Registration is open for the fifth annual Agriculture and Food Conference of Southeastern Massachusetts, which will feature 18 workshops geared toward professional farmers and food-focused members of the community.

The conference will be held Saturday, February 25, at Bristol County Agricultural High School from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Presented by the Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership, Inc. (SEMAP) and Bristol County Conservation District (BCCD), the conference will also feature a series of workshops about organic practices, as well as three youth sessions for children ages 9-12.

“With the addition of the youth track, which provides our younger participants with opportunities to work with animals and cook with local produce, the conference is really coming into its own,” said Sue Guiducci, BCCD board member.

Among the activities:

• Three workshops by Will Bonsall of the Scatterseed Project
• Sessions on the business of farming – marketing, land leasing, institutional sales
• New organic track workshops in partnership with NOFA/Mass thanks to a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant and Mass Grown & Fresher
• Resource fair where farmers and gardeners can learn about organizations and businesses helping them to grow
• Locally-sourced lunch prepared by Green Gal Catering that is included in registration (yes, in mid-winter!)
• Seed swap

“The conference has a goal of zero waste and a small carbon footprint, which we hope to achieve by preparing local food, composting, recycling, working with a conscientious caterer and challenging attendees to bring their refillable water bottles, coffee mugs and eating utensils,” said Bridget Alexander Ferreira, Executive Director of SEMAP.

Registration is $50 for the public and $35 for farmers. SEMAP and NOFA members receive a 10% discount.

To register and for information on conference updates and details on workshops and speakers, visit www.SEMAPonline.org or call 508-295-2212, ext. 50.

SEMAP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and expanding access to local food and sustainable farming in Southeastern Massachusetts through research and education.

Bristol County Conservation District (BCCD) is a subdivision of state government responsible for and devoted to the wise use of Bristol County’s natural resources. Established in 1946, BCCD provides technical assistance to farmers and other landowners in order to address soil and water conservation issues.