Roots of Change

In Search of Good Food Screening
2011-05-19 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Francisco, CA, United States
In Search of Good Food attempts to answer the question: Does a sustainable food system actually exist? This film will make you think beyond "voting with your fork" to the real challenges and opportunities that exist.

Hunger Action Day
2011-05-17 09:00 - 16:04 | Sacramento, CA, United States
Each May, hundreds of anti-hunger advocates from all over the state meet in Sacramento to educate their legislators about hunger and support anti-hunger legislation. Low-income advocates, soup kitchen volunteers, nutritionists, food bank supporters and others concerned about the 3.1 million Californians experiencing hunger travel by bus, car and airplane once each year to participate in this important event.

Fresno Earth Day
2011-04-30 11:00 - 16:00 | Clovis, CA, United States
Celebrate Fresno Earth Day 2011

Saturday, April 30, 11am – 4pm
2672 E Alluvial Ave., Clovis, CA 93611
free and open to the public • Have fun and learn to go green!

Earth Day Food & Wine Festival
2011-04-16 13:00 - 17:00 | Templeton, CA, United States
Rev up your taste buds for an exceptional celebration at the 5th Annual Earth Day Food & Wine Festival on April 16, 2011. Indulge in unlimited samples of seasonally based dishes, taste from over 150 Central Coast wines, kick up your heels to live music, and visit with farmers who nurture a healthy environment. Held at Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery in Templeton, California, the event is conveniently located on California’s scenic Central Coast.

From Safe Strawberries to Safe Schools: An Action Forum on Pesticide Alternatives
2011-04-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Salinas, CA, United States
From classrooms to the fields, we need to promote safe alternatives to dangerous pesticides. This exciting day will bring together community members, activists and health professionals to make plans to ban methyl iodide, promote Safe Strawberries and keep our children safe from pesticides at school.

Volunteer at the World Affairs Challenge
2011-04-16 08:30 - 15:30 | San Francisco, CA, United States
This year, over 700 middle and high school students from 23 schools throughout the Bay Area have been researching and identifying problems related to this year’s theme, “Food: Feeding the Planet Sustainably in the 21st Century”. On Saturday, April 16th, over 300 of those students will come to San Francisco State University to share what they have learned with peers, parents and community members.

World Savvy invites individuals from the community to serve as judges, proctors, and general volunteers on Challenge Day. Anyone who has an appreciation for international affairs and education is welcome; no prior knowledge of the theme is required. Come support Bay Area Youth as they explore global issues including hunger, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, the environmental impact of our food system, trade and much more!

Interested in volunteering? Fill out the volunteer registration form here: http://bit.ly/h6pEwJ

NYC: Leading Food Thinkers to Discuss High Costs of Industrial Animal Agriculture
2011-04-14 18:30 - 20:30 | New York, New York, United States
New York City—Eating Liberally and Kitchen Table Talks will host a panel of distinguished participants to discuss the perils of our current industrial meat production system and what the future may hold for changing it. What's The Matter With Mass-Produced Meat? will take place at New York University on April 14, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
Joining us in conversation will be:
Daniel Imhoff, author of CAFO: The Tragedy of Industrial Animal Factories;
Michael Moss, New York Times investigative reporter whose exposé on E. coli-tainted industrial beef, "The Burger That Shattered Her Life," won a Pulitzer Prize;
Dr. Marion Nestle, NYU nutrition professor who served on the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production, and author of Food Politics and What to Eat among other books; and
Paula Crossfield, managing editor of CivilEats.com, moderator
The discussion will take place at Fales Library at New York University, 70 Washington Square So, Third Floor from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Please RSVP: rsvp@library.nyu.edu or call 212.992.7050. This event is free and open to the public, but please be mindful when you reserve a space as seating is limited. Books will be available for sale and there will be a signing following the event. Sustainable food and refreshments will be provided by Northern Spy.

USDA Forum Jobs, Economic Development, and Sustainable Communities
2011-04-08 10:00 - 12:00 | San Francisco, CA, United States
USDA Rural Development and Roots of Change invite you to an open forum discussing economic development issues in your county.
This forum will focus on activities and initiatives that have resulted from USDA Rural Development’s Jobs, Economic Development and Sustainable Communities report. This
report was compiled based on input provided by community leaders, citizens, business owners and organizations from throughout rural California.
Join us to discuss the findings and opportunities identified in the report as well as any new suggestions.

Forum Agenda
Report on accomplishments toward recommendations in the report
Ask if there are issues and/or recommendations that need to be added/changed/prioritized
Solicit individuals and/or groups to champion action items in the report
Click here for a copy of USDA Rural Development’s report.

Event Location

Port Commission Hearing Room
One Ferry Building, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA

Kitchen Table Talks: Spotlight on Strawberries
2011-04-06 18:45 - 20:30 | San Francisco, CA, United States
Join Kitchen Table Talks on Wednesday, April 6, at Viracocha in San Francisco, for the next installment of Kitchen Table Talks. We’ll gather to discuss this important issue and some of the many related and critical issues facing agriculture in California.

Climate & Agriculture Summit Impacts & Innovations
2011-03-31 09:00 - 16:00 | Davis, CA, United States
California agriculture is uniquely vulnerable to the expected impacts of climate change that will alter water availability, pest and disease pressures, weather patterns, and more. Innovations in research, technical expertise and on-farm practices are needed to support farmers and ranchers in adapting to the coming changes.

This Summit will explore some of the latest developments in science and practices in the field that show promise for both reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture and for sequestering carbon.

Networking and Mapping for a just and sustainable food system
2011-03-24 18:30 | Berkeley, CA, Berkeley, CA, United States
Join us on March 24th as we work to connect players in the food movement and actively break down silos in the food sector by examining and populating several maps of sustainable food systems

Facilitated by Joseph McIntyre of

Ag Innovations Network

along with Leadership from:

Roots of Change

Green for All

Movement Strategy Center

S.A.G.E.

Symphony of the Soil
2011-03-23 19:00 | Fresno, CA, United States
A free showing of Symphony of the Soil, a work in progress from The Future of Food director Deborah Koons Garcia, is set for Wednesday, March 23, at California State University, Fresno.

The new film is a look at the “origins, nature and current scientific understanding of this precious resource that all life depends upon,” according to publicity material.

American Wasteland
2011-03-07 17:30 | SF Club Office, United States
Join the Commonwealth Club as they discuss the life cycle of our food – from farm to table – and the opportunity for more efficient production and distribution.

Featured Speakers:

Jonathan Bloom, Author, American Wasteland
Michael Dimock, President, Roots of Change
A.G. Kawamura, Former Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture

California Small Farm Conference
2011-03-06 09:00 - 2011-03-08 09:00 | San Jose, CA, United States
The California Small Farm Conference is the state's premier gathering of small farmers, agricultural students, farmers’ market managers and others involved in the small farm industry. The three day educational conference includes day-long short courses and on-farm tours; focused workshops; engaging keynote addresses and numerous networking opportunities.

The On-Farm Integrated Water Management Conference
2011-03-03 09:00 - 2011-03-04 09:00 | San Jose, CA, United States
During this two day conference, you will discuss and explore the management practices needed to deliver more "crop per drop".

2-day workshop presented by the Sustainable Commercial Urban Farm Incubator (SCUFI)
2011-02-20 09:00 - 2011-02-21 12:46 | Berkeley, CA, Berkeley, CA, United States
A team of workshop trainers will help you…

Learn how the SPIN farming system and SCUFI program can help you build your own high-income urban farm.

Hear how the SCUFI program can help you with training, financing, and securing land to launch your own urban farm business.

Meet people at the forefront of the growing sustainable commercial urban farm field, share ideas, gain knowledge, pool resources and form alliances to build your own profitable urban farm.

Saturday: Indoor lectures and demonstrations
Sunday: Outdoor hands-on field exercises
Early registration: $200. After January 31: $250.
Snacks, beverages & lunch included

CCOF Annual Convention
2011-02-18 09:00 - 2011-02-20 17:00 | Ventura, CA, United States
The Convention begins with the CCOF Annual Meeting and welcoming reception featuring organic products from throughout the Ventura/Oxnard area. This year’s Convention agenda focuses on bringing your products to market and expanding the organic marketplace. Gain valuable knowledge that you can apply immediately on your farm or operation and in your marketing plan. Enjoy networking with other organic producers, processors, handlers, and supporting industries.

Agriculture Forum featuring Tom Willey, Sharon Benes, John Diener & Bob Hutmacher
2011-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 | 1572 E. Barstow Ave, Fresno CA, United States
St. Paul Newman Center's Peace and Social Justice Ministry will sponsor a forum "AGRICULTURE IN EVOLUTION: GUESS WHAT'S COMING TO DINNER!" on Wednesday, February 16, from 7:00 pm – 8:50 pm. The Panel will include: Tom Willey, T&D Willey Farms; Sharon Benes, Professor CSUF, Soils and Crop Nutrition; John Diener, Red Rock Ranch; and Bob Hutmacher, Cotton Specialist.They will discuss how we can develop a sustainable agriculture with which we can feed a hungry world while protecting and improving our own health and preserving the environment.

Michael Dimock speaks at Green String Farm
2011-02-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Petaluma, CA, United States
Join Green String Farms in an educational afternoon where you'll learn more about agriculture and recieve a farm tour and seasonal produce samples. An event for all, please find our more.

Visions and Voices: Food, Inc. Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser in Conversation
2011-02-09 19:00 | Los Angeles, CA, United States
Join Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser in conversation about the future of agriculture.

Food Justice
2011-02-09 18:00 | San Francisco, CA, United States
In today’s food system, farm workers face hazardous conditions, low-income neighborhoods lack supermarkets but abound in fast food franchises, and food products sometimes resemble more of a high calorie chemical mash than a wholesome and healthy product. Opposing these conditions, a movement for food justice has emerged, which seeks to transform our food system from field to table. In his new book, Food Justice, Gottlieb tells the story of this emerging movement.

World Ag Expo: Tools for Agri-business
2011-02-08 09:00 - 2011-02-10 17:00 | Tulare, CA, United States
The World Ag Expo, the world’s largest annual agricultural exposition, brings together the latest in agricultural technology and innovation with 1,600 exhibitors and an average of 100,000 attendees. Attend free seminars, cooking demonstrations and more.

PASA: Farming for the Future Conference
2011-02-02 08:00 - 2011-02-05 15:00 | State College, PA, United States
The annual Farming for the Future conference is PASA's signature event and our main vehicle for community building. Widely regarded as the best of its kind in the East, this diverse event brings together an audience of over 2,000 farmers, processors, consumers, students, environmentalists, and business and community leaders annually.

SF Street Food Update: Underground and Off the Grid
2011-01-26 18:00 | San Francisco, CA, United States
The city's bursting at the seams with street food, our city blocks featuring everything from trucks selling kimchi tacos to carts wielding bacon cr_me brulee. What about the other foodie trends working their way up the haute cuisine ladder? INFORUM’s group of epicurean innovators will give you a taste of what’s going on in the culinary underworld. Learn which neighborhood blocks grow the most umami mushrooms as we give you the dirt on foraging. Or maybe you’ll get inspired to go public with your chipotle peanut brittle after hearing about the Underground Farmers Market, a new haven for outlaw urban eaters. Join us for a look at what’s fresh on the alternative food scene, both the trends and the motivations behind them.

EcoFarm Conference
2011-01-26 09:00 - 2011-01-29 09:00 | Asilomar, CA, United States
This year the 31 st Annual Ecological Farming Conference celebrates a holistic, ecological view of food and farming that is driving a national conversation about personal, public and environmental health.

Regional Food Hub Network Meeting Agenda
2011-01-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Asilomar, CA, United States
Over the past 10 years, non-profits, grower cooperatives, and small businesses have developed marketing efforts to bridge localized small scale producers with established distribution chains in order to meet the demand for “Locally Grown” foods. These aggregation and distribution centers are diverse in ownership, scale, and strategies, but they share common objective of providing a mechanism for growers to access markets they otherwise have trouble reaching and for communities to access foods they otherwise have trouble getting. At the same time, established distributors have been responding to the “Locally Grown” demand with their own efforts by incorporating more producers and developing their own marketing strategies.

Growing Food and Wisdom
2011-01-25 18:00 | San Francisco, CA, United States
A young farmer and an older one will speak about the joys and frustrations of food production in the wilds of Oakland and in a Hudson River village. From chard and soybeans to chicken and hogs; death lessons, life lessons,and growing lessons from the authors of Farm City and Growing, Older.

Finding New Farmers Among Our Post 9/11 Military Veterans
2011-01-24 18:30 - 20:30 | San Francisco, CA, United States
Join us in conversation with Michael O'Gorman, a pioneering organic farmer who leads the Farmer-Veteran Coalition, who will bring a few veterans with him and share a preview of the program he will deliver at the 2011 Eco-Farm conference (The Ecological Farming Association's Annual Conference).

Can we turn atmospheric carbon into soil organic matter in California?
2011-01-24 09:00 - 17:00 | San Juan Bautista, CA, United States
Soil organic matter is the #1 factor in soil quality and water-holding capacity (according to the USDA-NRCS Soil Quality team, as well as soil scientists from the 1930s). Participate in an informational and strategy session with those concerned with climate and sustainability, production and policy, and practitioners of carbon ranching. Sponsored by Morris Ranch, the Marin Carbon Project, and the Soil Carbon Coalition. San Juan Bautista, California.

Location

549 Mission Vineyard Road
St. Francis Retreat Center
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
United States

Growing Local features Michael Dimock as speaker
2011-01-22 08:30 - 17:00 | Redding, CA, United States
Michael Dimock, president and co-founder of Roots of Change, an organization focused on developing and supporting a collaborative network of leaders and institutions on California with interest in establishing a sustainable food system, will be speaking 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, on the topic of Go Local!
