Sustainable Foundations

Workshop Session I: 9:15-10:30 a.m.

What We Learned About Data Collection and Use by Direct Marketing Farmers Who Sell at Farmers’ Markets

Christie Welch, OSU

Data collection and analysis can be challenging and time consuming for small, under-resourced farmers’ markets, but it can have a tremendous impact on the success of markets and vendors. Learn ways to collect data—and how to use data you may already have—to better inform business decisions.

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Workshop Session II: 10:45 a.m.-Noon

Extension and USDA Midwest Climate Hub: Partnership for Climate-Informed Agriculture

Dennis Todey, USDA-ARS, Aaron Wilson, OSU

At the intersection of OSU Extension and USDA Midwest Climate Hub partnerships and activities is pertinent agricultural information on climate change. Hear about the important climate change impacts across multiple production types, and understand where to find the tools and data to help producers build resilience and mitigate future climate change. 

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Workshop Session III: 1:30-2:45 p.m. 

Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE): What the New Rule Means for Your Operation

Kate Pierfelice, OEFFA

Learn more about Strengthening Organic Enforcement, the new organic rule effective as of March 2023. The date for full implementation and compliance, March 19, 2024, is fast approaching.  Although a large portion of the rule is focused on handlers, there are parts that affect every type of operation, including both crop and livestock. Hear an overview of the rule, how it affects different scopes, resources available from OEFFA, and insight on how OEFFA will be evaluating compliance.

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Workshop Session IV: 3-4:15 p.m

NRCS Programs for All Farms: Conservation Planning and Programs and Land Preservation Easements

Angel Arehart, Abby McClain, Jason Undercoffer, USDA NRCS

Through an overview of conservation practices and their use and applicability for organic producers, gain a basic understanding of USDA-NRCS programs available for preserving agricultural land. Cover a wide variety of conservation practices, as well as expanded programs for land preservation that do not require entities to hold the easements.

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Workshop Session V: 10:45-Noon

C A N C E L L E D

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Workshop Session VI: 1:30-2:45 p.m.

The Craft Millers Guild: A Network of Open-Source Peer-to-Peer Learning for Millers

Michelle Ajamian, Rural Action and Shagbark Seed and Mill, Aaron Grigsby, Deep Roots Milling, Eleanor Reagan, Rural Action

Learn about the formation of the Craft Miller Guild,  a community of regional mills from across the U.S. passionate about milling grain and nuts, covering a diverse range of products including flour, grits, cereals, tortillas, and more. Hear about the power of working peer to peer, learning and networking, and the importance of regional staple food systems from farm to table.

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Workshop Session VII: 3-4:15 p.m.

Black Farmers and Climate Adaptation

Maritza Pierre, OSU

Delve into how Black farmers’ experiences with agricultural institutions affect their response to climate change. The overall goal is to invite educators and policymakers to have a conversation on the intersection of racial marginalization and climate adaptation. By informing policies and programs,  we can be better prepared to respond to the needs of Black farmers as it pertains to climate adaptation.

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