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For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Amy Work

Director of Communications

& Member Programs

317.692.7374

amy-work@iaswcd.org

Announcing Keynote Speakers

for the 2025 Soil & Water Conference, Indiana

Indianapolis (June 6, 2024) - The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) is excited to announce the Keynote Speakers for the 2025 Statewide Conference of Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD).


This 82nd conference will be held in downtown Indianapolis anticipating an audience of 400 people, including SWCD board supervisors and staff from all 92 Indiana counties as well as employees from conservation partner organizations.


IASWCD welcomes Jimmy Emmons, farmer and Trust in Food's Senior Vice President of Climate-Smart Programs, and Erin Martin, gerontologist and Director of FreshRx Oklahoma, to the stage as the 2025 Keynote Speakers.


Together, Emmons and Martin will delve into the essential relationship between soil health and human well-being, showcasing how modern food-as-medicine models are creating new economic opportunities for farmers who adopt soil-enhancing practices. Their presentation will highlight the pivotal role of soil organic matter in nurturing both ecological and human health, while advocating for sustainable and regenerative agricultural methods. By establishing clear parallels between the health of soil and the human digestive system, they promote a comprehensive approach to farming that benefits growers, the environment, and public health.


"Conservation crosses all sectors - environmental, economic, health, political, and more. Jimmy and Erin have forged a path that connects these sectors through creating a truly smart, modern, and wholly beneficial approach to the health of our communities and our farms. We are thrilled to welcome these leaders to Indiana as we forge our own resilient future by foregrounding conservation," states Liz Rice, Executive Director, IASWCD.


The conference will be held at The Westin in downtown Indianapolis January 26-28, 2025. Registration will open in the fall.

Meet the Speakers:

Erin Martin

Erin Martin began her altruistic journey at fifteen by assisting older adults. Now, with a master's degree in Gerontology from USC, renowned as the premier institution in this field globally, Erin has extensive experience across all facets of long-term care. In 2021, she launched FreshRx Oklahoma, a produce prescription program partnering with local regenerative farmers and primary care clinics. Erin consults globally on leveraging food as medicine, emphasizing the link between soil and human health. Certified in Regenerative Soil Advocacy, she serves as President of the Tulsa Urban Ag Coalition, Director of FreshRx Oklahoma, and co-lead of Oklahoma's Food is Medicine Policy Coalition, advancing health equity through innovative initiatives.

Jimmy Emmons

Jimmy Emmons, Trust in Food's leader of conservation programs, including the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, Connected Ag Project, America’s Conservation Ag Movement, and Trust In Beef. He and his wife, Ginger, operate Emmons Farm in Leedey, Oklahoma, managing 7,000 acres with 300 cattle in an integrated operation that optimizes water resources and reduces erosion. Emmons advocates for conservation practices to enhance resilience and efficiency. He has served as mentoring coordinator for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and regional coordinator for USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation. He also led the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and the National Young Farmers Education Association.

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About IASWCD

The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) works at a state level to promote and enhance conservation through legislative advocacy, public outreach, and support of the 92 -member SWCDs in their local work. The IASWCD represents the interests of local Districts as one voice, and assists their leadership through coordination and education for the wise use and management of our natural resources.

IASWCD | 225 S. East Street, Suite 142, Indianapolis, IN 46202 | iaswcd.org