HARRISBURG, PA — Farmers, gardeners, researchers, and policymakers from across the region are set to converge in Lancaster next month as Pasa Sustainable Agriculture opens registration for its 35th annual conference, a milestone gathering that organizers say arrives at a pivotal moment for the future of food and farming.
The 2026 Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference will take place February 5–6 at the Lancaster County Convention Center, delivering two days of hands-on workshops, keynote talks, and high-energy networking centered on farmer-led solutions and resilient food systems.
Now in its 35th year, the Pennsylvania-based nonprofit’s annual conference has become one of the region’s most influential forums for sustainable agriculture. Last year, more than 1,500 attendees packed the event, drawing growers, chefs, educators, environmental advocates, and policymakers into the same rooms to exchange ideas and build lasting connections.
This year’s conference will feature 76 hours of educational programming led by 85 speakers, covering topics that range from seedkeeping and organic certification to grazing systems, agroforestry, farm business planning, and agricultural policy. Sessions are designed to appeal to beginners and seasoned growers alike, with organizers emphasizing practical takeaways alongside big-picture thinking.
The keynote address will be delivered by Will Brownback of Spiral Path Farm, who will reflect on his farming journey, the skills behind long-term success, and the lessons shaping the next generation of sustainable agriculture. Featured speakers also include Amirah Mitchell of Sistah Seeds, Eli Mack of Mack Farms, and Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin of the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance.
Beyond the classroom-style sessions, an expansive trade show will anchor the conference floor, showcasing businesses and organizations serving farmers and ecologically minded consumers. Attendees will find everything from seed suppliers and conservation groups to food and beverage vendors, alongside interactive demonstrations, a seed-and-book swap, a mercantile and book nook, and a food-tasting reception featuring locally sourced offerings.
Special meetups and breakout sessions will bring together farmers working in areas such as agroforestry, farm-to-school programs, food hubs, urban agriculture, and food assistance. New this year, breakout groups organized by bioregion aim to deepen regional collaboration. Organizers said the goal is to create an inclusive space where farmers from diverse backgrounds feel supported and connected.
Families are also part of the equation. Attendees with children in kindergarten through eighth grade may enroll them in a dedicated kids program, a mini-conference designed to introduce young people to farming, nutrition, and sustainability.
Early bird registration discounts are available through January 10, with regular registration open until January 24. Late and on-site registration begins after that date. In recognition of the organization’s 35th anniversary, a limited number of early registrants will receive a commemorative gift. Registration includes regionally and locally sourced lunches, with coffee, continental breakfast, and snacks provided throughout the event.
Pasa is also offering scholarships and workshare opportunities to make attendance more accessible, particularly for aspiring and established farmers. Applications for both programs are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a deadline of January 19.
Executive Director Hannah Smith-Brubaker said the anniversary conference arrives after a year of disruption and uncertainty for many in agriculture, making the gathering especially meaningful.
“Now, at Pasa’s 35th annual conference, it feels more important than ever to come together—to reflect on where we’ve been, to reconnect with one another, and to gather the energy, resolve, and hope needed for the work ahead,” Smith-Brubaker said.
More information and registration details are available at https://pasafarming.org/conference.
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