By Nancy Smith, secretary, Farm to Family Naturally
February 2012 will be a banner month for the organic movement in St. Louis. Missouri Organic Association has decided to bring the farmers to the consumers. The Missouri Organic Convention, Seed to Plate, The Organic Connection, will be held at Union Station February 2nd through 4th, 2012. See www.missouriorganic.org for details of this amazing conference.
Not just one, but three, nationally renowned organic speakers will present keynote talks at the convention. Jeffrey Smith, well-known author and film-maker, will no doubt be as dynamic as ever in his presentation. Mr. Smith has long led the movement against genetically modified organisms in this country. His research is impeccable and his presentation passionate. Jeff Moyer, Director of Farm Operations, Rodale Institute, will speak at the conference, as well. Missouri’s own Dr. John Ikerd, beloved professor emeritus of University of Missouri will enlighten participants with his profound views on sustainable family farming.
But that’s not all! Over seventy workshops will be presented throughout the three-day conference, on topics as diverse as Edible Landscaping, Companion Planting, Herb Growing and Uses, Cover Cropping, High Tunnel Vegetable Production, Backyard Chickens, Organic Certification, Entrepeneurship, Community Gardening, Health Issues, and much, much more. A person does not have to be a farmer, or even organic, to take away a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from the conference. Wherever you are in your organic “walk”, you will be affirmed and challenged.
Vendor space is still available. MOA hopes to present a huge variety of booths with products and services of interest to those in the organic community. Many top-notch vendors from a several-state area are already signed up. The MOA website has all the information needed to become a vendor.
It’s a joyful part of the work of Farm to Family to participate with organizations such as Missouri Organic Association. Its members are the salt of the earth, and the foods they grow are the freshest, tastiest, healthiest food to be found anywhere. Members range from concerned consumers to large organic grain growers, but the majority are small, independent family farmers who are deeply committed to raising the best food possible. We are proud to carry their products at Sappington Farmers Market
I’ve been an organic grower for over thirty years. In fact, I’ve never even tried conventional growing. MOA has become a place where I can learn and be inspired, affirmed and challenged. If you attend the conference, I’m sure you’ll feel the same.
Sappington Farmers Market is located at 8400 Watson Road, between Elm Ave. and Laclede Station Road.