Special Events
Join us for sustainable socializing at inspiring, rousing happenings and celebrations that echo the spirit and traditions of EcoFarm!!
Book Signings
Exhibitor Marketplace
Thursday:
3:00pm
Temple Grandin – Animals Make Us Human
(This signing will be held in Merrill Hall following the Plenary)
5:00pm
Toby Hemenway – Gaia’s Garden
John Fisher – Book of Gardening Projects for Kids
Friday:
3:00pm
Michael Phillips – The Holistic Orchard
Paula Gaska – Greenhorns
Maria Rodale – Organic Manifesto
Saturday:
10:00am
Bill Olkowski – Gardener’s GT Common Sense Pest Control
Daphne Miller – Farmocology
WEDNESDAY
Opening Reception & Art Exhibit
10:00pm – 12:00am, Nautilus
This amaizing exhibit features the work of Victor Flores of México Libre de Transgénicos, Liz Birnbaum of EFA, and photos from the EFA archives! Come grab some popcorn and a complimentary drink, unwind from your travels, discuss the opening plenary, and lend your ears as we trace the importance of corn’s historic roots to the contemporary status of GMOs.
¡Que viva el maíz orgánico!
Sponsored by the Arkay Foundation.
Thursday
Artisanal Beer & Cheese Tasting
12:00 – 2:00pm, Exhibitor Marketplace
$15 at the door
Pay online with a credit card here.
Quench your thirst during Thursday’s lunch break by enjoying craft beers and a variety of handmade and organic cheeses. Roam the Marketplace for samples and info, and fill your commemorative glass as you mingle and engage with presenters and exhibitors.
Sponsored by The Epicurean Connection (with Host Sheana Davis); Animal Welfare Approved,New Leaf Community Markets, Uncommon Brewers, and Rainbow Grocery Cooperative.
COPAC Meeting
1:00 – 3:00pm, Toyon
Join us for the California Organic Products Advisory Committee meeting.
California Seed Stakeholders’ Meeting
2:00 – 3:30pm, Sanderling
Join seed producers, farmers, seed industry professionals, and university and extension personnel to take stock in our State’s sustainable seed system.
Hosted by Jared Zystro, Organic Seed Alliance.
Farm to School Mixer: Education in the Classroom, Procurement, Cafeterias, and School Gardens
3:30 – 5:00pm, Triton
Farmers and Educators! Learn 101 tips for selling to school districts and ways to incorporate garden-based learning in the classroom and cafeteria. Refreshments will be served!
Sponsored by Organically Grown Company with co-hosts Sadie Sponsler-Clements, Community Alliance with Family Farmers, and John Fisher, Life Lab.
EcoFarm Wine & Cider Tasting
5:00 – 7:00pm, Merrill Hall
$25 at the door
It’s an EcoFarm tradition! Join growers, distributors, and beverage enthusiasts to sample premium organic wines and cider varieties offered by more than a dozen premier vintners and cider producers. This is an ideal opportunity for socializing and networking. Includes a commemorative glass. Cheers!
EcoFarm New & Beginning Farmer/Rancher Mixer, Part I
5:30 – 6:30pm, Kiln
Groups that support new and beginning farmers/ranchers are joining forces to offer a two-part mixer. We invite emerging farmers/ranchers to get to know us and to weigh in: “What kind of support do you need to be successful?”
EcoFarm New & Beginning Farmer/Rancher Mixer, Part II
6:30 – 9:00pm, Kiln
Enjoy a multimedia reception, music, and link-up with potential partners, landowners, and supporters.
Part I and Part II hosted by the Ecological Farming Association, California FarmLink, Greenhorns, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, The Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, National Young Farmers Coalition and California Certified Organic Farmers.
Landscapers Unite! Mixer
7:30 – 9:00pm, Scripps
Are you an ecological landscaper? Mingle with your peers and discover the latest news in the ecological landscaping world. Learn about cutting-edge trends and techniques to meet the challenges of ecological landscaping.
Hosted by Ken Foster, Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping.
17th Annual Seed Swap
8:00 – 10:00pm, Merrill Hall
Do you want to expand the biodiversity of your farm or garden? Many seeds of non-hybrid, non-engineered varieties will be available to trade. Please bring labeled seeds to share as well as your own containers for seeds to take away!
Hosted by Occidental Arts and Ecology Center.
EcoFarm Talent Show
9:00 – 11:00pm, Chapel
2014 marks the return of the Talent Show! Each person or group will have 3 minutes to entertain, impress, and educate. Enter for a chance to win an EcoFarm Conference with meals and lodging. Our panel of judges will award extra points if your performance is farming-related.
FRIDAY
Seven Pointed Star Awakening with Kalita Todd
7:00am, Asilomar beach (rain location Nautilus)
This is a movement meditation that offers balance and harmony to oneself, community, and planet. We open to Universal Life Force through the channels of Earth, Heaven, the Four Directions, and our Heart. A cosmic roto-rooter.
FoodSource Mixer
4:30 – 6:30pm, Sanderling
Enjoy food and libations, and mingle with like-minded eco-foodies. Brought to you by FoodSource, producers of Tomorrow’s Organics fruits and vegetables.
Hosted by FoodSource, producers of Tomorrow’s Organics fruits and vegetables.
Women in Food & Agriculture Mixer
5:00 – 6:30pm, Scripps
Cultivate connections with women farmers and advocates who are committed to working together to build a better food system and hear about plans to create a Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN) group in California.
Sponsored by Organic Valley, WFAN, CAFF, FarmsReach, Tres Sabores Winery, UCCE, and Robert Sinskey Vineyards.
EcoFarm Banquet & Awards Ceremony
6:00 – 8:00pm, Crocker Dining Hall
Join us for the final banquet dinner of the conference as we honor and celebrate the winners of the 2014 Steward of Sustainable Agriculture (SUSTIE) Award, the Advocates for Social Justice in Sustainable Agriculture (JUSTIE) Award and the Golden Pliers Award. Dinner will need to be staggered in order to accomodate everyone. If you wish to attend the Awards Ceremony, arrive early to get a seat in the Main Dining Room.
EcoFarm Celebration & Awards After-Party
7:00 – 9:30pm, Nautilus
Join us before OR after dinner for a complimentary drink and appetizers. After dinner, mix and mingle with the awardees, EFA board members, and get your mojo fired up for the dance.
Sponsored by Flea Street Café/CoolEatz and the EFA Board of Directors.
Cal Poly Mixer
7:00 – 9:00pm, Kiln
Join alumni, students, faculty, and Central Coast neighbors for an evening of sustainable edutainment!
Hosted by Cal Poly Agriculture Center for Sustainability.
Biodynamic Mixer
8:00 – 9:30pm, Heather
Interested in biodynamic agriculture? Mix and mingle with biodynamic farmers, gardeners, winegrowers, consultants, enthusiasts, and curious newcomers. Enjoy food and drink, share stories, ask questions, and make new friends.
Hosted by Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association and Frey Vineyards.
EcoFarm Dance
9:30 – 12:30am, Merrill Hall
Join us for one of the most lively dance parties of the year! This final evening celebration is a great time to get your kicks and enjoy the dynamic rhythms of a live band!