JOIN US! JANUARY 20 – 23, 2027
We look forward to welcoming you to our 28th annual conference! If you have questions about the event, please contact Alecks Moss at conference@futureharvest.org
This year’s theme, Planting a Legacy: From the Past, in the Present, and for Our Future, centers on farmers carrying forward knowledge, protecting farmland, and building a resilient future for both new and experienced growers.
At the conference, we bring together over 500 passionate individuals throughout the regional food system, including farmers, educators, and food system advocates from the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our conference is a highly anticipated event for farmers, offering a unique opportunity to connect right before the farming season begins.
Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, exchange ideas with peers, or strengthen your farm or organization, you’ll find opportunities to connect, grow, and be part of a thriving agricultural community.
Practical Knowledge for Every Stage of Your Farm Journey
More than 30 sessions on a range of topics for advanced and beginning farmers, agtivists and educators, two keynote addresses, farmer-to-farmer chats & more!
- Crop Production (Particularly Specialty Crops)
- Soil Health / Regenerative Agriculture
- Business & Marketing
- Environment, Community & Policy Discussions
- Livestock (Meat, Dairy, Eggs, and other products)
- Value-Added Production
- Land Preservation & Protection from Development
- Innovative Strategies & Farmer Success Stories with Challenging Crops
- Customer Retention Tools
- Increasing Access and Sales
- Diversifying Market Income
- Alliances and Advocacy
2027 KEYNOTES
FRIDAY: Making Space for Agriculture by Tia Earman
Across our region, farmers are facing a growing set of pressures that are changing what it means to run a farm. Land is under increasing pressure from residential development and data centers, and zoning regulations don’t always reflect the realities of modern farm businesses. At the same time, more farmers are finding ways to make smaller-scale agriculture work. They are making the most of limited land, developing diversified income streams, and reaching nearby consumers through direct markets.
The question is not whether agriculture can adapt, but whether our policies and land-use decisions will adapt with it. Drawing on the experience of Loudoun County, Tia Earman considers the opportunities for farms of different sizes to thrive, how zoning and economic development policies can help or hinder agricultural businesses, and what it will take to create the conditions for agriculture to remain a viable part of the region’s future.
About Tia Earman
About Tia Earman
Tia is an activist focused on preserving agricultural lands, supporting farms in a changing economic climate, and encouraging local and state government to make sustainable, environmentally conscious land use decisions. She is a past president and current board member of The Loudoun County Farm Bureau, a member of the inaugural class of the Virginia State Farm Bureau’s Growing Leaders Program, and a past appointee to the Virginia Agricultural Council. She holds a Master’s in Urban Planning and Regional Development from Virginia Tech. Today, she serves as vice chair of the Loudoun County Zoning Committee (ZOC), an associate director for the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District, and a board member for the non profit Save Rural Loudoun. Tia works for the Piedmont Environmental Council as a Senior Land Use Field Representative covering Loudoun and Clarke Counties. Tia believes the connection between zoning policy, farmland preservation and the success of rural businesses is vital in building and maintaining a thriving rural community anywhere, especially when the pressure to expand suburban sprawl and introduce industrial uses is intense. Through her work with PEC and the Farm Bureau, she hopes to encourage localities to look for innovative solutions that balance rural preservation, housing needs, and build a more sustainable rural economy as we strive to preserve the irreplaceable farmlands and green spaces which make the DMV region so special.
ORIGINS OF AGRICULTURE PANEL IS BACK!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2027
Agriculture has always been about more than growing food. It is shaped by culture, community, relationships to land, and knowledge passed from one generation to the next. Panelists will share their personal connections to agriculture and reflect on the traditions, histories, and lived experiences that inform their work today. Together, they will explore what we can learn from the past and how those lessons can help build a more resilient and equitable future for farming.
OUR 2027 PANELISTS
Join Us for the Farmer’s Market Forum at This Year's Conference!
We’re excited to announce that this year’s conference will feature a Farmers Market Forum track in partnership with Farmers Market Pros, designed to be beneficial for both farmers market managers and farmers alike! Additionally, two pre-conference sessions will be held on Wednesday, January 20th, focusing on skills and strategies that will enhance your market experience.
Other engaging conference activities include:
- Interactive Farmer Panels
- Farm Tour Field Trip
- Tradeshow & Networking
- Happy Hour
- Farm Bingo
- Farmers Market Tour
- Swap Swap
THIS CONFERENCE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR SPONSORS
Our annual conference is the Mid-Atlantic’s premier opportunity for farm-related organizations and product vendors to connect directly with farmers, food system professionals, homesteaders and agtivists in our foodshed. Our event attracts small- to mid-scale growers working with fruit and vegetables, flowers, poultry, small ruminants, and more.
Whether you provide seed and feed, farm machinery and implements, fencing, land management, infrastructure services, or opportunities through non-profits, government agencies, and academic institutions, our attendees come ready to engage.
We’re delighted to offer several levels of support for you to promote your brand and business at our conference. Becoming a part of our conference is a great strategy for highlighting your company’s values and enhancing your reputation, visibility, and brand awareness over the long term in our region’s agricultural community.
We are currently accepting sponsors, exhibitors and advertisements for the event. Click here to purchase or make a commitment today.
The 2027 conference will take place at the Silver Spring Civic Building in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland.
1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Parking: Garage 61 is across the street from the Civic Building conference center, and Garage 60 backs up to the hotel. Parking is $1.25 an hour. Other parking options can be found here.
TICKETING INFORMATION
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION AVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER 1ST
Your ticket includes locally-sourced boxed lunches on Thursday and Friday. We will also host a happy hour on Thursday night, with snacks, a cash bar and activities like farmer bingo! Silver Spring also has lots of walkable local options for food and entertainment, including an ice skating rink directly in front of the Civic Building!
Throughout the conference, stop by our community table for to browse the Farmer Swag Swap—a fun opportunity to exchange your farm’s branded gear with other growers. Bring a few extra hats, shirts, stickers, or other logowear items and trade with fellow attendees.
IMPORTANT LODGING INFORMATION
Attendees are responsible for booking their own hotel accommodations. We’ve arranged discounted room blocks at two nearby hotels:
Courtyard by Marriott Silver Spring Downtown
(closest to Conference Center)
8506 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Reserve your room here, or call 301-589-4899DoubleTree by Hilton Silver Spring DC North
(lower-cost option, 10-minute walk)
8777 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Reserve your room here, or call 1-800-HILTONSMention Future Harvest when booking to receive the reduced group rate.
*Remember, if you plan to call to book your reservation to mention you are a Future Harvest Conference Attendee!
Public Transportation: Ride to the conference! The Red Line connects at the Silver Spring Metro Station, three blocks from the conference. The Red Line also connects to Union Station in Washington DC, so participants from Baltimore and Frederick may want to consider the MARC train. Multiple bus lines also stop at the Silver Spring Metro Station.
Bonus! Pre & Post Conference Add-ons
Preconference Workshops — Wednesday, January 20
Join us for a special screening of the documentary “Fork in the Road,” executive produced by Nick Offerman. This inspiring film follows small farmers, visionary chefs, and innovators dedicated to building a regenerative future for our food systems and the planet. Following the screening, engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion with experts in the field. Future Harvest Conference ticket holders will receive complimentary admission to this event.
Post-Conference
Saturday, January 23
Join us for an immersive experience exploring sustainable agriculture in action! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and inspiration that you can take back to your own agricultural endeavors!
FRESHFARM Downtown Silver Spring Farmers Market
On Saturday from 9AM-1PM, explore the FRESHFARM Downtown Silver Spring Farmers Market, located right in front of the Civic Building. Meet local producers, discover regional food, and enjoy fresh flavors before heading home.