"For decades, American farmers have been told they had to either get bigger or get out of farming. Now farmers are told that getting bigger is not enough, that even big farmers will have become contract producers; they will have to give in to corporate control. So now, it's get big and give in, or get out of farming.
However, an increasing number of farmers are defying the advice of the agriculture experts and agricultural establishment. They are not giving in, they are not getting big, and they are not getting out. They are finding ways to survive and even prosper on small farms. These small farmers are new hope for the future of farming in America".
Join us for an informative evening of how to get started in cooperative farming. We have assembled a fantastic lineup of knowledgeable speakers to give an overview of collective principals, opportunities available and information on how to make farming our future a reality. We live in an area rich with opportunities for developing a regional food system centered around building a healthy community through food soverignity.
This event is for those who want to learn more about what collective farming is all about and how to get started. Worker owned co-ops are the future for developing strong local economies. Collaborating together is our strength.
Film:
Farmers For America
Click here to watch the trailer
The average age of farmers in the United States is 60 years old, and nationally, an estimated 400 million acres of farmland is poised to change hands over the next two decades. As land prices continue to soar & our industrial food system of mono farms compromises the health of our planet & ourselves, small scale cooperative farming is on the rise! The time has never been better for collective land stewardship to produce the clean food & fiber that we all depend on.
Location:
Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange
1900 17th Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM (PDT)
Speakers:
Gerardo Fuentes & Patty Howe - ALBA
Luis Sierra - California Center for Cooperative Development
Neil Thapar - Farmland Program / Sustainable Economies Law Center
Mika Maekawa - California FarmLink
Mark Lipson - Organic Farming Research Foundation / Molino Creek Farming Collective
Itinerary:
5:30 - 6:00 - Doors open, appetizers & beverages served.
6:00 - 7:15 - Farmers For America screening
7:15 - 8:30 - Introductions & speaker presentations
8:30 - 9:00 - Q&A / Group discussion.
A $10 suggested donation at the door will benefit the Grange Hall Renovation Fund.
Pre-registration through Eventbrite is recommended.