Farwest Sessions to Address Local Food Movement

Two of the industry’s advocates and experts in the local food movement will deliver seminar addresses at Farwest 2017, which takes place Aug. 23-25, in Portland, Oregon.

Garden communicator Brie Arthur and Jim Monroe, founder of Hort Couture Plants and owner of Greenbrier Nurseries, will speak to the importance of sustainability in the landscape and the opportunities for food at garden retail.

Arthur’s seminar, “Foodscape Revolution: Ecology and Sustainable Management,” will underscore the importance of managing landscapes in a sustainable manner for the health of clients, family, community and the ecosystems surrounding the landscape. Arthur will explain how microbial activity is the catalyst for healthy plants. Organic products, pollinators, and plants will be spotlighted to give attendees take away ideas. Arthur’s seminar takes place Aug. 23, at 8:30 a.m.

Arthur is a green industry communicator through her writing, speaking, film production and consulting. She published her first book on the sustainable foodscape, The Foodscape Revolution. She was honored this year as recipient of The American Horticultural Society’s Emerging Horticultural Professional Award. She is also an alum of GPN’s 40 Under 40 program.

Monroe’s seminar, “The Importance of Food in the Garden Center,” will point out how young families are dedicated to healthier food choices, and the important role therein for the local, independent garden center. He will explain using upscale farm markets to drive traffic to the IGC in slower months, growing CSA Farm Shares in the greenhouses for winter cash flow, and how the local food movement has made garden centers more relevant in the community. Monroe’s talk is scheduled for Aug. 23, at 9:45 a.m.

Monroe has more than 30 years of experience as a propagator, grower, breeder, retailer, landscape designer and consultant. He is the founder of the Hort Couture plant brand for the Independent Garden Center and the Farm to Table brand.

For complete information on all education seminars, visit www.farwestshow.com.