This conference session is sponsored by Rodale Institute and the National Transition to Organic Partnership Program, and is free to attend. Register HERE.

• Moderator: Kyle Pletcher, Organic Grain Merchandiser at Tuscarora Grain Company

• Kellee James, Founder of Mercaris, now VP Agriculture of Argus Media

• Michael Chapman, Founder of Fieldcraft

• Scott Morgan, Founder, Farmer and Miller at Morganics Family Farm

Located in Large Barn

This panel will include economists, organic buyers and producers and will be moderated by Kyle Pletcher from Tuscarora Grain Company. A mixer will immediately follow the discussion to allow producers and organic buyers to network and make meaningful connections. Light snacks will be provided. This event provides an opportunity for organic producers, those transitioning, and those who are curious about organic production to gather and learn more about organic market grain opportunities.

• Vanessa Bolin, Common Grain Alliance and Mutual Aid Disaster Relief

• Erik Fabian, Sourhouse,

• Jimmy Dunsen, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief

Located in Horse Stable

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, CGA members came together to offer donations of grain, milling services, transportation, and funding to meet the needs of impacted North Carolina Communities. In this session, we will reflect on how the grain community and mutual aid organizations responded to Hurricane Helene, discuss key challenges and lessons learned, and discuss how CGA can help create structures to support ongoing mutual aid efforts. We will think expansively about the resources we collectively have to share, including material, educational, logistical and other bounties. What future is possible if we can collectively experiment with weaving new liberatory and life affirming networks?

• Nathan Epling

• Amanda Cather, Mid-Atlantic Deputy Director, American Farmland Trust

• Bill Shick, Director of Agriculture, PA Flax Project

Location: Terrace 1

Grain production in the Mid-Atlantic has been an integral part of our history and economy for nearly three centuries. What began with eastern woodland Indians and early settlers quickly evolved into a thriving industry that shaped not only the landscape but many of our social and economic foundations. Today, the legacy of grain production is deeply embedded in our rural communities still available for agricultural use today. The historic farms, mills, and open fields that once served the industry are now part of the region’s rural charm, making them highly desirable places to live and visit. Yet, as modern development encroaches on agricultural lands, the future of grain farming and processing in these areas face new challenges. This session will explore not only the history of grain production in the Mid-Atlantic but also its potential future. As pressures to develop farmland increase, grain production could play a critical role in preserving these landscapes for future generations. We'll look at examples of 1) regional best practices for zoning to get actual food production, 2) economic development successes, and 3) innovations by individual farmers or grain producers. By sharing these ideas we can help stem the tide of farmland loss and make local grains a larger part of the regional economy.

Facilitated by Gabriel Key, Lead Well Eat Well

Located in Terrace 2

In this session, we explore how better leadership in bakeries, mills, or other food making operations leads to stronger businesses and happier teams. We’ll focus on setting clear expectations, consistent communication, and fostering ownership among employees. Starting with you, we will explore and understand how internal leadership and action leads to external success. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of immediate next steps and tools they can implement to start taking action today.