FARMINGTON — The Farmington Seed Savers Group will hold its third annual winter conference from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Feb. 2 at the University of Maine at Farmington’s Roberts Hall. The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. This event is an opportunity to learn about what is happening in the community and in the world of seeds.

Welcome and registration starts at 12:30 p.m. at Roberts Learning Center, auditorium, lower level, room 023; seating is limited.

Keynote speaker C.R. Lawn, founder of FEDCO Seeds, will discuss from 1 to 2 p.m. the state of the seed industry, current challenges and how these relate to individuals who save seeds.

There are two workshop sessions. Attendees can choose one workshop per session.

Session 1 will be held 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. Mark Hutton, assistant professor of vegetable crops at the University of Maine, will explore “Seed Health, Quality and Storage.” Will Bonsall, seed curator and founder of the Scatterseed Project, will discuss “Maine’s Heirloom Seed Heritage.”

Session II is set for 3:45 to 5 p.m. Dave Fuller, agriculture and non-timber forest product professional for the UMaine Cooperative Extension, will teach “Growing Better Garlic Crops.” Amy LeBlanc, a Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association-certified organic farmer, will discuss “Small Scale Seed Saving: Preserving Unique and Historic Food Crops.” Jon Thurston, educator at the Ecology Academy, Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast will present “Seed Saving: the Ultimate Teaching Opportunity” and describe a model school gardening program.

Coffee and tea will be served during registration. The snow date is Feb. 9.

Detailed brochures with more information can be picked up at the Saturday Farmer’s Market at the West Farmington Grange, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or the Better Living Center. For more information, call 831-9384.