U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse will headline a single-day conference focusing on small farm and ranch issues in Yakima, Washington, on February 6, 2015, at the Yakima Convention Center.

The event, hosted by the Center for Latino Farmers, will have sessions highlighting recent changes in agriculture grants and programs that are open to small or new farms.

Topics include: health care, marketing, insurance, labor, H-2A program and farm succession. Registrants can also attend a hands-on training for pesticide handlers taught by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The conference targets newer Latino farmers, yet it is open to all growers and producers.

Conference registration is $100 and is $25 for the luncheon only. To register or for more information, call Maria DJ Rodriquez or Maria Giedra at 509-453-3157.

Read the event announcement below
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Changing Dynamics of Ag Conference

Yakima, WA — The Center for Latino Farmers will be hosting a Small Farms Conference entitled “Changing Dynamic of Agriculture” on February 6, 2015, in Yakima at the Convention Center. The conference is targeting Hispanic/Latino new or established farmers and ranchers as well as other small farm operators who want to learn about changes in the Ag industry and programs, services and grants available to producers. Based on responses to date, attendance will surpass year’s conference.

Date: February 6, 2015
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Place: Yakima Convention Center

Newly elected Congressman Dan Newhouse has been invited to be the keynote speaker during the luncheon. Attendance to luncheon will be open to the public for $25, but requires pre-registration to assure that we can accommodate all who are interested in attending.

Juan Marinez representing Alliance of Hispanics in Agriculture will discuss the history and the dynamic growth of Hispanics in agriculture as has been clearly documented seen in the NASS Ag Census throughout the last 10 years.

The all-day networking event is to bring together producers, professionals and businesses in agriculture from throughout the region and State of WA and hear from experts and other farmers about the issues facing small producers. Presenters from federal and state agencies will be speaking on topics such as food safety, gap certification, programs and grants available from USDA agencies, marketing, coop development, crop insurance, labor issues, H2A program, farm succession, and the Affordable Care Act.

The WA State Dept of Agriculture will offer WPS Hands-On Training for Pesticide Handlers as part of the conference. The workshop provides practical, hands-on training that exceeds state and federal training requirements of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). Upon completion, the Handler Training Verification Cards will be issued and six credits for existing license holders.

Registration for the conference is $100 per producer which includes a continental breakfast and a sit down luncheon. The registration fee for the first 50 producers will be waived.

Exhibit space is still available for interested sponsors or vendors. The conference is made possible from a grant from the USDA Beginning Farmers /Ranchers Development Program (BFRDP). Translation services for limited English speakers will be available during the session.

To register or receive more information, call Maria DJ Rodriguez or Maria Giedra at 509-453-3157.