Back to the Root 2020
Black Food Sovereignty Coalition and Mudbone Grown hosted the second annual Back to the Root gathering on Thursday & Friday, February 20-21 at The Redd on Salmon Street. In its second year, Back to the Root expanded to a two-day event that drew over 135 people from across the region including California, Oregon, and Washington.
The first day of the conference featured two panel sessions (climate justice and hemp); a keynote session from Black farmer Renard Turner of Vanguard Ranch; and a variety of breakout sessions on land justice, starting a farm, herbal medicine, seed growing, land-based healing, urban food justice, and more.
The event was a powerful opportunity for Black-identified growers -- farmers, producers, educators, advocates, and ranchers -- to gather, network, discuss experiences, build strategies, and learn about our history and our opportunities.
Back to the Root 2020 also served as an introduction, orientation, and call for participation in the annual OSU SMALL FARMS CONFERENCE held the next day on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Attendees participated in detailed technical workshops on soil science, producer skills improvement, market development, and farming infrastructure.
