Small farm conference opens Feb. 28

More than 500 small-scale farmers, farmers’ market managers and agricultural professionals are expected to attend the 23rd statewide California Small Farm Conference at the Marriott Del Mar in North San Diego County from Feb. 28 through March 2.

Kathleen A. Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, is scheduled to give the keynote address on March 1 at 9 a.m.

Last year’s keynote speaker, A. G. Kawamura, California Secretary of Agriculture, will speak at the noon plenary session. Russ Parsons, food editor for the Los Angeles Times, will address the group at the banquet that evening.

Josh Viertel, president of Slowfood USA, will be the featured speaker at the breakfast meeting at 8 a.m. on March 2.

California’s small farmers, considered a vital part of the state’s agricultural system, supply the products sold at farmers’ markets, restaurants, many school lunch programs, and restaurants that emphasize buying local.

The conference includes a host of workshops, tours, speakers, exhibitors, short courses and networking opportunities.

To register or for more information, visit www.californiafarmconference.com or call 888 712-4188

The theme of this year’s California Small Farm Conference is “Sustaining our Bounty.” An estimated 30 percent of California’s productive farms are less than 10 acres, and 65 percent are less than 50 acres.