Workshops
Friday’s workshops are designed to instill, elaborate on and engage the many topics of interest and of import for the organic trade. Workshops are open to anyone with conference registration and you can be spontaneous – as no, you do not have to pre-register for the workshops.
Saturday’s sessions are designed to bring folks together on focused topics.
Workshops and Sessions at the Conference
Saturday Sessions
USDA National Organic Program/National Organic Standards Board Listening Session
Come and meet with leaders of the USDA National Organic Program and hear about priorities and projects for the upcoming years. NOP leaders will be available to answer your questions, hear your needs and learn about your desires for the program that will lead organic agriculture and food in the years ahead. In addition representatives from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will be present to discuss priorities and current hot topics.
Speakers:
Zea Sonnabend, Policy Specialist, CCOF & Organic Farmer, Fruitilicious Farm; John Foster, Director of Compliance - Quality, Food Safety and Organic Integrity, Earthbound Farms; Mark Lipson, Organic & Sustainable Agriculture Policy Advisor, USDA, Office of the Secretary
1:00pm - 3:30pm
Bridging the Gap Between Breeders and Eaters
Organic vegetable and seed production is on the rise in the Pacific Northwest, but what regional needs are still not being met? This listening session brings together produce purchasers, retailers, eaters, plant breeders, seed companies, and other stakeholders in identifying variety and seasonal organic production gaps in the Pacific Northwest to inform organic plant breeding needs.
Speakers:
This roundtable session will include a dynamic panel of farmers, plant breeders, produce buyers, and others.
10:00am - 12:00pm
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Changing Behaviors: The Act of Gardening & Garden Education as a Transformational Tool
Join this session for an in-depth look at how Community Gardens, local businesses and Oregon Tilth’s Organic Education Center are changing behaviors in your community. This diverse panel will provide successful models of how they make positive differences in their local communities and what works for their organization and why. Topics discussed will include issues of food insecurity, understanding organics, sustainable and responsible choices on your land, and provide real examples of how working collectively in your own community can and does make a difference.
Speakers:
Laura Niemi, City of Portland Community Gardens; Naomi Montacre, Owner, Naomi’s Organic Farm Supply; Colleen Lockovitch, Oregon Tilth
