2011 Michigan Organic Conference - Keeping the Local in Organic

Ideas for presenters, topics and programming are being accepted for “Keeping the Local in Organic” – the theme of the 2011 Michigan Organic Conference (MOC) to be held March 4 and 5 at the Kellogg Conference Center on Michigan State University’s campus.

Mark Kastel of the Cornucopia Institute (www.cornucopia.org) is the keynote presenter at the event, which is sponsored by the Michigan Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA).

Friday, March 4 activities include an afternoon MSU Research Report Session and an evening social event - the Taste of Michigan - with food and live music.  The Taste of Michigan will be held at the Hannah Center in East Lansing. 

Saturday’s full day of program and trade show at the MSU Kellogg Center will include three one-hour slots for six concurrent sessions and the keynote presentation. Lunch will be at the newly renovated MSU Brody Hall Dining Facility with a wide variety of freshly prepared food and networking with supporters and suppliers of the organic farming community.

We encourage contributions of ideas for presentation topics and speakers from those who want to be part of the program or have recommendations. Please contact John Biernbaum at [log in to unmask].

Presentations can address the range of Michigan organic agriculture production, marketing and processing as well as topics related to organic certification, new and young farmer development, community food systems, health and nutrition, urban agriculture, and farming and environment related policy and politics. We are also considering a “Featured Organic Farmer” Track to hear what makes organic farms successful.

If you have suggestions about local organic food available for Friday evening, Saturday lunch, breaks and the Saturday Taste of Michigan, please contact Tim Fischer at [log in to unmask].

Last year we were able to provide scholarships for 24 young farmers thanks to the generous contribution of George and Anne Bird.  Please contact John Biernbaum, MOFFA MOC Scholarship Coordinator, if you would like to make a contribution to fund one or more student scholarships ($50 per student).