On Feb. 16-17, Georgia Organics hosted its 21st Annual Conference & Expo in Augusta, Ga. The conference is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast and connects nearly 700 farmers, educators, advocates, chefs, and organic food enthusiasts passionate about connecting Georgia food to Georgia families.
 
Chef Steven Satterfield delivered the keynote address at the Farmers Feast on the evening of Feb. 17. Satterfield is the Executive Chef and Co-owner of Miller Union in Atlanta and author of Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons. His speech titled “The Value of Food” discussed society’s devaluation of food and the importance of minimizing food waste.
 
Local organic farmers Loretta and Sam Adderson of Addersons Fresh Produce were awarded the Land Stewardship Award for their work mentoring up-and-coming farmers throughout Augusta. Kim Hines was awarded the Barbara Petit Pollinator Award for her work empowering farmers and community members to grow and eat organic through her organization Augusta Locally Grown.
 
Other conference highlights include:

• Composted food waste for soil enrichment through partnership with SMART Recycling U.S.

• Offered 57 educational workshops and sessions with top-notch speakers

• Led 9 farm tours around the metro Augusta area

• Hosted an Expo with 50+ exhibitors, which provided vital networking and business development opportunities.

• Enjoyed delectable food provided by local, organic farms and prepared by outstanding chefs. Our chefs included

Friday Expo:

Seth Freedman with PeachDish

Charleen Tinley

Chef Zu with Kings Apron

Debbi Wolfarth and LaRahna Hughs
 
Saturday Farmer’s Feast Chefs:

Denise Tucker with Humanitree Juice Joint

Cathy Conway with Avalon Catering

Craig LaPonzina with Augusta Marriott

Nikki Johnson with A Family Affair Catering

Megan Alig with Creative Cuisine

Todd Schafer with Abel Brown

Kristina Dahl with Helms College

High Road Craft Ice Cream

About Our Awards
 
Land Stewardship Award - Georgia’s organic agriculture community honors the state’s foremost leaders every year at the Georgia Organics conference. The Land Stewardship Award was created by Georgia Organics to honor an individual or individuals who have contributed greatly towards the organic agriculture movement in Georgia. The Land Stewardship Award has traditionally been given to a farmer, agricultural professional or researcher who has demonstrated a commitment to the tenets of organic agriculture – soil fertility, biodiversity, on-farm recycling, and water quality – and also the larger community through leadership, education, and outreach.
 
Pollinator Award - In 2009, Georgia Organics established the Barbara Petit Pollinator Award to honor an individual or organization for outstanding community leadership in Georgia’s sustainable farming and food movement. The award acknowledges exceptional success in advancing Georgia Organics’ mission by spreading—pollinating—the movement throughout community life, such as the food industry, faith communities, public agencies, schools and institutions. The award is named after Barbara Petit, a committed leader, culinary professional and organizer who served as President of Georgia Organics from 2003-2009. Petit passed away in October, 2015.