Message from Will Allen about 2nd National-International Urban & Small Farm Conference:Growing Power first hosted this event in 2010. Nearly 1500 participants gathered at the Milwaukee State Fair to share ideas for building healthy and resilient community-based food systems. The conference was diverse in every sense. It included farmers, aspiring farmers, renewable energy experts, urban planners, corporate executives, politicians, academics, chefs, microbiologists, and people from countless other walks of life. It included folks from nearly every state in the union—and from several countries across the globe. One of the great outcomes of the first conference was the cultivation of new relationships, and the sharing of knowledge. I was especially happy to look out on a crowd that was black and white, young and old, rich and poor. At Growing Power, it is our mission to support people from diverse backgrounds, and the environments in which they live, by helping to provide equal access to healthy high-quality, safe and affordable food for people in all communities. We left the conference inspired, and we said that we would meet again in two years to measure our progress in building a “good food revolution.” This year’s conference will build on our efforts from two years ago. In 2012, we expect to have even more breakaway sessions, even more speakers, and more tours. We anticipate over 3,000 participants will attend, and 200 of the nation’s most well-known food-system experts will share their knowledge. The conference will provide guidance on how to plan, develop and grow small farms in urban and rural areas. So far we have organized 17 tracks to provide a thorough learning and networking experience for all! As you can see, there’s a lot to learn and share! Mark the date, and come help us 'Grow the Good Food Revolution'. We’ll be waiting for you in Milwaukee. Read more and sign up at:
http://www.growingpowerfarmconference.org/
