Fee Waiver Deadlines Fast Approaching!

This year we have three options for those looking for a fee waiver to participate in our Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference to be held in Mobile, AL January 15-18, 2014. The deadline for applications for fee waivers for those in the Chattanooga foodshed (100 miles) has been extended to November 25. Deadlines for the ASAN and SSAWG sponsored fee waivers are fast approaching, too. To learn more about all of the fee waiver options and how to apply, click here.

Thank you to Gaining Ground in Chattanooga and the Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network in Alabama for providing this opportunity for farmers to participate in this outstanding conference. If your group is offering scholarships and you would like us to help publicize this, please let us know.

RegisterJoin Us at the Coast this January!

Even if you don't qualify for a fee waiver, we hope you will not miss this incredible opportunity to learn and grow at one of the largest and oldest sustainable farm and food conferences in the country. Over 1,200 organic and sustainable farmers and advocates of local food systems are expected to participate in our 23rd annual conference this January at the Mobile Convention Center. As always, this event provides practical information tailored for those in the South producing organic and sustainable food on a commercial scale and for those in our region working to improve local food systems. To see the complete program, click here.

Sandra Simone
You Never Forget Your First Time Attending a Southern SAWG Conference

Sandra Simone, Huckleberry Hill Farm (AL)

SSAWG was instrumental in the decision to go from my little organic garden and begin "farming". After moving from Atlanta, GA to Talladega, Alabama, my husband and I were going to raise goats... We were able through scholarship, to attend our first SSAWG conference in January of 2000. I remember it well. It was held on Jekyll Island. Such enthusiasm and such energy. SSAWG was a much smaller community then. It seemed that we all knew each other, I think because of our shared values to live sustainably on this earth…Harold was ill (he transitioned the following month) and was unable to attend sessions, but I did. They were great, and they opened up the world of agriculture to me. My daughter, Tynesha, who lives in Atlanta, attended the conference with me that was held in Florida. I had not been successful in getting her to be interested in involvement with the land. That conference flipped a switch in her and she was turned on. She called everyone to tell them about what she had learned in the conference and convince ME that WE should try a CSA. WOW! ... Last year was our eighth consecutive CSA!

Tynesha and I have attended several conferences since that time. We have even been presenters! We always come home rejuvenated and full of ideas, and useful information. The networking has been fabulous! The new connections were valuable beyond measure. Thank you SSAWG!!

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