A dynamic and free two-day conference bringing together farmers, food producers, and food system leaders for hands-on workshops, farmer-led demonstrations, and practical sessions that connect Organic soil health to products on the shelf.
At Shepherd University's Tabler Farm!
Build Your Soil.
Build Your Brand.
Soil Health to Shelf: Build Your Soil. Build Your Brand.
Soil Health to Shelf is a free, hands-on, market-driven conference built for farmers and food producers who are serious about growing strong operations from the ground up.
This event brings together growers exploring Organic and regenerative practices, value-added producers ready to scale, cooperative leaders, and the buyers who want to source locally and regionally produced goods.
Whether you’re building healthier soil, refining your production systems, launching a jam line, bottling maple syrup, expanding honey sales, or positioning your products for wholesale markets, this conference is designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
A Conference Built for the Whole Food System
The West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition is excited to partner with the Virginia Association for Biological Farming and the Tabler Farm – Agriculture and Innovation Center at Shepherd University to host the Soil Health to Shelf Conference, a two-day gathering focused on strengthening the connection between soil health, organic and sustainable farming practices, and thriving food businesses.
What You'll Gain
Expertise and Innovation
01
Production Power
Practical tools for improving organic soil health, strengthening regenerative farm systems, and building resilient farm operations.
02
Product Development & Value-Added Strategy
Real-world guidance for scaling jams, jellies, honey, maple, sauces, and specialty foods — from compliance to branding to pricing.
03
Market Access & Brand Growth
How to move from farmers market sales to cooperative aggregation, wholesale, and retail partnerships. Learn what buyers are looking for and how to meet the moment.
Connection & Collaboration
04
Meet Mountain State Co-Hop cooperative members, aggregation partners, nonprofit food system leaders, and local markets interested in sourcing high-quality regional products.
EVENT DETAILS
From Soil Health to Shelf: Build Your Soil. Build Your Brand - April 3–4 as a free, hands-on, market-driven gathering designed for farmers, food producers, and food system leaders ready to grow stronger operations from the ground up. This conference brings together growers exploring organic and regenerative practices, value-added producers developing products such as jams, maple syrup, honey, and specialty foods, and buyers and partners seeking to source high-quality regional goods. Through practical sessions and real-world strategies, attendees will gain tools to improve soil health, strengthen farm systems, build compelling brands, and confidently expand into wholesale and cooperative markets. Including a Curated Tasting Experience Celebrating The Artisan Makers of Appalachia.
Hosted by the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, the Virginia Association for Biological Farming, and Tabler Farm’s Agriculture Innovation Center at Shepherd University, the conference connects every link of the regional food system—from soil to market shelf. The event also features a special Local Product Sampling & Market Mixer on Friday evening at The Station in Shepherdstown, where producers will showcase their products directly to retailers, food hubs, and community partners. Soil Health to Shelf is where farmers, makers, and buyers come together to strengthen the land, grow resilient businesses, and build a more vibrant regional food economy.
At Shepherd University's Tabler Farm!
DIRECTIONS
Coming from Shepherdstown, WV
From German Street, head West for .5 miles toward Route 45 to Martinsburg. Turn right onto Old Martinsburg Rd at the second light, leaving Shepherdstown at the intersection. Browns Auto will be on your right at the turn. Follow for .25 miles, turn right onto Billmyer Mill Rd. Follow for .5 miles. Look for a blue Shepherd University sign, and turn right onto the gravel road. Follow the lane until you see parking guides to direct you.
If using GPS, ensure route takes you onto Billmyer Mill Road.
Conference Registration
REGISTER FOR FREE BELOW!
Conference Registration Only
Access to the full Soil Health to Shelf Conference without attending the tasting event.
Conference + Tasting Event Registration
Includes full access to the Soil Health to Shelf Conference plus admission to the evening tasting event featuring value-added products and locally produced foods from regional farmers and food businesses.
Tasting Event Only Registration
Admission to the evening tasting event featuring locally produced foods and value-added products from regional farmers and food businesses. This registration option is reserved for markets, retailers, distributors, and other buyers interested in sourcing new products and connecting directly with producers.