Join us to discuss agroforestry, ocean farming, and land-to-sea connection at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. We'll spotlight ocean farming and its vital connection to terrestrial agriculture, examining how forests, farms, and coastal systems interact through shared watersheds. From the establishment of silvopasture in the Northeast to innovations in regenerative aquaculture, farmers, funders, technical service providers, researchers, and policymakers will come together to begin a dialogue that informs and supports these interconnected efforts.
May 27-28, 2026 | University of Rhode Island 120 Flagg Rd, Kingston, RI 02881
Discounts available for farmers, veterans, and nonprofits
Technical & Financial Resources for Farmers
Farmland Ownership and Preservation
Cold-Chain Infrastructure
3D Mapping & Data Collection with Drones
Farm Runoff and Riparian Buffers
Monitoring Biodiversities Changes
Financing Agroforestry
Silvopasture
Offtake Opportunities
Nutrient Density in Meat
The Role of Cooperatives
Farming Kelp and Oysters
Kelp as Feed & Fertilizer
AGENDA
Wednesday, May 27
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Registration & coffee
Free Parking is at the Fine Arts parking lot, a 10-minute walk through campus from the venue (120 Flagg Rd, Kingston, RI 02881). -
Speakers: Cortlandt Meyerson (Why Regenerative)
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SESSION 1: Building a Farm Cooperative
SESSION 2: Streamlining Funding Applications for Farmers
SESSION 3: Connecting Ocean Farmers -
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Speaker: David Weisberger (URI), Ian McSweeney (Farmers Land Trust), Ivan Cindrich (Wayward Farm), Stanton Terranova (Terranova Farms)
Cooperatives and nonprofit Farmland Commons can offer a powerful model for farmers and ocean growers to share equipment, knowledge, and capital—reducing costs, mitigating risks, and fostering resilient food systems. This panel will explore how regenerative agriculture and ocean farming communities can leverage cooperatives to scale their impact, access funding, and navigate market challenges. Panelists, including cooperative and nonprofit Farmland Commons organizers, farmers, and policy experts, will discuss successful models, common obstacles, and strategies for building cooperative networks that support both land-based and ocean-based regenerative practices.
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Item description
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Speaker: Cortlandt Meyerson (Why Regenerative)
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Local renowned beer
Sunset Farm Food Truck
Oyster & kelp tasting
Giant jenga
Corn hole
Music
*subject to change*
Thursday, Wednesday 28
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Field Demos
Meeting at the Fine Arts parking lot and driving over to field in vans & shared vehicles.
SESSION 1: Drones for Analysis & Mapping
SESSION 2: Planting and Protecting Trees
SESSION 3: Recording Biodiversity -
Buses return attendees back to the Fine Arts parking lot
Bus Tour - Separately Ticketed & Invite Only
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Tour Ocean Hour Farm & have lunch
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Silvopasture Project
We've been helping plant a silvopasture on a formerly degraded sod farm at the University of Rhode Island since fall of 2024. We’ve got nearly five hundred saplings planted with the help of the Rhode Island community. Now there’s 1500+ more trees to be planted in 2026 thanks to a generous donation by Tree Pro. Join us at the Rhode to Regenerative conference to visit the project site, learn how to implement a silvopasture, and help regenerate the land by planting trees yourself.
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Marc Parlange
President, University of RI
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Charles Wade
Managing Director, Fullerfield Capital
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Andrew Tuttle
Founder, Edge Perma
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Paul Young
Partner, Conservation Resources
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Tarshire Battle
Founder, Roots2Empower
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Don Ruggieri
PhD Candidate, University of RI
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Laura Meyerson, PhD
Professor of Ecology, University of RI
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Heather Angel
Elected Tribal Councilor, Narragansett Indian Tribe
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Dr. Florencia Montagnini, PhD
Senior Research Scientist, Yale
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Sasha Sherman
CEO, The Great Chestnut Experiment
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Oliver Dixon
Owner, Blue Acres Aquaculture
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Stanton Terranova
Farmer, Terranova Farms
Partners & Sponsors
Join us at the University of Rhode Island (URI), an R1 Research University recognized for its cutting-edge research and commitment to sustainability. With strong programs in environmental science, marine biology, and sustainable agriculture, URI provides the perfect setting to explore the connections between agroforestry and aquaculture.
Are you a STUDENT interested in presenting a poster?
Helpful Resources
Other Resources:
Parking (free!): Fine Arts Parking Lot
