CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Each year, hundreds gather at the Future Harvest CASA Annual Conference to sharpen their knowledge on all aspects of sustainable farming and food systems: agricultural best practices and new techniques; logistical, distribution and marketing approaches for bringing local and sustainable food to more consumers; legislative policies and community issues affecting farming and food access; the health, profitability and well-being of farming families. 

The 2013 Conference Planning Committee would like to review proposals for conference sessions that bring our attendees the latest and most useful information that will help them to farm profitably and as effective stewards of their crops, animals, land and communities. Click here to review last year's schedule. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions.

THE 2013 CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS NOW CLOSED. Thanks to all who submitted ideas. All proposals will be reviewed by the Conference Planning Committee. Prospective speakers will be notified of the Committee's decision by August 15, 2012. Speakers whose presentations are chosen will receive complimentary conference registration, meals and travel reimbursement. Lodging reimbursement is considered on an as-needed basis.

SPEAKERS
We welcome submissions from experienced farmers, as well as researchers, extension agents, other agriculture professionals, business people and service providers. We encourage joint presentations or panels that pair researchers with farmers who can give a peer perspective to our attendees. 

FORMAT
All track sessions are 1.5 hours. You may indicate on your proposal form whether you will do a presentation/lecture, a group participation workshop, or a moderated panel. The standard room set-up includes a podium, one microphone and a laptop/projector. Indicate any special audio-visual needs or furniture arrangements you would require.

TOPICS
Proposals may address any area of farming business or life, with an emphasis on sustainability, including production practices, marketing, business and financial planning, training, nutrition, farming work/life balance, etc. Ideally, proposed topics should fit into one of our six conference tracks, outlined below, but don't let the lack of an obvious fit keep you from submitting your idea. Avoid topics that are promotional or sales-oriented.

Our tracks are:

Beginning Farmers - Tools, information and techniques for starting and growing new farms, for aspiring farmers and those who have been farming for less than ten years.

Scaling Up/Accessing New Markets - Assessing opportunities and risks related to expanding production, adding distribution, hiring staff, modifying product lines and other decisions related to scaling up to sell to retail, institutional or other large-volume markets.

Grass-Based Systems - Field management and grazing techniques for ruminants and other pastured animals, as well as topics related to processing and marketing grass-based food products.

Community Food Issues - Connecting the dots between farmers, consumers, policy makers and others in the local, sustainable food community.

Fruit and Vegetable Production - Addressing the unique challenges of growing fruits and vegetables profitably using sustainable and/or organic techniques in the Mid-Atlantic climate.

Healthy Farmers, Healthy Bottom Lines - Healthy living, stress management and personal financial management for farmers and their families.