Seedsavers Conference
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Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture 2007 Conference
Last week four Big Green Summer Interns traveled to the conference in Ames, Iowa, for a fun filled day packed with all sorts of interesting workshops and lectures concerning issues ranging from resources for beginning farmers, to what a sustainable food system in Iowa may look like. Throughout the day farmers, teachers, students, aspiring farmers, and people generally interested in sustainable agriculture mingled through the plethora of information kiosks and enjoyed local food during the lunch period and ice cream social period. The lunch break took place outside and was complemented by some good ol' knee slappin boot kickin music as well as various demonstrations of projects that have been funded by the Leopold Center throughout the last two decades. What I found especially heart warming from my adventure to Ames was the receptiveness by all the people willing to support young people who are interested in getting involved with sustainable agriculture. Many people were happy to hear that I plan to start an organic fruit and vegetable farm in Iowa and I was able to make some good contacts with other young people throughout the Midwest. One organization worth noting is MOSES, which stands for Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service which is located is Spring Valley, WI. I'm told that this organization is full of young, "hip" people interested in organic agriculture and that every year there is a really fun conference for people to gather together for fun and education. Many scholarships are available so I plan on attending and I suggest you should too!
-Kyle
