3rd annual Farm and Food Leadership Conference, September 14-15, 2009 addresses food and farm regulation issues

From the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance:

2009 Farm and Food Leadership Conference
Be part of an exciting gathering of non-profit leaders, farmers and ranchers, farmers market organizers, local foods activists, and more! This two-day event will feature speakers on issues critical to both farmers and consumers, including:

* Keynote address by Sally Fallon on the Health and Economic Benefits of Raw Milk
* Food Safety Bills: What's Happening in Congress?
* Genetically Modified Foods and Their Impact on Mammal Health
* National Animal Identification System (NAIS)
* Organic Certification: How do Farmers and Consumers Make the Choice?
* Climate Change and Agriculture

This conference will also give you the tools you need to take action to protect your farm and your food supply! There will be speakers on how to lobby, creating social networks, and approaching the media. At the end of the conference, you'll have the information you need to be effective in making your voice heard on issues important to you!

WHEN: Monday, September 14 - Tuesday, September 15, 2009
WHERE: Pearl Full Goods Studio in San Antonio, Texas. Pearl is a historic brewery that now houses a thriving farmers market, a branch of the Culinary Institute of America, shops, and housing. For a map and directions, click here
REGISTRATION: Register online or download the registration form to mail in. Early registration ends September 1!
Note: Legislators and legislative staff are offered complimentary registration

Agenda:
Monday, September 14
7:30 – 8:30: Registration
8:30-10:00: Genetically Modified Foods and Mammal Health -- Howard Vlieger, Verity Farms
10:15-11:00: Media Strategy for Grassroots Organizations and Individuals -- Brian Cummings, Cummings & Associates, and Susan Leibrock, Sustainable Food Center
11:00-noon: Food Safety Bills and Congressional Update -- Patty Lovera, Food & Water Watch
noon-1:30: Lunch, catered by Texas Farm to Table
1:30-2:30: National Animal Identification System -- Judith McGeary, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance
2:30-3:30: Breakout Sessions

* Creating a social network, led by Jeff Hathaway
* Food policy councils, led by Marla Camp
* Slaughterhouse regulations, led by Patty Lovera

3:45-5:15: Certified Organic or Not Certified? How Do Farmers and Consumers Make The Choice?

Panel: Robert Hutchins of Rehoboth Ranch; Bill McCranie of Chickamaw Farms

DINNER ON YOUR OWN
7:00-9:00 Keynote: Health and Economic Benefits of Raw Milk -- Sally Fallon, Weston A Price Foundation
Tuesday, September 15
7:30-8:30: Registration
8:30-9:00: Texas 2009 Legislative session: new laws affecting agriculture and food -- Judith McGeary, FARFA
9:00-10:30: Climate Change and Agriculture

Panel: Andy Wilson, Public Citizen; Malcolm Beck, founder of Garden-Ville and noted author; Leighton Steward, geologist and author of Fire, Ice, and Paradise

10:45– 12:15: Breakout sessions

* Raw milk safety issues, led by Sally Fallon
* Farmers market issues, led by Sustainable Food Center
* Educating people about GMOs, led by Howard Vlieger

12:15-1:30: Lunch, catered by Farm to Table
1:30-2:30: How to Lobby Effectively
2:30-4:00: Community Food Access:
WIC and Food Stamps at Farmers Markets
Farm-to-School Programs
Raising Food at Home
4:00 pm: Closing