The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA) welcomes all to the 30^th Annual Winter Conference on March 3 to discuss the future of sustainable farming and celebrate local food.  Geared not only toward farmers, but also gardeners, locavores, homesteaders and anyone interested in a sustainable lifestyle, the conference features workshops, internationally-celebrated speakers, and the renowned potluck.

The 2012 Winter Conference’s keynote speaker is Jeffrey Smith, noted author and speaker on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). He is the author of Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette, and will share insights on the real threats that GMOs pose to local food production as well as to consumers’ health.  A second workshop on GMOs will be hosted by Daniel Ravicher, legal counsel representing CT NOFA and 80 other plaintiffs against Monsanto to legally protect small farms and farmers.

All workshops are taught by regional professionals bringing expertise from the farm, kitchen, government, or non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable lifestyle. Specific growing workshops include production of fruit, garlic, honey, nuts, and mushrooms. Classes on pollination, nitrogen management and soil microbiology are among those that will provide more technical instruction. Sustainable home-life classes include seminars on root cellars, food storage, cooking, household products as well as well as how to make healthy choices in cosmetics. For activists and organizers the conference offers workshops in climate change, starting food co-ops, and establishing a winter farmers’ market.

The Winter Conference is a celebration of local foods and farms.  Attendees can share their favorite food dish at the potluck feast.  Local, organic vendors including Sweet Sage Bakery of Madison, CT and Bean & Leaf of New London, will be selling delicious, sustainable treats.  Children are welcome to spend time in the Family Play ‘n’ Chill room.

The CT NOFA 30^th Annual Winter Conference will be held at Manchester Community College, on Great Path Rd in Manchester, CT on March 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is $50 for NOFA members and $60 for non-members ($35 for students or seniors).  There is a $5 discount for early registration (before  February 18^th) and an additional $10 discount for those interested in volunteering.  Beginning Farmers should contact Kristiane Huber at kristiane@ctnofa.org about generous scholarships available through funding from the USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. For more information and registration online, visit www.ctnofa.org, or call the office at 203-888-5146.