CORNWALL, ON: Eco Farm Day with Mark Shepard | Feb 25-26

The 3 Rs of Organic Agriculture: Restorative, Responsible, Resilient

Keynote: March Shepard of New Forest Farm and author of Restorative Agriculture: Real World Permaculture for Farmers

The 33rd annual Eco Farm Day is coming on February 25-26, 2017 at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall. The day is organized by volunteers of the Ottawa-St Lawrence-Outaouais Chapter of Canadian Organic Growers (COG OSO). The focus is on practical techniques and management skills that work in our area, with an emphasis on sustainable organic stewardship of land, food and fibre. As a highlight event of the season for organic (and organic curious) farmers, each year brings new opportunities for learning and building new connections.

This year’s theme is The 3 R’s or Organic Agriculture: Restorative, Responsible Resilient. To fit the theme, we have aptly invited as keynote speaker world renown permaculture educator Mark Shepard, author of Restoration Agriculture: Real World Permaculture for Farmers. Shepard’s New Forest Farm in Wisconsin is considered one of the most ambitious and mature permaculture projects in the USA. His approach emphasizes the importance of raising livestock, growing crops and managing forests in a symbiotic relation to each other to prevent erosion and ensure water retention and carbon sequestration while still earning profitable returns. Central to his thesis is the well-being of the people working the land, and their ability to increase the monetary value of their property while at the same time providing a legacy of good stewardship for future generations. His practical approach to sustainable farming will appeal to new and veteran farmers alike.

Feb 25: Keynote address, 40 exhibitor trade show, organic lunch and a dozen workshops relating to plants, animals, people and farms.

Feb 26: ALSO JOIN us for one of two full day, intensive and participatory workshops:

• Restoration Agriculture on YOUR Farm with Mark Shepard
• Introduction to Organic Certification (part of the Organic Success Project to support farmers to better understand how to transition to organic production)

Check www.ecofarmday.ca and www.facebook.com/cogosochapter and www.twitter.com/ecofarmday for details and updates!