Friday Workshops PM
Friday Afternoon Workshop descriptions
Friday February 27th
Workshops throughout the day with many to choose from. This day is designed to provide all attendees with an enriched and diverse learning experience as well as ample opportunity for networking and sharing of ideas.
Session 2: Afternoon
| Workshop Title |
Description |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Business Performance Measurement Tools and Reporting |
The trend toward sustainability reporting in business has focused increased attention on social and environmental metrics as key performance indicators. Since “what get measured gets managed”, it is essential that companies select appropriate metrics to drive better decisions and better performance. This workshop will cover common reporting frameworks (Global Reporting Initiative, GHG Protocol, Facility Reporting Project, etc.) as well a movement underway to develop sustainability benchmarking tools for the organic trade. No matter the size or scope of your business, there's a sustainability reporting approach that's right for you. Presenters: Adam Zimmermam, Vice President, Director of Consulting Services, ShoreBank Enterprises Cascadia: Rob Sinclair, Sustainability Guide, Conscious Brands: Natalie Reitman-White, Executive Director, Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association. |
| Farm Bill Advocacy |
In this two hour session with the Organic Trade Association, you will learn about the new organic provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill and 2010 appropriations, including funding for research on organic agriculture, certification cost sharing, crop insurance, data collection, conversion programs, and funding of the National Organic Program. The session is designed to help farmers, farmer organizations and cooperatives, farmer advocates, and educators learn how to access and utilize the funding allocated for organic agriculture in the 2008 Farm Bill and advocate for appropriations that support organic agriculture. This is an opportunity to obtain the latest information and identify opportunities for action. Presenter: Tom Hutcheson, Organic Trade Association, Regulatory and Policy Manager |
| Farm Labor Issues—Policy Update & Domestic Fair Trade Initiative |
Immigration and labor policy has a tremendous impact on the lives of the laborers who work in agriculture. In this session, we will update you on policy trends. Speakers will share about pilot projects occurring throughout North America with the Fair Deal, the Agricultural Justice Project, the local fair trade network and others. We will review the principles, the application to join the Domestic Fair Trade Association and the progress on certification. Presenters: Erik Esse, Local Fair Trade Networking: Rosalinda Guillen, Executive Director, Community to Community Development: Michael Sligh, Agricultural Justice Project: Marla Carlson, Farmer Direct Coop. |
| The Politics and Potential of Seeds |
What is the real dirt on seeds? This session will start with an overview of basic seed related definitions (OP, Hybrid, GMO) and then cover the big picture politics of seed and genetic ownership issues moving into more focused discussion of seed politics in the organic industry and seed production industry. Topics covered will include seed industry consolidation, patenting and control, organic seed certification and international politics, organic seed regulations and NOSB, seed integrity, and concepts of naturalism. Presenters: Matthew Dillon, OSA: John Navazio, OSA: Frank Morton, Wild Garden Seed |
| Organic Certification 101: The Next Generation of Farmers and Livestock Producers |
What are the challenges for young farmers in starting an organic crop and/or livestock operation? This workshop will connect the dots between understanding the certification requirements and successful farm planning. With a diverse set of presenters including young farmers and experienced certification staff, we will cover topics such as seed sourcing requirements, pasture and feed requirements and evaluating inputs to the National List. Presenters will discuss transitioning, preparations, and share stories from several perspectives including taking an established family operation in a new direction and starting a new operation as a first time entrepreneur. Presenters: TBD |
| Achieving Economic Sustainability, Fostering an Integrated System |
This workshop will discuss issues of scale and economic growing pains in the organic trade moving into the mainstream. Is there a diminishing middle in organic? Can medium size producers, processors, retailers make it in a market that likes the very intimate and small, but that also buys from the very big? How can we create and sustain profitability of farms? Presenters: Nash Huber, Owner, Nash's Organic Farm: David Lively, Marketing Director, Organically Grown Company: Louise Hemstead, Chief Operations Officer, Organic Valley Family of Farms. |
