This year’s annual Michigan Family Farms Conference goes by the theme of “Tools for Agricultural Success — What’s in Your Shed?” It will be Feb. 9 at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The conference features 21 breakout sessions, plus a youth track to engage the whole family. Topics include food safety, marketing, the 2018 Farm Bill, soil health, racial equity, seed savings and wholesale markets.

Melvin Parson, founder of We the People Growers Association in Ypsilanti, Mich., will deliver this year’s keynote address titled, “Changing the Soil.”

As an urban farmer and social justice champion, Parson will tell his story of how the gift of a small plot of land and supportive friends turned into an organic agribusiness supplying 15 southeast Michigan restaurants.

Parson will share how “changing the soil” can lead to life-affirming and fruitful results for growers and the community, and how he is building a sustainable farming system to support a workforce of men and women returning home from incarceration.

In addition to networking and learning opportunities, an extended session titled “Menus That Matter: How Chefs Can Be Farmers’ Best Friends” is being offered that includes a tour of the KVCC Food Innovation Center, which features a farm, food hub, and education center and the Culinary and Allied Health facility. Early registration is encouraged, as spots are limited.

Adult registration fees are $45 and $15 for students and youth participants. A group discount is also available for four registrants to encourage all members of the farm or business to attend.

Learn more about the conference or register at miffs.org.

Source: Michigan Food & Farming Systems, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.