Black Soil Farm Conference

Supporting Small and Black farmers in bringing healthy, locally sourced food to every community

Black Soil Farm Conference

April 23-26, 2018 in  Lexington, Kentucky

 

Save the date for the Black Soil Farm Conference coming to Lexington. Kentucky April 23-26, 2018! Hosted by Sustainable Communities Network this conference will convene more than 500 diverse farmers, educators, activists and stakeholders working to remove barriers to  markets and sources of  local food  and agricultural outlets .

Through workshops, exhibits and presentations, you’ll gather techniques and resources to help improve your small farm operations. Network and strengthen existing partnerships with other small farm professionals, and take home new ideas to help ensure you not only survive, but thrive in today’s economy.
Sustainable agriculture for a sustainable community

CONFERENCE TRACK HIGHLIGHTS

Agriculture Finance

  • USDA Funding Opportunities
  • New & Beginning Farmers

Farm Management

  • Women In Agriculture
  • Organic Farming
  • Pesticide Certification

Sustainable Agriculture

  • Small Farm Programs
  • Natural Resources
  • Local Food Systems

Urban Agriculture

  • Farmers Market
  • Community Gardening & Urban Farming
  • High Tunnels (Hoop Houses)
  • Aquaponics/Aquaculture

Research & Extension

  • Small Farm Systems
  • Community and Leadership in Agriculture
  • Healthy Communities
  • Carbon Sequestration & Soils

*NEW* Early Bird Registration Now Open

The Early Bird registration is now open through March 9. Register today to receive the best rates on all tickets! 


Mark your calendar now with these important conference dates: 

Workshop and poster proposal deadline: Nov. 14, 2017
Notification of workshop/poster proposal selection: Dec. 15, 2017
Scholarship application period: Dec. 18, 2017 - Feb. 12, 2018
Early bird registration: Jan. 29 - March 9, 2018
Registration closes: April 19, 2018
Conference: April 23-26, 2018


The Black Conference will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, April 23-26, 2018. Hosted by the Sustainable Communities Network, this annual  event will convene a diverse group of food service professionals, farmers, educators, students, representatives from nonprofits and government agencies, public health professionals and more for three days of learning, networking and movement building. Are you passionate about supporting local agriculture and fostering a culture of food literacy in your community? This event is for you. We hope you’ll join us in Lexington!

 

Early Bird Registration Open

okEarly Bird Registration is now open! Register now through March 9 to save on all ticket options. Click here to register now. View the Registration page to find more information about rates and what's included in each ticket option. The general registration deadline is April 19. Don't delay - register today!

 

Important Dates

okMark your calendar now with these important conference dates: 

Workshop and poster proposal deadline: Nov. 14, 2017
Notification of workshop/poster proposal selection: Dec. 15, 2017
Scholarship application period: Dec. 18, 2017 - Feb. 12, 2018
Early bird registration: Jan. 29 - March 9, 2018
Registration closes: April 19, 2018
Conference: April 25-27, 2018


Details

·         When: ·         Tuesday, April 23, 2018 - Thursday, April 26, 2018

·         Where: ·         Lexington Convention Center

·

Schedule Overview

This is a general overview of the conference schedule. See move details - including descriptions for workshops, and speakers - on the Program Details page. 


Monday, April 23-Thursday, April 26

7am - 8am: Registration and Breakfast
8am - 9:30am: Opening Plenary
9:45am - 11:15am: Workshop Sessions A
11:30am  - 12:30pm: Lunch
12:45pm - 2:15pm: Workshop Sessions B 
2:30pm - 4pm: Workshop Sessions C
4:15pm - 5:15pm: Closing Session
 


Mugarura Jussy okis our international guest speaker from Kampala, Uganda, a noted woman farmer, and expert in farm to city programming. She is particularly known for establishing rural farm to city projects that involve women. Her participation as a guest speaker is an opportunity to benefit our audience of women and African American farmers who will learn from her experience as a woman farmer and a carrier of family and Ugandan culture. It is our honor and pleasure to host Ms, Mugarura to the US