Conference

The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit is the largest sustainability conference, bringing together 600 passionate and visionary leaders to share inspiring, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented ideas that propel us toward a healthier, more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. Join Fortune 500 powerhouses, innovative entrepreneurs, government officials, sustainability directors, academic, non-profit, and community leaders committed to solving some of the region's toughest environmental problems while creating a positive economic impact. The Summit is hosted by Green Umbrella. Planning partners include the Ohio Environmental Council, City of Cincinnati, Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, and CommEN Strategies.

This symposium will bring together a national and international audience of academic and research-oriented professionals to share and gain knowledge on how we can build coalitions to adapt to this changing world and how urban food systems contribute to these solutions.

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.