The Alaska Food Festival and Conference brings together food experts, producers, advocates, educators, eaters, and more. Whether the food comes from land or water, it is all crucial to Alaska’s food future. Expect a diversity of speakers from all food system and agricultural sectors. Conference goals are to:
1. Increase awareness of Alaska food issues among the general population;
2. Provide training, resources, and networking opportunities to increase involvement in local food issues by community members and decision-makers; and
3. Increase connections and build community between the public, Alaska food businesses, NGOs, governmental entities, Tribal entities, and others to support local economic development and innovative solutions.

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Northwest

Alaska Food Festival and Conference

Join us for the last session of the “Organic Markets for Livestock Farmers” series. This upcoming advisor call is designed as a follow-up to the last two previous webinars on Markets ROI and Buyer Perspectives on Organic Livestock Markets. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the earlier sessions to engage in a deeper discussion about these topics with farmers, buyers, and economic experts who were featured in previous webinars. This advisor call is an open forum for you to ask any questions you have related to organic livestock markets. This call may also include a walkthrough of organic clearinghouses, including how to effectively utilize these resources for your business. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and ask questions about the organic livestock market.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/ask-me-anything-organic-markets-for-livestock-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

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National

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Midwest

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Northeast/Mid-Atlantic

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Plains

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Southeast

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West/Southwest

Ask me Anything – Organic Markets for Livestock Farmers

The Oregon Organic Coalition is helping to organize a day-long conference and wine tasting highlighting organically managed vineyards in Oregon. A panel and other programming is being finalized and the day will also include Field Tours focused on soil health, cover cropping, and rotational grazing. Organizers hope to help more of Oregon’s winegrowers adopt climate-friendly organic farming practices.

Organic Wine Field Day

Join us for an engaging follow-up to the previous webinar, “Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Livestock Farmers,” where we dive deeper into the perspectives of buyers in the organic livestock market. Attendees will gather insights from multiple buyers across the U.S. on their sourcing needs, learn about key factors that influence buyer decisions, and learn how to build strong, collaborative relationships with buyers. This conversation is designed specifically for farmers looking to understand the current landscape and future opportunities in organic livestock markets.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-buyer-perspectives-on-livestock/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Buyer Perspectives on Livestock

Join the Swette Center TOPP Data Team for an office hour session on Quarterly Reporting. Come get your questions answered and hear updates from our team.

TOPP Quarterly Reporting Office Hour (3/19/25)

Organic Certification and organic production practices virtual workshop for Certified Farm Startup program participants.

Certified Farm Startup Organic

Are you considering the transition to organic farming for your livestock farm and or interested in improving the return on investment for your organic farm through markets? Join us for an insightful virtual webinar designed to help you understand the economic potential of organic markets and equip you with the tools to evaluate your own transition. Attendees will get an overview of the organic market landscape and its growth potential from economic experts and learn.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-markets-roi-of-organic-transition-for-livestock-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Livestock Farmers

Organicology brings together contributors, advocates and change-makers from across the organic trade to revolutionize food, agriculture and economic models for the better. Together we share our work, progress, and challenges, unearth possibilities and build deep connections needed to grow the organic agriculture movement today and for an ever-improving future. Organicology is designed with a rebellious spirit and forward focus and promotes cross-pollination as attendees share time and space with not only their peers, but with a wide range of trade practitioners, creating opportunities to better understand the whole of which they are part.

Organicology

A bilingual (Spanish-English) conference and field day hosted by Viva Farms including four sessions: Funding Your Farm, Cash Flow Budget Basics, Integrated Pest Management and Ecology, and Tillage and Mechanical Cultivation Tools Highlight. A poster is available but I don&#8217;t see where to upload it here.

Latino Farmer Summit

Field day to highlight organic elderberry management and marketing opportunities, with a special emphasis on Indigenous and traditional practices.

Elderberry Field Day

Viva Farms y la comunidad invitan a los agricultores latinos al Congreso de Agricultores, una excelente oportunidad de aprendizaje y establecimiento de contactos. Este evento de un día se llevará a cabo en el Valle de Skagit. Las sesiones de las horas de la mañana se enfocarán en la gestión empresarial, el flujo de caja, la preparación para préstamos y la solicitud de subvenciones en el Centro de Investigación y Extensión WSU Northwest. Luego, disfrutaremos de un almuerzo de networking, durante el cual varios proveedores de servicios agrícolas compartirán información sobre sus programas.
Después del almuerzo, nos trasladaremos a Viva Farms para explorar la gestión de plagas, las prácticas orgánicas, recorrer granjas existentes y revisar el uso y las mejores prácticas de implementos agrícolas comunes. Nos acompañarán líderes del Centro Nacional de Tecnología Apropiada, AgWest Farm Credit, proveedores y compradores del sector agrícola local, entre otros. Este evento, que se llevará a cabo en español con interpretación al inglés, es una excelente oportunidad para conectarse con expertos y colegas del sector. ¡Esperamos verlos allí!
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Together with the community, Viva Farms invites Latino farmers to Congreso de Agricultores, a day-long learning and networking opportunity in Skagit Valley. Morning sessions will focus on business management, cash flow, preparing for loans and applying for grants at the WSU Northwest Research &#038; Extension Center. Then, there will be a networking lunch during which various agricultural vendors and service providers will be available to share information about their programs.
After lunch together, we will head to Viva Farms to study pest management, organic practices, tour existing farms and review the use and best practices for common farming implements. Leaders from the National Center for Appropriate Technology, AgWest Farm Credit, local farm business suppliers and buyers, and others will join us. This day-long event will be in Spanish; English interpretation will be available. Hope to see you there!

Congreso de Agricultores Latinos

The Mini Variety Showcase is a special event designed to offer attendees a hands-on, immersive experience into the world of organic seed breeding. This one-hour showcase will highlight a diverse array of crops and the innovative work behind them. Participants will explore tables focused on various plant varieties selected for organic systems, including barley, dry beans, okra seed oil, collards, corn, sorghum, buckwheat, peppers, garlic, and dry-farmed squash.

Mini Variety Showcase

The focus of this event will be to bring together speakers from different countries who will share their knowledge in agriculture and seed saving and seed production.

Organic Seed Alliance Seed Conference

The Organic Seed Growers Conference is a biennial gathering by and for agroecological seed communities in the U.S. and across the world. The event creates spaces where experienced and emerging seed stewards can convene timely conversations, educational training, and strategy sessions. The gathering serves as a conduit for making new connections and catching up with old friends, networking across organic seed communities, sharing knowledge with other participants, and celebrating the growing movement. Organizers curate a conference agenda that reflects the multifaceted needs of seed growers and advocates, no matter the ease or discomfort of the topics. The goal of the Organic Seed Growers Conference is to inspire individuals, communities, organizations, and businesses to take actions that support and improve the integrity of the philosophical and practical systems that make up the organic seed movement and trade.
The conference will kick off with in-person pre-conference events on February 26th and 27th, including the all-Spanish Speaking Seed Intensive, a Farm Tour, and an Intellectual Property Summit. The larger hybrid Conference will then take place from February 28th to March 1st, with select in-person sessions broadcast live on Organic Seed Commons and eOrganic.

Organic Seed Growers Conference

Join us for an engaging follow-up to the previous webinar, “Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Vegetable Farmers,” where we dive deeper into the perspectives of buyers in the organic vegetable market. Attendees will gather insights from multiple buyers across the U.S. on their sourcing needs, learn about key factors that influence buyer decisions, and learn how to build strong, collaborative relationships with buyers. This conversation is designed specifically for farmers looking to understand the current landscape and future opportunities in organic vegetable markets.
The panel will be moderated by David Paysnick and will feature Whitney Herrera, Kenny Meyer and Alex Borst.
David Paysnick: David is the Food Hub Business Development Manager at Food Connects, a 501c3 non-profit based in Southern Vermont. He joined Food Connects in 2020 with 25+ years of experience in food and farming-related occupations and has helped the Food Connects Food Hub grow annual sales from $1.1 Million in 2020 to $3.9 million ins 2024. Prior to working at Food Connects, David operated Rainbow Harvest Farm in Greenfield, MA, producing organic vegetables, herbs, nursery plants, fig trees and specialty food products. He was the founding farmer at the non-profit Greenfield Community Farm, where he led the farm through its initial years of development and production. David also spent nearly a decade working in retail food co-ops in both California and Massachusetts, primarily as Produce Manager and Buyer, as well as serving as Board President for a multi-store Food Co-op in Western Massachusetts. In his earlier days, he also worked as a wholesale baker, chef, and held several other restaurants, farm and food positions. David now lives with his wife and daughter in Greenfield, MA where they grow organic flowers and vegetables for personal enjoyment and sell occasional fig tree cuttings from their extensive greenhouse collection.
Whitney Herrera: Whitney has worked at Whole Foods Market for over 15 years — starting in Reno, NV Whole Foods store as a cashier. During her time with Whole Foods, she has been a part of Global Operations helping stand up a Global Reset program for store team members and has been in Category Management for the past 6 years. Before managing Functional Snacks, she managed Cereals, Nut Butters, Jams, Wholesome Bars and Shelf Stable Milks. Outside of work, Whitney works to bring her passion for food and regenerative farming practices to her small-scale suburban garden.
Kenny Meyer: Kenny is a Senior Produce &amp; Floral Buyer with Whole Foods Markets Perishables Merchandising Team. His primary role is strategic partnerships with Local and Regional Farms across Whole Foods Markets network of suppliers.
Alex Borst: Alex is the Purchasing Manager at Happy Dirt. He is a grandson of immigrant dairy farmers and grew up in Mississippi seeing how difficult of a time farmers have in getting their products to market. He has spent his career trying to solve problems that exist in moving produce from economically challenged rural areas into more heavily populated urban areas. Alex has over 8 years of experience in produce procurement in both the non-profit and for-profit spaces. Happy Dirt is a certified organic produce distribution company that brings fresh produce to market from farms across the Southeast and East Coast. Alex manages vendor relationships and produce production planning to build local and regional programs for retailers and food service providers from Florida to New York. In his free time, Alex practices yoga, spends too much time cooking and frequents electronic music venues.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-buyer-perspectives-on-organic-vegetable-sourcing/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Buyer Perspectives on Organic Vegetable Sourcing

TOPP Quarterly Reporting Office Hour (2/19/25)

The Mariculture Conference of Alaska is an opportunity to engage with members of the mariculture industry, hear from experts, and connect with farmers, processors, researchers, community leaders, and other professionals.
The goal of the conference is to support the continued development of mariculture in the state by reviewing accomplishments, addressing challenges, and exploring opportunities in research, innovation, education, and industry growth.
In addition to the conference, this event will host the annual meetings for members of the Alaska Mariculture Alliance (AMA) and Alaska Shellfish Growers Association (ASGA).

Mariculture Conference of Alaska

The Oregon Small Farms Conference is geared toward farmers, agricultural professionals, food policy advocates, students and managers of farmers markets. Educational sessions are offered on a variety of topics relevant to Oregon small farmers. Speakers include farmers, OSU Extension faculty, agribusiness, and more.

OSU Small Farms Conference

OSU Oregon Small Farm Conference

Are you considering the transition to organic farming for your diversified vegetable farm and or interested in improving the return on investment for your organic farm through markets? Join us for an insightful virtual webinar designed to help you understand the economic potential of organic markets and equip you with the tools to evaluate your own transition. This webinar will be moderated by Roshell Rosales Aguilar, Farm and Agribusiness Management Regional Extension Agent for NW Alabama through Auburn University. Attendees will get an overview of the organic market landscape and its growth potential from economic expert and Professor of Food Studies at NYU, Carolyn Dimitri, and learn from farmers Reggie Ramos, from Grow with the Flow and Emma Jagoz, from Moon Valley Farm, who successfully transitioned to organic vegetable production.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/weibinar-markets-roi-of-organic-transition-for-vegetable-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Vegetable Farmers

Since the High Plains region focuses on Grains and Cattle, we will host two sessions. The event kicks off with a *Buyer’s Showcase*. During this session, buyers of certified organic crops will describe the 2025 market opportunities for growers. It is followed by a panel discussion on marketing opportunities for a full rotation of crops, ranging from cereals to oil seeds and millets to pulse crops.
Day two will have a presentation and discussion on the *Organic Meat Marketplace* on day two. While overall US beef sales grew by 9.2% in 2024, Organic Beef Sales grew by 25%. What are the opportunities for US-grown organic beef, and what do processors need to do to meet that demand? This session will provide practical insights and strategies for processors to compete in the organic marketplace.
Location: Laramie County Community College, Community College Center Building 
1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007

High Plains Organic Conference

This event will feature two days of programming including a pre-event workshop for completing your TPP. Held in Cheyenne, WY, HPOC will convene experts in soil health, crop production, livestock husbandry and organic markets to help producers both transitioning and currently certified, identify possible paths to certification, understand the resources available through TOPP and make connections to buyers who could purchase their crops or livestock.

High Plains Organic Producers Conference

NW TOPP will be tabling at WineVit. Come together to tune into the state of the industry &#038; participate in cutting-edge educational sessions. It’s no accident that the Washington wine industry has become a respected and influential $9.5 billion+ industry. This annual event offers attendees an opportunity to expand their knowledge and understanding of current, practical topics and future considerations. Industry thought leaders present fresh strategies, trends, and solutions in educational sessions covering key industry topics.

WineVit

A Farmer-to-Farmer listening session about the opportunities and barriers Treasure Valley farmers face in certifying organic. Part of a larger project to coalesce a group around the creation of a certified organic farm incubator or other collaborative farming opportunities in the Treasure Valley that are inclusive of organics.

Opportunities & Barriers to Organic Certification: Harvest and Hearth Conference

NW TOPP will table at the 2025 Montana Soil Health Symposium. The Montana Soil Health Symposium is hosted by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Montana Association of Conservation Districts. It brings together national and local speakers to discuss soil health techniques and innovations. This two-day event features well known voices for regenerative agriculture and soil health like Dr. Thomas Dykstra, an entomologist who specializes in agricultural pests and plant health; Steve Kenyon, an expert in sustainable grazing techniques that build soil health; and Sara Keough, a nutritionist shedding light on the connection between soil health and human health.

Montana Soil Health Symposium

TOPP Quarterly Reporting Office Hour (1/29/25)

The Summit will provide education, resources and connection so that Oregon’s farm service providers can better support farmers and ranchers in promoting soil health.

Oregon Soil Health Summit

This listening session is presented in partnership with the Boise Farmers Market and Dry Creek Growers and will bring together growers for a festive evening of camaraderie collaboration. Topics will include opportunities and barriers to organic certification for urban and peri-urban farmers, as well as producers in other parts of the Treasure Valley.

Opportunities and Barriers To Organic Certification: Collaborative Farming Listening Session

This listening session will explore opportunities and barriers to organic certification for urban producers participating in the Global Gardens refugee agriculture program. Translation will be provided.

Opportunities and Barriers to Organic Certification for Urban Refugee Farmers

Join the Swette Center TOPP Data Team for an office hour session on 2024 Q4 Reporting in Airtable.

TOPP Data Office Hours: 2024 Q4 Reporting

This field day will highlight the agronomic and marketing opportunities of elderberries, as well as draw on our guide as a resource.

Rodale Institute TOPP Elderberry Field Day

Join the Swette Center TOPP Data Team for an office hour session on TOPP 1-on-1 Technical Assistance reporting and the new 1-on-1 Technical Assistance Tracking Sheet.

TOPP Data Office Hours: 1-on-1 TA Tracking Sheet

In-Person Wild Crop Harvest Workshop

Join us for a fun discussion on all things poultry! Would you like to know some organic methods for raising chickens? Have you ever wondered what to feed your birds? How to build a coop or how big an outdoor run they need? What the requirements are to sell eggs, meat or live birds? Bring your chicken questions to Highlander Beer in Salmon, where we&#8217;ll have a guided discussion with a panel of experienced chicken owners, and plenty of time to chat about whatever chicken topics you are curious about.

Poultry, Pints and Pizza

Virtual meeting for Co-op growers. Topics will include a listening session about opportunities and challenges of transitioning to organic, potential TOPP mentorship within the co-op and existing grower network, introducing the Transitional Production Plan worksheet, and best practices in organic seed production.

Virtual Grower Meeting

This event will focus on opportunities to participate in NRCS 823 program, mentorship opportunities through TOPP, and presentations on transition to organic.

Organic Transition at Durbin Creek Ranches

Join us to learn about market opportunities for organic Northwest grain farmers during the 2024 Montana Organic Association Annual Conference. Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from buyers, discuss market conditions, and explore potential partnerships in the organic grain sector!
The Montana Organic Association Annual Conference is the meeting place for producers to connect with buyers. In this session, buyers of organic crops will showcase the robust market opportunity for crops that grow well in Montana and around the Northwest region. During this panel, buyers of certified organic crops will describe the 2025 market opportunities for growers. They will include marketing opportunities for a full rotation of crops ranging from cereals to oil seeds, millets to pulse crops. Whether you’re a transitioning producer looking to build connections to organic buyers or a currently certified organic grower looking to contract your acres, this will be a session you won’t want to miss.
This event is free and open to the public and is hosted in collaboration with the MOA 2024 Annual Conference. To attend the entire conference, <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/moa-annual-conference-2024-tickets-176925">please register here</a>.
To attend the session, register today at <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/existing-future-and-onshoring-organic-grain-market-opportunities/">https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/existing-future-and-onshoring-organic-grain-market-opportunities/</a>

Existing, Future and Onshoring Organic Grain Market Opportunities

In person meeting of Snake River Seed Cooperative growers. Meeting will include a listening session and workshop about the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to organic, inquiring about TOPP mentorship within the co-op and existing grower network, discussion around the Transitional Production Plan worksheet for use in upcoming seasons, and best practices in organic seed production.

In-Person Grower Meeting

This event is focused on raising awareness of and knowledge of seasonal foods. Attendees can taste, learn, and experience the diversity of locally grown winter vegetables and grains that often go unappreciated. Farmers and chefs from the PNW and afar will share dishes, drinks, and stories at over 40 tables.

Sagra del Radicchio

This upcoming 201 training builds upon the foundational 101 session which provided an overview of the Wild Crop Harvest Certification. The 201 training will continue conversation on the essential tools and practices needed to implement this certification for the sustainable collection of wild crops, while ensuring they meet organic standards. Topics will include an in-depth look at the Organic Systems Plan, as well as pre- and post-certification requirements such as harvest and sales record keeping.
This training is designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange among agency staff, with the goal of supporting the adoption of organic wild crop harvesting practices within your jurisdiction.
We believe this session will be particularly beneficial for those involved in land management and conservation, as it will equip you with the tools necessary to support sustainable practices and contribute to the preservation of our natural ecosystems.
The training will take place from 1pm – 2pm MT/12pm – 1pm PT

Organic Wild Crop Harvest 201

Annual conventional grain growers trade show and conference for Montana grain growers

Montana Grain Growers Conference

The North West Seed Farmer Network Convening will include roundtable conversations focused on different themes each day as informed by participants. The convening provides a unique opportunity for organic curious seed growers of specialty seed crops (vegetables, herbs, and flowers) to network, exchange knowledge, and develop collective actions to build sustainable, profitable, and resilient seed systems in the region.

North West Seed Farmer Network Convening

Join High Desert Food &amp; Farm Alliance and topical experts (including OSU Extension and Oregon Tilth staff) at Rainshadow Organics to learn about organic practices, what certification looks like, and resources to explore! This field day will include a tour with owner Sarahlee Lawrence and conclude with lunchtime discussion on future programming in Central Oregon and how Organic programs may play a role in it. We will touch on topics covered in the Organic Survey HDFFA is conducting.
Lunch will be provided and a stipend will be offered for your time, energy, and participation. More information will be added closer to the event. Register to ensure your spot and your lunch!
This event is open to all farm owners, whether you are organic, interested in transitioning, or will never consider it. We want to learn with you. If you haven&#8217;t taken the organic survey, fill it out here: <a class="text-blue underline focus-visible" href="http://hdffa.org/organic-survey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hdffa.org/organic-survey</a>
This event is a part of the Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program through the USDA. Find more resources here: <a class="text-blue underline focus-visible" href="http://tilth.org/education/transition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tilth.org/education/transition</a>

Organic Field Day and Discussion at Rainshadow Organics

Join High Desert Food &#038; Farm Alliance and topical experts (including OSU Extension and Oregon Tilth staff) at Rainshadow Organics to learn about organic practices, what certification looks like, and resources to explore! This field day will include a tour with owner Sarahlee Lawrence and conclude with lunchtime discussion on future programming in Central Oregon and how Organic programs may play a role in it. We will touch on topics covered in the Organic Survey HDFFA is conducting.
Lunch will be provided and a stipend will be offered for your time, energy, and participation. More information will be added closer to the event. Register to ensure your spot and your lunch!
This event is open to all farm owners, whether you are organic, interested in transitioning, or will never consider it. We want to learn with you. If you haven&#8217;t taken the organic survey, fill it out here: hdffa.org/organic-survey
This event is a part of the Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program through the USDA. Find more resources here: tilth.org/education/transition

Workshop on starting a farm business and land acquisition: we will have guest speakers that explain the initial steps to start a farm business. There will also be information regarding where to sell, markets, organic certification, the TOPP mentorship program, farmer resources (Navigate and Farmlink), and grant opportunities for small scale farmers.

Land Acquisition

This year’s Tilth Conference will feature three days of activities including more than 25 producer-focused workshops, lectures and panel discussions, a half-day research symposium, a vibrant two-day trade show, engaging national keynotes, a policy roundtable, social events and more.
We’re also excited to host a special half-day Taste of Pacific Northwest Organic Trade Show and panel presentation to help foster connections between organic producers and wholesale buyers.
Tilth Conference speakers present on a range of topics covering a variety of scales, experience levels and interests — from implementing new technology to developing expanding markets; from building food resiliency to creating change through political advocacy.
We will have an Organic track of workshops, and Organic Office Hours with WSDA.

Tilth Conference

The annual conference by the WY Food Coalition to bring together producers, consumers, and other stakeholders that are focused on strengthening and diversifying the WY food system.

Wyoming Food Coalition Annual Conference

Organic Seed Alliance will present at the Tilth Alliance T50 conference; which features organic producer-focused workshops, lectures and panel discussions. This presentation will focus on organic seed certification while promoting TOPP programming and facilitating mentorship signups.

Tilth Alliance T50 Conference

Program includes speakers and tours

Wyoming Women in Ag

The event is designed for women involved in agriculture and includes speakers and tours of diversified operations.

Wyoming Women in Ag Symposium

Informing the SE Asian farmers community of King and Pierce counties about the TOPP program

SE Asian farmers info session

This is a convening hosted by Oregon Tilth for the NW TOPP partners where we will discuss our work plans, successes, and share strategies for continuing our work.

NW TOPP Meeting

This is the national meeting hosted by NOC and running concurrently with the NOSB meeting where TOPP partners convene to discuss issues and topics relevant to the national work plan.

National TOPP Meeting

Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program, Oregon Tilth, and EMSWCD present this FREE webinar to provide you with information about organic certification, regulations and compliance, and the benefits of becoming certified. Gain practical insights into overcoming certification challenges and leveraging the economic and environmental advantages.

Organic Certification Webinar

Oxbow Agriculture Field Day

Join Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center and Agriculture Program Manager Anthony Reyes for a fall-focused field day and tour! We will be exploring and providing updates and learnings from various farming and production trials throughout the year including our first year of summer drought resilience cover crop trials and second year of dry farm production trials.
We will also explore the benefits, types, and methods of incorporating cover crops in Organic farming systems, talking through technical aspects of site prep, selection, seeding, etc. Additionally we will discuss everything winter farm prep and shoulder season production, talking through the technical nitty gritty of Organic regulations and opportunities of extending your growing season, bulking and storing winter crops, and have the opportunity to ask questions about cover crops or general Organic and sustainable farming practices.

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Agriculture Field Day

More detail tbd. Explore fall cover cropping with Agriculture production manager, Anthony Reyes. We will delve into the technical aspects of planning and incorporating fall cover crops into mixed vegetable operations. We will look at the different tools, prep work, species, mixes, ratios, and timing. We are looking at other organizations to partner and table the event, will be reaching out to other TOPP partners, specifically WSDA once we have date and time finalized and the event page up.

Fall Cover Crop Field Day

Organic Seed Alliance is pleased to invite you to a workshop on organic seed production with an emphasis on seed cleaning, as part of Huerto de la Familia&#8217;s programming in its celebration of Latinx Farmer&#8217;s Day. This workshop will be offered in Spanish only.

Workshop on organic seed production (Talle sobre producción de semillas orgánicas)

Organic Seed Alliance hosted an organic seed production workshop during a Huerto de la Familia Latinx Farmers’ Day celebration. Organic Seed Alliance facilitated discussions about organic agriculture, transitioning to organic, and organic seed production. With an emphasis on seed cleaning, participants learned how to clean crops and were able to try cleaning their own crops. Through attending Huerto de la Familia’s Latinx Farmers Day, OSA staff were able to reach a segment of the population that is under-resourced. Over 40 individuals participated within this workshop and were introduced to Transition to Organic Partnership Program resources.

Huerta de la Familia Seed Production Workshop

We are happy to invite you to a workshop on Organic Seed Production, with a special focus on Seed Cleaning, hosted by Organic Seed Alliance in collaboration with 21 Acres Farm. This workshop will cover the basics of organic seed production, with an emphasis on seed cleaning techniques. To enhance your experience, we encourage you to check out the event page to watch a pre-workshop video, and bring any questions you may have. If you have seeds that are ready for cleaning, please bring them along so we can incorporate them into our demonstrations. This event will take place from 4:00 &#8211; 6:00 PM at 21 Acres Farm, in Woodinville, WA. <a href="https://click.everyaction.com/k/90333888/490171009/-611892612?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwMS8xLzU5MDIxIiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImRkMDY2NGYyLTI4NTQtZWYxMS05OTFhLTYwNDViZGRiZmM0YiIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiaGFubmFAdGlsdGgub3JnIg0KfQ%3D%3D&amp;hmac=aj16VfcgP4AFhs3XOL2p-FYHZ-efi6wl1opbO--3zMg=&amp;emci=66221282-7453-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&amp;emdi=dd0664f2-2854-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&amp;ceid=10890980">Register here.</a>

Organic Seed Workshop at 21 Acres Farm

This event will focus on several different topics with mini workshops throughout the day including topics such as: handheld cleaning equipment demonstration, Indigenous seed saving and varieties, food sovereignty and seed saving, adapting to growing seed in fire season

Organic Seed Production Field Day

We will focus on organic seed production: methods, challenges, tips and tricks, community building, and more.

We will review the seasonal tasks related to beekeeping, including ensuring the colonies are healthy, without mites, and have sufficient reserves of honey and pollen. We will potentially combine hives if any of the colonies are weak.

Clase de Apicultura

We will host OSU instructors for an applied field day where we will perform a last mite check, potentially combining hives, before putting them to rest for the cold months. The main topics of discussion will be weather-proofing, winter feeding and diseases. 
The OSU team will bring a special tent and specimen frames from their freezer to show participants examples of different diseases and pests that can affect honey bees.

Día de Campo (Otoño) para el Programa de Apicultor Maestro en Oregon State University

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<td>Join Triple Divide Organic Seeds for two days of on-farm learning, demonstrations, and workshops surrounding organic seed production. In partnership with the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, Organic Seed Alliance, CFAC, MOA, and others, Triple Divide welcomes you to join for two full days of hands-on learning, practical skill building, and deep-dive workshops to help you learn more about growing organic seed, cleaning practices, breeding techniques, climate adaptation, regional adaptation and resilience, and more! Day one will take place at Homestead Organics (Cultivating Connections), in Hamilton, MT, and day two at Deluge Farm, in Camas Prairie, MT. Stay tuned for more details.</td>
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Organic Seed Days with Triple Divide in Montana

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/metro/announcements/small-farm-school-dates-announced

OSU Small Farms School

Viva Farms is hosting a Field Day on September 10th from 3-5pm. Join us and researchers from Washington State University to better understand best practices for organic strawberry and raspberry production in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll focus specifically on nutrient management, organic inputs, and pest management. This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) <a href="https://www.organictransition.org/">Transition to Organic Partnership Program</a> (TOPP).
This event is free, but registration is required. Spanish interpretation will be provided.
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Viva Farms está muy contento de presentar un día de campo el martes, 10 de septiembre 3-5pm. Únase a Viva Farms y a investigadores de la Universidad Estatal de Washington para comprender mejor las mejores prácticas para la producción orgánica de fresas y frambuesas en el Noroeste Pacífico. Nos centraremos específicamente en la gestión de nutrientes, insumos orgánicos y gestión de plagas. Este trabajo es apoyado a través del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA) Programa de Transición a la Asociación Orgánica (TOPP).
Somos capaces de ofrecer el taller sin costo, pero es necesario registrarse. Se proporcionará interpretación al español.

Viva Farms Field Day: Growing Better Berries / Día de Campo para Cultivar Mejores Bayas

The regional summits are a space for Native producers in the region to receive technical assistance, learn about new programs and offerings, network with their peers, and advocate for Indian agriculture. Presentations, hands-on learning, and real-time examples are provided to participants.

IAC Northwest Regional Summit

Join us for a season of in-person Farm Walks! These farmer-to-farmer educational opportunities are guided walk-and-talk style tours at organic, sustainable, and innovative farm and food businesses throughout Washington State. Each Farm Walk highlights our farmer hosts and their unique expertise and experiences. Beginning and experienced farmers gain education, advice, and mentorship from these farmers, as well as agricultural and food systems professionals, and WSU Extension Specialists. 
This event will focus on building soil health through cover crops, reduced tillage, and pastured poultry in a vegetable operation.

Farm Walk: Early Bird Farm

Farm Walks, Early Bird Farm

Join Tilth Alliance and WSU Extension for a farm walk on building soil heath through cover crops, reduced tillage, and pastured poultry in a vegetable operation.

Farm Walk: Building Soil Health through Cover Crops, Reduced Tillage, and Pastured Poultry

This public event is designed to build community among plant breeders, seed growers, farmers, chefs, bakers, distillers, retailers, distributors and consumers interested in the local food system. Attendees have the unique experience to taste new and in-development vegetable, fruit, and grain cultivars. They can engage in conversation, share opinions, and take part in breaking down the walls between eaters and breeders. Our 2024 Variety Showcase will have a special emphasis on culinary grains and dry-farming.

Variety Showcase

Matchmaking event for organic grains growers and buyers.

Grains Producer and Buyer Matchmaking

Connecting grain growers and buyers who are located in the PNW

Grain Matchmaking Event – Buyer/Seller

Please join us for an engaging evening of conversation, learning, and tasting brought to you by the Culinary Breeding Network.
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This public event is designed to build community among plant breeders, seed growers, farmers, chefs, bakers, distillers, retailers, distributors and consumers interested in the local food system. Attendees have the unique experience to taste new and in-development vegetable, fruit, and grain cultivars. They can engage in conversation, share opinions, and take part in breaking down the walls between eaters and breeders. Our 2024 Variety Showcase will have a special emphasis on culinary grains and dry-farming. Come learn, taste, and engage!
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Culinary Breeding Network’s Variety Showcase

The Organic Seed Alliance, Culinary Breeding Network, the USDA Northwest Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center and the Oregon State University Organic Agriculture Program would like to invite organic grain buyers and growers to save the date for an Organic Grain Buyer x Grower Matchmaking Workshop on September 8th in Portland from 10:30-1:30 at the Kennedy School. This workshop will take place before the CBN Variety Showcase at The Redd (also in Portland).
Registration details will be coming soon!

Organic Grain Buyer/Grower Matchmaking Workshop

Seasonal workshop focussed on soil health and season-extension techniques. It will include a sheet mulching and cover cropping demonstration, as well as demonstrations on how to use agricultural cloth and other low-input methods to extend the growing season. We will give participants cover crop seed and organic compost.

Fall Taller

At this annual event we lead a workshop related to covercropping, soil health and season extension. We distribute cover crop seed. Additionally, we press apples and make fresh apple cider- this year we will also prepare apple cider vinegar. Afterwards, we will tour the FOOD For Lane County Youth Farm to learn about their fall and winter agicultural practices, especially cover crops, season extension, and cold weather crops.

Festival de Otoño

This event will be an agronomy tour of certified organic chickpea production and feature the Hummus Company, Little Sesame, which is looking to procure organic chickpeas. Experienced organic farmers will be eager to share their experience growing organic chickpeas.

Chickpea Markets in The Northwest

The Fiesta de la Cosecha is our annual harvest festival. It always includes, music, a salsa (food) competion, a display of member&#8217;s harvest, fun activities for families, and an educational element. 
 Last years theme was &#8220;seed&#8221; and how it connects us to our roots and histories, and we invited guest speakers from the UO and Organic Seed Alliance. This year&#8217;s theme is still undetermined- but herbal remedies/medicinal plants, food preservation, or biodiversity are three likely options.

Fiesta de la Cosecha

Date and site to be determined. All of these events are hosted in partnership between our organization and the OSU Honey Bee Lab. They will support us by finding the producer that is best fit for this visit and leading the classes. 
Our cohort of students will visit a professional apiary to learn about beekeeping on a larger scale, both practically and focussing on the business side of things. Additionally, we will discuss maximizing production, reducing the risk of disease and parasites, and testing for mites.

Clase de Apicultura (3/5)

Montana Organic Association will lead a field day with Cold Springs Organics, LLC to tour the existing field operations of Cold Springs Organics and host organic pulse and cereal buyers from across South America. With a focus on building markets and teaching both transitioning farmers as well as international buyers about the organic production opportunities in Montana, this field day will connect interested growers with expanded organic marketing opportunities.

Hola Montana Organic Field Day

Master Beekeeping students and staff from our organization and the OSU Honey Bee Lab will attend a farm tour of Queen Bee Apiary.

Field Day: Visit to Queen Bee Apiary

The Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station will host a field day at the James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) near Lingle. The field day will be integrated with a precision agriculture exposition, hosted in collaboration with Eastern Wyoming Community College (EWC).

Lingle Field Day

UW researchers will present their current investigations during a field tour of SAREC grounds. On Wednesday, Aug. 22, the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station will host a field day at the James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) near Lingle. The field day will be integrated with a precision agriculture exposition, hosted in collaboration with Eastern Wyoming Community College (EWC).

SAREC Lingle Field Day

This is the annual field day for the Sustainable Research and Education field day

SAREC Field Day

Featured projects: Managing blossom end rot in dry farmed tomatoes, tomato tasting; Melon variety trial and tasting, dry farmed and deficit irrigation management; Breeding grain corn for microbial symbiosis; Dry farmed variety trial of cowpea, sorghum, sesame, and upland rice.

Dry Farming Field Day

The 2024 Culinary Harvest Tour, designed for chefs and food service professionals, is a great opportunity to meet local Idaho producers, sample a variety of local ingredients, visit a distribution warehouse, and experience firsthand the abundance of Idaho’s agricultural offerings.

Idaho Preferred Culinary Harvest Tour

Sheridan Research and Extension Field Day

This is the annual Wyoming State Fair, held on the state fairgrounds. This includes youth shows, as well as open class. It will be an opportunity to provide information for those interested in transitioning to organic and identify possible mentors.

Wyoming State Fair

Organic Cattle and Pasture Management Field Day

We are getting our eventbrite for this event up this week. Join Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center’s Agriculture Program Manager, Anthony Reyes, to explore the ins and outs of Organic Dry Farm production. Tour the fields and talk through the technical aspects of dry farm production while exploring the opportunities and challenges in production, distribution, and the emerging market demand.

Organic Dry Farm Production

Organic Seed Alliance and Viva Farms are very happy to invite you to a workshop in Organic Seed Production with emphasis on Seed Cleaning.
We will be talking about basics on Organic Seed Production, and this time we plan to do emphasis on Seed Cleaning. If you can please <a id="m_-8433412834221494483OWA829dd143-ea2d-4dad-505b-ca8d4d32b81c" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCLip9jgWOE" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DCCLip9jgWOE&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1722375106867000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZZoapf_6sGkVPXIWWc4QG">watch this video</a> by our colleague Jared Zystro, and bring your questions, this is encouraged but not necessary to attend the workshop. If you have seed that is ready to clean please bring it, so we can use it during the demonstrations. This event is free but registration is required, please register <a title="https://secure.everyaction.com/vDrDnWpXe0G_FswnVkZ9pQ2" href="https://secure.everyaction.com/vDrDnWpXe0G_FswnVkZ9pQ2" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://secure.everyaction.com/vDrDnWpXe0G_FswnVkZ9pQ2&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1722375106867000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rndGxcujQ_QmSt0Ah5ClC">using this link.</a>

Organic Seed Production Workshop at Viva Farms

Join Oxbow Agriculture Program Manager, Anthony Reyes, for a tour of the fields as we delve into the technical aspects of organic dry farm production. This labor-saving, water-conserving, and flavor-boosting growing practice can support individuals transitioning to organic agriculture or add a new dimension to managing organic field crops, offering opportunities amid challenges.

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Organic Dry Farm Production Workshop

Join the Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) for a field day at Rocker 3 Ranch. Participants will be able to connect with Darrell Ceciliani, Jr., owner of Rocker 3 Ranch and certified organic cattle rancher of 13 years. Shayan Ghajar from OSU Extension will join us to discuss and answer any questions related to organic pasture management.

Field Day with Rocker 3 Ranch

Get your questions answered at weekly Organic Office Hours!
Curious about what it takes to transition your operation to organic? Do you have questions about the certification process? Or are you a newly certified producer with questions on how to stay in compliance? Join us at weekly virtual office hours with organic expert Sarah Townsend of Oregon Tilth. Learn about Organic Certification, Organic System Plans (OSPs), how to get certified, and more. All questions and experience levels welcome!
Join us through Teams video meeting or simply call in.
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Microsoft Teams Meeting: Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
<a href="https://oregontilth.link/">https://oregontilth.link/</a><a href="https://oregontilth.link/organicofficehours">organicofficehours</a>
Or call in (audio only)
<a href="tel:+13238137538,,445762348">323-813-7538</a>
Phone Conference ID: 445 762 348#
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Organic Office Hours

Come learn about organic naked barley and other small grains, dry beans and other pulses, dry-farmed warm-season forages, cover cropping, end-use quality research, and disease and weed management! There will also be grain and pulse snacks provided. This event will be at the OSU Lewis-Brown Horticulture Farm at 33329 Peoria Rd in Corvallis, OR from 4-7pm on August 5th, 2024. Follow signs for parking. This event is free and open to the public, but we ask that you register by July 29th so we can estimate the number of attendees. Please email cora.bobo-shisler@oregonstate.edu for more details.

Events

Join the Northwest TOPP community!

Regional Partners