Mudgee will once again bring together sustainable farming and seed saving enthusiasts for a weekend of learning and sharing of knowledge and skills.

The Sustainable Farming and Seed Savers Conference will be held on 28, 29 and 30 May 2016.

Farmers, vegetables growers, permaculture lovers and gardeners are invited to attend the three-day event.

Hosted by Castlereagh Seed Savers, the conference aims ensure the survival of traditional plants used for food, medicines and fibres and to keep this material in the public domain through collaboration between farmers, gardeners, educators and anyone with an interest in sustainability.

The conference will cover a diverse range of topics, with guest speakers including:

Michael and Louisa Kiely: ‘Carbon Farmers of Australia’

Christine Corner: ‘Crave Natural’, growing food cultures

Warren and Bryn Jones: ‘Crop Pollination Services’, systemic chemicals and bees

Clem and Vanessa Cox: ‘Australian Gourmet Hazelnuts’

Rowena Petrie: 'Royston Petrie Seeds', commercial seed saving/wholesale seed industry

John Broadley: Mudgee’s Pastoral and Agricultural Development

Ian Mitchell: 'Mitchell Fine Milling', Soil Balancing Suspension Fertiliser

Pat Collins: 'Total Health and Education Centre', weeds and herbal health

Dan Power: 'Scythes Australia', scythes and traditional crock-pots

Darren Baguley: ‘Holistic Management’

Sharon Winsor: ‘Indigiearth’, bush tucker and native products

Peter Andrews OAM: Natural Sequence Farming

Dennis Grimshaw: Heritage and Heirloom varieties

Anthony O’Halloran: ‘Bilby Blooms’ native plant families, characteristics and propagation

Day 1 and 2 of the conference will be held at Royston Petrie Seeds Augustine's Function Centre.

The conference will conclude on Monday 30 May with a self-drive tour. Tour destinations include the Royston Petrie Seed complex, Karrabool Olives, Botobolar Wines, Robert Stein Winery, Leaning Oak Winery and Dairy, Gooree Park, with a stop for lunch at the Wineglass Bar and Grill.

Attendance for the event is $60 for adults or $35 concession per day and includes morning and afternoon tea and lunch. Attendance for the Monday tour is $40. A discount rate for two day attendance is $100 for adults and $70 concession and includes free attendance at the Monday tour.

For program updates or to obtain a registration form contact Rosemary Hadaway, rosemary.hadaway@gmail.com or Renae Hill, renae_hill@bigpond.com.

For all other inquiries contact Dennis Grimshaw on 6372 7904 or mobile 0428 588 552.