Thank you for joining us!

We are thrilled to be hosting our 41st Annual Winter Conference! Our theme, Where We Grow, speaks not only to the growing some of us do daily on the farm or in the garden, but also to the growth of our community and as people.

For more than four decades, our conference has convened farmers, processors, food system professionals, educators, advocates, researchers, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about building a better food system to work together and learn from one another. Mutual support and the generous exchange of knowledge is a hallmark of the NOFA-NY community and we are so grateful that you have joined us.

Check out page 4 of our Digital Conference Program for tips on using this platform.

We aim to create a safe and inclusive environment where every person can learn, share, and be in community together. We ask all participants to engage others mindfully, with respect and humility. 

All NOFA-NY event participants must agree to abide by the following: 

Be respectful: Respect the identities, backgrounds, and boundaries of others. Be open to different perspectives and experiences. Participation is always voluntary. Each person decides how they show up and what they share.  

Be curious: Listen actively and seek clarity with questions. We are here to learn with and from one another.  

Call in, not out: When someone acts in a way that is harmful, we ask that you “call in” to bring attention to the impact. Calling in is like calling out, but done privately, compassionately, and with a focus on inviting the person who caused harm to awareness rather than shaming or shunning them publicly. This can look like a private message invitation to discuss a harmful statement. We are all learning, so be mindful that you may be called in. Listen and change your behavior if someone tells you it is causing harm. You don’t have to “call in” alone – facilitators can support or do it for you. 

One mic: One voice at a time. 

Take space / make space: Take space for yourself in conversation if you tend to be quiet, make space for quieter voices if you tend to speak often.  

Speak from the “I” but remember the “we”: Speak from your own experience. Use “I” statements rather than generalizations. Be aware of biases and privileges.  

Try to avoid jargon: We each come from different backgrounds and have diverse understandings and knowledge. Be inclusive with your words. If an unfamiliar term, acronym, or industry word needs to be used, please explain the meaning. 

Be conscious of intent vs. impactWe are each responsible for the impact of our words and actions, regardless of the intent.  

Take care: Take breaks for stretching, rest, eating, movement, family, and any other needs that arise. If someone seeks support, offer it if you are able to do so.  

Be patient.

Staff, volunteers, speakers, attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors are expected to honor these agreements. NOFA-NY reserves the right to revoke event access if community agreements are broken. No refunds will be given to attendees who are removed for violation of these standards.

These agreements were developed by NOFA-NY staff with reference to NESAWG Community AgreementsBiodynamic Association Community GuidelinesSoul Fire Farm Safer Space Agreements, and OEFFA Conference Community Standards.


2023 Virtual Winter Conference Address from NYS Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball

Mentioned by Commissioner Ball: Strengthening Organic Enforcement final rule, NYS Climate Plan, find your Soil and Water Conservation District, NYS Seed Testing Lab.

2023 Virtual Winter Conference Address from NYS Senator Michelle Hinchey

2023 Virtual Winter Conference Address from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

2023 Virtual Winter Conference Address from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer


About NOFA-NY

NOFA-NY is an organization of farmers, gardeners, advocates, and consumers working together to create a sustainable regional food system that’s ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable. Through certification, education, and advocacy we promote land stewardship, organic food production, and local marketing. We bring consumer and farmer together to make high-quality food available to all people. Please click here to learn more about our organization.


Land Acknowledgement

Both of NOFA-NY’s offices are located on land that was stewarded by the peoples of the Onondaga Nation, Firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, for more than a thousand years before European colonization. Land that was stolen to become what is now New York State. Please take a moment to reflect upon where you are in this moment. If you want to learn more about the land you are on, visit Native–Land.ca.

Syracuse Peace Council’s Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) works to support the right of native peoples to reclaim land, and advocates for fair settlement of any claims which are filed. Visit their website to learn more or to donate to support their work.


Contact Us:

Email: conference@nofany.org