By Jamie Martin
The 39th annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference, hosted by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association at the Durham Convention Center, North Carolina, drew farmers, educators, and agribusinesses for a series of impactful workshops from November 2-4.
Roland McReynolds, the CFSA Executive Director, emphasized the event's significance, stating, "This network of farmers, educators, researchers, advocates, businesses, and changemakers actively shapes the future of food and farming in the Carolinas."
The conference offered workshops on high tunnels, farm planning, and effective navigation of federal programs such as those offered by the USDA-NRCS.
Gabriela Velez-Rodriguez, a soil conservationist with USDA-NRCS in North Carolina, highlighted the educational benefits - “For me, I get to learn about other practices and their variations. It is also a time for our producers to get a chance to learn about NRCS.”
This sentiment underscores the conference’s role in fostering community and knowledge exchange among agricultural professionals.
The event also included presentations on the challenges faced by historically underserved farmers, providing strategies for successfully applying for financial assistance through USDA-NRCS programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Concluding with farm visits that allowed for hands-on learning and discussions on Agrotourism and Farmer-to-Farmer mentorship, the conference cemented its place as a cornerstone event for sustainable agriculture in the region, continuing a tradition that has enriched the Carolinas since 1985.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National