Conference Program - 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Conference

Fair Share Farm, LLC is a diversified operation specializing in year-round, chemical-free produce. By employing intensive growing methods, permanent raised beds, and hoop houses, the farm supplies several farmers' markets, a membership-based CSA program, and wholesale accounts. In this workshop, Fair Share farmers Emma Hendel and Elliot Seldner showcase the scale, production systems, food safety protocols, and marketing strategies that enable them to access and serve both large direct-to-consumer and wholesale markets. The morning focuses on market garden production systems and key considerations for direct-to-consumer sales. In the afternoon, the emphasis shifts to transitioning to tractor-based wholesale production. CFSA staff, Jay Dunbar and Joe Rowland share insights into organic production, food safety and market access. They, along with Kim Butz, from the Rodale Institute, also share information on two new Advancing Markets for Producer Programs, one led by Pasa, the other, by Rodale. Both programs can help farmers implement conservation practices and build profitable markets and stronger businesses.

This workshop focuses on practical cover-cropping strategies for broad-acre production systems. Hosted in partnership with Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University farm, this workshop features in-field demonstrations, discussions on soil health, and farmer-focused management approaches for implementing cover crops at scale. Participants hear from researchers, conservation professionals, and agriculture technical services providers.

_{Funding for this workshop through the USDA is to help underserved landowners overcome barriers to increase their participation in the Conservation Reserve Program. The University of Georgia is the pass-through entity. Grant# FBC22CPT0012773. This workshop is also funded by the USDA-NIFA Organic Transitions Program (ORG), Federal award #2024-51106-43042.}

The CFSA Advocacy and Leadership Seminar is an interactive professional development program for those interested in enhancing their policy and advocacy skills, networking with fellow farm and food policy buffs, and gaining hands-on experience with policy work. This seminar teaches:

How to communicate with and influence policymakers;
The role of grassroots vs. grasstops pressure;
Effective ways to generate change in your community;
How to leverage networks and relationships to boost efforts; and
How to secure local board and commission appointments
How to communicate with and influence policymakers;
The role of grassroots vs. grasstops pressure;
Effective ways to generate change in your community;
How to leverage networks and relationships to boost efforts; and
How to secure local board and commission appointments

This workshop focuses on building a foundational understanding of growing and saving seeds in the Southeast and aims to be as hands-on as possible, with opportunities to clean seeds using different methods and tools. Featured presenters Chris Smith, Chris Keeve, Ira Wallace, and LuAnna Nesbitt cover some of the basics of seed saving, including the technical, practical, and economic aspects. Discussion topics include working with seed companies, practical on-farm seed saving, the importance of seed saving and cultural preservation, and some background on the Appalachian Growers Seed Collective.

1 - 4:30 pm

$75 | $50 CFSA Members | $40 Students & Veterans

Farmers constantly experiment and solve challenges, serving as researchers in their own right. This workshop blends a tour of a recently certified organic farm with real-world examples of how Dorsey and Brittany Kordick use on-farm research to address pressing production challenges. Participants explore specific research projects—past, current, and planned—at Kordick Family Farm’s fruit orchard. Dorsey and Brittany discuss both externally funded and self-funded projects, covering record-keeping, reimbursement processes (when applicable), and the realities of conducting research on a commercial farm that produces saleable fruit. They present the research projects in which they participate, such as a SARE initiative evaluating bamboo as a renewable, silica-rich mulch for apple trees, an entomology project developing a non-chemical "fence" for codling moth control, and ongoing trials of various lures to improve insect trapping for reducing plum curculio, a persistent pest in orchards managed without conventional chemicals.

Attendees learn practical strategies for turning vacant lots into productive urban growing spaces. The session introduces core tools for site assessment, soil improvement, and effective layout planning. Amanda Mitchell, Director of Farm Operations, and Andre Davis, Growing High Point Community Liaison, share adaptable methods and actionable ideas for creating community-focused urban agriculture projects, with strategies that help communities steward land, increase local food production, and build resilience.

1 - 3:30 pm

$55 | $45 CFSA Members | $30 Students & Veterans