2 sessions
50+ speakers
2022 Session 1: Milk & Money
Sunday
January 30,
3-5pm EST
Our first Sunday explores the impact of the massive influx of industrial-scale dairy into the organic sector. What happens when a few “organic” dairies in the arid West outproduce the thousands of family-scale dairies across the country? What are the differences in production practices? How can the farmer affect the quality of the milk you drink?
This 2 hour session unpacks the recent Horizon Organic contract cancellations with 89 family farmers in the Northeast. What is the damage to farmers and their communities when Horizon exits the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont? Why should consumers care where their milk comes from? Is Danone (owner of the Horizon brand) meeting its commitment to the triple bottom line (financial, social and environmental sustainability) as a certified B-Corps?
Hear the voices of dairy farmers impacted by the issue along with those of experts and advocates who connect the dots to the greater impact on the food system, our health, and the planet.
Just Added: Special Mid-Week Session!
Wednesday
February 2
6pm EST
We're excited to offer a special 45-minute session featuring Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield and Dave Chapman of the Real Organic Project discussing the efforts to save the 89 organic family dairy farms being dropped by Danone/Horizon.
This session will be streamed for free, regardless of ticketholder status but you must be on our mailing list or registered for us to send the link to view and comment as we stream it.
2022 Session 2: Protecting Organic
Sunday
February 6
3-5pm EST
Week two brings together the farmers and eaters who are building a saner agriculture for a better future. What successful models have brought about real change? How can we multiply their impact? How do we protect what we have worked so hard to build over the last century? What is the impact of personal choices compared to political change to move beyond the fringe into mainstream markets and what will protect us from corporate greenwashing, money, and power?
New this year:
A virtual Expo will allow attendees to learn more from partners who, together with you, support the real organic movement!
Special gatherings planned for our 1000 Real Friend donors and Real Organic Farmers as well! Donate $100 to become a Real Friend today and we'll send you a free $65 ticket as a thank you!
"I was riveted to each week’s broadcast. Sent out links to everyone I could think of. I loved coming to know the main characters and their voices, from different perspectives, through the course of the symposium, as they become new heroes. Each week’s focus made a case that seemed reason enough to go Organic but added up to a powerful, sweeping initiative with a million arms.
BLESSED UNREST! To consciously link them multiplies the effect."
-Rosalyn Driscoll, 2021 Symposium Attendee
Thanks to:
Founding Circle Donors
Thank YOU especially for this level of deep commitment to our work.
Abby Rockefeller
Charlie and Leigh Merinoff
Harvest Sponsors
Axios Institute
Bob & Emmy Therrell
Cathy & Jim Koshland
Tortuga Foundation
Glenn Murer
Root Sponsors
McNamara Family
Will Raap- Earthkeep Farmcommon
Peter Boerma
Jim Therrell
John N. & Jane A. Norman Fund
Michael & Maureen Besancon
Fullerton Family Foundation
Doug Benoliel & Tamara Buchanan
Farmer Scholarship Donors
All our Real Friend Supporters who generously donate $100 or more each year!
Seed Sponsors
Carol Ozaki
Sweet Briar Farm
Jan & Ken Smith
Nick's Organic Farm
Shirley Klapperich
Jill Schuman
Michael Adsit
Sweet Springs Farm
Ottem Family Farm
Carol Presley
Meg Berlin
2022 Symposium recordings are available year-round for ticket holders and our Real Friends. Join with a recurring donation and receive a free symposium ticket each year, exclusive event invites to our Book Club meetings with prominent speakers, and more!
We always make our symposium free for farmers and students: