New Mexico Organic Farming Conference (NMOFC) 2021 session speaker Casey Holland is awarded the NMOFC Young Farmer of the Year Award at the 2020 event. The 2021 NMOFC will take place virtually in August this year. Courtesy photo
NMOFC NEWS
Interested in learning all about organic farming and the role it plays in our agriculture industry? Look no further than the 2021 New Mexico Organic Farming Conference (NMOFC), held virtually this August. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, an up-and-coming agriculturalist or simply a consumer curious to know more, the 2021 NMOFC has something to offer everyone.
The event will cover a multitude of topics and subject areas, ranging from pollinator conservation to cooperative learning in farming; from functional marketing to no-till agriculture. The conference will take place the first four Mondays in August: Aug. 2, 9, 16 and 23. Each session will begin at 6:30 p.m.; participants will be able to join each session webinar beginning at 6 p.m.
“The last year has highlighted a lot of challenges for all of us, as farmers and in general,” said Sage Faulkner, New Mexico Organic Farming Conference Facilitator. “This event is an opportunity to come together again as farmers in the southwest and think about pollinators, teaching farmers together, marketing and soil health for the first four evenings in August. Everyone has so many challenges right now, but I think our farmers have tremendous opportunity to do so much for our communities, our individual health, and our soil and climate. It is a hard time to be a farmer, but also an exciting time. This virtual gathering touches on a few of these opportunities and will hopefully help farmers and gardeners.”
This conference serves as an opportunity for agriculturalists to learn more about organic farming, a field that is growing and becoming more mainstream, according to New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service Agent John Garlisch.
“Organic farming is gaining more focus throughout the U.S., including here in New Mexico,” said Garlisch. “Education and training are key factors to help farmers be both successful and sustainable in their operations. The ‘August Organic Monday’ webinar series will be an excellent training to learn from farmers and professionals in organic farming and escape from the summer heat.”
The NMOFC is an event made possible thanks to the culmination of the effort from multiple organizations. Each passing year, the conference looks to expand further and find new ways to connect the agriculture industry while sharing knowledge on organic farming practices. New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Director of Organization Valeria Huerta said there is a communal spirit to the event.
“The organic conference is a great way for those interested in organic agriculture to gather together and learn about organic methods in our state,” said Huerta. “From conserving water to developing markets, this conference helps support organic farmers and ranchers so they can provide healthy, local food for all New Mexicans. New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau is proud to be a part of the organic conference planning committee as we advocate for those who produce our food, fiber and fuel now and for future generations.”
Those interested in participating in the conference can attend all four sessions for a $50 registration fee. Registration will be open until the last session on Monday, Aug. 23. To register for the conference, please visit https://bit.ly/NMOFC2021. For more information, email sagefaulkner@yahoo.com or visit https://www.elevatenmag.com/new-mexico-organic-farming-conference/.