Dave Engel Scholarship Fund
Established by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (now Marbleseed) in memory of Dave Engel. Dave served the organic community in many ways, and poured his heart and soul into every endeavor, whether it was as an organic farmer, an organic inspector, or as executive director of four organic certification agencies. The Engel family has worked with MOSES (now Marbleseed) to establish a scholarship fund in Dave’s name to send farmers to the annual Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference, which Dave helped establish. Marbleseed desires to honor Dave’s legacy and extend his impact on the world by facilitating the fund and awarding scholarships to a new generation of organic farmers. Many current and future organic farmers will be able to thank Dave for his lifetime contributions.
Proceeds will send farmers to the annual Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference.
We work hard to keep the Organic Farming Conference as affordable as possible, while still offering organic meals, quality programming, and a welcoming space for everyone. Registration averages $100 per day (about $300 for the full three-day event), which includes breakfast and lunch. Prices are adjusted annually to help cover rising costs of food, facilities, and fair pay for speakers and staff.
Even with these efforts, the total cost for farmers to attend often reaches $250–$350 per day once dinners, lodging, and travel are factored in. For a farmer attending all three days, that can add up to $700–$1,000 or more, not including the additional challenge of taking time away from the farm.
Your contribution helps remove those financial barriers and directly supports farmers’ access to connection, inspiration, and the tools they need to grow a resilient organic movement.
