Farming
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System invites you to the third annual Alabama Regenerative Growers Conference. This two-day event—hosted in partnership with Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network and Jones Valley Teaching Farm—focuses on agroecological methods of fruit and vegetable production, with session tracks for both commercial farmers and home/community gardeners. The conference features educational sessions, farm tours, vendors, lunch, and networking: a convergence of commercial and community growers interested in soil health, biodiversity, agroecology, community food resilience, and related topics.
When: November 8 and 9
Where: Jones Valley Teaching Farm, 701 25th Street N., Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Registration
Online registration is required and is available at the link below. The $20 registration fee includes a catered lunch by chef Ama Shambulia from A Beautiful Life Enterprises LLC.
Agenda & Topics
The conference features farm tour opportunities, small-scale farm equipment demonstrations, and educational presentations from Extension personnel and successful farmers. Topics include the following:
Saturday Sessions
Saturday Sessions
Living Understory Systems in Commercial Regenerative Orchards
- Susan Whitehead, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech University
Getting Started with Organic Vegetables and Cut Flowers in the Home and Community Garden
- Margaret Ann Snow, Home Horticulture Agent, Alabama Extension at Auburn University
Hands-On, Log-Grown Mushrooms
- Bronson Lubresky, Urban Home Horticulture Regional Agent, Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M University
Soil Health and Biological Inputs in Commercial Vegetable Production
- Chandler Gruener, Specialist and Assistant Professor of Soil Health, Alabama Extension at Auburn University
Soil Health for Home Gardens—Simple, Low-Cost Techniques
- Carmen Flammini, Home Horticulture Agent, Alabama Extension at Auburn University
Mechanical Field Preparation and Cultivation Equipment Demo
- Katie Willis, Downtown Farm Manager, Jones Valley Teaching Farm
- Bronson Lubresky, Urban Home Horticulture Regional Agent, Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M University
- Corey Kichler, Agricultural Engineer, US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
Business Planning and Resources for Fruit and Vegetable Farmers
- Roshell Aguilar, Farm and Agribusiness Management Agent, Alabama Extension at Auburn University
Community Farm and Garden Panel Discussion
- Nicole Dugat, Schoolyard Roots
- Jevon Tatum, A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club
- Amanda Clark, Roots2Harvest
- Sofia Nunez, Wylam Community Garden
Sunday Tours
Sunday Tours
As part of the conference, participants are invited to select one Sunday farm tour to go on. Each tour has limited capacity and preregistration is required on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants need to arrange their own transportation to the farm tour locations. Tours are subject to modification or cancellation due to inclement weather.
Option A: Mountain Sun Farm Tour—Mentone, Alabama
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Mountain Sun Farm has been a certified organic vegetable farm for more than a decade, providing the Simpson family with a full-time living. Tour their fields and learn about their approach to fertility and weed management.
Option B: Jeremiah’s Community Garden—Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Time: 10:00 a.m.
The goals for Jeremiah’s Community Garden are to produce healthy fresh fruits and vegetables and support the charitable work of feeding the hungry, thereby demonstrating the church’s commitment to the common good. The garden also serves as an educational and work site for students and involves volunteers from the community at large.
Option C: Mathis Mini Farm—Chilton County, Alabama
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Mathis Mini Farm’s mission is to produce high-quality, nutrient-dense food while maintaining a sustainable and economical work-life balance. Tour their fields to learn how they produce organically grown vegetables for local markets and made the jump to full-time farming.
Option D: The Leaf Pantry and Urban Farm—Midfield, Alabama
Time: 2:00 p.m.
The Leaf Pantry provides fresh food and produce, groceries, and household items to families in need. The urban farm operation supports The Leaf Pantry as a free community resource that serves Midfield and the surrounding community.
Thank you to Cawaco RC&D, Certified Naturally Grown, Dirtcraft Living Soils, EBSCO Industries, Hiwassee Products, and Southern SARE for sponsoring the 2026 Alabama Regenerative Growers Conference!
Sponsorship
The Alabama Regenerative Growers Conference would not be possible without sponsorship. Your support allows the team to offer this event at a reasonable cost. Sponsorship directly supports the conference and its goals to grow the network of creative community and commercial growers in Alabama who are striving for financial, environmental, and cultural sustainability. All sponsors will be recognized and benefit from digital and in-person opportunities to connect with attendees and other stakeholders. To sponsor the conference or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email Holt Akers-Campbell at hza0093@auburn.edu.
2026 Alabama Regenerative Growers Conference Sponsorship
| Sponsorship Level | Sponsor Benefits |
|---|---|
| Level I. Biostimulant—$200 |
|
| Level II. Native Pollinator—$400 |
|
| Level III. Cover Crop—$800 |
|
| Level IV. Fungal Associate—$1,500 |
|
Exhibitors & Vendors
If you or your organization is interested in being an exhibitor or vendor at the conference, contact Holt Akers-Campbell (hza0093@auburn.edu) or Carmen Flammini (czf0054@auburn.edu). There is a limited number of spots available for businesses and organizations working in the arena of sustainable agriculture.
Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer for the conference, email Carmen Flammini at czf0054@auburn.edu. Volunteers receive complementary admission and will take shifts helping with tasks such as registration and serving lunch.
