Apply to Speak at the 2026 OEFFA Conference

OEFFA is now accepting workshop proposals for the 47th annual conference, Finding Common Ground, February 12-14, 2026, in Newark, Ohio. We are seeking experienced farmers and other food movement leaders willing to share their expertise on a wide variety of topics.

Applications are due Monday, September 1, 2025.

Apply Now!

Please read Speaking at OEFFA: Details, Terms, and Conditions before applying. Please note that there are changes to the guidelines and speaker compensation in 2026 due to the current funding environment. While we will endeavor to make improvements as our funding may allow, OEFFA will consider a completed workshop application confirmation that you have read, understood, and agreed to our terms and policies as outlined in that document.

What We’re Looking For

The conference covers diverse themes related to organic and sustainable agriculture, and we hope to receive a wide-range of proposals.

There will be six concurrent workshop tracks for attendees to choose from at the OEFFA Conference. Knowledgeable speakers are encouraged to submit a proposal that fits into one of these six tracks:

Grain and Row Crops
Backyards, Lots, and Small Plots (includes homesteading and community gardening topics)
Livestock
Vegetables and Specialty Crops
The Food and Farm Movement (policy-related topics)
The Business of Farming (marketing, recordkeeping, business models, etc.)

Why Speak at OEFFA?

Serve your community by helping your fellow travelers farm, garden, advocate, or eat better.
Raise your profile in the Midwest’s food movement by speaking at Ohio’s largest ecological farming conference, which has featured leaders such as Jean-Martin Fortier, Will Harris, Elaine Ingham, Patty Lovera, Kathleen Merrigan, and many more.
Receive the benefits outlined in our Speaker Details, Terms, and Conditions in exchange for your time, efforts, and knowledge. Please note that there are changes to the guidelines and speaker compensation in 2026 due to the current funding environment.

What You Need to Do

STEP 1: Review each of the following documents, which cover important details about speaking at OEFFA:

IMPORTANT: OEFFA will consider a completed workshop application confirmation that you have read, understood, and agreed to our terms and policies as outlined in the documents. Please do not apply until you have read each document. Due to the current funding environment, there are changes to the guidelines and speaker compensation noted in the Details, Terms, and Conditions document.

If you have questions, contact Heather Hunter at heatherh@oeffa.org or (330) 396-0106 (text capable).

STEP 2: Develop a workshop concept. You don’t have to have a fully realized lesson plan or final details determined by the time you submit, but you should be able to clearly and accurately communicate your concept. If your workshop is selected, you will have opportunities to update and edit your workshop and its description.

STEP 3: Complete an online workshop proposal in its entirety. Proposals must be submitted through the online survey. If you are unable to use the online form for any reason, please contact Heather in advance to work out an alternative arrangement.

For full consideration, applications must be completed by the end of the day on Monday, September 1, 2025.

STEP 4: All prospective presenters will receive notification of their proposal’s status in late October. Accepted speakers will then work with OEFFA to finalize details.

Apply Now!