Omnivore - Georgia Organics Conference is coming to Athens

The 13th annual Georgia Organics conference, “Reclaiming Agriculture,” will take place in Athens on Feb. 19-20. The University of Georgia will be the backdrop for this event and the plan is to take full advantage of being on the campus of a world-renowned agricultural school. Each day will have educational seminars that focus on various aspects of organic farming such as beekeeping and cheese making. Friday there will be tours of the farms surrounding Athens and on Saturday there will be special children’s programming, including an investigation of the State Botanical Garden’s carnivorous plants.

The conference will conclude with a Farmers Feast and keynote speaker on Saturday night. 2009 James Beard Award winner Hugh Acheson of Five and Ten and the National Restaurants will lead a team of chefs to create a meal focusing on the bounty of the land. Local vineyards will provide wines to compliment the meal.

Carl Petrini, founder of the international slow food movement, will give his keynote address during the meal. Petrini is best known for helping to launch a campaign throughout Italy against McDonald’s. In 2004, he was named one of Time magazine’s “Heroes” in recognition for his efforts to protect agricultural biodiversity and traditional foods.

Conference packages for members are $215. If purchased by Feb. 5, nonmember packages are $250. If purchased separately, the Saturday Farmers Feast and keynote is $100 for member and $135 for nonmembers. For more information and to register visit www.georgiaorganics.org.

(Photo courtesy www.georgiaorganics.org)