In an effort to connect stakeholders throughout the agricultural supply chain, the Domestic Fair Trade Association has hosted an annual meeting every year since the birth of the organization. This conference helps farmers, farmworkers, retailers, processors, distributors, manufacturers, advocates, and activists to find and share concrete solutions to improving our agricultural production system. Through this special event, the DFTA is creating the opportunity for organizations and businesses to link their vital work on the ground to the larger goal of a world with more fair trade.

The first day of the conference will center on tours highlighting domestic fair trade businesses and organizations in the Portland metro area. These tours will bring awareness to local businesses and organizations that are committed to domestic fair trade principles. Many of our past annual meeting attendees have found these tours to be instrumental in creating new connections and sparking fresh ideas of how to improve local, regional, and national food and agricultural systems.

The second day of the conference will include an inspiring keynote speech, 10 educational panels and workshops, and ample opportunities for networking. In the evening, we will host a party to commemorate the winner of our 1st Annual Domestic Fair Trade Award. The third day of the conference is only open to members of the DFTA.

On Thursday, December 8th, Peter Hurst will lead a day-long pre-conference workshop about labor in the international agricultural system. Peter is a long-term consultant for the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Space is limited in this exciting workshop, so don’t miss out and register today!

For more information and registration, please visit http://2016dftaconference.brownpapertickets.com/.