Independent family farmers and ranchers, homesteaders, home gardeners, activists, and local food enthusiasts will gather for the 13th annual Farm & Food Leadership Conference on August 12 and 13 in San Marcos, on the campus of Texas State University, to explore the latest developments in sustainable agriculture and cultivate a unified voice on behalf of family farms.

Speakers include sustainable agriculture researchers and educators, community and nonprofit leaders, chefs, activists and biologists, presenting more than 50 sessions, workshops, demonstrations and small-group Q&A meetings.

The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance and the Council for Healthy Food Systems, will be partnering with the university’s Small Producers Initiative for the first time. There will be pre-conference workshops for farmers and ranchers on August 11, including a half-day session for teens and pre-teens interested in home gardening and agriculture.

The next two days explore topics ranging from beekeeping and soil health to diversifying a farm business with specialty crops like hemp and olives. Participants can also find out about how to shape the policies impacting our food systems and receive financial and marketing information to strengthen their businesses.

For more information, call Director of Communication at Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Teresa Davenport at 973-703-3103 or email [email protected] or visit FarmAndRanchFreedom.org.