Workshops Wanted! RFPs now open for NOFA-VT's Direct Marketing and Winter Conferences

Now accepting conference workshop proposals!

2014 NOFA-Vt Annual Winter Conference - February 15-16, 2014

University of Vermont, Burlington VT

 The NOFA-VT Winter Conference is Vermont's largest agricultural conference, bringing together more than 1,500 organic farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, educators, policy makers and consumers for three days of workshops, networking sessions, meals and celebration. Download the RFP and learn more at www.nofavt.org/conference.

 Suggested workshop topics include:

1. Technical commercial organic vegetable, fruit, herb, flower, dairy & livestock production (beginner - advanced)
2. Procurement and Infrastructure- distribution, processing, storage, food safety and cooperative models
3. Education- farm-based education, experiential education, school gardens
4. Agri-business marketing, technology, and business planning
5. Food security and access
6. Homesteading and gardening (beginner - advanced)
7. Health, wellness and nutrition
8. Alternative energy on the farm and homestead
9. Climate change and resiliency
10. Policy, activism, and community engagement

If you are interested in presenting at the 2014 Winter Conference, please respond to the RFP by October 2. For information concerning Winter Conference workshop content and submission process, contact Caitlin Jenness at caitlinjenness@nofavt.org or 802-434-4122 x28. 

The Direct Marketing Conference- January 12, 2014

Vermont Law School, South Royalton, VT

 The Direct Marketing Conference brings together farmers and marketing experts to build stronger direct marketing opportunities. Farmers who sell directly to communities through farmers' markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, as well as farmers' market managers, come together for a day of learning and marketing. Download the RFP and learn more at www.nofavt.org/DMC.

 Suggested workshop topics include:

1. Farmers' Markets
2. CSAs
3. Agritourism
4. Funding/Financing
5. Traditional Marketing Techniques
6. Social/Online Marketing Techniques
7. Direct Marketing Techniques
8. Innovative Technologies for Direct Marketers
9. Understanding Consumer behavior

 In addition, we're offering new 2-2.5 hour working sessions for farmers' market management. Topics sought may address:

1. Governance & Management (ie: board and management structure, bylaws, rules & regulations)
2. Legal Resources
3. Budgeting
4. Funding/Financing
5. Traditional Marketing Techniques
6. Social/Online Marketing Techniques
7. Direct Marketing Techniques

 If you are interested in presenting a Direct Marketing Conference workshop, please respond to the RFP by October 2, 2013. For questions about Direct Marketing Conference workshops or the submission process, please contact Erin Buckwalter at erin@nofavt.org  or 802-434-4122.

Thank you!