Sponsor a Farmer Contribute any amount to offset a farmer’s registration costs. $ ________________
Silent Auction
__ Yes, I have Silent Auction items to donate. Please list your items and their retail value below.
Conference Volunteer
__Yes, I’d like to contribute 2 or more hours of volunteer time at the conference without compensation.
Please register online for a limited number of discount volunteer opportunities.
Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Children’s Information
Please fill out this section if you have elected to have your child/children participate in the Children’s Program at the conference.
Space is limited. The Children’s Program is for kids 6-12 years of age.
Payment Information
Cancellation Policy
Georgia Organics will issue refunds, less a $100 processing fee, for cancellations made by 5 pm ET, February 1, 2010.
No refunds issued after that date. Substitutions are encouraged.
Georgia Organics wasn't the only voice supporting sustainable agriculture at the
Sunbelt Expo, in Moultrie.
Since 1946 Adams-Briscoe Seed Company has been serving agriculture and the seed industry
with all types of seeds, many of which are difficult to locate elsewhere. We stock all types of
seeds for cover crops, forages, erosion control, wildlife enhancement, vegetables, land
reclamation and other uses. As a dealer for National Garden Wholesale we also supply a good
assortment of organic fertilizers and plant protection products. Please contact us for a seed and
product list. You may visit our website at www.ABSEED.com
Shop Local!
Own Local!
$ 20
Georgia Organics
garden hat.
$15
Georgia Organics
baseball cap. Mesh
back or solid back
The small print: Shipping rates will vary. Contact Stephanie at 678-702-0400 to order.
W inter 2009
N E E D A LI T TL E FA R M
C H A R M I N YOU R L I FE ?
If you love
Art, Animals
& Agriculture
Come hang out
with
Farmer Sue
guaranteed fun
for all ages
Parties with
a Purpose!
Fieldtrips
Play Groups
Special Events
Workshops &
Classes
You’ll make lots
of animal friends
& explore some
fun gardens!
Need a little
help with your
URBAN
HOMESTEAD
x projects?
Our friends at
the
A RT Newman Farms
B RN
can assist you!
770-883-5952
at M o r n i n g G l o r y Fa r m . n e t
6 7 8 -3 1 9 - 0 2 8 6
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to :
PO Box 8924
Atlanta, GA 31106
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