Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association

August 2026 Newsletter

Call for TOFGA Conference Session Proposals!

Earlier this month, the TOFGA Board gathered for our annual in-person board retreat. We put our heads together to dream and plan about the next year of the organization and beyond.

We're excited to share that our 2027 TOFGA Conference theme is Seeding the Future: Roots to Roadmap!

The 33rd TOFGA conference will take place January 31 - February 2, 2027, in Katy, Texas, bringing together farmers, ranchers, gardeners, and more!

Our call for conference session proposals is open and we welcome ideas from farmers, gardeners, educators, researchers, and practitioners who are eager to share their expertise and experiences. Please submit by September 30!

Resource: Texas Farm & Food Help Desk
Organic Cotton and Peanut Tour -- August 19, Seminole
OHBAPALOOZA Lite -- August 20, Houston
Fresh Trays Networking Session -- August 25, Georgetown
Drought, Grass, & Profit Webinar -- August 26, Virtual
Keys to Success for Selling to Restaurants -- August 26, Virtual
Organic Career Fair -- August 27, Virtual
Groundwork Farmer Training Program -- September 13, Hybrid
Central Texas Farm Incubator -- Due September 15
Organic Certification Cost Share Progrem -- Due December 31

Resource: Texas Farm & Food Help Desk

The Council for Healthy Food Systems is excited to introduce a new resource to support Texas producers trying to provide sustainable healthy food options to consumers. They'll provide free and confidential assistance to farmers, ranchers, food producers and local food businesses in all 254 Texas counties.

LEARN MORE HERE!

Organic Cotton and Peanut Tour

August 19

Seminole, TX

Join producers, specialists and researchers for an enlightening tour of organic cotton and peanut farms. The day will include presentations from Agrilife Research and Extension and will conclude with a sponsored lunch.

MORE INFO HERE!

OHBAPALOOZA Lite

August 20, 5:30-8 pm

Houston

Join the Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance for an evening of connection with Houston-area native plant professionals and enthusiasts. Nessa Spence will share Water-Wise Growing Advice. Tickets are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Fresh Trays Networking Session

August 25, 2-4 pm

Georgetown, TX

This session is an opportunity designed to connect local farmers, ranchers, and producers with school nutrition decision-makers in the Central Texas region. Best for producers already designated "Farm to Kids Ready!"

Drought, Grass, & Profit Webinar

August 26, 12:30-2 pm

Virtual

In this free webinar, Tom Sidwell of JX Ranch will share lessons from more than two decades of planned grazing to improve land health, increase carrying capacity, boost grass production and water infiltration, and build a profitable ranch business in a region where rainfall is scarce and unpredictable.

Keys to Success for Selling to Restaurants

August 26, 6-7:30 pm

Virtual

This free training from Texas Center for Local Food will bring together Belle Vie Farm and Kitchen with Chef Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due for practical advice on building chef relationships and selling to restaurants.

Organic Career Fair

August 27, 1-5 pm

Virtual

Join the Organic Career Network for a national online event designed to connect job seekers with employers across the organic agriculture sector.

Groundwork Farmer Training Program

September 13 - December 11

Hybrid

The Council for Healthy Food Systems' 12-week program combines asynchronous online learning, live Zoom webinars and calls, and three in-person on-farm learning days designed to support beginning and expanding farmers in Central Texas.

LEARN MORE HERE!

Central Texas Farm Incubator Collaborative

Due September 15

The Central Texas Farm Incubator Collaborative provides beginning farmers with access to land, infrastructure, mentorship, business training and marketing outlets to bridge barriers to starting and sustaining a farm. Applications for the 2027 season are due on 9/15!