SELF conference to engage local food producers, others

A SELF Reliance conference (the acronym stands  for Shelter, Energy, Livelihood and Food) is set for April 19-20 at the Blue Hill Consolidated School. The intention of SELF Reliance is to engage farmers, fishermen,  builders, energy providers, businesses and anyone concerned about sustainable living in Maine’s rural communities.  
Keynote speaker Russell Libby opens the conference Saturday with a talk on “Our Next Agriculture:  Building Deep Connections.” Libby, Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) was recently part of a lively panel at the  Fishermen’s Forum, focused on building connections between fishermen and farmers. Speakers, workshops and hands-on activities designed to encourage networking and conversation will follow. Food from the local “foodshed” will be provided for lunch.On Sunday SELF Reliance resumes with gatherings in the participants’ communities, where conference staff will provide space and a volunteer moderator for people who want to come to grips with bolstering self-reliance in a time of great uncertainty.  
The SELF Reliance conference is co-sponsored by Reversing Falls Sanctuary and The Good Life Center. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the conference at 9 a.m..
There is a fee of $15 for adults, $5 for students.
For information visit bob@goodlife.org or call (207) 326-8211.