Meet Our 2026 Speakers
Dr. Erin Silva
Dr. Erin Silva is an Associate Professor and State Extension Specialist in Organic and Sustainable Cropping Systems at UW-Madison. She has built an internationally recognized program focused on improving organic production, soil health, and cover crop based systems. Her work supports the profitability and sustainability of organic farmers.
Joel Williams
Joel Williams is an independent plant and soil health educator and consultant with a global perspective on sustainable agriculture. With extensive practical experience internationally, Joel specialises in integrating soil biology, plant nutrition and soil analysis to enhance soil function, crop immunity and overall system resilience.
Scotty "Data" Walker
Scott has 45+ years in the Ag industry, starting on an organic farm in 1979. From managing apple orchards to developing nutrients, he now coordinates R&D in broad acres. Scott's passion for soil and plant health is evident, and his quest for research-based information has earned him the nickname Scotty ‘Data’ Walker.
Cory Eichman
Cory began apprenticing on Biodynamic farms in 1992 and co-founded the Saugeen River CSA in 97. It is a small diversified farm with livestock and wildlands, providing vegetables, herbs, flowers, and eggs to the local community around Durham in Grey County. Since 2005, Cory has been teaching courses on Biodynamic Agriculture through the winter months.
Briann Dorin
Briann Dorin is a Postdoctoral Researcher at York University who works at the intersection of sustainable farming and pollinator health. Her research focuses on identifying practical, farm-relevant approaches that support pollinators while fitting within real-world management decisions.
Sarah Granskou
Sarah runs an abundant all-season urban farm near downtown Kitchener, providing weekly shares throughout the winter. She grows climate-adapted greens and culturally significant crops while collaborating with local high schools.
Len Van Hoffen
Len is the Vineyard Manager at Southbrook, a biodynamic and regenerative vineyard. He focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and low-impact growing practices that support both grape quality and ecosystem vitality.
Meet Our Keynote Panel
Dr. Sadaf Mollaei
Dr. Sadaf Mollaei adds insight from her research on sustainable eating behaviours, food environments, and the business of food, offering evidence-based strategies for system-wide change.
Yasi Zorlutuna
Community FEWD founder Yasi Zorlutuna brings the community perspective, transforming donated and surplus ingredients into ready-to-eat meals for families across Guelph facing food insecurity.
Let's get you some tickets.