Eco Farm Day returns to Cornwall

Eco Farm Day

Eco Farm Day returns to the Cornwall Ramada on February 22 and 23 with a focus on climate change.

The two-day conference is the premier annual organic event where upwards of 300 farmers, market gardeners and related businesses in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec meet to discuss successful organic farming techniques. The conference features over 16 dynamic panels and workshops and 40 unique exhibitors.

The program features a balance of big names in organic agricultural innovation along with local presenters who can speak to specific challenges and opportunities in the region. Many of the conference sessions will revolve around this year’s theme of On Common Ground: Farming and food in a shifting climate which aims to highlight issues faced by the larger community including farmer mental health, climate change, succession planning, and more profitable cash-cropping.

“Our theme recognizes that we are at a particular moment in history when the climate crisis is on everyone’s mind,” says Eric Payseur, co-planner for Eco Farm Day and Organic Transition Manager for Canadian Organic Growers. “We need to recognize our common ground and scale up efforts to approach farming as key part of the climate solution.”

Keynote presenter this year is Dr. Kris Nichols of the KRIS System, a soil microbiologist with 25 years of experience studying mycorrhizal fungi.

“We are excited to have Kris join Eco Farm Day this year,” says Mr. Payseur. “She is an innovator in soil microbiology in the face of climate change, and we know our attendees will pull a lot from her presentation.”

Ms. Nichols will use her keynote to highlight how prioritizing soil health in agriculture can help reduce pest issues, soil erosion, fossil fuel use, and greenhouse gas emissions. For full program details visit online or download the program outline.

Special Screening

New this year, Eco Farm Day is hosting the Canadian debut screening of The Need To Grow at the Port Theatre in Cornwall on Saturday, February 22 at 7 pm, followed by a Q&A with director Rob Herring. The film takes the viewer inside the hearts and innovations of three very different leaders – one an 8-year-old girl challenging the ethics of a beloved organization – to deliver an epic story of ecological solutions and the struggles to implement them.

Registration

Conference registration is available online or by calling 613-216-0741. Tickets to the film screening are available separately through Eventbrite or through general registration.

About Eco Farm Day

Eco Farm Day is presented by COG-OSO, the Ottawa-St. Lawrence-Outaouais Chapter of Canadian Organic Growers. Over the last 30 years COG Ottawa, and now COG Ottawa – St. Lawrence – Outaouais (or COG OSO for short), has been delivering programs and services for farmers, gardeners, educators, and people who care about healthy food and healthy environments. Membership extends from the St. Lawrence River to the Outaouais in Western Quebec, and encompasses all of the Ottawa Valley.

For more information, please visit the COG-OSO website or check them out on Facebook or Twitter.

Additional Events

Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Make sure to check out our Events page for info on upcoming events in the area!

Stay with Us!

Planning to explore Cornwall? Extend your stay at one of our many great accommodations! For a listing of local accommodations, click here.

Additional Information

Planning a visit to Cornwall? Cornwall Tourism can help. Email us at info@cornwalltourism.com to request a copy of our Visitor Guide or contact us at (613) 933-0074. You can also stop by the Cornwall Tourism office inside the Cornwall Civic Complex at 100 Water Street East. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

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Article by Kat Rendek
www.ChooseCornwall.ca