
2025 Conference

About the Conference
CT NOFA is proud to present our 43rd Winter Conference, featuring a series of virtual workshops on February 25-27 in the lead up to our full day, in-person gathering and celebration on March 1, 2025 at Eastern Connecticut State University, in partnership with their Institute of Sustainability.
We'll be offering a variety of workshops, covering topics such as farming, organic land care, government policy, homesteading and gardening, food equity and justice, and more, including a keynote panel discussion focused on food access and equity that will feature Reggy St Fortcolin, Jennifer Rothman, and Phoebe Godfrey. Our in-person celebration will also feature the presentation of the Bill Duesing Organic Living on the Earth award and our members' annual meeting.
how to attend
Conference registration includes your ticket to our in-person event, lunch at the conference, access to all virtual and in-person sessions, and exclusive access to all recordings for 3 months after the event.
This year, we will continue to implement a sliding scale pricing model, allowing us to practice economic solidarity while providing mutual support for the cost of our programs. In this way, we make our education more accessible and help cover costs of operation. Choose the pricing tier that fits with your income and access to wealth, and help us create a more just, inclusive, and equitable conference. Scholarships for those in financial need are available thanks to our generous donors and sponsors, including both a registration fee waiver and a travel stipend request.
Join us in March as we learn, grow, innovate, and think critically about what we want our food system to look like in the future.
workshop schedule
The heart of the CT NOFA Winter Conference is our slate of workshops. Run over the course of 3 days of virtual sessions (February 25-27) and throughout our in-person conference (March 1), this year's 30 workshops will cover the following topical tracks:
- Beginning Farmer
- Transition to Organic Farming
- Organic Land Care
- Policy and Advocacy
- Food Justice
- Homesteader/Gardener
BECOME A SPONSOR
The CT NOFA Winter Conference is made possible thanks to the financial support of businesses, organizations, and individuals like you. Those who would like to help support our 43rd annual Winter Conference can choose from several sponsorship tiers, each with different supporter benefits.
VENDOR FAIR
Each year, our winter conference features local food producers, craftspeople, agricultural contractors and service providers, and more throughout the day of the conference at our vendor fair. Attendees are invited to visit them between workshop sessions, during lunch, and before and after the conference to explore what our state's businesses and organizations have to offer.
KEYNOTE PANEL
CT NOFA is excited to present a keynote panel of experts and advocates for the 2025 winter conference, featuring:
- Reggy St Fortcolin, Founder of Fridgeport
- Jennifer Rothman, Executive Director of the Yellow Farmhouse Education Center
- Phoebe Godfrey, Co-Founder of CLiCK Willimantic
This keynote conversation, moderated by Eastern Connecticut State University's Institute of Sustainability Executive Director, Patty Szczys, will explore Connecticut’s food systems through a solutions-oriented lens, highlighting the importance of relationships with our environment, our food, and each other. Grounded in grassroots organizing and forward-thinking innovation, this session will offer steps toward the transformations required to build a thriving, equitable, and sustainable food system in Connecticut.
events, clinics, and gatherings
soil health table
Throughout the conference, we will have our soil health table set up. We hope you’ll stop by to learn more about what healthy, living soil looks like. Bring a soil or compost sample! We’ll put it under the microscope, identify the microbial life within, and explain what it all means. We will also have information about upcoming microscopy courses and trainings, so you can learn to analyze, amend, and improve your own soil and compost, on your own time. Come talk with us about this exciting new program, which includes a microscope and all the materials you need to see the life in your own soil and compost.
seed swap table
This year’s Winter Conference will feature a Seed Swap! The Seed Swap Table is where conference attendees can exchange seeds and diversify their gardens and farms with unique and regionally adapted varieties. The swap is open to all conference participants, from home gardeners to experienced growers. Participants are invited to bring labeled seeds to share and take home new seeds to try. The swap operates on a trust-based, give-and-take system — bring what you can and take what sparks your interest.
How It Works
Bring Seeds to Share (If You Can)
If you have extra seeds, label them clearly with the variety, year harvested, and any growing notes. Organic, untreated, and non-GMO seeds are encouraged.
Browse & Take Seeds
Look through the available seeds and take what interests you. Use the provided empty packets and measuring spoons to portion seeds responsibly — leave enough for others!
Label & Leave Seeds for Others
If you’re contributing seeds, make sure they are labeled. Blank packets are available if needed. Place your seeds on the table for others to find.
Ask Questions & Share Knowledge
Not sure what to take? Ask a fellow attendee! This is a great place to learn about new varieties and growing techniques.
Enjoy & Grow Something New!
Take your seeds home and plant them! If you have extra seeds left at the end, consider leaving them to share with others beyond the conference.
farmers circles
Like-minded individuals from across our region rarely have the time to come together during the growing season. The CT NOFA Winter Conference offers them the chance to connect for both social and professional reasons. The following groups have rooms set aside during the conference lunch period to gather, connect and reconnect, and break bread.
Join fellow Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers for a supportive and empowering space to share experiences, resources, and strategies for success. This circle is a place to build community, discuss challenges, and celebrate the resilience and knowledge that BIPOC farmers bring to the land and the local food system. Led by Azeem Blessings Kareem from Samad Gardens Initiative.
Organic Production Farmers Circle
Join a community of farmers dedicated to organic production. Whether you’re certified organic, in transition, or exploring adopting an organic system, this space is for sharing insights, troubleshooting challenges, and learning from fellow producers who are committed to strengthening the future of organic agriculture together. Led by Susan Mitchell from Cloverleigh Farm.
cabbage moth story hour / after hours gathering
Hosted by the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance
Join us after the conference for food, drink, and the New Connecticut Farmers Alliance famous Cabbage Moth Story Hour! Farmers are invited to take the stage and share a farm-related story: the time you had to chase your chickens across town, your craziest farm injury, your moment of agricultural inspiration, etc. Time limit is 8 minutes.
This gathering will take place at the Windham Textile Museum — a short drive from Eastern’s campus: 411 Main St., Willimantic CT, 06226
THE BILL DUESING ORGANIC LIVING ON THE EARTH AWARD

This award is for a recipient who has demonstrated the advancement of organic living on our earth with a project, innovation, action, or lifestyle that supports the continuation of the life work of CT NOFA's founder, Bill Duesing – for all to live on this earth in a society in harmony with nature. The accomplishment must contribute to the advancement of organic living in Connecticut in a demonstrable way and be a current or recent accomplishment that reflects Bill’s devotion to organic living and his wish that this critically important work be continued by his friends and colleagues. Award recipients, who will be announced and honored at the Winter Conference, can be one of the following:
- Organic farmer/farm (examples: new, young, and/or seasoned farmers added new revenue sources to secure the farm’s future; expanded availability of organic food in the community; added carbon sequestration measures on the farm, e.g. cover-crops, no-till)
- Organic land care professional / business (examples: new, young, and/or seasoned land care professionals transitioned from conventional to organic land care; added carbon sequestration measures, e.g. replacing lawn with meadow, etc.)
- Organic advocate (example: spearheaded a change in their local school system, worked to promote organic legislation, or supported healthy soil legislation)
- Organization (example: farmers market became 100% organic; the advancement of farmworkers’ rights; created organic-based social media group)
- Educator (example: developed new ways to add organic food and agriculture to school curriculum)
- Mentor (example: developed process for passing along organic knowledge and skills to new farmers or land care professionals)
- Media specialist (examples: used digital media including blogs or social media, or traditional media such as radio or print, to spread the word about organic living in Connecticut; the life work of Bill Duesing and his enduring influence; current organic initiatives, etc.)
Conference News & announcements
Bring/Trade/Take for Your Spring Garden at the Winter Conference Seed Swap
This year’s Winter Conference will feature a Seed Swap! The Seed Swap Table is where conference attendees can exchange seeds and diversify their gardens and farms with unique and regionally…
CT NOFA Executive Director Featured on For The People
CT NOFA Executive Director, Jeremy Pelletier, was recently featured on For The People. Stream the episode, below, to hear more about our upcoming 43rd Annual Winter Conference as well as…
CT NOFA on the Organic Farm Stand Podcast
CT NOFA’s Executive Director, Jeremy Pelletier, and Director of Advocacy, Dr. Kim Stoner, were recently featured on the Organic Farm Stand podcast to discuss both CT NOFA’s upcoming winter conference…
Keynote Panel for 2025 Winter Conference
CT NOFA is excited to present a keynote panel of experts and advocates for the 2025 winter conference. This keynote conversation will explore Connecticut’s food systems through a solutions-oriented lens,…
Nominations Now Open for 2025 Bill Duesing “Organic Living on the Earth” Award
Each year, at our winter conference, CT NOFA confers the Bill Duesing Organic Living on the Earth award to a notable individual who or group which exemplifies the life mission…
Call for Vendors at the CT NOFA 2025 Winter Conference
Call for vendors! Join us at CT NOFA’s 43rd annual Winter Conference on March 1, 2025 at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT to connect with 450+ farmers, home…
Support the Organic Agriculture Movement – Become a Winter Conference Sponsor!
The organic agriculture movement may not be a new phenomena, but it is a vital one, helping us preserve and regenerate healthy, living soil to grow our food in, and…
Request for Workshop Proposals for CT NOFA’s 2025 Winter Conference
Our workshop roster for the 2025 Winter Conference is full. However, if you would like to submit a proposal to be added to our waiting list (in the event a…
CT NOFA 2025 Winter Conference Advance Tickets Available at 20% Discount
CT NOFA is proud to announce our 43rd Winter Conference will be taking place on March 1, 2025, at Eastern Connecticut State University. It will be preceded by three days…
SAVE THE DATE – CT NOFA’s 43rd Winter Conference on March 1, 2025
CT NOFA is happy to announce a continuation of our partnership with Eastern Connecticut State University. After a successful conference, earlier this year, we’re excited to return to Eastern on…