HARRISBURG, PA (Nov 12, 2014) – In celebration of family farms, the Pennsylvania Farmers Union is offering a FREE convention for family farmers and their supporters. The event will be held at the Historic Harrisburg Train Station (4th & Chestnut Sts, Hbg) on December 6. Everyone is welcome. RSVPs are being accepted at www.pafarmersunion.org/convention

“Pennsylvania Farmers Union represents and advocates for family farmers and ranchers in our Commonwealth and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We assert that a multitude of diversified regional family farms implementing sustainable and regenerative techniques in growing and raising our food will create a resilient, vital and productive agricultural system to feed our communities. So, we welcome everyone to join us in holding up the important work of family farms,” says Pennsylvania Farmers Union Executive Vice-President Hannah Smith-Brubaker (farmer, Juniata County)

The Pennsylvania Farmers Union advocates for the sovereign right of farmers to create and sustain vibrant and prosperous agricultural communities for the benefit of all people. This year’s Annual Convention is free for anyone who wants to attend. Donations may be made at the door or online to offset costs, if you are able or simply wish to do so.

 

Pennsylvania Farmers Union empowers our Commonwealth’s farmers to thrive, making a viable living through stewardship of our lands, waters and communities. We also aim to serve as a bridge between farmers and consumers through vibrant, local community chapters throughout each region. Be part of this moment with us by joining in this movement! Attendees are welcome to come for all or part of the day with an RSVP at www.pafarmersunion.org/convention
 

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Growing PA's Organic Farms Conference- You're Invited!

You are invited to attend the 1st annual educational farm conference focused on advanced organic production practices.  In-depth presentations on current organic farming issues will be provided by speakers from universities with accomplished organic research programs, successful organic farmers and farm industry representatives dedicated to organic production. 

Sessions will include topics on animal health, dairy, pastured livestock, fruits, vegetables, soil health, pest and weed control.  The intent of this conference is to annually support PA’s organic farms with information and discussion on the best of the available organic farming practices. Click here for the full conference agenda.


Speakers include Dr. Hubert Karreman, VMD Rodale Institute; Jeff Moyer, Rodale Institute Farm Director; Leslie Zuck, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Certified Organic (all pictured above L to R) along with Dr. Jim Travis, Travis Organics; Tom Frantzen, Frantzen Family Farm; Mike & Terra Brownback, Spiral Path Farm; Troy Bishopp, The Grass Whisperer and more!

The conference is scheduled for December 9 & 10, 2014 at the Sheraton in Harrisburg, PA. This conference qualifies for three SmartStart credits from AgChoice Farm Credit. For more information on SmartStart, visit www.agchoice.com. Six credits are also available for Nutrient Management continuing education credits.

To register for the conference please visit the PA Farmlink registration page.

The conference is being coordinated through the PA Dept. of Agriculture with support from personnel from Rodale Institute, PA Certified Organic (PCO), Organic Valley Dairy, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Certified organic farmers and PA Farm Link.