2026 Food & Farm Forum Registration is Open
Deadline for Registration is 1/12
ASAN Food & Farm Forum
Alabama’s Premier Gathering for Sustainable Agriculture & Community
The Food & Farm Forum is ASAN’s flagship annual event—a dynamic, hands-on gathering that brings together Alabama’s most passionate farmers, food advocates, educators, and community leaders. For over a decade, this transformative weekend has served as the cornerstone of Alabama’s sustainable and organic agriculture movement, fostering knowledge exchange, building lasting partnerships, and strengthening the networks that nourish our communities.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama, the Forum creates an inspiring environment where experienced growers share wisdom about organic farming practices with newcomers, innovative techniques are demonstrated in real-world settings, and meaningful relationships are forged organically around shared meals.
🌾 2026 ASAN Food & Farm Forum
January 16–18, 2026 | Camp McDowell | Nauvoo, Alabama
Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN) invites you to join us for the 2026 Food & Farm Forum, a three-day gathering that celebrates the strength, resilience, and innovation of Alabama’s sustainable food and farming community.
Each year, the Forum brings together farmers, ranchers, educators, advocates, and community leaders from across the Southeast to share knowledge, trade skills, and build lasting connections.
Thanks to a grant from Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, registration includes access to the Forum AND all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast—featuring locally sourced ingredients whenever possible—and shared hotel-style lodging at Camp McDowell (Friday & Saturday nights).
What to Expect
The Forum offers a mix of hands-on skillshares, in-depth discussions, and community gatherings, with sessions led by farmers and practitioners sharing their real-world experience. Topics include:
- Soil health, water management, and climate resilience
- Livestock and rotational grazing
- Agroforestry and perennial systems
- Organic and sustainable production methods
- Guidance on telling your unique story, marketing, and farm business management
- Cooperative development, food access, and equity in our food systems
Evenings at Camp McDowell bring opportunities to connect around shared meals, storytelling, music, and celebration — plus the beloved Trading Post, where attendees exchange seeds, tools, books, crafts, and other treasures.
Lodging & Meals
Comfortable, hotel-style lodging is available onsite at Camp McDowell, with meals and shared lodging included in Forum registration.
Get Involved
- Sponsor or Exhibit: Support Alabama’s sustainable food future and reach hundreds of engaged community members.
- Volunteer: Help make the Forum happen — learn, connect, and lend a hand!
Send an email to [email protected] for more information!
Come ready to learn, share, and grow together; because a more just, resilient, and sustainable food system starts with all of us.
Deadline for registration is 1/12
Here is What’s Really Going On…
| Date | Event | Start Time | End Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 16 | Registration | 12:00 PM | 3:30 PM | McDowell Store |
| Jan 16 | Pre-Keynote Mingle | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM | Hall Hall |
| Jan 16 | Keynote: This Is Our Field Too: Farmers, Policy, and the Power of Showing Up | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Hall Hall |
| Jan 16 | ASAN Town Hall | 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | Hall Hall |
| Jan 16 | DINNER | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM | Doug Carpenter Hall |
| Jan 16 | Joanna Mann - Walden Farmacy - The Taste of Herbs | 7:00 PM | 8:30 PM | Phifer Hall |
| Jan 17 | BREAKFAST | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | Doug Carpenter Hall |
| Jan 17 | Registration | 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM | McDowell Store |
| Jan 17 | Phyllis D. Light - High Value Forest Grown Herbs | 9:00 AM | 9:50 AM | Hall Hall |
| Jan 17 | Audrey Kolde - Storytelling | 9:00 AM | 9:50 AM | Phifer Hall |
| Jan 17 | Emily Campbell & Alicia Jordan - Taste of the Farm | 9:00 AM | 9:50 AM | Randall Hall |
| Jan 17 | Ken Harris - Small Ruminant Care | 9:00 AM | 10:20 AM | Mark's Farm |
| Jan 17 | De'Anthony Price & Khadejah Scott-Price - Lessons from the Field | 10:30 AM | 11:20 AM | Hall Hall |
| Jan 17 | Carla Stiles - Taking Your Story to Social Media | 10:30 AM | 11:20 AM | Phifer Hall |
| Jan 17 | Garver Akers - Earthworm Casting Tea | 10:30 AM | 11:50 AM | Rogers Teaching Kitchen |
| Jan 17 | LUNCH | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM | Doug Carpenter Hall |
| Jan 17 | Jeff Poppen - Integrating Biodynamic Principles in a Small Market Garden | 1:30 PM | 2:20 PM | Hall Hall |
| Jan 17 | Greg Smith - From Hobby Farming to Full Farm Business | 1:30 PM | 2:20 PM | Phifer Hall |
| Jan 17 | North Alabama Agriplex - Harvesting the Past | 1:30 PM | 2:20 PM | Randall Hall |
| Jan 17 | Holt Akers-Campbell - Hands-on Fruit Tree Pruning | 1:30 PM | 2:50 PM | Rogers Teaching Kitchen / Mark's Farm |
| Jan 17 | M Julia - Great Greens - Exploring Salad Mixes that Can Extend Your Harvest Windows | 3:00 PM | 3:50 PM | Hall Hall |
| Jan 17 | Stephen Ussery - Grants Without Burnout: Building Better Projects (and Mindsets) for Local Food Funding | 3:00 PM | 3:50 PM | Phifer Hall |
| Jan 17 | Schoolyard Roots - Hands in the Dirt: Engaging Young Learners Through Garden-Based Lessons | 3:00 PM | 4:20 PM | Randall Hall |
| Jan 17 | Bronson Lubresky - Korean Natural Farming Basics | 3:00 PM | 3:50 PM | Rogers Teaching Kitchen |
| Jan 17 | Dove Stackhouse - Saving Seeds: Preserving and Adapting our Food Heritage | 4:30 PM | 5:20 PM | Hall Hall |
| Jan 17 | CRAFT Committee Meeting | 4:30 PM | 5:20 PM | Randall Hall |
| Jan 17 | DINNER | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM | Doug Carpenter Hall |
| Jan 17 | Social Gathering / Group Photo | 7:00 PM | 9:00 PM | Hall Hall |
| Jan 18 | BREAKFAST | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | Doug Carpenter Hall |
| Jan 18 | Organic Farm Tour | 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM | Mark's Farm |
| Jan 18 | CHECK OUT | 11:00 AM |
This Year’s F&FF Sponsors Include
Why Attend the Food & Farm Forum?
Learn from the Best
Dive deep into sustainable agriculture practices through hands-on workshops led by Alabama’s most experienced farmers and agricultural experts. From soil health and organic certification to business planning and direct marketing, our sessions cover the full spectrum of sustainable farming knowledge.
Build Your Network
Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for sustainable food systems. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, collaboration opportunities, or simply wanting to be part of a supportive community, the Forum provides unparalleled networking opportunities in an intimate, welcoming setting.
Experience Innovation
Explore innovative practices in regenerative and organic agriculture, composting, seed saving, and more. See demonstrations of natural farming methods, orchard care, and animal husbandry techniques that can transform your operation.
Who Should Attend?
The Food & Farm Forum welcomes anyone passionate about building a more sustainable and just food system:
What to Expect
Hands-On Learning
- Workshop sessions covering everything from seed saving to business planning
- Demonstrations of sustainable farming techniques and equipment
- Farm tours showcasing best practices in action
- Interactive discussions with agricultural experts
Community & Connection
- Evening social activities and informal networking time
- Trading post for seed swaps and resource sharing
- Campfire sessions and storytelling opportunities
Comprehensive Programming
- Concurrent sessions tailored to different experience levels
- Panel discussions on current agricultural issues and trends
- Keynote presentations from regional and national food system leaders
Beautiful Setting
- Weekend retreat format at scenic Camp McDowell
- On-site accommodations available for various budgets
- Inspiring environment that fosters creativity and reflection
Our Commitment to Accessibility
ASAN believes that financial barriers should never prevent participation in building Alabama’s sustainable food future.
We offer: