Day Tripper

Farming for the Future

by Nadia Stadnycki

Thu.-Sat., Feb. 7-9, $60-$200, Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, 215 Innovation Blvd., State College, 814-349-9856, pasafarming.org

If you learned everything you know about organic in line at Whole Foods, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is there for you, foodie wannabe. Their annual Farming for the Future conference will unite farmers and consumers for three days of sustainable agriculture education on the green grounds of Penn State.

Titled "Ready to Grow: Sharing the Sustainable Story," this year's gathering will continue PASA's mission to improve the economic and social standing of Pennsylvania food and agriculture. Keynote speakers Mark McAfee, a dairy farmer and raw milk advocate, and Diane Wilson, a shrimper and environmental activist, will discuss their eco-friendly lifestyles, and 82 workshops will focus on everything from how cheese is made to how to influence public policy. Add to that locally grown organic meals, a 78-vendor trade show and programming for little ones and you'll be showing up Old MacDonald with your farming smarts.

According to PASA director of educational outreach and program coordinator Allison Shauger, the conference has plenty to offer for city folk. "For the nonfarming consumers, Farming for the Future provides a chance to gain a better understanding of the connection between farming practices used and nutritional value in their food," she says. "Urban dwellers have the opportunity to learn about small-space gardening and creative renewable energy options." Bring on the window boxes.