Organic Seed Alliance (OSA), along with co-hosts Washington State University, Oregon State University, and eOrganic, will hold the 8th Organic Seed Growers Conference in Corvallis, Oregon, from February 3 – 6, 2016. The conference features presentations, panel discussions, and networking events around the theme of “Cultivating Resilience.”
The conference kicks off with two full-day events: an organic seed production intensive for farmers on Wednesday, February 3rd, and a tour of organic seed operations in the Willamette Valley, home to a premier seed-growing region and industry, on Thursday, February 4th.
The conference is the largest event in North America to focus solely on organic seed systems. Session topics range from organic plant breeding, seed production, and distribution, to enhancing policies that support the growth and integrity of the organic seed sector.
The conference offers more than thirty sessions ranging from agronomic issues on the farm (seed production and disease management); breeding topics (university projects and participatory models); economic matters (organic seed markets and marketing); and policy discussions (strategies and tools for advancing the organic seed sector).
Presenters represent diverse regions, crop types, and farming scales. More than 500 farmers, plant breeders, students, policy advocates, and seed and food companies, among others, are expected to attend.
Cary Fowler will deliver the keynote address. He is the former director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust and helped create the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. His legendary career is featured in a new film called Seeds of Time.
More than 90 experts will present at the conference. A full agenda with speakers can be found at www.seedalliance.org.
The full-day intensive on February 3rd will cover basic organic seed production for new farmers. Experts will provide an in-depth training on the fundamental techniques of seed production with hands-on demonstrations. Space is limited.
The full-day tour on February 4th is co-hosted by Oregon Tilth, a non-profit research and education organization that also provides organic certification services. The tour includes visits to the Oregon State University barley breeding program and the inner operations of the USDA’s National Clonal Germplasm Repository, and more. Space is limited.
The conference is located on the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis. Area hotels offer reasonable rates for participant lodging. Delicious organic food featuring the Northwest’s best will be served.
