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Community Corner

CT's Largest Sustainable Farming and Gardening Conference

DANBURY—The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA) welcomes gardeners, food lovers, farmers, families, environmentalists, and cooks to our annual celebration of local food and organic farms, the Winter Conference on March 1, 2014. The Winter Conference attracted 800 of the state’s local food enthusiasts in 2013, and the 32nd Winter Conference in 2014 is expected to be the best yet.  
The 2014 Winter Conference’s focus is on the beginning farmers that are providing food for Connecticut and growing farmer support programs and networks. To discuss young farmers, new farmers, and an inclusive approach to the local food system, CT NOFA is delighted to welcome our keynote speaker Frederick L. Kirschenmann, a Distinguished Fellow for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and President of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, NY.  
The 2014 Winter Conference will feature workshops for all levels and interests: farmers can learn how to grow shiitake mushrooms, gardeners about backyard chickens and vegetables, locavores and healthy eaters can discover new recipes at cooking classes, and activists and organizers can come together to discuss the organic food movement. Teachers include garden instructors, Connecticut’s farmers, chefs, community activists and nutritionists. Leading up to the event, a detailed list of workshops will be added to the website at www.ctnofa.org.  
Attendees can also visit with the Conference’s vendors and exhibitors who will be distributing information and selling delicious local foods, Connecticut crafts and garden tools. Learn about purchasing shares of food from farms with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs at the CSA Fair. Attendees may also enter our raffle for goodies donated by our vendors and help support CT NOFA’s work in 2013.  
The 2014 Winter Conference is on March 1 at Western Connecticut State University at 181 White St, Danbury, CT. Registration is open now at www.ctnofa.org or by calling our office at (203)308-2584. Early bird registration rates end 2/8/14 and online registration closes on 2/25/14. Attendees will be able to walk-in without pre-registering.Those interested in being a vendor, sponsor or donor are encouraged to get in touch with the CT NOFA or e-mail linda@ctnofa.org.

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