Ana Sofia Joanes, maker of the movie Fresh, will deliver the TCOOPS 2011 Keynote.

We have exciting news about TOFGA’s annual Conference On Organic Production Systems (TCOOPS) 2011 which is in Killeen January 28-30, 2011. Our Keynote speaker is the nationally known Ana Sofia Joanes, maker of the movie Fresh! The movie FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who support our food system. During TCOOPS we will show this engaging film which features Joel Salatin, Will Allen and other movers and shakers in sustainable agriculture.

We are delighted that Ms. Joanes will join us at TCOOPS 2011. Mark your calendars today and we’ll see you there!

Watch the preview:

Michael Grady

Hello TOFGA Members:

I hope you all are doing well and that your year is going great. TOFGA is moving forward into 2010 and working hard to serve you better. In the coming months you will be hearing more about our progress! Today I am writing to announce that we have a new TOFGA Statewide Coordinator!

On behalf of the TOFGA Board of Directors I am thrilled to introduce Michael Grady Robertson as our new Statewide Coordinator. Michael brings experience in public relations, program development, fundraising, event planning and community outreach to TOFGA. After receiving a degree in Philosophy at Boston University, Michael worked in the technology sector in Austin. In 2003, he realized he needed a major change in his life and joined David Pitre’s farm crew at Tecolote Farm in Manor, Texas. Michael describes his first year of farming as “Challenging yet wonderful. It opened my eyes to an undiscovered community and a new way of life.”

Since that first farm season, he has volunteered on organic farms (through WWOOF) in Spain, served as an apprentice at a biodynamic dairy, and even taught in a public school in New York City. For the past two years, Michael has been the farmer and Agricultural Director of the Queens County Farm Museum, a 47-acre historical working farm in New York City. During his time as director, he transformed the organization from a show farm and petting zoo to a key player in the local food system. He developed a farm-based education program, a farm apprentice network and a series of fundraising events all while managing a two-acre vegetable garden, three hundred laying hens, a dozen heritage breed pigs and a small flock of Cotswold sheep.

Michael returned to Texas this spring to be able to spend more time with his family in Conroe as well as to participate in the farm community where his love for the land was first born. Michael is excited to join our TOFGA team and is honored to help serve the organic and sustainable farmers of Texas at a critical time in the development of our regional food systems. He is eager to meet you and learn how TOFGA can best serve your interests and needs.

Michael’s primary work will be improving our services for members, raising funds for TOFGA and preparing for a most fabulous TCOOPS 2011. He is with us on a contractual basic until September 10, 2010.

Please join us in welcoming Michael Robertson to our TOFGA Team! His email is michael@tofga.org

You can read more about Michael’s achievements online:

New York Times Article 1

New York Times Article 2

Sincerely,

Susan Beckwith, President
Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (TOFGA)

Phone # 1-218-936-4700

Participant access code – 486506.

TOFGA Special Called Board Meeting – February 20, 2010 6:30-7:30 pm

PROPOSED AGENDA

Montesino Ranch

The Montesino Ranch and Farm Tour is ON at 12:00! You may get wet and muddy, but hey, it’s ranching! Details here.

Alternative directions from Austin to avoid the low water crossing (still open as of Thursday morning) coming from Wimberley.- From Austin, continue on RR 12 through Wimberley. When you get to the junction of RR 12 and RR 32 take a left. Drive approximately 5-6 miles and turn left on Fulton Ranch Road.

The Texas Conference on Organic Production Systems is right around the corner!

Save the dates! January  28, 29 and 30, 2010

Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center – San Marcos, Texas

Click here for more information or choose from the links at the top right titled “TOFGA Annual Conference.”

Online Registration is Open! Click Here.

Check out the complete descriptions of what the speakers will be discussing. Don’t miss out!