Sustainable Business Intensive
There is growing recognition that over the next 100 years our agricultural and food systems will change dramatically; many of the resources we have taken for granted for so many years are in decline or have been contaminated. For the last century we
have had resources at our disposal which we take for granted: cheap
energy, surplus water, stable climates, fertile soils, plant genetic
diversity, and plenty of farmers connected to the land. At the same time, consumers
are increasingly looking to support farmers and businesses who share
their concerns for social and environmental sustainability.
Today, organics have a strong and increasing mainstream foundation while striving to stay connected to the deep value roots of its history. As a new generation of producers, employees, and investors enter the organic market it is important for us to revisit the values and practices of sustainability, and explore our evolving understanding of how we can improve our systems.
This workshop is open to growers, processors, distributors, and retail/food service. You will learn the foundational frameworks to help you understand and communicate the basics of “sustainability”, as well as practical tools to evaluate your practices. Find out about the specific ways food and agriculture is likely to be impacted by climate change, increasing energy prices, and other trends. Organic leaders will share stories of how they have successfully implemented sustainable practices in the areas of-- energy (carbon footprint), materials (packaging, office waste, etc), and human resource (avoiding burnout, growing healthy work culture, etc). Whether you are a new to the industry or one of the founders of the movement, this intensive will provide insight, discussion, and information sharing that can help you improve your efficiencies, educate your customers, and continue to evolve towards sustainability.
Presenters:
- Fred Kirschenmann president of Kirschenmann Family Farms
- Diana Crane, Sustainability Director for PCC Natural Markets
- Elysa Hammond, Ecologist, Founder of Sustainability Program at Clif Bar
- Gil Friend, President and Chief Executive Officer of Natural Logic, Inc.
- Albert Strauss, Owner, Strauss Creamery
- Ron Katz, Founder and President of Organic Apparel
