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Local News
Jan 11, 2026
47th Annual Ohio Food and Farm Conference Opens Registratio
47th Annual Ohio Food and Farm Conference Opens Registration
Registration is now open for Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s (OEFFA) annual conference! This educational event is now in its 47th year, bringing together farm and food advocates from across the region with educational workshops and community building.
The 2026 OEFFA Conference, Finding Common Ground, will take place Friday, February 13 through Saturday, February 15, 2026, at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio.
“We are excited to gather in community around sustainable and organic farming in February," said OEFFA Executive Director Khara Strum. “The last year has been difficult for many, and we know how uplifting gathering together can be. Our format this year will allow for greater connection between attendees, while still offering curated content.”
This year’s conference is a smaller, shorter, and more intimate event than in previous years. Learn more about that decision here.
Online registration and the full schedule is now available at conference.oeffa.org.
Keynote Speaker
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On Saturday, February 14, keynote speaker Anneliese Abbott will present Working Together for Organic. Organic, sustainable, and regenerative farmers come from a wide range of political, cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. As a historian and farmer, Abbott will explore the past, present, and future of organic farming through the lens of finding common ground.
Food and Farm School Classes
These full-day classes offer added in-depth learning on Friday, February 13:
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Farm Labor Issues—Farm labor is one of the top issues of concern for farmers across Ohio. This class explores key farm labor topics concerning hiring, retention, HR practices, and conflict management.
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Fruit Tree Fundamentals—Trees are creatively clear communicators, if you know how to read them. Explore the basics of tree physiology, IPM, grafting, pruning and variety/site selection.
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Grazing Strategies: People, Land, and Livestock—Discover how intentional grazing can transform your land, your livestock, and your bottom line with Holistic Management International.
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Organic System Plan Help-Shop—OEFFA educators will guide those planning to certify organic for the first time.
Workshops, Food, Networking, and More
A packed schedule of workshops, social events, meals, and more is offered during the conference, including:
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Fifteen educational workshops will be offered across five tracks, each diving into topics such as artisanal meat production, the farm safety net, and value-added local food;
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A hallway of sponsors and exhibitors sharing their farm-related products and services;
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Various social events, including an open mic night, viewings of the Growing Right Project, a film screening of Common Ground, and a happy hour; and
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Dedicated spaces for OEFFA members to meet.
Conference registration pricing varies by day and paid registration is inclusive of meals. Online registration closes on February 5, or when spots are filled. Registration is capped at 200 attendees due to space limitations.
For more information, and to register, visit conference.oeffa.org.
