Sustainable AgricultureConference in Black Mountain!

We are so lucky this year to have the Carolina Farm Stewardship's 24th Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference (CFSA-SAC) in WNC! Last year I had an outstanding time at CFSA-SAC! Read about my experience here and here.

The CFSA conference registration deadline is Nov. 25. Don't delay!

Only six days to go to sign up at the pre-conference rate for CFSA's 24th Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference in Black Mountain, NC. Dec. 4 to 6. Register today! (https://www.netforumondemand.com/eweb/shopping/shopping.aspx?pager=2&site=cfsa&prd_key=d2d8a432-86af-436f-ad3e-21a338f0cb3d)

Time is running out to reserve your place at this year’s conference. Day-of registration rates are 20% higher-- if any spots are open. Don’t miss this chance to lock in to the biggest sustainable agriculture conference in our region.

Besides a wide array of skill-building and policy workshops and panels, this is the premier opportunity to network with Carolina sustainable farmers and foodies --- and in a relaxed retreat setting. It has never been more important for us to get together as a movement, meet each other and pool our efforts. Don't miss this special weekend event. Come join us in the beautiful mountains to move the farm and food movement forward!

Already registered? Spread the word to others, bring a friend, and help this community grow.

Full workshop descriptions and speaker bios are at our website: www.carolinafarmstewards.org. The conference site, Blue Ridge Assembly (http://www.blueridgeassembly.org/) is a majestic, historic retreat center with miles of hiking trails aside mountain creeks to peaks as high as 4,375 feet! On-site lodging is affordable and includes cabins, quads and rooms. We have yoga and breakfast each morning, and, of course, an all local and organic menu.

Lodging and food packages, farm tours and the children's program still have openings, but could sell out soon. Contact us if you have any questions, 919 542 2402.

We look forward to seeing you there!

P.S.: We are pleased to announce that Tim LaSalle from the Rodale Institute will be speaking on a Saturday morning panel, as well as at the Saturday keynote.

***An exciting event just in from Debbie Hamrick***

If you direct market your agricultural products through farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture, on-farm stands, or are just interested in farmers markets, then you are invited to a Listening Session to be held at Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s Sustainable Agriculture Conference on Saturday December 5 in Black Mountain, NC. The Listening Session will be from 3:30-4:40 pm in the Blue Ridge Center Chapel.

The 2009 Farm to Fork Summit Direct Marketing Working Issues Team identified their main “game changer” as “Develop a NC Direct Marketing Network - a structured network whose mission is to enhance existing local efforts and encourage new innovations in direct marketing across the state.” To see all of the ideas from the Direct Marketing WIT and other Farm to Fork Summit WITs, go to: http://ncsustainablefood.wordpress.com/working-issue-groups/direct-marketing/

Do we need such a network? What are the potential benefits? What is the process for developing a direct marketing network and who should be involved? North Carolina enjoys a national reputation for its strong direct market farmers and as interest in buying local continues to increase dramatically, now is the time to examine how we can all work together to everyone’s benefit.

For more information, contact the Direct Marketing WIT facilitator, Debbie Hamrick, debbie.hamrick@ncfb.org or Cell: (919) 302-9538.