Vertical Farming Forum

Urban Agriculture Soil-Less Certificate: Introduction to Urban Agriculture
2021-02-01 08:00 - 2021-03-16 15:00 (America/New_York)
This course provides a basic introduction to soilless growing, with an emphasis on hydroponics and aquaponics.

This course gives participants a glimpse into the past and looks at current soil-less growing trends in today’s agricultural world. Participants will dive into the basic needs and choices of system design, material selection, the best options for fish and plants, and the implementation of first steps.
The program includes 11 courses:

I. Introduction to Urban Agriculture
This course is a basic introduction to soilless growing, with a focus on hydroponics and aquaponics. It dives into the history and trends of soilless growing and why urban agriculture is needed. Also, this course includes a video tour of UDC’s onsite soilless systems!
Course Instructor: Victoria Mirowski

II. A Closer Look at Hydroponics
This course provides a basic introduction of “why” soilless growing is used and an in-depth introduction to hydroponics. The focus is the Urban Food Hubs Model at Bertie Backus, including its business plan.
Guest Speakers: Bryan Jackson, owner of District Flora.

III. A Deep Dive into WHY Soilless?
This course provides a basic introduction to why soilless growing is used, with a focus on the Urban Food Hubs Model at PR Harris. This course offers a more in-depth introduction to soilless growing and takes a deeper look at the Urban Food Hubs Model business plan set up at PR Harris.
Guest Speaker: Thomas Wheet, UDC P.R. Harris Food Hub Manager.

IV. System Design and Material Selection
This course provides a basic introduction to all soilless system designs, including Dutch buckets, NFTs, and more. It also looks at choosing the best setup for the space you have – location, location, location! In addition, it provides a basic introduction to materials used for the system design and the multiple options you can choose. It discusses growing mediums, seedling mediums, tank options, filter options, and more.
Guest Speaker: Brian Filipowich, owner of Anacostia Aquaponics and cochair of the Aquaponics Association.

V. Fish and Plant Selection
This course provides a basic introduction to popular plant and fish species used in soilless systems. It looks at what is currently being grown and how system design advances can change what the future holds.
Course Instructor: Victoria Mirowski

VI. Seeding and Transplanting
This course provides a basic introduction to the best how-to-methods for seeding, transplanting, and propagating in soilless systems. It gives participants access to hands-on demonstration videos to succeed in these tasks and discusses issues that may arise.
Course Instructor: Victoria Mirowski

VII. Nutrient Management
This course explores the best practices and techniques for managing nutrients. It covers each nutrient’s role for the plants, how and why they show up in our systems, and how to manage the balance over time and growth. It also discusses symptoms of unmanaged nutrients.
Course Instructor: Victoria Mirowski

VIII. Integrated Pest Management
This course gives a general introduction to integrated pest management methods. It identifies pests, prevention methods, and post infestation solutions specifically focused on a greenhouse setting. Also, it dives into the risks specific management solutions may cause for fish.
Course Instructor: Victoria Mirowski

IX. Fish Environment
This course looks at the best practices and techniques for managing fish health and discusses how to create the perfect environment for your fish in an aquaponics system. Also, it dives into balancing a system, stocking densities, health risks, and more.
Course Instructor: Victoria Mirowski

X. Harvesting
This course covers the best how-to methods for harvesting in soilless systems and the unique techniques farmers have found helpful over the years.
Course Instructor: Victoria Mirowski
XI. Food Safety
This course introduces basic, standard guidelines of food safety, focusing on soilless growing and best practices of postharvest handling.
Course Instructor: Paul Brown, Jr., UDC Food Safety Coordinator.

What You Will Learn:
– The history and trends of soilless growing
– Why urban agriculture is needed
– Introduction to hydroponics & aquaponics
– Urban Food Hub business planning (Bertie Backus & PRH Models)
– Soilless system designs
– Growing and seedling mediums
– Filter options
– Popular plant and fish species used in soilless systems
– Advances in system design
– Methods for seeding, transplanting, and propagating in soilless systems
– The role of nutrients in plants
– How to identify deficiencies in plants
– The basic knowledge of plant structure
– Integrated pest management methods, specifically in terms of greenhouses
– IPM risks that threaten fish health
– Best practices and techniques for management of fish health
– Methods for harvesting in soilless systems
– Basic food safety guidelines

Credentials Earned: These are ALL noncredit courses. The courses may be used towards an Urban Agriculture Soilless Certificate, a 15-hour UDC certificate (all courses must be completed).
How Offered: Available Online- Courses are pre-recorded for participants to watch on their own time. Live Q & A are offered throughout the course, TBA.
Time Offered: February 1 – March 15, 2021.
Length of Course: 11 courses; 15 hours. Classes range from 30 minutes – 90 minutes.
Course Fees: Free
For further information about this course, please contact Victoria Mirowski at victoria.mirowski@udc.edu or 202-819-5704.

Grow Top Soils - The Science of Soil Carbon
2021-02-03 12:00 - 2021-03-17 13:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Discover how to improve the health of your soils and grow soil carbon with soil scientist Declan McDonald.

Declan will dig into the science behind growing soil organic carbon, how to implement regenerative management techniques, and how to monitor and measure your success. Improving soil health and building soil carbon can improve the productivity of your soils, and you can earn carbon credits for the carbon you produce.
Declan is a professional soil scientist with over 30 years’ experience in agricultural and horticultural soil management and has extensive experience in regenerative agriculture in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
The seven-part webinar series will support farmers participating in or interested in a soil carbon project. The series will cover best practice conventional and regenerative soil management techniques to suit your soils, climate and enterprise.
Sessions will be interactive to answer all your questions. The series will support all farmers to better understand their soils, however there will be a focus on grazing systems in moderate to high rainfall zones.
The series is hosted by AgriProve, a soil carbon project developer that facilitates landholder participation in the Emissions Reduction Fund, enabling farmers to earn an income from carbon abatement activities.
Weekly Overview
3 February – How soil works and how plants grow
10 February – Organic matter – the cornerstone of soil health and sustainable production
17 February – Soil biology – millions of years in the making
24 February – Mineral management – the role of macro and micro elements
3 March – Managing fertility to build soil carbon
10 March – Management practices to grow soil carbon
17 March – Bringing it all together – monitoring and evaluation

Grow Your Own Produce Workshop Series 2021
2021-02-03 19:00 - 2021-11-03 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This workshop series helps you plan for an organic year round harvest in your garden with monthly advice and guidance.

Grow Your Own Produce is a 10 class monthly series taught by permaculture expert Marisha Auerbach. Each class features seasonally-relevant information about planning, growing, maintaining, and harvesting food from your own vegetable garden.
Each month, the class is designed to help you maximize your yields and efforts in the garden by providing an overview of key activities to engage in at the right time each month from February through November. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month through Zoom. Before the class meeting, participants will receive a collection of handouts supporting the key topics for the month with a garden checklist for the month ahead. We will discuss different subjects that are pertinent to the garden that month using slides and the month’s handouts as reference. There will be ample time each class session for questions. After each class, participants receive a video of the class and pdf of the slides.
These classes are available as a ten class series ($185), a five class consecutive series ($100), or as individual events ($25 each). For more information, email Marisha Auerbach or call (503) 454-6656. 20% off discount for People’s Food Coop members — just send Marisha an email with your Member-Owner number to get the discount code.
Marisha Auerbach has spent many years observing and interacting in her garden and in the gardens of the greater Pacific Northwest bioregion. She has been growing most of her own produce year ‘round for over the past decade. Find out more about Marisha and her work at permaculturerising.com.

Class Information:
Planning, Design and Framework
Wednesday, February 3rd: 7 – 9 pm
This opening session will focus on garden planning and design. From the Macro perspective to the microclimate, we will discuss Permaculture design strategies that will help you design your landscape based on the aspect and conditions of your landscape. Thoughtful planning will help you maximize your yields and diversity of crops throughout the season. Fruit trees, berry bushes, and other large landscaping elements will be discussed as the framework for your landscape. Each participant is encouraged to have a base map of their site and some tracing paper to make notes on during the workshop. Please contact Marisha if you need support before class to have this available.

Indoor Seed-Starting, Early Plantings and Perennial Crops
Wednesday, March 3rd: 7 – 9 pm
In March, it is time to begin planting seeds both outdoors and indoors. This session will focus on those early plantings, including many root crops, and the varieties that perform best for our climate. To aid in planning the garden, we will discuss crop rotation. Our conversation begins about the importance of good compost and how to develop a composting plan that works for your household. More information on soil building will continue in April’s class. Perennial vegetables can be transplanted at this time. Since many perennial vegetables are new to gardeners, Marisha will share about growing and cooking some of her favorite types. Local seed companies and other resources will be referenced for each participant to make a personalized planting calendar.

Cole Crops, Greens and Soil Building
Wednesday, April 7th: 7 – 9 pm
April is a key time for all of the Cole Crops, such as Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower, Collards, and Cabbage. It is also a time of planting greens. As many plants are being planted in the garden during this month and the months to come, we will highlight soil building strategies. We will continue our discussion on composting while highlighting various methods that students can use local materials to build their garden beds and enhance fertility onsite. Students will learn how to assess their soil and determine the best local materials to use to provide an optimal growing environment for their plants.

Warm-season Crops, Edible Flowers and Attracting Pollinators
Wednesday, May 5th: 7 – 9 pm
In May, the weather typically gets warmer and many flowers are blooming. We will discuss reliable varieties of warm season crops, including Tomatoes, Squash, Peppers, and Cucumbers, to grow in your garden that will produce well despite our cool summer evenings. Enhancing warm microclimates and providing protection are two strategies for increasing production of these heat loving plants. Many of these plants require insects for pollination. In this class, you will learn about pollination, pollinator insects, and flowers that attract these companions to gardens. We will also highlight edible flowers, their functions in the landscape, and recipes. This class will also cover common weeds in the garden. Students will learn how these plants reproduce and how to discourage these plants in their gardens.

Maintenance and Harvest
Wednesday, June 2nd: 7 – 9 pm
June completes our planting of the summer vegetable garden and it is time to focus on maximizing the harvest. For the urban gardener, this may mean optimizing a small space to produce as much food as possible. Yields can be compromised by pests in the garden. Marisha will share pictures to help identify pests in the garden and offer ways to discourage them. We will discuss which plants are affected by which pests. It is also a good time to consider options for conserving water as June may be a dry month. This class will also cover trellising techniques and considerations for various vegetable varieties.

Berries, Herbs and Water Catchment
Wednesday, July 7th: 7 – 9 pm
This workshop will highlight different types of fruiting crops that are available right now. We will talk about cultivating favorable growing conditions for each type of berry. Of course, we will also discuss recipes and ways to put up the harvest of berries. This class includes more information about winter gardening as this is a good month to get some cool season starts in the ground and plan for winter harvests. This session also includes a bit on water catchment. Students will learn how to determine what type of system would work best for your household. Handouts will include a to do list for the month, herbs for tea, and other pertinent information.

Seedsaving and the Winter Garden
Wednesday, August 4th 7 – 9 pm
In August, the weather has been dry and many plants are ripening their seed. This workshop will provide an overview on the basics of saving seed and guidance on how to save some of the most common garden seeds. August is the month to get many starts in the ground for harvest in the fall, winter, and early spring. We will discuss key considerations when planning for the winter garden. This class will highlight what is happening in the garden in August, how to preserve your harvest, and prepare for the coming month.

Putting Up the Harvest
Wednesday, September 1st: 7 – 9 pm
The abundance from the garden and orchard is coming in. It is time to put it up for storage and winter meals. In this class, we will discuss the options for storing food for the winter including: canning, dehydration, fermentation, & freezing. A key component of this class will be focused on how to assess what your family will eat in the winter and the space that you have available for storage. We will cover the last of the plantings for the year as the last of the winter crops should be in the garden by the Autumnal Equinox. As always, this class will highlight what is happening in the garden in September, how to preserve your harvest, and prepare for the coming month. Handouts will include a to do list for the month, information on canning and food preservation, and other pertinent information.

Garlic, Cover Crops and Compost
Wednesday, October 6th: 7 – 9 pm
October is a time for returning inward and thinking about nourishing the soil for the garden in the year to come. It is time for parts of the garden to go to bed for the winter. This class will highlight soil building methods including mulches, composting, leaf mold and more. We will discuss types of cover crops for building soil tilth and fixing nitrogen. Garlic goes in the ground this month for summer harvest. We will talk about the different types of garlic and best varieties for our region. As always, this class will highlight what is happening in the garden in October, how to tend to your garden, and prepare for the coming month. Handouts will include a to do list for the month, information on soil building methods, and other pertinent information.

Wildlife in the Garden, Nourishing Soups and Planning for the Coming Year
Wednesday, November 3rd: 7 – 9 pm
In November, the weather has become cold and the garden has been put to bed. The birds, insects, and other critters need habitat to keep them around. During this class, we will discuss ways to encourage these allies to spend the winter in your garden. By having active food webs, like these, in the garden, we invite collaboration and enhance fertility cycles on site. As this is our final class for 2021, this class will provide relevant information to help you begin planning for the 2022 garden season. We will also highlight nourishing soup recipes from local herbs, veggies, and stocks. As always, this class will highlight what is happening in the garden in November, how to tend to your garden, and prepare for the coming month. Handouts will include a to do list for the month, information on wildlife, soup recipes, and other pertinent information.

Maryland Beginning Farmer Success Course
2021-02-05 18:30 - 2021-04-08 19:30 (America/New_York)
An online course covering the foundational topics an aspiring farmer in Maryland should know.

The Maryland Beginning Farmer Success Course is a ten-week introduction to the foundational topics an aspiring farmer in Maryland should know. Topics covered will include business planning, marketing, crop production, livestock husbandry, soil health, pestmanagement, food safety, and regulations and certifications. Additional elective resources will cover more specialized topics, such as organic production, urban agriculture, and direct marketing to local customers.
The course will be offered virtually, in a blended at-your-own-pace and live (asynchronous and synchronous) format. At-your-own-pace lessons will be completed on the course page at eXtension.org Campus. Weekly live Q&As with Extension educators, farmers, and agricultural service providers will be available to participants who complete the week’s homework.
The deadline to register for the course is Monday, February 1, 2021.
Live sessions will be weekly on Thursday nights, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, starting with an orientation to the course on Thursday, February 4. The last session will be Thursday, April 8.
Registration for the course is $40, plus eventbrite fees. If the registration cost is a barrier to your participation, please fill out this application for a reduced-cost need-based scholarship: https://ume.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_06QwgaBZ6qVczyZ
Digital versions of the course textbooks are available for free. Print copies of the course textbooks are available for the cost of shipping.

Misplaced - Navigate the maze of our food system
2021-02-17 13:00 - 2021-07-07 13:30 (Asia/Hong_Kong)
24 speakers over 20 dates from 11 different countries…

Find your way back to a healthy relationship with what you eat. In this series of bite-sized conversations, hear how heroes from all parts of the globe are feeding the world while saving the planet.
From shopping smarter to eating cleaner, kick start your journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Each 30 minute conversation will share inspiring & impactful experiences that can be easily adapted to our everyday lives, with industry-wide changemakers sharing challenges and solutions already being applied in a variety of fields.Whether you’re a zero-waste pro or just starting out on your sustainability adventure, join the conversation and better understand your relationship with food.
Register once to access the full series.
See the full line up of speakers here

17th February 2021|1pm: Our Dystopic Food System
25th February 2021|4pm: Meeting the SDGs
2nd March 2021|11am: Farming in the City
11th March 2021|4pm: Urban Food Innovation
17th March 2021|1pm: Conscious Food Choices
24th March 2021|1pm: Sustainable Nutrition and Health
8th April 2021|6pm: The Culinary Art of Insects
15th April 2021|4pm: Insect Technologies for Waste Management
20th April 2021|4pm: Food Surplus – An Unknown Reality
27th April 2021|1pm: Rescuing Edible Food
4th May 2021|6pm: Feeding the Soil: Composting
13th May 2021|11am: Food Sustainaibility in F&B
18th May 2021|4pm: Rebranding Green Businesses
27th May 2021|1pm: Strategies to Solve the Sustainability Crisis
3rd June 2021|11am: Technologies for Waste Management
10th June 2021|10am: Vulnerable Communities
17th June 2021|11am: Recreational Education
24th June 2021|11am: Changing the Hospitality Industry
1st July 2021|6pm: Sustainable Fashion
7th July 2021|1pm: A Crash Course for Food Heroes

Mini-Rewilding and Encouraging Urban Nature
2021-03-14 18:30 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
This talk outlines how, even in just a couple of meters of garden, you can support a vast range of species in a small space

For many of us, lockdown has given us time to get closer to our local wildlife in a way we haven’t been able to previously. So how do we encourage the life around us, particularly if we’re limited to a small space? This talk outlines how, even in just a couple of meters of garden, you can support a vast range of species, from butterflies to plants and everything in between! So, if you’re interested in building a space for your wildlife or are looking for ideas on building on what you have, there should be something here for you!

Urban Farmer Workshop
2021-03-15 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver)
We’re excited to bring you this event where you will learn the basics of running your own farming business in an urban landscape!

Join us for a FREE virtual 3-hour workshop on urban farming March 15th at 5PM where you could learn about the basic skills needed to run a successful urban farm!
During this time, we will discuss:

Farm design
Farm management
Farm operations
Farm Economics
Revenue streams & selling product

Some of the necessary skills to create your own urban farm include:

A strong work ethic and being able to take initiative
Enjoying physical work outdoors
Organization & time management
Customer service
Attention to detail
A passion for sustainability & food production

This workshop is hosted by the Food Eco District (FED), in collaboration with TOPSOIL. Additional presentation from the Young Agrarians’ Vancouver Island Land Matcher on land access & the BC Land Matching Program
Reserve your spot below!

Home Grown Lecture Series
2021-03-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for the latest information on gardening and urban agriculture

Kiss the Ground Film Screening
2021-03-21 00:00 - 2021-03-23 23:30 (America/New_York)
Kiss the Ground is an inspiring and groundbreaking film that reveals the first viable solution to our climate crisis.

Kiss the Ground is a full-length documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson that sheds light on an new, old approach to farming called “regenerative agriculture” that has the potential to balance our climate, replenish our vast water supplies, and feed the world.
Kiss the Ground reveals that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle.
This movie is positioned to catalyze a movement to accomplish the impossible – to solve humanity’s greatest challenge, to balance the climate and secure our species future.
This film will be open to watch from home from the 21st-23rd of March.

Geographical Farming Series
2021-03-23 09:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
Learn about Geographical Farming for Realtors

Humanity In Deep Space Webinar – Farming Mars – March 23, 2021
2021-03-23 13:30 - 14:45 (America/New_York)
Discussion on Farming Mars – exploring latest thinking surrounding plants as food, medicine, materials to support humans off-Earth

Click to View Event Webpage
Farming Mars: Expeditions to Mars will face the hard problem of growing and producing diverse varieties of food. This discussion on Interplanetary Agriculture™ will explore the latest thinking surrounding plants as food, medicine, materials to support humans on off-Earth environments…as well as the role food plays in shaping life and humanity. The conversation will address novel ideas such as cellular agriculture and how such advances could be leveraged to enhance sustainable agriculture and related technologies on Earth.
PANELISTS
Harsh Bais is a Plant Biotechnologist at the University of Delaware who focuses on understanding the biological significance of root exudation. His research pursues a multidisciplinary approach by interfacing plant biology and chemistry to unravel the underground communication process.
Andy Beshear is the current Governor of Kentucky. He graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law where he was a Dean’s Scholar. After law school, Andy worked at an international law firm based in Washington, D.C. He then moved back to Kentucky and continued his legal career at Stites & Harbison. Andy is the son of former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and he grew up in Lexington.
Joe Chappell is an academic and entrepreneurial explorer of the dizzying array of plant natural products and their uses for agricultural, medical and industrial applications.
Twyman Clements is Co-founder and President of SpaceTango. The company provides R&D and manufacturing of health and technology products in space to create value and transformational solutions.
Lynn Harper is Lead of Integrative Studies at the NASA Ames Research Center Space Portal. She was the initiating founder of the science of Astrobiology and also served as the Chief of Advanced Life Support at NASA Ames where her teams developed bioregenerative life support technologies that resulted in world record wheat yields using techniques applicable to off-world settlements.
Dr. Matthew Mickens is the Chief Science Officer of Elevate Farms, which is an up-and-coming launcher of indoor vertical farms globally. Previously, he was a Plant Scientist at NASA Kennedy Space Center where he produced groundbreaking publications on LED lighting recipes for salad crops grown aboard the International Space Station and beyond.
Dr. Gary Stutte is founder and president of SyNRGE, LLC, providing support to Earth and Space based food production system. Prior to this, he developed systems for growing in plants in space for NASA and was principal investigator on multiple experiments on the International Space Station.
MODERATORS:
Kris Kimel is the lead at Humanity in Deep Space and Co-founder of SpaceTango. Prior to this he started and led a range of entrepreneurial enterprises and initiatives.
Maria Labreveux is an agricultural scientist who is supporting the creation of leading-edge science-based solutions as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation. She also serves as executive-in-residence of Lepidext Inc. revolutionizing the way we naturally control insect-pests in terrestrial crop systems.
SPONSORS:

Circular City Week: Turning agriculture upside down
2021-03-23 15:00 - 15:45 (Europe/Copenhagen)
Join Food Nation’s Circular City Week webinar and meet the Danish vertical farming company, Nextfood.

The global food supply is at a turning point. As climate change, population growth and a heavy reliance on natural resources make an impact, the need for new approaches to food and agricultural production is clear.
Food Nation invites you to join our talk where you will meet the Danish company NextFood, who provides food professionals with an automated vertical farming solution ranging from small in-store systems to large automated farms – turning agriculture upside down.
In the talk, Food Nation will also present the newly published white paper on innovative technology and focus on how technology is one of the motors that will drive the green transition.

Speakers

Rasmus Bjerngaard, Co-founder CEO, Nextfood
Lise Walbom, CEO, Food Nation

Program

Welcome by Lise Walbom, CEO, Food Nation
Introduction to Food Nation and the new white paper on Innovative Technology that highlights Denmark’s position as a supplier of innovative technology by Lise Walbom, CEO, Food Nation
Introduction to Nextfood and vertical farming as a circular city solution and virtual tour in their vertical farm by Rasmus Bjerngaard, Co-founder CEO, Nextfood
Question and dialogue with Lise Walbom, CEO, Food Nation & Rasmus Bjerngaard, Co-founder CEO, Nextfood

Read more about Circular City Week
Read more about Food Nation

Farming and Climate Change
2021-03-24 13:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
Join RuralBiz Training & Melissa Rebbeck for a three part webinar series on climate risks and management for farmers.

Agritech Demo Günü
2021-03-24 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Istanbul)
Agritech alanındaki girişimciler yatırımcılarla buluşuyor.

Bilkent Cyberpark, Code.YapıKredi, Cube Incubation, Eczacıbaşı ve Hackquarters desteğiyle 2021 yılında her ay girişimcileri yatırımcılarla buluşturuyoruz!
2021 yılının üçüncü demo gününü Agritech girişimlerine özel düzenleniyoruz. Aşağıdaki agritech girişimleri canlı izlemek için tek yapmanız gereken kayıt olmak.

GÖRSENTAM
Frux
MOVE ON
ForFarming
OLFARM
Hummingdrone
FARMLABS

Building Forward Better: WFP Laureates Mobilizing for Food Systems Action
2021-03-25 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Chicago)
The World Food Prize Foundation is pleased to present the second edition of the Digital Dialogue Series. Join us!

SAVE THE DATE! March 25, 2021 | 8:00 – 9:30 AM Central Time
For the first time in 19 years, WFP Laureates mobilized as a cohort to issue a call for action needed to transform global food systems and work towards a healthier, more sustainable future. A selection of Laureates will discuss the letter and the power of collective action.
SPEAKERS:

David Beckmann, President Emeritus, Bread for the World, 2010 Laureate
Rob Bertram, Chief Scientist, Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, USAID
Gebisa Ejeta, Director, Purdue Center for Global Food Security, 2009 Laureate
Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, 2018 Laureate
Jan Low, Principal Scientist, International Potato Center (CIP), 2016 Laureate
Claudia Sadoff, Executive Management Team Convener and Managing Director, Research Delivery and Impact, CGIAR

Visit www.worldfoodprize.org/LaureatesLetter2021 to read the letter and www.worldfoodprize.org/DigitalDialogue for more information

Creating woodlands for cash, carbon and conservation.
2021-03-25 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London)
Join Tilhill, for our focus on how landowners and farmers in Scotland can make the most of planting trees on currently unproductive land.

Tilhill, the UK’s leading forestry management company will illustrate how farmers, landowners, and land agents in Scotland can generate an income from planting trees on their land.
The webinar will be chaired by Tim Liddon, Tilhill’s Forestry Director with over 40 years’ experience in the forestry industry. Tilhill’s Forest managers will share presentations and walk landowners through their real-life case studies featuring on-site interviews from land-owning clients.
The webinar will explore the many benefits that can be gained from owning trees. From grants, timber income, and enhancing biodiversity, through to carbon credits and their contribution to tackling climate change. All can bring them extra income.
There will be ample opportunity to ask their professional chartered forest managers all about creating woodland on what was previously potentially unproductive land.
Tilhill’s Managers will conduct interviews during the webinar entitled ‘Creating Woodland for Cash, Carbon and Conservation’ with Tilhill’s land-owning clients.
We will illustrate the benefits of planting the right tree, in the right place, at the right time including:

The landowner’s objectives
Evaluating the land and farm potential
How agriculture can easily sit alongside tree planting
The woodland creation opportunities and funding
The Environmental benefits of woodland creation

Calum Murray, a Senior Forest Manager based in North Scotland will start the session and share his wealth of knowledge. He has spent over twenty years as a forest manager with a leading role in developing the services Tilhill can offer in north-east Scotland for both existing and new clients in need of management, or landowners with new woodland creation projects of any scale. Calum will offer his professional advice to anyone who is looking to release the full potential of their woodland, farm or landholding.

Andrew Vaughan, Tilhill’s North Scotland Regional Manager will lead the final presentation and case study illustrating woodland management plan objectives. Andrew offers his broad experience of 34 years in forestry dealing in highly significant woodland creation projects and large-scale upland planting. He has been an examiner for the Institute of Chartered Foresters Professional Membership Entry and Assessment of Professional Competence levels since 2006.
Tilhill’s in-house Ecologist John Gallagher will be available to answer attendees questions on the benefits of tree planting for the environment; now and in the future, including water protection, riparian zones, wildlife, flora and fauna and general diversity. John will also be joined by David McCulloch, Head of CarbonStore to answer any carbon related questions.
Tim Liddon, Tilhill’s Forestry Director said: “This webinar will offer a great way to share our many years of knowledge and expertise with farmers and landowners with the aim of helping them to gain real insight from those who have already tapped into the social, economical, and environmental benefits of woodland creation.”

Webinar - Worm farming and composting workshop - March 2021
2021-03-25 12:00 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney)
Worm farming and composting workshop

Learn how to set up your organic recycling system to turn food scraps and garden ‘waste’ into a fantastic fertiliser and soil conditioner for your garden. You will learn the basics on how you can get started and the different options available including composting, worm farming and Bokashi systems. You will also get some great tips on how to reduce your waste at home.
What to bring:
Pen
Note pad
This is a FREE online workshop for Blacktown Council residents only. Registered participants will be sent a zoom link via email the day before the event.
If the event is showing sold out, please register for the waitlist as more tickets may be released closer to the event. If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel your booking online or contact us on 9839 6055 or at ourenvironment@blacktown.nsw.gov.au.
Sign up for greenmoney to get great tips on living sustainably at home and be the first to be notifed of upcoming workshops.
*limit one compost bin per household. The free compost bin counts as one of two eligible rebates. If you have previously attended the workshop, you are not eligible for a second bin.

Farming Smarter: investing in our future
2021-03-25 17:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London)
Report launch: we explore how an Agroecology Development Bank would speed transition to fair and sustainable farming for climate and nature

About this event
It is increasingly accepted that agroecology and regenerative farming have huge potential to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, the public health crisis, as part of a fair and green economic recovery – yet the practical realities of helping make the transition are underdeveloped.
Join us for a discussion about a radical solution – a new Agroecology Development Bank – and how it could boost investment in modern and sustainable farm businesses, whilst helping the UK meet its climate goals, restore biodiversity and improve health and wellbeing.
The panel of experts will explore how agriculture could benefit from the same kinds of practical interventions enjoyed by other sectors like energy and transport and why the time is now for this bold move.

About the speakers

Sir Ian Cheshire, Chair, Barclays Bank UK

Sir Ian was appointed Non-Executive Chairman to the Barclays UK Board in April 2017 and has won a number of awards including lifetime contributions to retailing, green business and the Fortune WEF award for leadership in the circular economy.
Sir Ian was knighted in the 2014 New Year Honours for services to Business, Sustainability and the Environment and is a Chevalier of the Ordre National du Merite of France. Other current principal external appointments: Chairman, Maisons du monde; Chairman, Menhaden plc; Lead non-executive director for the government. More

Dame Caroline Mason, Chief Executive, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation

Before joining Esmée, Caroline was Chief Operating Officer at Big Society Capital and preceding that, Charity Bank. Caroline was also the co-founder of Investing for Good, a social investment advisory firm and one of the first Community Interest Companies. Before joining the social sector, Caroline had an eighteen-year track record of creative and innovative product development in the financial services sector. Caroline is a Board Member of the Environment Agency, a Board Member of the Impact Investing Institute, and Chair of the Foundations Forum. She is also a member of TNL Community Fund Climate Action Fund Advisory Panel, and a member of the Inclusive Economy Partnership Champions Board. More

Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission

Sue is the Chief Executive of FFCC and is focused on leading the organisation in its mission to bring people together to find radical and practical ways to transform our food system and improve our climate, nature, health & economy. Sue brings extensive experience working with leaders in businesses, governments and enterprises, blending the academic and the practical for sustainable systems change. Sue lives with her family on an organic, permaculture, livestock farm in Wales, which accounts for pretty much all of her time outside of FFCC, and is a grounding reminder of the gritty realities of turning ideas into workable actions.

Tony Greenham, Executive Director, South West Mutual and Farming Smarter report co-author

Tony is one of the co-authors of Farming Smarter: investing in our future, and is Executive Director of South West Mutual, a regional mutual challenger bank serving the south west of England and focused on financing a just transition to a low carbon economy. He is also an adviser on sustainability to Lion Trust Asset Management and a Senior Fellow of the Finance Innovation Lab.
He was previously Director of Economics at the RSA and Associate Director, Finance and Economics at the New Economics Foundation. His publications include ‘People Powered Prosperity’, ‘Where Does Money Come From?’ and ‘The British Business Bank: Creating good sustainable jobs’. Tony’s early career was in the City as a chartered accountant and investment banker with Barclays and Credit Suisse.

ffinlo Costain, Chief Executive, FarmWel (event compere)

ffinlo is the chief executive of Farmwel, a think tank working for climate, nature and food security. He produces the Farm Gate podcast, featuring thought leaders discussing the various dimensions of sustainable food systems. ffinlo has a background in politics, farming, NGOs and communications, with expertise in the positioning of agricultural policy in the social and political context.

Regenerative Agriculture can save the world - but what is it?
2021-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Lisbon)
Patagonia, Dr. Bronner’s & ROA leaders on why they have put regenerative organic farming at the core of their business.

“It’s really mimicking what nature does already. You never see just one crop in nature, you see a vast diversity. There’s a reason for that.” – Aras Baskauskas
We envision a world in which farmers, brands, policymakers, educators, researchers, and citizens join together to create a more equitable system, that respects the world’s communities and ecosystems.
Hear leaders at Patagonia, Dr. Bronner’s and ROA discuss why they have put regenerative organic farming at the core of their businesses, and why it is the answer to climate change and fairer supply chains.
Regenerative farming goes further from sustainable and organic farming. Regenerative organic farming produces stronger crops and provides a healthier way of life for farmers, but it’s the impact on soil that’s making it an environmental movement – by sequestering carbon which reduces excessive emissions to the atmosphere.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Whitlow is the Exec Director of Regenerative Organic Alliance, which holds the highest standards in the world for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.
Rachel Kanter Kepnes is the Manager of Supply Chain Social Responsibility, Farms & Special Programs at Patagonia. Her background is in international labor rights, human rights and gender.
Ryan Zinn is Dr. Bronner’s Regenerative Project Manager, and his work focuses on international regenerative organic & fair trade supply chains and farmer training. Ryan has worked in the food and farm justice movement in the U.S. and abroad for 20+ years.

Prince #1plus1plus1is3 Virtual Symposium
2021-03-26 11:30 - 2021-03-28 21:00 (America/New_York)
SAVE THE DATE! 26-28 March 2021 for #1plus1plus1is3 a 3-day Virtual Symposium Celebrating 3 Different Prince Albums!

Join us for #1plus1plus1is3, a 3-day virtual symposium, celebrating Prince for 40 years of Controversy, 30 years of Diamonds & Pearls, and 20 years of The Rainbow Children, on 26-28 March 2021 (Fri-Sun)!
We hope to see you there! IF you’ve been to a previous symposium, you know what to expect: knowledge, community, and a whole lot of fun!
More info is forthcoming. The speakers and schedule will be posted on the symposium website throughout January, February, and March. In the meantime, check out past symposia & events by polished solid productions.
The symposium is FREE but we kindly request that you consider donating to the PRN Alumni Foundation!
PRN Alumni Foundation, officially formed in 2017, is comprised of former employees of Paisley Park and the international icon Prince. The group’s mission is to continue the generosity of their late boss who supported opportunities for underprivileged youth to grow in music, tech, arts and education, and helped alumni members in-need. The foundation also supports urban farming initiatives that create sources of healthy foods where they are otherwise scarce.
The Estate of Prince Rogers Nelson is not affiliated, associated, or connected with the ‘Prince #1plus1plus1is3 Symposium,’ nor has it endorsed or sponsored the ‘Prince #1plus1plus1is3 Symposium’ Further, the Estate of Prince Rogers Nelson has not licensed any of its intellectual property to the producers, advertisers or directors of ‘Prince #1plus1plus1is3 Symposium.’

Discover the UK strawberry vertical farming industry
2021-03-30 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London)
The second of two UKUAT webinars focusing on growing strawberries in total controlled environment agriculture (TCEA) systems.

Strawberries can be grown in TCEA. That is well established. Challenges exist, but the industry is thriving to tackle them. Are you wondering where the UK urban farming industry is in terms of the development of TCEA strawberry systems? Are you keen to ask questions about pesticide use in TCEA? Or where the plants are coming from? Or questions about the yields and the fruit quality (size, Brix)? UKUAT brings to you a panel discussion to answer all these questions.
This panel is the second online event, which succeeds the intro webinar with title ‘What is the secret to growing strawberries in TCEA?’. Following some of your questions, we bring to you two fine organisation members of UKUAT to share their experience working with strawberries in TCEA and answer more of your questions.
Dr. Csaba Hornyik from Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd. and Peter-James Lennox from Kroptek will be our panellists, and Katia Zacharaki will facilitate the discussion. The webinar will be interactive, engaging and will provide a collision space for like-minded interested growers, producers, scientists and enthusiasts for this field. And of course, there will be opportunities for a live Q & A at the end of the session.

Dr. Csaba Hornyik, Plant Scientist at Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd.
Csaba is an experienced plant scientist having a background in plant development, molecular biology and pathology. His main role at IGS is to plan, carry out and analyse crop trials focusing on the development of environment recipes for crops growing in a total controlled-environment. Csaba also develops the crop portfolio and manages customers trials at the vertical farm in Invergowrie, Dundee.
Strawberry is in the focus of several customers and the industry needs a reliable supply of propagules. The vertical farm is suitable to grow strawberry plants from seeds, grow them up and produce runners to further propagate the plants. All of the different stages of plant development need special settings which could be set in the vertical farm. We develop recipes for germination, early-stage growth and runner production. Root development is also under optimization to produce strong propagules during a short time. Flower and berry production is out of scope for IGS at the moment, but optimization is underway for flower development and berry production.

Peter-James Lennox, Project Manager at Kroptek
Peter is a project manager at Kroptek for the last two years, an LED grow lights and farming solutions company – with over 16 years of experience in the horticultural industry. Having previously worked as a Designer Manager in the technology sector made him realise the lack of equipment and knowledge in the TCEA horticultural industry. This, combined with the passion developed from growing up in a strawberry farm that only used soil, inspired me to find the best solutions for the horticultural sector.

Moderator
Katia Zacharaki is working as Senior Research Engineer for Digital Farming involved in leafy salads, microgreens and strawberry research. She is working on her PhD with Harper Adams University and supports UKUAT as Communications Director.

Gardening by the Moon – an insight into sustainable farming with Mark Frith
2021-03-30 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Join us to explore how the 24 seasons of the traditional Chinese lunar or Moon calendar were used since the beginnings of farming.

Gardening by the phases of the Moon is an idea that has been around for as long as humans have been growing their own food. During this one-hour session, Mark Frith, an experienced Horticulture Therapist will describe the journey of the human race from foraging to farming and the impact this has had on our planet. Joining us directly from his allotments, Mark will be able to show and inspire us to adapt to better ways of growing and fertilizing our food organically. At the end of the session, you will be able to ask any questions, no matter whether you are starting off or are somewhat a more experienced gardener already.
About the speaker:
Mark Frith is the founder of Growing Togetherness and delivers bespoke sessions to help communities grow and be more sustainable. He truly believes that taking time to learn something new and rewarding should be an important priority for people in this day and age, especially when highly pressured jobs and lifestyles are having such a negative impact.

CSA's and Food Security
2021-03-30 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver)
FarmFolk CityFolk invites farmers and eaters to attend a webinar in CSA’s and Food Security.

When: Tuesday, March 30th from 6 – 7 pm + additional 30 minutes for debrief
Where: Online
Cost: Free, registration required. The zoom code will be sent to participants the day before the event.
This webinar is geared toward both farmers and eaters and explores community supported agriculture as an important model for building local food security. CSA Programs involve a model where customers buy ‘shares’ at the beginning of the growing season in exchange for a portion of a local farmer’s harvest. Farmers obtain income early in the season, coinciding with a period of high costs. This model invests in local food and supports farmers upfront for the coming season. Jacob Beaton from Tea Creek Farm and Karen Ageson from Farmers on 57th will be joining us to discuss their experiences building local food security through CSA programs.
Following our guest speaker’s presentations and the question-answer period will be a 30-minute debrief of the webinar. From 7 – 730, participants can stay on the call and engage in discussion with other farmers and eaters, exchange ideas and resources, and continue on the conversations started in the webinar. This is not a continuation of the question and answer period for our guest speakers, it is a chance to connect with other CSA passionate folks in BC.
Tea Creek Farm
Tea Creek catalyzes new agricultural projects and livelihoods—restoring the ability of Indigenous nations to grow fresh, healthy food and medicine for ourselves and our communities. Tea Creek’s Indigenous-led program works in partnership with First Nations proponents to build a sustainable economy and long-term food sovereignty. Their vision is resilient, healthy communities built on land-based programs and abundant local food.
Jacob Beaton is the recipient of the BCAF Indigenous Business Award and was founder & president of Copper Moon Communications and VP communications for The Castlemain Group. He has consulted with over 60 First Nations on strategy, community engagement and economic development. He is Tsimshian and has the name “Dzapł Gygyaawn Sgyiik” (an eagle who gets it done right now) from the Gispaxloats tribe
Farmers on 57th
Karen Ageson is a first-generation Canadian of South African, British and Swedish ancestry, raised & living in the annexed Territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ / sel̓íl̓witulh Nations with her husband and two young children. Since 2019, Karen has been co-creating Farmers on 57th, a not-for-profit organization that grows food & flowers on the former lawns of a Vancouver Coastal Health long-term care facility. Farmers on 57th has grown to feed 70 member-families through a Community Supported Agriculture Harvest Box program while creating opportunities for people to grow their own food through volunteer & horticultural therapy programs, community garden plots and a Grow Your Own Food course. Karen is also the Interim Executive Director of the Vancouver Urban Farming Society where she works to support the growth of farming in the city.
This event will be recorded and posted on our website for future viewing.
This event is part of a 6 part webinar series of our Strengthening CSA’s Program to support CSA farmers and the expansion of CSA programs in BC.
Event photo by Farmers on 57th

[Special online event] 2020 Food Tech 500: Vertical Farming
2021-03-31 17:00 - 18:30 (Europe/London)
At Forward Fooding, we’re over the moon to bring to life a special series of online events about the 2020’s FoodTech 500

At Forward Fooding, our mission is to showcase the global startup talent at the intersection of food, technology and sustainability.
The FoodTech 500, the Fortune 500 of AgriFoodTech showcases companies (from early-stage startup to scaleup businesses) that are building and scaling AgriFoodTech businesses, addressing the rapid need for change across the food system.
During the fourth event of this series, we will be featuring some of the Top 5 Vertical farming companies from this year’s Food Tech 500. Join us as we showcase 2020’s definitive list of the most inspirational businesses in the world of AgriFoodTech, and deep-dive into the amazing entrepreneurial talent behind these companies.
We will also be joined by some top-notch speakers from the ‘2020’s FoodTech 500 pack’ to learn more about their businesses via a panel discussion.
So tune in as we sit down with FoodTech experts and leaders to learn the latest about the vertical farming sector.
Agenda:
18:00 – 18:15 – Introducing the FoodTech 500 & unveiling the official ranking of the 2020’s Foodtech 500 by Alessio D’Antino, founder & CEO of Forward Fooding
18.15 – 19:20 – Panel discussion moderated by Belinda Clarke (Director at Agri-TechE) with top-notch speakers from some of the 2020’s FoodTech 500 companies including:

Marc Oshima, Co-founder & CMO at Aero Farms
Max Loessl, Co-founder at Agrilution
David Lee, President at AppHarvest
Gregory Lu, Founder & CEO of Natufia Labs

More speakers to be revealed soon
19.20 – 19:30 – Q&A and final remarks
A special thank goes to our sponsors: Neom & Rothamsted Enterprises
We look forward to seeing you there as we (virtually) taste the future of food!
The Forward Fooding Team

When and How to Open the Vertical - The Complex Aesthetic Case
2021-04-01 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
**After registering, you will receive an email confirmation from Eventbrite with webinar access link at the bottom of the email**

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Failures in dentistry are frequently blamed on materials, but in reality, many times, we, the dentist, are the culprit. We treat the anterior teeth as cosmetic challenges, and we forget to look at the relationship of form and function. This presentation will simplify occlusion by combining dental-facial treatment planning in combination with function. By applying a few basic principles, we can create a predictable bite to support the joint and the muscles and design the proper amount of vital space for our restorations. This innovative, fast pace course will explore aesthetics that are BUILT TO LAST.
Course Description:

Learn how to diagnose and treatment plan an aesthetic case
Evaluate the patient’s incisor position and morphology, their dento-facial requirements, and Implement the techniques to determine the appropriate vertical dimension.
Understand how mastering these techniques and marketing the cosmetic results can thrust your practice to the top 1%

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1 CE Credit
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Webinar Time:
• 5:00pm-6:00pm PST
• 7:00pm-8:00pm CST
• 8:00pm-9:00pm EST

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
JOYCE BASSETT, DDS, FAACD, FAGD, practices comprehensive restorative and aesthetic dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is an Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and President from 2015-2016. Dr. Bassett is a Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry, an Associate Member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, a KOIS Clinical Instructor, an active member of the Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, and a Fellow in the AGD. Dr. Bassett is adjunct faculty, where she has taught the Aesthetic Continuum at the Arizona School of Dentistry. As a Catapult Group Speakers Bureau member, Dr. Bassett plays a significant role in evaluating new dental materials. She is an international lecturer, published author, member of the Editorial Board of several peer-reviewed publications, and voted Top 5 Female CE Educators. The cases presented in her lecturers are all published in peer review journals (http://www.drbassett.com/publications.html). Dr. Joyce Bassett is a recipient of the Lucy Hobbs Award for Clinical Expertise, the AACD Evy Award for Excellence in Teaching Cosmetic Dentistry Education, Volunteer Dentist of the Year Award for Arizona CASS Dental Clinic, and has received the “Give Back A Smile” Volunteer Service Award twice.

MicroDental Laboratories is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www. ada.org/cerp. CE program is intended for continuing education activities for participants only and is separate from MicroDental’s company interest to promote products and services.
MicroDental Laboratories designates this activity for 1 continuing education credits. ADACERP Provider Contact: Madina Asefi Email: masefi@microdental.com // Phone: 925.495.6153.
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CANCELLATION POLICY: Please notify us 24 hours prior to course date if you wish to cancel by contacting Madina Asefi at masefi@microdental.com or 925-495-6153.

SPONSORS:

Funding Carbon Farming
2021-04-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join us for a free webinar to learn about carbon farming practices and their benefits, and programs that can help you pay for them.

Carbon farming practices can help build soil health on your property, benefit local ecosystems, and combat climate change.
Get help paying for practices like: compost application, cover crops, hedgerows and more. Funding programs include: Healthy Soils Program (CDFA), Farm Bill Program (EQIP/NRCS), and Zero Food Print.
*A Zoom link will be sent to you once you register.

How can we make space for nature? A live Q&A
2021-04-03 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London)
Ask the experts their views on how we can all make space for nature.

Do you have questions about how to make space for nature?
Come along to the live Q&A with Georgie Bray – who has spoken about ‘Farming for biodiversity‘ and Georgina Mayhew – she works at the Endangered Landscape Programme who spoke about ‘Restoring landscapes for life‘. Ask them your questions about how we can all make space for nature. This session will be chaired by Tony Juniper.
This is the final event for the Making Space for Nature speaker series – one of the sessions in Earth Optimism’s Stories of Hope programme.
Please note, you need one ticket per device, rather than one ticket per person and you will be sent a link to watch the Q&A via email closer to the time.
Photo left to right: Georgie Bray, Georgina Mayhew & Tony Juniper

Eat the Rainbow: Growing Food at Home in Urban/Suburban Environments
2021-04-08 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
COVID has changed our relationship with gardening and cooking. Learn how you can grow organic food at home – even in urban environments!

Now more than ever people have been interested in growing their own food. People are starting gardens and small homestead farms for reasons ranging from self-reliance, health, rising food safety concerns, their desire for local fresh food, a possible career change, and personal enjoyment.
Reconnecting with our food and nature is possible in any environment. Leading urban farming experts Mary and Electra from Green Food Solutions will guide us in this engaging, interactive virtual event showing you how to grow food at home in any sized space no matter where you live. Grow herbs, edible flowers, lettuces, vegetables, fruits, and even mushrooms at home. Let’s Grow!

In this virtual event, you will…

Learn 4 innovative, sustainable ways to grow food at home with little to no experience including mushrooms.
Explore some of the unique ways to empower a new local food system in urban and suburban areas
Learn why hydroponic farms and gardens are a sustainable, healthy solution for the future of food security addressing changing climate conditions everywhere.
Have fun learning from expert urban farmers as you are guided in how to seed and plant your own food at home.

Let’s get our hands dirty and get started together. Registrants are invited to buy supplies in advance to use during the workshop portion of the evening. You can purchase supplies from this Amazon list or use the list to purchase locally.
Even starting with growing one pot of herbs for use at home, you’ll be surprised at how engaging, fun, and relaxing home and urban gardening can be!

About the Speaker: Mary Wetherwill, CEO and Co-founder, GreenFoodSolutions.com
Mary is a lover of people and of life. A woman who is passionate about making a difference in the area of health and nutrition for all people. Very driven, Mary has created a successful practice as a neuromuscular therapist helping people heal and relieve chronic pain since 2000. She is the owner of a Massage, Yoga and Manual Lymphatic Drainage center called Montclair Therapeutic Massage Center. Mary has authored “The Diabetes Massage Method” and is currently writing a 2nd book on her personal journey with food and weight loss. Inspired by her mother, who worked as a director of a homeless shelter, Mary is devoted to the service of others in all forms.
Never having a weight problem before, Mary really struggled with it in her late 20’s into her 30’s. It wasn’t until her doctor finally told her she was obese that she woke up and was able to really “see” herself. Being very driven, this launched her journey back to health. She lost 90 lbs over the course of 2 years, which took a full lifestyle change.
When she met Electra Jarvis, co-founder of Green Food Solutions, she was introduced to vertical farming. She knew in every bone in her body that vertical farming was the missing link in securing healthy, transparent, high quality, nutritious food for herself and others. She immediately bought a vertical Tower Garden and started growing her own food. Her passion for growing food has transformed into Green Food Solutions, which empowers individuals, schools, and restaurants to grow real food in virtually any environment.

Want to attend this event for free? Join or renew membership in Out Professionals to attend all virtual networking events and webinars free – including this one. Starting at just $65/year, your membership will give you complimentary access to 40+ events during the coming year as well as other benefits. Join Out Professionals now.

Black Farming Quarterly Virtual Roundtable
2021-04-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Please join us for our second quarterly Black Farmer’s Roundtable discussion.

Please join us for our second quarterly Black Farmer’s Roundtable discussion. This meeting will specifically focus on challenges that black and underrepresented farmers face and how we can support those challenges through a Cooperative Business lens. To help us structure this meeting, we are asking you to take a few minutes to complete our survey here: https://forms.gle/C5zHqn3BkCCi9W4Z7
We look forward to seeing you soon!
In an effort to provide space to our black farmers, we ask that if you are not a part of an underrepresented community in the southwest Ohio region, we ask that you do not participate in Saturday’s round table. We are so appreciative of your interest and look forward to having more to share with you and for you to engage in the near future, but this first meeting is primarily a listening and planning session for Black farmers. Please fill out this form: http://eepurl.com/hqNHVP to join our Black Farming Network Newsletter.

Urban food and farming – part of a green future for cities?
2021-04-13 11:00 - 13:30 (Europe/Copenhagen)
Is Urban food and farming a part of a sustainable future for cities ?

For decades, urbanisation has been a mega trend, and now more than half of the world’s population lives in towns and cities. Feeding this increasing urban population with fresh, healthy and sustainable produced food will require a huge transition of our existing food systems. What are the biggest challenges in this transition? What kind of food systems and management do we need? And can the cities and their citizens be key players in the solution?

Since 2017, a group of researchers at University of Copenhagen has focused on urban food and farming, and to them many solutions to future resource challenges lie in the reassessment of elements of our food production, and urban farming and urban food systems can help solve some of our challenges.

At this side event, you can meet six of these researchers and discuss their research and the perspectives that lie within it

Speakers

• The role of urban farming in climate adaptation, Jakob Magid, Associate professor, UCPH-PLEN

• Urban cultivation – between urban management, alternative practices and green cities, Trine Agervig Carstensen, Professor UCPH-IGN

• Urban and vertical farming systems and food quality, Kristian Holst Laursen, Assistant Professor, UCPH-PLEN

• The role of city-regions in transforming the food system, Marin Lysák, Post doc UCPH-PLEN

• How can urban farming be a meaningful part of socially and ecological just urban futures? Rebecca Leigh Rutt, assistant professor, UCPH-IFRO

• Growing communities, growing young people – Insights from the SESAM 2020 program, Bent Egberg Mikkelsen, Professor UCPH-IGN

Moderator: Marie-Louise Boisen Lendal, CEO and founder, Think Tank Frej
