We are excited to be a part of an upcoming “Organic Intensive” workshop hosted by Michigan Organic Food and Farming Alliance (MOFFA). The event will take place on Saturday, January 6th, at the Plant and Soil Sciences building on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing.
This intensive will offer some basic hands-on skills to the beginner and enhance the tool kit for more advanced seed savers and growers. Shiloh Maples, an Anishinaabe community organizer, seed keeper and storyteller, will present on seed rematriation and seed ethics. Amy Newday, with support from others, will focus on beginning and advanced seed saving techniques. Erica Kempter and Mike Levine of Nature and Nurture Seeds will share about their breeding projects and the need for high-quality organic seed. They will navigate us through the process of growing seed for them or other small seed companies. Michael Lordon, Midwest Research and Education Associate for Organic Seed Alliance will speak to the OSA’s ongoing efforts to breed open-pollinated varieties suited for low-input organic growing systems. The day will also include a session on best practice seed cleaning techniques and a panel roundtable discussion on enhancing the seed community.
Registration is $110 for MOFFA members and $140 for non-members. The registration fee covers six hours of learning, an organic lunch and snack breaks, all printed materials, and a great chance to network with fellow farmers and gardeners from across Michigan. Parking is free at the Plant and Soil Sciences Building. Scholarships are available; if interested please email a request for scholarship information to moffaorganic@gmail.com.
