Upcoming Events and Meetings

 Second Family Farms and Local Foods Education Day

On Friday, April 29, FARFA is holding the Second Family Farms and Local Foods Education Day at the Texas Capitol.  The event is an opportunity for farmers and consumers from all over the state to come together to speak up for our local food producers. You will have the chance to learn about the legislative process, meet legislators and their staff, and learn how to be an activist in support of our food freedom.

Please make your plans today to join us on April 29. And please invite others from your area to join you!  Wouldn't this be a great opportunity to invite some friends along for the ride to Austin?  How about young family members who might benefit from the educational experience of seeing our state government in action?  Are you a member of a CSA or milk group with others who might like to carpool or caravan to Austin?  The more people we have, the more the legislators will hear our voices and see our commitment to local foods and family farms.  

Logistics and Handouts

WHERE:      Capitol Extension, Floor E2, Room E2.002

DATE:          Friday, April 29

TIME:          Noon to 5 pm

PARKING:   Parking is usually available at the Capitol Visitors Center, located between Trinity and San Jacinto Streets at 12th and 13th.  Parking maps are available at http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/Parking.htm 

MAPS:        Maps of the Capitol are available at  http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/FloorPlan/FlorPlan.htm

MATERIALS to help you prepare:  You can download handouts with detailed information to help you prepare.  We will also have copies at the event, but it may help to read them ahead of time if you can:

1. Guidelines for the event and tips for meeting with legislators
2. Talking points on the raw milk bill.
3. Talking points on the cottage foods bills.

Planning Ahead:   Find out who your State Representative and State Senator are.  You can look them up online at http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/   You can also find out by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 512-463-4630.

The Day of The Event: Friday, April 29

WHERE: Texas Capitol, Austin.  Extension Building, Room E2.002 (the Legislative conference center)

TIME: Meet in the room at noon.  We will spend the first 1 1/2 hours talking about the current status of the bills, what they cover, how you can make the most of your meetings with legislators.  We will then divide you into groups to talk to the legislators together.

From 1:30 - 4 pm: Meetings with legislators and staff

4 pm - meet back in the room to compare how everyone's meetings went and talk about the next steps.

Plan to be at the Capitol from noon to 5 pm. 

Thank you!

 East Austin Urban Farm Tour

April 17, 2011: The Second Annual East Austin Urban Farm Tour.  Take a stroll around 4 urban farms, sample delicious foods prepared by top chefs, and enjoy local beer and wine.  All proceeds benefit FARFA, so join us for a fun afternoon to support a good cause! 

Participating East Austin urban farms: Hausbar, Rain Lily, Springdale, Boggy Creek Farm.  The farmers will all give tours of their farms starting at 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, 4:15.

Participating chefs and beverages: Wink, Zoot, Word on Food Bakery, Pesche, the Drikill, Dai Due, La Condesa, Fabi & Rosi, Pies Fix Everything, East Side Café, Bola Pizza, 512 Brewery, Republic of Texas Tequila, Dripping Springs Vodka, and Paula’s Texas Orange

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit FarmHouse Delivery

For more information on the 2010 Conference, visit our conference page.  Details on the 2011 Conference coming soon!

If you would like to arrange a meeting in your area, or have a speaker address your organization, contact the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance at 866-687-6452 (toll free) or info@farmandranchfreedom.org.