Conference

From June 27-29, 2024, engage in networking and education opportunities that address the unique challenges and needs faced by Black farmers and urban growers. 3 keynote presentations 16 concurrent workshops Networking and technical assistance Urban agriculture tours The conference is free, but registration is required. Registration closes on May 24, 2024.

The Cultivating Connections Conference, an annual event dedicated to farm transition planning, is returning for its second year on August 5 and 6, 2024. Cultivating Connections serves as a forum for learning, discussing, and collaborating on the latest strategies, tools, and legal and tax aspects of farm transition planning. The conference fosters a supportive community dedicated to preserving the legacy and sustainability of family farms for future generations. Learn more and register at the link below.

Join a gathering of faith-community leaders and farmer advocates from around the U.S. who are interested in learning and sharing about growing food on lands owned by faith-based communities. Participate in structured dialogue about how to facilitate access to thousands of parcels owned by faith-based institutions to empower beginning, immigrant and BIPOC farmers. Learn about partnership opportunities and successful models of leasing to commercial farms, nonprofits and more! Click the link below to learn more and register.

The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a fun-filled, educational community event celebrating one of America’s largest native tree fruits, the pawpaw (Asimina triloba). This all-weekend event highlights the rich history and future possibilities of the pawpaw through delectable food and beverages, and a full line-up of presentations and activities that cover pawpaw growing, cooking, genetics, medical use and other topics related to sustainability. There will be a community conversation organized by OEFFA about farmland access in the Meigs and Athens County area during the festival. Learn more and register for the festival at the link below.  

Food systems professionals and advocates are invited to attend a day of riveting discussion, networking and innovation to move toward nurturing a just, sustainable and thriving food system for all Ohioans. Register at the link below.

Join Central State University for a day packed with marketing insights that you can apply directly to your operations. Learn about different point of sales that help with tracking inventory, sales, and other various sale information, enjoy a lunch, and listen in on farmer panels and roundtables. Register at the link below.

The Black Indigenous People of Color Food and Farming Network (BFFN)’s fifth annual Black Farming Conference is taking place Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28 in Columbus. Visit the link below for more information on conference programming.

In its 8th year, this event features interactive STEM-related activities at various booths and behind-the-scenes tours of Ohio State research facilities, along with food trucks, prizes, and other fun family activities. Visit u.osu.edu/stemimpact/westfest for more information, including event sites and parking options.

Each year the Stinner Summit gathers farmers, researchers, educators, policy leaders, and organizations together in a different region of Ohio. Using a participatory process, specific project ideas are crafted and then funded through the Stinner Endowment. This year the event returns to southeast Ohio on Friday, November 15. Participation is open to anyone with an interest in healthy agroecosystems, but registration is required. A lunch featuring local foods will be provided. The Stinner Summit is an opportunity to learn what others are doing to advance local food systems, share individual ideas and experiences, and pool resources to design community-led initiatives. To learn more about the Stinner Summit or Ohio State’s AMP program, visit amp.osu.edu.

The 3rd annual Ohio State Organic Grains Conference will be January 9-10, 2025 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. This event is managed by Ohio State University Extension and the OFFER program. Attendance for 2024 exceeded 240, and included farmers, suppliers, researchers, and educators from Ohio, Indiana, New York, Illinois, Michigan, and beyond. Whether you're a long-time organic grain grower or looking to learn how to incorporate more organic approaches in your operation, you will find useful information and networking opportunities at this event. Click the link below to learn more and register.  

MOFFA’s Organic Intensives is a one-day conference that offers in-depth knowledge that can be immediately applied, empowering YOU to make a real difference when it comes to organic, ecological, and regenerative farming and gardening practices. Attendees can expect to learn about: Korean Natural Farming Climate Smart Farming Creative Marketing Practices Click the link below to learn more.

The Urban Farming Initiative invites you to the Food as Medicine Mini Conference, a game-changing event that's all about empowering Cincinnatians to take control of their health by understanding what happens to their bodies and minds based on the food they are eating. Who's invited to attend? Any person or organization interested in gaining confidence about their food choices in their local food economy!