The world has much to be grateful for with years of innovation in food and agriculture. However, as technology hastens our course, and as the Rogue Valley continues to import 95 percent of food consumed here, people are beginning to question what a diet based on ultra-high processed foods are doing to our health and the stress they place on the planetary ecosystem.
Chris will share how ancient and traditional staple foods being grown are increasing throughout the area, changing the direction of how locals think about farming and food. These pre-industrial seeds that farmers save and adapt to local conditions are proving themselves worthy on the path to community health and climate resilience…from farmers to bakers to the people.
Chris Hardy has sought a new direction for agriculture since he began farming over 20 years ago. In 2014, he founded Hardy Seeds to continue the work his grandfather inspired in him, and oversees a diversity of heritage grains, herbs, and vegetable seeds. His extensive travels abroad have kept his passion high for cultural diversity, regenerative farming and community engagement.
He initiated the historic campaign in Southern Oregon to ban genetically engineered (GMO) crops to protect traditional seeds from the threat of contamination. For most of his life he has advocated for local farms, organized regional seed swaps and been active with farm to school programs. In 2019, Chris founded the Rogue Valley Heritage Grain Project to increase access to pre-industrial seeds of climate resilient food staples.
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FREE ADMISSION – 1757 Ashland St., Ashland, OR. One mile west of I-5 Exit 14.
