The 28th Annual Winter Conference was a huge success, with about 2,000 attendees, 168 volunteers, 95 workshops, two great keynote speakers, and a visit from the US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Vermont's entire US Congressional delegation!
See below for press related to the conference, and check back for videos of LaDonna Redmond's keynote address and Vilsack's visit. We regret that we were unable to film Jack Lazor's keynote address on Sunday; please see the Lancaster Farming article below for a great account of Jack and his address.
More Information about Vilsack's Visit
Many people had questions and feedback about Secretary Vilsack's presence at the conference. For more information about the thought process behind his visit, you can download a reflection from Enid Wonnacott, NOFA Vermont's executive director, below. Dave Rogers, our policy advisor, also wrote a follow-up statement addressing the issue of GE alfalfa.
Winter Conference Reflections, by Enid Wonnacott
Are You Still Listening, Secretary Vilsack? by Dave Rogers
Following are the questions that were developed by the NOFA-VT board and staff for Secretary Vilsack, based on feedback we solicited from our members. Since we did not get to ask all of our questions at the conference, we have submitted them to the Secretary for a written response; we will post the responses when they are received.
Please feel free to contact us directly with any other questions or concerns you may have.
Questions for Secretary Vilsack
Why do you think more and more people are buying organic food? What will the USDA be doing to in the next few years to foster the continued growth of organic farming?
Do you think this contamination is a serious issue? What is the USDA doing to prevent it? And, who do you think should bear primary responsibility for insuring that this contamination does not happen?
What will the USDA do to insure that food safety regulations take into account the needs of small farms and local food processors?
(Follow-up) Would the USDA be willing to reconsider regulations that restrict on-farm slaughter of animals so that more Vermonters can legally buy their meat directly from their neighbors?
What are the three most critical changes in American agriculture and agricultural policy that are needed NOW to help turn this food system around? What is the USDA doing to bring these changes about?
We would like to extend a special thanks to our Winter Conference sponsors - we couldn't have done it without you!
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Learn how to sponsor the conference and thank you for your support!

Chittenden Bank: A Division of United People's Bank







VHCB Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program

Vermont Sheep and Goat Association

Elizabeth Ferry, Freelance Photographer & Journalist
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement
Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative
UVM for Sustainable Agriculture
Evolution Physical Therapy Yoga
Home Ecology
Giroux's Poultry
St Albans Cooperative Creamery, Inc.
**As of December 31, 2009, the Farmers' Market/exhibitor's tables are full. Please contact the NOFA-VT office if you would like to be placed on a waiting list.
2010 Exhibitor Application - deadline is January 8, 2010.
The Farmers' Market has been a strong tradition at our winter conference and this year's new venue will make it even more memorable for customers and vendors alike. The location for our exhibitors is in the historic (and beautiful) Billings Hall on the UVM campus. Located in the same building as our registration, music, silent auction, and refreshments, it should receive ample foot traffic by attendees - and the curious public!
Please reserve the minimum table space required to allow the market to accommodate as many vendors as possible.
The Silent Auction raises money to support the Children's Conference, held alongside the NOFA Vermont Winter Conference.
2010 Donations Form - Thank You for your support!
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the 2010 conference.
Learn how to sponsor the conference and thank you for your support!
Find Housing or a Carpool: Have a house in Burlington where you could host conference participants? Looking for a place to stay? Looking for a carpool? Connect using our Wordpress blog
Room Blocks: We currently have rooms blocked at the newly renovated Best Western Hotel in Burlington, for the rate of $82.50/night (includes tax). The rate is available until January 31st. Contact the Best Western at: 1076 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT, 05403; 800/371-1125; www.bestwesternvermont.com
Press Releases
2/3/10
Celebrating the Heart of Organic at the NOFA-VT Winter Conference
U.S. Secretary Vilsack to Visit NOFA-VT Winter Conference
Getting Down To Business In A Down Economy: What's Working For Vermont’s Organic Dairy Farmers
1/18/2010
Celebrating the Heart of Organic: 28th Annual NOFA Vermont Winter Conference
1/18/2010 (calendar item)
Celebrating the Heart of Organic: 28th Annual NOFA Vermont Winter Conference