Organic Intensives
Organic Intensives 2025
We invite you to join us on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 for a one-day in-depth learning experience. Organic Intensives are an opportunity to acquire practical, detailed information over the course of a day with fellow Michigan farmers and gardeners.
For 2025 we are offering the opportunity to learn from experienced experts and producers in one of three topic areas:
Korean Natural Farming: Cultivating Soil Life
This is a deep dive into the interconnectivity of microbial communities in soil, and the interplay these communities have with micro-organisms. At the same time we will teach through the simplest of ways to partner with nature and harness its power to grow food and livestock.
Korean natural farming is an organic agricultural method that takes advantage of indigenous microorganisms to produce rich soil that yields high output without the use of herbicides or pesticides.
Korean Natural Farming (KNF) originated from the work of Cho Han-kyu, who combined traditional Korean farming methods with Japanese natural farming practices and fermentation techniques.
Speakers:
Chris Trump, Biomei Natural Farming Solutions
Farming in a Changing Climate
We may already be seeing the impacts of a changing climate in our gardens and farms with inconsistent weather patterns and warm winters here in Michigan. How else can climate change affect our farms and what can we do about it? Join us for an in-depth discussion with growers and advocates who are on the cutting edge of farming in a changing climate.
This workshop will cover:
- What’s happening Now and What to Expect: The Impact of Climate Change on Farming
- Agrovoltaics: Opportunities, Pros and Cons of Incorporating Solar into a farming operation
- Michigan Climate Smart Farms Initiative: Opportunities for Farmers Using Climate Smart Practices
This workshop is for farmers and good food advocates who are interested in exploring what there is to know about the impacts of climate change on our farms and what we can do about it.
Speakers:
Megan Phillips Goldenberg, Climate Smart Farms Conservation Specialist, Washtenaw County Conservation District
Mike Buza, Sierra Club Chair, Nepessing Five Rivers group
Peter Sinclair, Independent Videographer Specializing in Environmental and Energy Issues
Innovative Marketing: Farmer Wisdom on Where and How to Sell Your Farm Goods
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed for farmers looking to elevate their marketing strategies! “Innovative Marketing: Farmer Wisdom on Where and How to Sell Your Farm Goods” will explore creative approaches to effectively reach new customers, and explore different ways that your farm can boost sales .
Led by experienced farmers and marketing experts, this workshop will cover:
- Market Identification
- Branding Essentials
- Storytelling Techniques
- Digital Marketing Strategies
- Collaborative Opportunities
Explore ways to collaborate with other local farmers and businesses to enhance visibility and drive sales.
This workshop is perfect for new and seasoned farmers alike, offering valuable insights and hands-on activities to help you develop a personalized marketing plan. Come share your experiences, gain fresh ideas, and walk away inspired to take your farm’s marketing to the next level.
Speakers:
Kyle Mitchell, Agrifoods & Culinary Arts Instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Mitchell’s Patch of Blue
Leah Sienkowski, Dreamgoats
Nels Brogren, Farm and Forest
Kirstin Van Vliet, Michigan Flower Coop
Katie Brandt, Michigan State University Organic Farmer Training Program
The event will take place on Saturday, January 18th, at the Plant and Soil Sciences building on the MSU campus in East Lansing.
Registration is $110 for MOFFA members and $140 for non-members. The registration fee covers six hours of learning, an organic lunch and snack breaks, all printed materials, and a great chance to network with fellow farmers and gardeners from across Michigan. Parking is free at the Plant and Soil Sciences Building. Scholarships are available; if interested please email a request for scholarship information to [email protected].
A block of rooms has been reserved at the TownePlace Suites Marriott, 2855 Hannah Blvd., East Lansing, MI 48823, just one mile from the Plant and Soil Sciences building. Room availability was only guaranteed through December 15th, but the conference rate of $109 per night continues to be in effect; mention MOFFA when you call. We suggest you contact the hotel as soon as possible at 517-203-1000 to be sure you get a room if you will need one.
Book your group rate for Michigan Organic Food & Farm Alliance (MOFFA)
Please help us publicize the event by downloading the brochure or the flyers (general, innovative, seeds, or fiber) and distributing them in your community. If you’d like us to send you pre-printed brochures or flyers, please let us know.
Organic Intensives would not be possible without the sponsorship of companies and foundations who support our work. If you are interested in sponsoring Organic Intensives and our other activities, please see the Sponsorship page. We encourage you to think of these companies when you’re in the market for the products and services they provide, and thank them for their support of MOFFA.
