Due to wonderful response, all spaces are currently full. If you would like to be placed on our Waitlist, please click on "Waitlist" button above.  Thank you for your support!

 A program of non-profit Partners for Sustainable and Healthy Communities

The Litchfield Hills Farmer’s Forum is a one-day free conference for area farmers.  Continental breakfast and lunch are included.

This is an opportunity to learn about innovative marketing and management strategies being used with success for key aspects of 21^st century farming in New England.

Following an introductory welcome, participants will attend four of the eight sessions offered on a two-track schedule. Select the four sessions you prefer when you register.

Session 1: 9 to 10:15 am (select one)

New Foods. New Markets. Emerging Trends in Produce Choices What buyers seek beyond traditional New England commodity crops

Presenters:

• Christopher Washington, Radicle Farm Company, with greenhouses in Utica NY and Newark NJ
• Bill Finnegan, Finnegan's Farm West, niche farmer, specialty produce New Milford CT
• Philippe Bernard, Owner and Chef Saju Bistro, buyer, locally grown, New York NY

Farm Liability from the Ground Up  Advantages/Disadvantages of sole proprietorship, partnership and a limited liability company (LLC). Public liability, asset protection and liability insurance for farm operations   

Presenter:

• Attorney Michael Rybak, Guion, Stevens and Rybak, Litchfield 

 Session 2: 10:30 to 11:45 am (select one)

Access to Farmland: How to Find, Afford, Evaluate and Secure Land for Farming. Land access options; how to find land; affordability and financing; and lease basics. Hear from land access advisors and former farm seeker.

Presenters:

• Rachel Murray, Field Agent Land for Good
• Farmer- Joanie Guglielmino of Wild Carrot Farm

Farm Employment Liability—  Worker’s compensation and immigration law:  What you must know to protect your business

Presenter:

• Attorney Lisa Rivas, Cramer & Anderson, New Milford
  

   Session 3: 12:45 to 2 pm (select one)

Your Farm's Brand: Creative, Inexpensive Marketing Strategies to Make Your Brand Stand Out

Presenter:

• Heather Sandford, The Piggery, Ithaca, NY

Where's the Money? How-To's of Successful Grant Applications

Presenter:

• Jaime L. Smith, Marketing and Inspection Rep II, Connecticut Department of Agriculture

Session 4: 2:15 to 3:30 pm (select one)

Using Smartphones to Help Manage the Farm Gaining market advantage through technology: getting the information you need to integrate marketing, inventory management and crop planning from one easy source.

Presenter:

• Danielle Fleckenstein, Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, Marietta, NY

The Northwest Hills Food Hub: Update on the Assessment Study 

Presenter:

• Kay Carroll, Director, Partners for Sustainable and Healthy Communities, Litchfield CT 

 Closing Summary: 3:30 to 4 pm (select one)

With Thanks to Our Co-Sponsors! 

Conference co-sponsors include Connecticut Community Foundation, Farm Credit East ACA, and New Milford Farmland and Forest Preservation Committee and Wamogo Regional High School