Organic Conference Celebrates 28 Years
January 21, 2009 - News Release
The 28th annual Guelph Organic Conference runs Jan. 22 to 25 at the University of Guelph. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the conference and organic trade show in the University Centre.
"O is for Opportunity" is the theme of this year's event, which will focus on youth, local organics and the survival of a movement started by pioneers.
There will be more than 30 workshops, seminars and expert panels on a variety of topics, including GMOs, organic production and certification, food in a changing climate, farmland protection and food security. The conference is Canada's foremost grassroots organic show.
Keynote speaker Wayne Roberts will discuss "Organic Opportunities for Farmers and Consumers" Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. in Rozanski Hall. Tickets for the keynote address are $15.
Roberts is a professor and author with expertise in food security and co-ordinator of the Toronto Food Policy Council. He has served on the steering committee of Food Secure Canada since its inception in 2002 and was on the board of the U.S.-based Community Food Security Coalition.
He created Eater's Digest, an electronic information service on local food issues, and co-edits and initiated "www.foodforethought," an e-mail service and website on global food security issues.
The conference will also include a public forum called “Genetic Engineering and Our Organic Future" Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Thornbrough auditorium. Admission to the forum is $10.
The Organic Expo and Tasting Fair is free and open to the public Jan. 24 and 25 in the University Centre. More than 35 booths will offer samples of organic food and drink.
More information, a complete schedule and registration information are available online.
For media questions, Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, Ext. 53338, lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Barry Gunn, Ext. 56982, bagunn@uoguelph.ca
