A Place to Embrace and Be HMoob Friday, 2:00-4:00 p.m. | South Hall Upper, Orange Room; Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | North Hall Upper, Blue Room
This is a place for only HMoob farmers and ag staff to rejuvenate, strengthen collaborative power, and be authentically present where informal networking, idea and knowledge sharing, and farmer support will be provided. It is also a place to relax, let go of stress, and remove overwhelming expectations.
Contact: Yimmuaj Yang, yimmuaj@groundswellconservancy.org Early Career Professionals Meetup Thursday, 6:30-8:00 p.m. | South Hall Upper, Orange Room
Do you identify as an early-career conservation or agriculture professional? Are you new to organic agriculture? Come join a networking session to hear new ideas and meet new people.
Contact: Nichole Kirk, nichole.kirk@usda.gov Breaking Bread and Building Bonds Thursday, 7:00-8:30 p.m. | South Hall Lower, Room A
Join us for the "Breaking Bread and Building Bonds" session, a vibrant meet-up for Black and African immigrant farmers at the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference. This interactive gathering provides a welcoming space to share experiences, challenges, and successes in the agricultural sector. Together, we will foster connections, explore collaborative opportunities, and strengthen our network of support, all while emphasizing the importance of unity and shared experiences in building resilience within our farming communities. Come connect, learn, and grow with us! RSVP here.
Organizing for Impact Friday, 5:00-6:30 p.m. | South Hall Lower, Room A
Join us for the "Organizing for Impact" session, designed to empower Black and African immigrant farmers to effectively advocate for their needs and interests. This engaging workshop will facilitate discussions around common successes and challenges faced within our farming groups. Participants will brainstorm ways we can work together by discussing how to develop practical steps to meet our collective needs. Through sharing experiences and exploring successful case studies, we will create actionable plans for collaboration. Together, we will build a unified voice and foster a strong network, ensuring our community thrives and effectively addresses the unique challenges we face in agriculture. RSVP here.
Affinity Group Leadership
Saturday, 7:30-8:30 a.m. | South Hall Upper, Green Room
Join us for the "Affinity Group Leadership" session, designed for those involved in leadership roles within the African and Diaspora Farmers Affinity Group. This critical meeting will provide a collaborative space to discuss our shared vision, leadership strategies, and group initiatives. Participants will explore common successes and challenges encountered in their roles, while brainstorming ways to effectively support one another. Together, we will outline actionable steps to strengthen our leadership framework and demonstrate our commitment to our farming communities. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, we aim to empower all members and ensure the sustainability and growth of our affinity group. Contacts: Porchea McGuire, prochea@nwifoodcouncil.org | Yves Doumen, motherland.gcp@gmail.com RSVP here. ¡DALE! Hora social de unidad de agricultores latinos y BIPOC / ¡DALE! Latinx and BIPOC Farmer Unity Social Hour Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | South Hall Lower, Room D
Aunque tenemos un espacio limitado disponible para que los agricultores latinos y BIPOC del Medio Oeste se reúnan, nuestro trabajo tiene un impacto significativo en el sistema alimentario de todas nuestras comunidades. Únase a nosotros para construir colectivamente un espacio diseñado para conocernos, compartir nuestras historias y experiencias, y reconocer el valor de nuestro trabajo. Al fortalecer nuestras conexiones y expandir nuestras redes, no solo nos apoyamos mutuamente, sino que también empoderamos a nuestras comunidades. Únase a esta sesión para explorar cómo juntos podemos crear conexiones sólidas que fortalezcan nuestro impacto y construyan un futuro más equitativo y sostenible para todos.
¡Este es un espacio para celebrar! ¡Traiga a sus amigos y familiares para compartir historias, y luego disfrutar del baile, la música, y las piñatas!
Although we have limited spaces available for Latinx and BIPOC farmers in the Midwest to come together, our work has a significant impact on the food system in all of our communities. Come join us to collectively build a space designed to get to know each other, share our stories and experiences, and recognize the value of our work. By strengthening our connections and expanding our networks, we not only support each other, but we also empower our communities. Join this session to explore how together we can create strong connections that strengthen our impact and build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
This is a space to celebrate! Please bring your friends and family to share stories and enjoy dancing, music, and pinatas!
Desayuno de discusión de la unidad de agricultores latinos y BIPOC: ¿Qué apoyo necesitan nuestros agricultores? / Latinx and BIPOC Farmers Unity Breakfast Discussion: What support do our farmers need? Friday, 9:00-10:30 a.m. | South Hall Upper, Orange Room
Únase a nosotros para un desayuno de discusión abierta relajante y colectivo para obtener más información sobre las subvenciones y préstamos disponibles para el próximo año, discutir las necesidades de apoyo técnico, y brindar comentarios directos a las organizaciones sobre el apoyo que necesitan los agricultores BIPOC y Latinx en el Medio Oeste.
Come join us for a relaxing and collective open discussion breakfast to learn more about available resources, grants, and loans for the upcoming year, discussing and surveying for technical support needs, and providing space for farmer direct feedback to organizations on what support is needed by BIPOC and Latinx farmers in the Midwest.
Rompiendo la descolonización en la agricultura: Debate sobre la unidad de agricultores latinos y BIPOC / Breaking Down Decolonization in Agriculture: Centralizing the stories of BIPOC, Latinx, and Indigenous Farmers Friday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. | South Hall Lower, Room D
¿Cómo podemos apoyarnos mutuamente y crecer en un espacio donde se valoren nuestros valores culturales y nuestras prácticas sostenibles de producción de alimentos? En esta sesión, exploraremos estrategias para organizarnos de manera efectiva y maximizar nuestro impacto colectivo. Únete a este diálogo para reflexionar sobre nuestras experiencias, compartir recursos, y co-crear soluciones que reflejen nuestra identidad y visión compartida.
How can we support each other as emerging, BIPOC, Latinx, and Indigenous farmers and grow in a space where our cultural values and sustainable food production practices are valued? In this session, we will explore the process of decolonization and strategies to organize effectively and maximize our collective impact. Join this dialogue to reflect on our experiences, share resources and support, and co-create solutions that reflect our shared identity and vision for our communities for the next generation of farming. Contacts: Lucia Schulz, Community Organizing Associate, lucias@cfra.org, 402-380-7006 | Yolibeth Rangel, REAP Food Group, yolibethr@reapfoodgroup.org, 608-577-8306 Participatory Learning Community for Beginning Farmers Friday, 7:00-8:30 p.m. | South Hall Upper, Orange Room
A gathering for beginning farmer educators, mentors, and any farmers interested in creating participatory peer-to-peer learning opportunities for beginning farmers.
Contact: Mariel Borgman, mborgm@msu.edu Northern Pear Growers Friday, 3:30-5:00 p.m. | North Hall Upper, Blue Room
This group meets to discuss which quality pear varieties are productive in our region and the management practices for their successful cultivation. Contact: David Sliwa, ddsliwa@gmail.com Regenerative Poultry Growers & Enthusiasts Affinity Group Friday, 3:30-5:00 p.m. | North Hall Upper, Green Room
Anyone interested in regenerative poultry and/or regenerative agroforestry systems is invited to join the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance along with Tree Range Farms poultry producers in a discussion about the regenerative poultry production model and the ecosystem of regenerative businesses we are building in the Midwest.
Contact: Louis Kemp, louis@regenagalliance.org Food Sovereignty and Agroecology Meetup Saturday, 10:15-11:45 a.m. | South Hall Lower, Room D
Join others who are interested in learning more about La Via Campesina and how principles of food sovereignty and agroecology can build solidarity between family farmers, farm/food workers, Indigenous communities, and across our entire food/farm system.
Contact: John Peck, familyfarmdefenders@yahoo.com Welcoming Communities: Becoming an Ally and Upstander Friday, 3:00-4:30 p.m. | South Hall Lower, Room B
In response to experiences of racism, discrimination, and lack of safety from farmers of color in our community, join us in engaging conversations about racism, xenophobia, homophobia, etc. in our own region and what we could do by working collectively with farmers and folks in rural places who recognize that creating a culture of welcome that embraces diversity makes communities vibrant and viable. Explore the possibility of being an upstander and ally in rural Wisconsin.
Contact: Mia Ljung, mia.ljung@wisc.edu, 920-470-4645 | Nou Thao, nou.thao@marbleseed.org, 888-906-6737 x723 Queers in the Field Friday, 5:00-6:30 p.m. | South Hall Upper, Orange Room
LGBTQIA+ farmers and friends are invited to join us for socializing, networking, and resource sharing. Contact: Hawthorn McCracken, mccrackencc15@gmail.com
WiWiC Learning Circle
Saturday, 9:00-10:15 a.m. | South Hall Upper, Orange Room
Join us to network and be in community with women who value and implement conservation practices on their land and the professionals who help them achieve their stewardship dreams. This year, WiWiC welcomes women from Minnesota (MNWiC) to join in to share stories and struggles, learn how to increase your network, and learn how a professionally prepared conservation plan (provided for free through WiWiC) can create both a roadmap AND opportunities for funding. Let us know what you would like to learn more about regarding conservation and soil health! Contact: Esther S Durairaj, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, eshekinah@michaelfields.org | Jennifer Nelson, Renewing the Countryside Organic Fruit Growers Association (OFGA) Annual Member Meeting Thursday, 6:00-7:00 p.m. | South Hall Lower, Room B
Meet our network of Upper Midwest organic fruit growers, learn about OFGA's activities and plans for the upcoming year, give input, and ask questions. New and prospective members are welcome. Pick up your supper at the dining hall and bring it with you to the meeting. Stay after the formal meeting for social time and discussion with fellow fruit growers.
Contact: Chris McGuire, OFGA, ofgacoordinator@gmail.com
“Tribal Meet-and-Greet”
Friday, 5:00-6:00 p.m. | South Hall, Room B
This short session provides an opportunity for Tribal producers and key partners to connect on current efforts while discussing possible collaborations. Contact: Dan Cornelius, daniel.cornelius@gmail.com Marbleseed Shabbat! Friday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. | North Hall Upper, Blue Room
Join the Jewish Farmer Network team for a special Shabbat dinner with other Midwestern Jewish farmers! Together we will engage in rituals new and old, while exploring the ways our tradition elevates food and builds community. The Sabbath is an ancestral blueprint for sacred cycles of work and rest that are directly tied to the work of a farmer. Let’s honor our ancestors by breaking bread together! This space is for Jewish farmers and their friends and family. Please stop by our table in the exhibitor hall to register!
Contact: Shani Mink, shani@jewishfarmernetwork.org |
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