Here is a detailed guide to the conference.
For an At-A-Glance Overview, click here.

Workshop Session A: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Adding Value through Community Involvement in CSAs
Community Supported Agriculture can be much more than just an advanced payment on a weekly produce box. Hear from CSA farmers who go farther to involve the community in their farms — working with schools, running a farm stand or distribution network, hosting work days, mini-camps and celebrations, even having community members participate in farm decisions. Whether you have an established CSA or are just considering one, this workshop and networking session will help you expand the boundaries of CSA potential.
Presenters: Tom Broz, Live Earth Farm, Watsonville, CA; Gloria Decater, Live Power Farm, Covelo, CA; Nigel Walker, Eatwell Farm, Davis, CA; others TBA

Biological Control & Mechanical Approaches to Controlling Invasive Weeds *
Undesirable invasive plants are infesting public and private lands and waterways in this country at an alarming rate. Classical biological control — in which selected host-specific, plant-attacking insects, mites, nematodes, and pathogens are introduced from the invasive plant’s native lands — provides viable options for land managers. Manual removal of invasive weeds in waterways using a slate of tools and techniques offers additional effective ways for dealing with these destructive plants.
Presenters: Ken Moore, The Wildlands Restoration Team, Santa Cruz, CA; Baldo Villegas, CDFA, Sacramento, CA.

Ecological or E-coli? The Future of Organic Farming
Which direction are we headed: organic, industrial, or industrial-organic? Can we feed the world? Do we want to? If sustainable agriculture is ripe for change, can those who have nurtured this movement since its inception shape its future, or will other forces such as the market, trade, research, and energy policy determine what lies ahead? Join us for an in-depth discussion that will tease out these tricky issues and focus on the future.
Presenters: Claire Hope Cummings, journalist, San Rafael, CA; Judith Redmond, Full Belly Farm, Guinda, CA; Walter Robb, Whole Foods Market, San Francisco, CA.

Energy Efficiency: Good for the Bottom Line, Good for the Environment!
While the dream of alternative fuels and energy has gripped the nation, the less glamorous, but no less important topic of energy efficiency is often overlooked. The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has made energy efficiency a key component of their Sustainable Winegrowing Practices Program. Many of their program components are applicable to growers of other crops and to food processors. This workshop will set the context for energy efficiency as a foundation of sustainable farms and processing operations and will explain the how and why of energy audits and analysis. We will also cover easy changes to improve energy efficiency and the resources and incentives that can facilitate their implementation.
Moderator: Ann Thrupp, CSWA and Fetzer Vineyards, Hopland, CA.
Presenters: John Bargetto, Regan Vineyards, Corralitos, CA (invited); Patsy Dugger, PG & E, Sacramento, CA; John Garn, Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Hopland, CA; Jim Tischer, CSU Fresno Pumping Efficiency Program, Fresno, CA.

Heavy Metals and Organic Fertilizers
No, this is not a workshop about spreading compost at OzFest. Fertilizers and soil amendments can contain toxic elemental contaminants — often referred to as heavy metals—that can accumulate in soil, pollute water, interfere with plant growth, and make our food poisonous. Many of these contaminants are naturally occurring, so organic fertilizers and soil amendments such as compost, manure, rock dust, and crop residues are not immune. The panelists will look at the sources of contamination and their fate. They will describe the effects of heavy metals on human and animal health and the environment, compare various policies that are being considered, and offer practical solutions to avoid the risk of contamination.
Presenters: Brian Baker, Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), Eugene, OR; Patty Martin, Safe Food and Fertilizer, Quincy, WA; Diana Tracy, Antech Labs, Corbett, OR.

Land Tenure in the 21st Century: Options for New Farmers
With land prices skyrocketing and ownership an increasingly difficult proposition, this workshop will explore innovative ways to “get ahold of land” with a panel of farmers who have used creativity to secure long-term tenure. Speakers will explore land leases from public agencies, shared ownership models, direct purchase through an installment sale (no bank, no mortgage company), and more. California FarmLink will highlight the legal nuts and bolts of these models, soon to be released in a guidebook of innovative land tenure options.
Presenters: Jamie Collins, Serendipity Farms, Monterey, CA; Ben Kane, Cache Creek Farm & Quetzal Farm, Rumsey, CA; Steve Schwartz, California FarmLink, Sebastopol, CA.

Is the Organic Public-Private Partnership Alive and Well?
It has been six years since the USDA published final rules establishing the National Organic Program. There has been tremendous growth in the organic industry, and many challenges. How is it going? The National Organic Standards Board has made many recommendations, but are they effective in their advisory role? Is the NOP effective in providing oversight and accreditation? How are the states and certification agencies doing? Are farmers and industry being served fairly by government? What could be done better? What are the upcoming issues on the regulatory and policy horizon that need attention as the organic industry grows and matures? Hear a panel of knowledgeable participants give their sense of the current and future picture for organic government-industry relations.
Presenters: Mark Bradley, National Organic Program USDA/AMS, Washington, DC; Gerald Davis, Grimmway Farms and NOSB member, Arvin, CA; Ray Green, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Sacramento, CA; Emily Brown Rosen, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Titusville, NJ.

El Manejo Integrado Orgánico de Plagas *
Aprenda sobre las técnicas del manejo integrado orgánico de plagas. Los tópicos incluirán los insectos plagas y los insectos beneficiosos que los controlan. Hablarèmos de cómo los agricultores pueden crear el hábitat que los insectos beneficiosos prefieren, para atraerlos y mantenerlos en el campo. También se discutirá el manejo de enfermedades, malezas, y vertebrados plaga. (Presentado en español y interpretado al inglés.)
Moderator: Florentino Collazo, ALBA, Salinas, CA.
Presentadores: Martin Guerena, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), Davis, CA; Hugh Smith, UC Co-op Extension, Salinas, CA.

Organic Integrated Pest Management *
Learn about integrated management techniques used in organic pest control. Topics will include insect pests and the beneficial insects that control them. We’ll talk about how farmers can create the habitat that beneficial insects prefer, in order to attract and keep them in the field. The workshop will also discuss management of diseases, weeds, and vertebrate pests. (Presented in Spanish, interpreted into English.)

Wading through the River of Regulations
This workshop will bring together the collaborative efforts of farmers, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the County Resource Conservation Districts, and the organization Sustainable Conservation. The speakers will share essential information and expertise on the best ways to protect water resources, fish, and other beneficial wildlife and habitat on the farm. They will also show farmers how to wade through the flood of important paperwork that comes with these projects.
Presenters: Tamara Doan, Coastal Watershed Council, Santa Cruz, CA; Daniel Mountjoy, NRCS, Salinas, CA; Emily Hanson, Monterey RCD; Lisa Thompson, Sustainable Conservation, San Francisco, CA; TBA.

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Workshop Session B: 10:30 am - 12:00 noon
The Art & Practice of the Radical Restaurateur
How can restaurants and chefs connect to the source of our food, affecting our communities and environment in the most positive ways? They are creating a new definition of high quality ingredients. Gourmet foods shipped from all over the world have been replaced with local, seasonal, organic produce, sustainable seafood, and food from animals that are raised naturally. Restaurateurs and chefs are learning that they can educate the public while running their businesses more sustainably. Some are utilizing green design and biodiesel transportation. It’s essential to create connections from farm to table, and this workshop will share information about those who are “going the extra mile” by focusing on the world closer to home.
Presenters: Jesse Cool, Cooleatz, Menlo Park, CA; Whitney Gaunt & Kenny Belov, FISH, Sausalito, CA; TBA

Biofuels through the Eyes of Agricultural Sustainability
High oil prices and deepening instability in the Middle East have recently unleashed a tsunami of attention on the potential of biofuels to replace our dependence on petroleum. Numerous and conflicting studies have been released and debated on the relative efficiency of different types of biofuels and the overall potential for growing feedstocks. The production of biofuel feedstocks is already causing agricultural transformation in many areas of the country and world, with resulting economic and social impacts. Mike Morris, Energy Specialist for the National Center for Appropriate Technology recently waded into the most controversial of biofuels, ethanol, and completed a thorough analysis of its opportunities and pitfalls. Kari Lemons of the Biodiesel Council of California, believes small-scale widely distributed biodiesel and farmer cooperatives are the way to go. And Allen Dusault and Sustainable Conservation are looking into just what the production of biofuels can do for California farms and the environment. We’ll leave plenty of time for discussion, so come jump into the fray!
Presenters: Mike Morris, NCAT, Davis, CA; Kari Lemons, Biodiesel Council of California, Mountain View, CA; Allen Dusault, Sustainable Conservation, San Francisco, CA.

Ecological Pond and Reservoir Design and Management
Proper planning, design and management of ponds and reservoirs using ecological principles is an emerging trend with many nuances. Jack Alderman, agricultural engineer with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, has decades of practical experience designing farm ponds and reservoirs. He will introduce basic concepts and design criteria to create long-lasting, ecological water systems. Tom McNabb specializes in aquatic ecosystem restoration and management. He will discuss ecological methods to deal with common waterway problems such as aquatic weeds, algae, and other pond maintenance issues.
Presenters: Jack Alderman, USDA-NRCS, Colusa, CA; Tom McNabb, Clean Lakes, Inc., Martinez, CA.

Cash Flow Management
Farm income begins with harvest, while expenses start long before. Will you be able to pay your bills when the cash crunch hits? Do you have a plan for a month with negative cash flow? Learn from experienced farm business consultants and farmers how to construct a budget that will show month by month whether your cash flow is negative or positive, and whether you should consider an operating loan. A simple cash flow projection using Excel or a desk calendar can broaden your understanding of your financial picture and help you plan for the coming season. (Interpreted into Spanish.)

Manejo del Flujo de Ingresos
Los ingresos agrícolas comienzan con la cosecha, mientras que los costos comienzan mucho antes. ¿Usted podrá pagar sus cuentas cuando le falta el efectivo? ¿Tiene usted un plan por un mes si tiene flujo de ingreso negativo? Aprenda de asesores de agronegocios y agricultores cómo construir un presupuesto que demuestre mes por mes si su flujo de ingresos es negativo o positivo, y si usted debe considerar un préstamo. Una proyección simple del flujo de ingresos usando la computadora o un calendario de escritorio puede aumentar su comprensión de su situación financiera y ayudarle a planear para la temporada que viene. (Interpretado al español.)
Presenters: Keith Abeles, Quetzal Farm, Sebastopol, CA; Marco Vinicio Vides, El Pajaro Community Development Corporation, Watsonville, CA.

Cómo Incorporar Animales en su Granja Orgánica
Este taller discutirá los sistemas de producción de animales para las aves de corral, cerdos, ovejas, y vacas — relacionadas con la producción orgánica. Escuchar a los agricultores que práctican el pastoreo rotatorio y manejan la salud de las crías orgánicamente. Aprenda cómo estos animales pueden complementar el sistema orgánico. (presented in Spanish only)
Presenters: Ann Baier, Centro Nacional para la Tecnología Apropiada, Soquel, CA; Rebecca Thistlethwaite, ALBA, Watsonville, CA; others TBA.

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How to Cross-Promote Products and Increase Sales with Effective Demos
What if you could increase your sales, develop stronger relationships, and generate more customer loyalty with a simple act. Would you do it?  You bet you would! Well now you can, by learning how to do a really effective demo program. Retailers and farmers alike can benefit from this fun, flavorful, informative, and interactive session led by industry professionals Sheana Davis and Mark Mulcahy. Find out what you can do, even if you can’t afford to pay someone to do demos. You’ll walk away with  practical information on how to increase your sales through customer education, cross-promotion, recipe cards, and culinary pairings. Learn the  prime demo times, how to create successful vendor relationships, and more. As you’re absorbing all of this valuable information, you can participate in a live produce and cheese demo featuring products from Eco-Farm attendees.
Presenters: Sheana Davis, The Epicurean Connection, Sonoma, CA; Mark Mulcahy, Organic Options, Glen Ellen, CA.

Learning from the Recent E. Coli Outbreak
California’s spinach E. coli O157 outbreak triggered many cases of serious illness and several deaths, shut down an industry, threatened the good name of organic pioneers and one of the nation’s largest fresh cut processors, opened what will no doubt be an extended period of litigation, and educated the public and health-care providers about E. coli-linked illness. It has also focused overdue attention on the major source of E. coli O157 — the back end of cows under stress and on high-grain, high-energy diets. This session will provide an overview of the epidemiology of the outbreak, place this outbreak into perspective, and highlight lessons for organic and conventional growers. The discussion session will cover innovative and perhaps radical ideas for the organic community to more aggressively deal with the ongoing threat of microbiological contamination in fresh produce and animal products.
Presenters: Chuck Benbrook, The Organic Center, Enterprise, OR; Will Daniels, Earthbound Farm, San Juan Bautista, CA; Trevor Suslow, Cooperative Extension Specialist, UC Davis, CA.

Marker-Assisted Selection: Beyond GMOs
Marker-assisted selection gained greater notoriety recently when it was touted as a path toward cheaper organic food and more sustainable agriculture. Not to be confused with transgenic crops that use biotechnology to insert genes from one species into the other, MAS uses maps of a plant’s genome to search for sequence markers that are consistently associated with desired traits such as improved yield or disease resistance. Those markers can then be used to screen breeding stock and the progeny of traditional crosses even before they are grown or planted in the field. This workshop will explain just how MAS works and provide a venue for discussion about its value to organic and sustainable agriculture and whether it can actually replace the much riskier transgenic crops.
Presenters: Joe Cummins, University of Western Ontario, Canada; TBA

Selecting and Using Organic Fertilizers and Amendments *
The organic approach to soil fertility is based around building and maintaining a healthy, biologically active soil with large reservoirs of plant nutrients that will provide a crop with its needs. This approach includes practices that build soil organic matter, conserve and recycle plant nutrients through cover crops and composting, provide food for microbiological activity, and add slow-release, natural sources of minerals. Our speakers will present information that will help you choose which fertilizer to use. Find out about the behavior of particular nutrients in the environment, which soil characteristics to consider, and how quickly the nutrient will be available to the crop.
Presenters: Phil Radspinner, Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply, Grass Valley, CA; Eric Sideman, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Greene, ME.

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Plenary Session: 2:00 - 3:30 pm: “Organic, Inc.” and Beyond
Sam Fromartz, Jim Crawford, Bob Scowcroft, Kelly Shea and Arran Stephens.
The organic food industry has been highly successful, moving from a back-to-the-land movement into the aisles of Wal-Mart in three decades. Has the organic movement realized a larger vision in this evolution, or betrayed the ideals at its heart?

(click here for more info on plenary sessions)

Workshop Session C: 4:00- 5:30 pm
Beyond Agri-tainment: On-Farm Education Programs for Youth
The need for sustainable ag education is growing. Several California farms and non-profit groups have developed effective hands-on curriculum for middle and high school age students. These farmers and educators are using the farm to teach sustainable agriculture principles and practices, conservation and stewardship, teamwork and leadership, and to educate California’s future voters. This workshop will increase your farm’s educational impact for all farm visitors and provide logistical nuts and bolts for bringing youth onto your farm.
Presenters: Temra Costa, Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Davis, CA; John Fisher, Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems & Life Lab Science Program, Santa Cruz, CA; Craig McNamara, Sierra Orchards & Center for Land-Based Learning, Winters, CA.

Current Topics in Poultry Production *
Consumer interest in humanely raised poultry and egg production is on the rise. Two pioneering women with quite varied approaches to poultry will discuss their systems. Cheryl Potter has developed housing systems that prevent bird flu and predation while producing ultra-humane, wildlife-friendly range eggs, tropical fruit, and fertilizer. She will cover construction details, biosecurity, nontoxic trees and plant foods, management, natural remedies, egg marketing, pest control with poultry, and incorporating rescued or "spent" hens that are never killed. Janie Burns raises sheep, chickens, turkeys, and a few organic vegetables on her farm in Idaho. Seeing a large gap in the poultry business in Idaho because there are limited processing facilities, Janie has purchased a trailer to create her own mobile poultry-processing unit. Janie is also co-owner and manager of HomeGrown Poultry, LLC, a custom-exempt poultry processing facility in New Plymouth.
Presenters: Janie Burns, Meadowlark Farm & Homegrown Poultry, Nampa & New Plymouth, ID; Cheryl Potter, Black Hen Farm, Santa Cruz, CA.

Farming: The Next Generation
An exciting trend is emerging in organic farming: A growing number of farms are now operated by young people, reversing the march towards an older farmer demographic. Some young folks are taking over from their parents, others are the first generation of farmers in their family. This session explores all the new ways the next generation of farmers are carving a niche in today’s ever changing and challenging food system.
Presenters: Brandon Faria, Faria Farms, Watsonville, CA; Ned Conwell & Ryan Casey, Blue House Farm, Pescadero, CA; TBA

Farms on the Menu
This panel features two farmers who sell directly to restaurants and two chefs who buy directly from farmers. Each farmer and chef will talk briefly about their experiences and will then be free to answer many questions about their approaches from the audience.
Presenters: Annabelle Lenderink, La Tercera Farm and Star Route Farm, Bolinas, CA; Phil McGrath, McGrath Family Farm, Camarillo, CA; Russell Moore, Chez Panisse, Berkeley, CA; Phil West, Range SF, San Francisco, CA.

Comercialización: Venda Lo que Usted Crece
Cuáles son las ventajas y las desventajas de usar las varias vías de comercialización? Discutirémos los desafíos probables del embalaje, el enfriamiento, el mercadeo directo, y vendiendo sus cosechas al por mayor. (presentado solamente en español) (presented in Spanish only)
Presentadores: Martín Guerena, Centro Nacional para la Tecnología Apropiada, Davis, CA; Hector Mora, ALBA, Salinas, CA; Miguel Martinez, Santa Rosa Organics, Salinas, CA; María Inés Catalán, Laughing Onion Farm, Hollister, CA.

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Solar: The Perfect Storm of Economic and Environmental Sustainability
Solar sounds like a great way to enhance the energy sustainability of your farm, ranch or vineyard, but can you really afford it? Yes, you can! The workshop will show how strategic financing combined with rebates and incentives can help you afford solar without any radical changes in your operations cash flow. Credit adverse? We’ll also look at ways to install your system and gradually increase its capacity as your cash resources allow. A second presentation will showcase an innovative concentrated solar system that produces electricity without photovoltaic panels and treats contaminated drainage water in one economically and environmentally profitable system.
Presenters: Rob Erlichman, Sunlight Electric, San Francisco, CA; Frank Schubert, Combined Solar Technologies, Monterey, CA.

Tools for Farm Change and Growth: Western SARE Farmer /Rancher Grants
A session on how the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer/Rancher Grant program works and how it can work for you. Four panelists share how they put SARE money to work in their enterprises to create high quality products tied to “the message of the land and sense of place.” This workshop is about much more than the lamb, wool, cattle, grains, and organic produce these folks raise and sell. It’s about creativity, commitment, and engaging a tool to inspire change.
Presenters: Jeanne Carver, Imperial Stock Ranch, Maupin, OR; Helge Hellberg, Marin Organic, Pt. Reyes, CA; Annie Main, Good Humus Farm, Capay, CA; Henning Sehmsdorf, S&S Homestead Farms, Lopez Island, WA.

Superstore Organics: The Cost of Organics for the Mega Market
How do we —the visionaries and innovators — take responsibility for what we have created and steward the retail giants who are bringing organic food to a new market? Join the conversation as we take an honest look at the range of issues presented by organics-for-all. How do we assure organic integrity as production expands into the land of the super sellers? The panel includes the executive director of the institute that sponsors Sustainable Food Labs — a unique collaboration of world food-system leaders working to propel sustainably produced food into the mainstream. We’ll also hear from a specialist in food and consumer products who works with fair trade issues, and a long-time organic farmer whose collaboration with the Del Cabo Cooperative has provided year-round organic tomatoes and other crops to both small and large markets.
Moderator: Diane Joy Goodman, Organic Industry Consultant, San Francisco, CA.
Presenters: Hal Hamilton, The Sustainability Institute, Hartland, VT; Larry Jacobs, Jacobs Farm and Del Cabo Cooperative, Pescadero, CA; Dave Rochlin, TransFair USA, Oakland, CA.

Watershed Dynamics: How It’s All Related
Taking a broader look at the ecological stewardship of farming systems, this session will present the latest findings and field practices from watershed research and land management. Topics will include the overview of how nutrient and sediment management relates to stream and groundwater quality, aquatic ecosystems, and productive agriculture. How do you use different kinds of cover crops to manage the nutrient balance and various strategies to alleviate runoff? Your choices have far-reaching implications on a watershed scale.
Presenters: Richard Casale, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Capitola, CA; Richard Smith, Monterey County Co-op Extension, Salinas, CA.

Weed Management in Organic Perennial Crops *
There is continual improvement in weed management techniques for organic orchards and vineyards. This session will explore a wide variety of options. Tom Lanini will give an overview of nonchemical weed management including mulches, cultivation, grazing, flaming, and more. Lance Vande Hoef will discuss the Sunflower under-row cultivator developed in France. Kevin Smith will show the Batchen Stinger, a propane steam weeder used for weed control under vines and trees.
Presenters: Tom Lanini, UC Co-op Extension Weed Ecologist, Davis, CA; Kevin Smith, Sustainable Applications, Paso Robles, CA; Lance Vande Hoef, Pellenc America, Santa Rosa, CA.

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Mixers and Receptions: All evening (more info)

Organic Wine Tasting: 5:00 pm
It’s an Eco-Farm tradition! Come taste premium wines made from organic grapes by outstanding vintners. The reception will be a social and networking opportunity for growers, distributors, and all wine appreciators. Pre-register for $15 or pay $20 at the door for a chance to sample the choice offerings of the finest wineries in the West. The fee includes a commemorative wine glass. (Use your registration form to pre-register!)

10th Annual Seed Swap: 7:30 pm
Hosted by the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC)
You can help preserve our genetic resources! Do you want to expand the biodiversity of your farm or garden? Many seeds of non-hybrid, non-engineered varieties will be available to trade at our 10th annual Seed Swap.
Make sure everything you bring is labelled, and please bring your own packets for seeds.
DON’T FORGET to bring seeds to share!

Film: American Farmers Speak Out, at the Farms Not Arms Reception: 8:30 pm
Join members of Farms Not Arms for a mixer and discussion about how we can collaborate with the peace movement and other activist groups to bring about the kind of social change necessary to save our world. Farms Not Arms (FNA) was founded in 2006 by farmers and farm supporters to give American farmers a voice in the worldwide peace movement.

The evening will feature American Farmers Speak Out, a new video by Village Media and Farm Broadcasting. The film captures some of the farmers from across the country who spoke at the 2006 FarmAid concert. Farmers were asked to give their opinions on the burning issues of the day, including labor and immigration, energy dependence and sustainability, and the effect of war on farmers and farming families. This is a session for networking, discussion, and brainstorming.
We hope to see you there!

Contra Dance : 9:00 pm
Tired of sitting all day? Shake, swirl and sway with a vigorous dance session!

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* indicates DPR credits have been applied for

Wednesday Schedule

Friday Schedule

Ecological Farming Association • 406 Main Street Ste. 313 • Watsonville, CA 95076
ph. 831-763-2111 • fax. 831-763-2112 • info@eco-farm.org