Strengthening Community Seed Systems
January 19 – 21, 2012
Fort Worden State Park
Port Townsend, Washington
How we steward our seed determines the quality and integrity of our food. Developing organic seed systems is therefore paramount to the ongoing growth and success of organic agriculture. Gather with others in the organic community for the nation’s largest conference focused solely on organic seed to learn from 50 experts in the fields of organic plant breeding, organic seed production, marketing, distribution, policy, and more. With more than two dozen working sessions, the conference suits a range of experience levels and interests. Find more information and register here.
Working Sessions
Our impressive line-up of speakers will present on a range of topics, including participatory plant breeding projects on the farm and in the university sector; organic seed production, marketing, and economics; policy and strategy regarding timely organic seed issues; among a host of other topics. Download the full agenda (opens PDF).
Entertainment, Food and Networking
The conference features delicious organic food featuring the Northwest’s best, entertainment from local musicians, a community seed swap, trade show, and other networking events you won’t want to miss!
Keynote Speakers
Two nationally recognized authorities provide this year’s keynote talks. Dr. William F. Tracy is the interim dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, leads one of the few remaining public sector sweet corn breeding programs in the U.S., and is active in organic plant breeding projects. Dr. Eric Holt-Gimenez is the executive director of Food First/Institute for Food and Development Policy, an organization working to end the injustices that cause hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation. His research and writing concentrates on the global food crisis, the Farm Bill, fair trade and food justice.
Pre-conference Tour
Washington has long been a major vegetable seed production region of international importance. In an all-day field tour co-sponsored by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, we’ll drive through major cabbage, beet, and spinach growing areas, visit organic variety trials at Osborne Seed Company, view seed handling operations, and learn about organic seed research projects at the Washington State University Northwest Research Center. Find more information and register here.
Trade Show
This is your business and organization’s best opportunity to showcase your products and work, while networking with conference participants throughout the weekend. Find more information here.
Poster Session
We want to hear about the work you’re doing! In fact, we wan tho hang it on the walls for all to see. This is your opportunity to share important research with your organic seed community members. Please submit proposals to Cathleen McCluskey at cathleen@seedalliance.org by December 1, 2011.
