Featured Speakers

Saturday’s Keynote: Clara Coleman
“Back to My Roots, Forward to the Next Generation”
 
As the daughter of beloved farming pioneer Eliot Coleman, Clara Coleman describes her journey from reluctant protégé to a next generation four-season farmer, farm consultant, farm speaker and enthusiast. During her intense experience creating a four-season farm in Colorado, she embraced her farming roots, deepened her understanding of her farming passion, discovered her farming talents and weaknesses, and unearthed her commitment to inspire the next generation of farmers.

Through her story, Clara shares examples that helped her persevere and acknowledge the inherent challenges and uncertainties of the farming lifestyle, and continue the legacy of innovation through the inspired process of creatively farming and living in the present.

Sunday: TED-inspired talks

Inspired by the TEDTalks format of brief but excellent presentations on “ideas worth spreading,” we’re excited to replace Sunday’s keynote address with a series of shorter talks. Join us for a dynamic and motivating session with four food system innovators.

	Joe Bossen owns Vermont Bean Crafters Company, a conduit for VT-grown organic grains, beans, and vegetables into institutions across Vermont and New England.
	Laura Brown-Lavoie is an award-winning spoken word poet and an urban farmer, growing food on two vacant lots in Providence, RI.
	Sean Buchanan is the Business Development Manager for Black River Produce, a local produce and specialty foods distributor that supports local growers, producers, and small businesses that focus on building Vermont’s agricultural community.
	Scout Proft is a CSA farmer & poultry producer at Someday Farm in Dorset, VT, and a NOFA Vermont Farm to Community mentor.