April 2015 Newsletter
Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts Chapter
Inside this Issue:
Transitioning a conventional dairy farm
to organic
pg 16
What to expect at the 2015 NOFA Summer
Conference
pg 8
Edible wild plants: Building relationships
with plants and ecosystems
pg 4
www.nofamass.org 2 April 2015 Newsletter
Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts Chapter, Inc.
411 Sheldon Road Barre, MA 01005 978-355-2853 (p) 978-355-4046 (f)
[email protected] www.nofamass.org
NOFA/Mass Board Meetings are open to all members.
For more information please contact: Executive Director, Julie Rawson
© 2002-2015 NOFA/MassachusettsNOFA/Massachusetts is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-
deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Not a member yet? CLICK HERE
The NOFA/Mass Newsletter is published eleven times per year by the Northeast Organic Farming Association/
Massachusetts Chapter, Inc. Circulation: 5,000
Newsletter Editor: Nicole BelangerCirculation: Christine RainvilleSubmissions: Nicole Belanger
[email protected]: Bob Minnocci
[email protected]: Nicole Belanger
From the EditorNicole Belanger, NOFA/Mass Communications
Director & Public Relations Coordinator
“It is not a case of survival of the fittest... it is rather a case of flourishment of the most cooperative.” This quote has stuck with me since Sharon Gensler,
our Outreach Coordinator and homesteader extraordinaire, shared it in her March column on microbial life and the soil-food-web.
The idea of cooperating and collaborating resonates more still after attending several of MDAR’s “Exploring Your Small Farm Dream” classes with my boyfriend as well as attending the Urban Farming Conference (UFC) this March. Get a group of farmers or gardeners in a room and what happens? We start to talk shop, ask questions; we share our struggles and successes. That level of sharing and cooperation is a staple of the NOFA community, and from what I can gather, many other facets of farming.
At the UFC, I learned that an estimated 15% of the food consumed in Massachusetts is grown here in the state. That leaves a lot of room to grow, with people increasingly interested in buying local food and the potential for expanded season extension and root crop storage. Still, making a living from farming can be a hard row to hoe. Finding a niche takes cooperation and collaboration, research and hard work. Marrying your own passions and interests with the market and social needs, that’s harder yet. Talking with others is an important part of this process.
It’s great to be a part of the NOFA community - to build relationships with others geographically close and close too in their interests, to understand the relationships between our food purchases and our local economies, to cultivate relationships in harmony with natural systems, to learn and to grow. It’s all about relationships, isn’t it?
Nicole
www.nofamass.org 3 April 2015 Newsletter
Report from the annual spring board and staff retreatJulie Rawson, NOFA/Mass Executive Director
Winter and early spring are the seasons for lots of organizational meetings and reconnoitering in NOFA/Mass. We followed a December staff and board retreat with our end of winter gathering on March 23. Though the calendar said “spring,” it was as if we were gathered for a Christmas celebration 150 years ago. We looked out the windows of the Trustees of Reservations Canton property onto a winter wonderland with snow filtering slowly down through pine trees.
Inside we started the day with a “DISC” exercise. Led by board member Sam Perkins’ Babson College colleague Joe Weintraub, we pored over our test results to find out our respective percentages of “Dominance”, “Influencing”, “Steadiness” and “Compliance to Perfection.” And we each got our own profile - a list of our positive attributes, how we work, value to the team, how to work with us and not to work with us, and our team effectiveness factors. 10 days later the organization is still a buzz with “What are you?” and “I bet so and so is an X.” I was impressed that it seemed to have me figured out to a T, both what I would call “good and bad” attributes. Suffice it to say that you should get to the point if you have something to say to me, because I might cut you off otherwise. On the other hand I believe in working with and through people.
The rest of the day was spent hammering away at our organizational strategic plan. We have been in process over the past year and have stepped up our focus with a goal in mind of having a “NOFA-style” strategic plan in place after our June 7 board meeting. That translates to something that we did for free and is short and specific and broad strokes. This whole process has sparked a lot of really creative thinking across the organization. I will share the whole thing with you for the July newsletter. Here are some teasers: Make the Organic Food Guide the go to guide for organic food in Massachusetts; Get in place an organization-wide database that is 21st century and includes the capability for members to update their own profiles; Make NOFA part-time and full-time jobs sustainable as a long term career path; Focus on the run as our major fundraiser; Focus more attention on serving and collaborating with a more diverse audience including urban, low-income, youth, immigrant, veteran and incarcerated populations.
Things are cooking in the organization.Thanks for being a part of it.
Staff and board at retreat
Building bridges between those who care
The State Agriculture Councils of The Humane Society of the United Statesseek to ensure that animal production is
humane and environmentally sustainable.
To learn more, visit humanesociety.org/agcouncils.
www.nofamass.org 4 April 2015 Newsletter
My interest in wild food and gardening began when I visited my grandparents in New Hampshire during summers as a child. My grandfather had a large garden that supplied the kitchen with fruits and vegetables for the family. My grandmother put up applesauce, pickles, chutneys, and jams. The land they lived on was filled with an abundance of wild blueberries.
I remember tying a bucket with string around my neck and heading out to the forest and fields with my grandparents where we picked blueberries for hours. Dessert that night would usually be a well-earned pie with homemade Hardy crust, which lives on through my grandmother’s daughters and granddaughters even after she has passed.
In early May I recall my grandfather on the lawn with scissors harvesting dandelion greens. “Every spring we eat these greens before they are too bitter,” he said, “which guarantees another healthy year ahead.”
Wild food is a cultural experience of connection to the plants and the land. Foraging for food is a birthright. It provides sustenance and an opportunity to acknowledge the abundance that surrounds us. When I harvest wild food and herbal medicine, I come from a place of deep gratitude and respect for nature. I only take what I need, never more than ten percent of what is available, keeping in mind that I want what sustains me to be around long after I am gone.
Building relationships with the plants is fun and enlivening. For most of our history, humans increased biodiversity and habitat for all species.
By meeting the needs of the ecosystem as we meet ours, we nurture a culture of connection and ensure a supply of wild foods for the future generations of all species.
In addition to creating a connection to the land and a sense of place, wild foods are widely abundant and packed with nutrients. Most contain nutrients several times their cultivated counterparts! Experts at surviving and thriving in
their environment, they are able to draw minerals from the soil and bedrock. A serving of raw lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album) boasts three times the calcium and vitamin C as spinach and significantly more vitamin A. Human bodies, which have been eating wild for the past 2 million years, expect and require
these foods for health.
According to Carly Leusner, founder of Acorn Kitchen, a Wild Food CSA and educational organization based in Western Massachusetts:
“Including wild food in our diet increases our ability to feed each other locally and rely less on industrial agriculture. Dietary diversity promotes biodiversity, as many of the edibles and medicines we focus on are considered invasive. Gathering them for food and medicine keeps populations in check and provides an alternative to herbicides that are known carcinogens.”
Edible wild plants: Building relationships with plants and ecosystems Hannah Jacobson-Hardy
www.nofamass.org 5 April 2015 Newsletter
The spring is a great time to get acquainted with the seasonal wild edibles of New England. Soon enough, ramps, nettles, Japanese knotweed shoots, lamb’s quarters, and horsetail will be popping up along rivers, fields, farms, and forests. It is no coincidence that the early spring edibles are also sour and bitter, which are tastes that promote liver cleansing activity. This reminds me how the cycles of nature are deeply aligned with our own human cycles.
Join Hannah Jacobson-Hardy on Sunday May 17 from 2-5 pm
at the Greenfield Recreation and Swim Area for an Edible Plant Walk. To register, visit www.nofamass.org/events
Hannah Jacobson-Hardy is a holistic health coach and community herbalist of
Sweet Birch Herbals. Hannah is also a collaborative partner of Acorn Kitchen, a cooperative enterprise offering a Wild
Food CSA, workshops, and tastings to promote a culture of wild food
awareness and appreciation in Western Massachusetts.
Stinging Nettle Soup with ParsnipsFrom Wild Flavors: One Chef’s Transformative Year Cooking from Eva’s Farm by Didi Emmons
Makes 6 servings
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil2 medium onions, chopped3 garlic cloves, chopped1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger2 teaspoons ground cumin1 teaspoon ground coriander6 parsnips, chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)1 pound stinging nettles, large stems removed, or 2 cups steamed and pureed stinging nettles 1 teaspoon sea salt1 (13-ounce) can full fat coconut milk 1 teaspoon garam masala 0r 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add the cumin and coriander and stir well. Add the parsnips and 5 cups of water. Partially cover the soup, bring to a boil, and let simmer until the parsnips are soft, about 30 minutes.
3. Add the stinging nettles, salt, and coconut milk. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Puree the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a food processor until it is very smooth. Whisk in the garam masala and vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
www.nofamass.org 6 April 2015 Newsletter
How I became a pork proselytizing Jewish artist butcherJake Levin Anyone who knows me well knows that there are few subjects which get me as excited and engaged as pigs and pork. It is hard to say how I came to this place. It was not an early obsession of mine that grew with time, rather I found myself, in my early twenties, quite unexpectedly consumed with a love and interest in pork and pigs.
Growing up our neighbors had a small farm on which they raised some pigs, among a few other animals. Every fall, after the pigs were brought to slaughter our neighbor would bring us the pig’s heart to explore. I was fascinated by the visceral nature of the heart – the color, smell, texture. Additionally, I have always loved the taste of cured meats – charcuterie. I remember requesting melon and prosciutto for my twelfth birthday lunch. When I was a teenager, we took a family trip to Tuscany. I don’t think I let a meal go by without eating some pork product – salami, prosciutto, wild boar ragu.
As a young artist living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn I found myself drawn, almost on a daily basis, to the butcher shop which had just opened down the block –Marlow and Daughters. Soon I took classes with the head butcher there, wanting to learn the craft of whole animal butchery. When I started the MFA program at Bard College I decided I would take advantage of the time and place and apprenticed for 3 months at Fleisher’s Meats. I had little to no expectations of what would come out of it.
At Fleisher’s (which at the time was owned by fellow pork loving Jews), I began to joke about whether or not the pork they sold was kosher – what could be more fit to eat than local pasture-raised pork? What began as a joke turned into a rabbit hole I will never escape from (nor would I want to). That odd and intense period of being immersed in my art practice, being surrounded by conversations of sustainability, and diving into the world of meat and butchery set me on my path.Today I find myself preparing for a Messianic Pig themed installation at the Jewish Theological Seminary in NYC. I am also getting ready to lead a workshop on May 3rd for NOFA Mass on Pig to Pork in which we will slaughter, scald, eviscerate, and breakdown a market weight pig. Meanwhile, I continue to devour both literally and figuratively anything pork related.
While I would never have guessed that I would find myself here, nothing could be more satisfying then being a Pork Proselytizing Jewish Artist Butcher.
Nose-tail-butcher, Jake Levin, founded The Roving Butcher, based in Western Massachusetts. Their mission is to help farmers, chefs, and markets source, process, and utilize whole animals. Services include on-site butchery, demos, value-added product development, yield tests, and more. www.therovingbutcher.com.
Jake Levin at work
www.nofamass.org 7 April 2015 Newsletter
Outreach volunteers share their experiencesSharon Gensler, NOFA/Mass Outreach Program Coordinator
We have had member-volunteers, Board members or staff at six events in March, enjoying connecting with others and being fantastic NOFA/Mass representatives. A big thank you to members Alyssa Bauer, Alicia Luhrssen, Christie Higginbottom; Board members Noah Kellerman and Mary DeBlois and staff Amie Lindenboim, Glenn Oliveira, Nicole Belanger, Julie Rawson, Suzy Konecky and Jack Kittredge.
Member-volunteer Christie Higginbottom attended the Mass Land Conservation Conference and had this to say:
“I had conversations with quite a few folks. There certainly is interest. Many people did not know about NOFA so I was able to get the word out to people with similar missions.
Many of the land conservation organizations have or are planning to have community gardens and/or farmers’ markets on their properties. They are interested in access to organic growing information and were definitely interested in the bulk order option.
The GMO subject was of interest to many as well. I spoke at length with a Worcester Tech student who is taking environmental science and studying genetic engineering. He welcomed information on the risks associated with that technology.
Rep. McGovern’s opening remarks included his opposition to the Kinder Morgan pipeline and his strong support for local farms. I thought it was a terrific speech, and it opened the door for many related NOFA topics.”
And member volunteer Alicia Luhrssen says:
“Representing NOFA/Mass at the Master Gardener Symposium this past March really showed how entwined NOFA’s values are with other great organizations. I had a great time conversing with many attendees at the Symposium especially when discussing Kim Eierman’s talk on EcoBeneficial Gardening and how her talk touched upon similar topics and notions that reflect NOFA’s mission. The conversations were very beneficial for all parties and it was great to meet new people with like passions.”
You too could be having a fabulous time at events throughout the Commonweath while helping educate the general public about organics and about NOFA; meeting others in your community; having that “feel-good” experience from doing service to your favorite organization; and receiving credit toward our merchandise or workshops!
Remember to check our outreach website (www.nofamass.org/content/outreach) to find an event near you, and join the ranks of our volunteers extraordinaire! If you’re interested, contact me at [email protected].
Here are the latest event offerings:
April/May EventsApril 16: Sustainable Living Conference, DevensApril 16: MAPHN (Mass Public Health Nurse) Conference, BrewsterApril 22: Whole Foods Market Earth Day, AndoverApril 24: Franklin Park Zoo, BostonApril 25: Musketquid Earth Day Festival, ConcordApril 25: Earth Day, CharltonApril 25: Sustainability Fair, AmherstMay 2: Soule Homestead Sheep Day, PlymouthMay 8: Northfield Mount Hermon School Farmers Market & Teach-In, BernardstonMay 30: Powisset Farm Spring Festival, Dover
www.nofamass.org 8 April 2015 Newsletter
What to expect at the 2015 NOFA Summer ConferenceNicole Belanger and Ben Grosscup
The three-day NOFA Summer Conference comes to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst on August 14-16! With 150+ workshops on farming, gardening, nutrition, land care, food politics, and more as well as special workshops for teens and children, the Summer Conference has a little something for everyone.
This year’s keynote speakers are Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, medical doctor and nutritional consultant, and Ronnie Cummins, consumer activist and regenerative agriculture advocate.
In 2015 conference workshops will take place Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and Sunday. On Friday morning, four half-day pre-conferences are being offered: Herbal Remedies for Digestive Wellness with Brittany Nickerson; Regenerative Agriculture for the Climate with Connor Stedman; Pastured Poultry with Ken Gies; and Backyard Beekeeping with Sanne Kure-Jensen. Keynote speaker Natasha Campbell-McBride will offer the Healing your body with the GAPS Nutritional Protocol full-day pre-conference seminar on Friday.
Presenter and Workshop highlights Aaron Englander Aaron Englander is a farmer educator from coastal Maine with focus on soil health.
On-Farm Produced Inoculants and Nutrients: A Hands-on Demo
This hands-on, outdoors workshop will empower people to make their own soil fertility products for home and farm use. Based on principles of Korean Natural Farming, participants will help create the following fertility products: calcium spray (using eggshells and vinegar); Fish emulsion (using fish scraps and sugar); Indigenous Micro-Organisms (using a rice base); and Fermented Plant Juice
spray (using plant matter and sugar).
Michael Kilpatrick Michael Kilpatrick is a farmer who manages marketing and technical sales for Four Season Tools. He offers two workshops on season extension - a major topic of interest for farm profitability.
Designing your Greenhouse for EfficiencyParticipants will explore how to design a tunnel to best fit an operation’s needs and how to set it up for maximum efficiencies. Learn about 100% utilization, trolleys, stacking crops, efficient heating methods, venting methods, removable end walls, and more.
Profitable Summer & Winter Crops in High Tunnels
Drawing on his 10 years of experience managing high tunnel cropping, Michael will share how to grow, season extend, and market a wide array of summer and winter crops. This talk is geared towards those starting out in tunnel production but also will contain tips and tricks for the advanced grower as well.
Outdoor workshop at 2014 Summer Conference (Credit: Eric Crawford)
www.nofamass.org 9 April 2015 Newsletter
Rachel & Bruce ShearerRachel Shearer operates the Little White Goat Dairy in Orange MA and Bruce Shearer, runs Heritage Fields Farm and Ag Services in Orange, MA. Their two workshops describe the steps involved in building and licensing a raw milk goat dairy, as well as managing the dairy once it is up and going.
Constructing and Equipping a Small DairyThe Shearer’s designed and built a 1,200 sq. ft. dairy with goat milking parlor, raw milk room, and pasteurization plant. The workshop will cover construction, equipping, and licensing, from the vegetative treatment area for wastewater through licensing raw milk sales, highlighting the keys to making good design decisions in a complex regulatory environment.
Running a Goat Dairy From the Ground UpLittle White Goat Dairy produces raw milk and cultured milk products. The Shearer’s will offer their perspective on the role healthy soils and pastures play in maintaining a healthy herd. They’ll describe biologically rational management practices to maximize milk quality through good lactations and efficient, sanitary facilities and operations.
Jennifer Giustra-KozekJennifer Giustra-Kozek is a board-certified psychotherapist with 15+ years clinical experience and author of “Healing without Hurting.” Giustra-Kozek will address the use healing diets to treat neuro-degenerative disease. This is her first year presenting at the Summer Conference.
Treating ADHD & Autism without Harmful MedicationNumerous studies demonstrate the link between ADHD/autism and nutritional deficiencies, food intolerances, genetically modified foods, and environmental toxins. Still, many doctors turn to potentially dangerous medication first. Learn about underlying causes of ADHD and ASD and their co-morbid conditions (e.g., sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and impulsivity) and about non-pharmaceutical solutions that work.
Erin BullockErin Bullock is a vegetable grower and founded Mud Creek Farm CSA.
Creating a Profitable CSA Farm from Start to FinishParticipants will learn the steps in starting a CSA. Erin started a 15-acre CSA vegetable farm from scratch, grew it to a profitable 400-member operation in 5 years, and sold the whole business to a friend. She will address marketing and website, business planning, crop diversification, UPick, time management, mentoring interns, sustaining customers, neighbor relationships, land leasing, and letting go.
Registration begins April 15.
www.nofasummerconference.orgfor updates!
Group registration discounts and limited scholarships and work
exchange opportunities available.
Spread the word! Visit http://bit.ly/1BmKxu2 for
shareable text.
www.nofamass.org 10 April 2015 Newsletter
Calling all artists, farmers, craftspeople, and fair-goers!
The NOFA Summer Conference Fair will be from 3-6pm on Saturday August 15th on the Campus Pond Lawn. Do you want to share your skills of soap making, fermentation, wool spinning, face painting, obstacle course creating, or anything else you have a passion for? We are expanding the fair this year to offer more games, demos, and contests, so we need your help and expertise!
Contact Hannah Jacobson-Hardy [email protected] or 413-695-5968 if you would like to participate in making the fair a memorable one in 2015.
www.nofamass.org 11 April 2015 Newsletter
New energy for the children’s and teen conferencesJulie Rawson, NOFA/Mass Executive Director
Our Charge: Providing the highest quality programming and experience for our children and teens at the Summer and Winter Conferences.
My family attended our first NOFA Summer Conference in 1985 when our kids were 7, 6, 5 and 3. They had a blast at the children’s conference. Jack and I took over the Summer Conference in 1987, and did it for 24 years. Our kids moved through many children’s conferences, and all of a sudden were teens. I am somewhat embarrassed that I did not push to get a teen conference going before the idea was thrust upon me by my own situation, but be that as it may, we started running a teen conference at the Summer Conference sometime in the early 90’s. Many years have passed. Our grandchildren now attend the children’s conferences at the NOFA Summer Conference and the NOFA/Mass Winter Conference.
NOFA/Mass has always been a cradle to grave organization, and Jack and I are ever grateful to all the folks who tolerated the onslaught of our entire family at all NOFA events back in the 80’s and 90’s. The interest in making NOFA relevant and meaningful to all age groups (along with the many organic food and farming constituencies) remains strong. With that in mind we are establishing a study group to evaluate our children’s and teen programming, particularly at our two major conferences.
Are you a parent/grandparent of a child or a teen who has attended our conferences? Do you have interest in helping us bring our programming to the next level for the 2-18 year old crowd? Do you have a particular interest, capability or expertise with respect to this (or a subset of this) age group? Or would you like to help us out by giving us honest feedback about past experiences at our conferences – what worked, what didn’t? Here is what we are planning to do:
• Carefully evaluate and analyze our present programming for kids and teens in the WC and SC
• Do some visioning regarding where we would like to go with both of our conferences
• Determine necessary price tags and staffing needs and consider how to raise funds for said improvements
If you would like to join our study group for some meetings (no more than 1 per month, 1 hour per meeting, all on the phone), please be in touch at 978-355-2853 or [email protected]. We all thank you in advance.
www.nofamass.org 12 April 2015 Newsletter
Pacifist, war tax resister, civil rights activist and supporter of local, organic agriculture Juanita Nelson dies at 91
August 17, 1923 – March 9, 2015
Juanita (Morrow) Nelson, 91, died peacefully following a period of declining health on Monday, March 9, 2015, at Poet’s Seat Health Care Center in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
Heralded as a lifelong activist and pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement and the organic farming and simple living movements, Juanita was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 17, 1923, the daughter of Eula Jean (Middlebrooks) Morrow and Oscar Morrow, Sr.
Juanita graduated in 1941 from Cleveland’s Central High School and attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. She served as secretary of the university’s NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and experienced her first arrest for civil disobedience while protesting lunch counter segregation in our nation’s capitol. In 1943, she enrolled in Western Reserve University, majoring in journalism, and worked as a reporter for the Cleveland Call & Post. In that role, she met her lifelong partner, Wally Nelson, while working on a story about segregated conditions in the jail in which Wally was awaiting trial as a conscientious objector.
Juanita worked with CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) on both local and national levels. In 1948, Wally and Juanita refused to pay taxes for war and military preparations and helped found Peacemakers, a pacifist group that took its name from the biblical Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers… .” The group advocated non-payment of federal war taxes, non-registration for the military draft, and the promotion of nonviolence in all areas of life.
In 1950, the Nelsons became part of an integrated household in Cincinnati, Ohio, which
led to tensions within a neighborhood where segregation was the norm. In 1955, Juanita earned a degree in speech pathology from Ohio State University, motivated by the fact that this would allow her to work on a contractual basis without withholding taxes.
The Nelsons moved to Philadelphia in 1956 and lived in Powelton Village, a culturally diverse and historic neighborhood. They spent four months at Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia, which had come under attack for refusal to discriminate based on skin color. Shots were fired into the community during the Nelsons’ stay. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Juanita was arrested several times due to activities connected with tax resistance and civil rights protests.
With Wally, Juanita began her farming life in 1970 when they moved to Ojo Caliente in northern New Mexico. Fueled by a desire to live more simply in the face of U.S. war in Vietnam and to be less involved in the economic milieu that spawns war, they made their living by growing and selling produce and attempting to become as self-sufficient as possible. They learned to heat and cook with wood, preserve food, and
Juanita Nelson at 89
www.nofamass.org 13 April 2015 Newsletter
make their own soap.
Their 1974 move to Woolman Hill, site of a Quaker conference center in Deerfield, MA, brought the Nelsons to the Pioneer Valley, where they became mentors to many people, young and old. Granted lifetime use of a small plot of land, the Nelsons built a compact home with no electricity or running water and received permission from the town to build an outhouse.
Juanita authored many articles and poems, as well as the 1988 book, A Matter of Freedom. She and Wally helped found the Valley Community Land Trust, Pioneer Valley War Tax Resisters, and the Greenfield Farmers’ Market. After Wally’s death in 2002, Juanita hatched the idea for the Free Harvest Supper, held in Greenfield, which has become a major community event in late August of each year.
A longtime advocate of local food, Juanita challenged attendees at the 2006 Free Harvest Supper to eat locally, not just when it was convenient but year round. This challenge spawned Winter Fare, the first winter farmers’ market in Massachusetts. The idea soon spread throughout the Commonwealth.
For the last several years, Juanita lived with a series of close friends, including Eveline MacDougall, Ellie Kastanopolous, and, most recently, Betsy Corner, Randy Kehler, and Kip
Moeller.
Juanita was pre-deceased by her partner Wally Nelson and her brothers Charles Morrow and Oscar Morrow, Jr. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Ohio, and by a large national and international family of friends and fellow travelers. She will be sorely missed by many.
End-of-life arrangements are being handled by the Eternal Blessings Cremation Service in Guilford, Vermont.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Valley Community Land Trust, Box 1552, Greenfield, MA 01302, and to the Wally and Juanita Nelson Scholarship Fund at Greenfield Community College, c/o GCC Foundation, 270 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.
A celebration of Juanita’s amazing life will take place Saturday, May 30 at Greenfield Middle School. There will likely be a half mile parade from the Farmer’s Market to the school starting at the close of the market - 1:00 pm.
Lynne Waldron ([email protected]) has generously offered to organize local housing for those coming a distance. Please contact her with your interest. And those who would like to offer housing should also contact Lynn who will send you a form.
www.nofamass.org 14 April 2015 Newsletter
Learn more and sign up at
BostonOrganics.com
We partner with local
farmers to bring organic produce to the
people of Boston.
www.nofamass.org 15 April 2015 Newsletter
Springfield begins organic land care on six pilot sitesBarbara Giammarino
Umass Lowell’s Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) awarded $20,000 to the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management to implement organic land care practices on six properties.
The properties include Frederick Harris School grounds, Sweeney Playing Field at High School of Commerce, Forest Park Playing Field, Tree Top Park, Camp Wilder and the terrace at Mason Square. The results from these pilot sites will provide the foundation on which to expand the program to 50 school properties and 900 acres of public land. Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management is demonstrating strong leadership, moving the city to organic practices and becoming a model for other cities, municipalities and residents.
The project team will conduct soil analysis, implement management plans for pilot sites, develop bid specifications for material and labor, create program budget to implement organic land care practices and conduct training for staff, community groups, and municipal partners in Northampton and Holyoke. Both residents and businesses are asked to join in the protection of our open space and water resources by using organic fertilizers.
On Saturday, April 25, there is a free workshop “The Living Lawn: Simple Steps To Organic Lawn Care” at Greenleaf Community Center, 1188 Parker St, Springfield, Ma. Chip Osborne, Owner of Osborne Organics, provides an easy three step approach to establishing your lawn organically.
Please call Better Life Whole Foods at 413-783-9424 ext. 2 to register. This is free workshop and refreshment will be served.
Barbara Giammarino
www.nofamass.org 16 April 2015 Newsletter
A transition to organic certification is an important decision for any farmer, regardless of the size and type of farm. There is no one size fits all recipe for organic farming. Even within a certain area of food production, or a specific crop, there is no blueprint, but there are some overarching concepts that are relevant regardless of the specifics of each farm. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to transition to organic production, or certified organic, will largely depend on your unique skills, preferences, resources available to you, relationship with your animals and your customers, and market base. However, it is a transition that any farm can make, if they are committed to the success of the process and the benefits doing so would bring to your whole farm system. This article touches on some of the major concepts of organic dairy farming, and what a transition to a certified organic dairy farm could look like.
The process of a transition to being certified organic is a unique one for a dairy farm, as opposed to other types of livestock farms. The reason is that dairy animals are the only type of livestock that can undergo a transition if the animal was not born into an organic system. Due to this unique situation, you as the farmer can think of your transition as really two transitions: one for the land, and one for the livestock.
In order for the land to become certified organic, the land has to have been free of prohibited substances for 36 months. These 36 months are considered the transition period, but if you already have land that has been free from prohibited substances, they may qualify immediately and you won’t have to wait the 36 months. Prohibited substances include, but are not limited to the following: herbicides, insecticides, synthetic fertilizers, and chemically treated or genetically engineered seeds. If a prohibited substance is used on a field, that field starts the transition period again and you need to wait another 3 years before that piece of land can be approved for organic production.
When in doubt about whether a certain product or
substance is acceptable, there are a couple steps you can take to find out. A starting point would be to go to the Organic Materials Review Institute website (www.omri.org) and enter the product you are considering using to ascertain its status. Depending on what you find on there, it is a good idea to contact and ask your local certifying agency. There are products that are approved but not listed on OMRI, so keep that in mind.
The livestock transition period is 12 months. This means that dairy cows can become certified organic if they are managed organically for 12 months - including being fed organic feed, living in appropriate conditions, and not given any prohibited substances. As of a 2005 amendment of the Organic Foods Production Act, farmers are allowed to feed their own 3rd year transitional feed (feed produced on their own land in the final 12 months of a transition – no purchased transitional feed is allowed) to their cows during the livestock transition period. However, the cows must be on completely organic feed at the time that their milk becomes certified organic. It is critical to remember that a cow (or herd of cows) can only be transitioned once. Once a cow (or herd) is certified organic, they must be managed organically for the rest of their lives. If they are not then they will fall out of the organic program for good.
Managing a dairy cow organically may seem like a big step for a transitioning farm, but if
Transitioning conventional dairy farm to organicSuzy Konecky, Beginning Farmer Program & Raw Milk Program Coordinator
www.nofamass.org 17 April 2015 Newsletter
you are already grazing your cows and avoiding conventional health care products, you are likely most of the way there. The above paragraph mentions three aspects of an organic cow - being fed organic feed, living in appropriate conditions, and not given any prohibited substances. With regards to the feed, it is important to remember that this includes all grains, forages, pastures, and also means that any supplemental minerals or vitamins contain only approved ingredients. Dairy animals that are certified organic are required to be grazed on pasture during the grazing season for their area, which needs to be at least 120 days of each year. At least 30% of their DMI (dry matter intake) must be obtained by grazing. During all times of year, whether or not the animals are grazing, they must have access to the outdoors, and any plant based materials that are used for bedding indoors must be certified organic.
Health care might be your major concern when considering a transition to organic certification, especially if your local vet is not familiar with organic health care practices. Most conventional health care products such as antibiotics, steroids, hormones, etc. are prohibited in organic certification. However, there are a plethora of products that are allowed including aspirin, minerals (such as calcium, electrolytes, homeopathic remedies), essential oils, and more. A good place to start finding out about approved products is to ask organic dairy farmers in your area what works for them. There are many companies that can help you navigate the options and figure out what you want to keep in your medicine cabinet versus what you might need to order only for treatments.
Record keeping is another important piece of organic certification that must be considered from the start of your process. All records including field amendments, all products purchased, all vet treatments, etc. must be documented. If you think about the beginning of the season working forward, here are some of the activities that you need to document: any seed you purchase for planting, calving, calf feeding and care, manure spreading, planting, pasture rotations, health treatments, chemical purchase for cleaning and sanitizing, forage harvesting, and milk sales. This is not an exhaustive list, but it should give you an
idea of the detail in which records are needed. The records don’t need to be fancy – handwritten on a notebook or calendar works fine for most.
Before certification is granted, the farmer must have an Organic System Plan approved by their certifying agency and pass an on-site inspection. An Organic System Plan (OSP) provides an overview of the systems and practices followed on your particular farm. You will have the opportunity to write your own system plan, based on your particular location, practices, skills, and opportunities. An OSP includes the following: your farm procedures, all the materials that you use an inputs, your monitoring practices of soil and animal health, a description of your record keeping systems, a description of how you keep non-organic products out of your farm, farm maps and history. Your certifying agent will provide you a pre-formatted OSP for you to fill out; they will review your OSP and inform you if any changes need to be made. They can answer any specific questions you have about filling out the OSP. If you are in compliance with the National Organic Program (NOP), an inspector will come to your farm for a visit. If the inspector has no concerns after a visit to the farm, certification will be granted. Any small issues of noncompliance can often be adjusted over a specific time period.
There are several good resources for organic dairy farming that all those considering a transition could take advantage of. Anyone who is considering becoming certified organic, or just wants to remain abreast of issues and topics in organic dairying, should join the e-mail list for NODPA - Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance. Their website is here: www.nodpa.com. Other resources specific to transition include: ATTRA Publications (www.attra.ncat.org), OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute at www.omri.org), SARE Publications (www.sare.org), and the Organic Dairy Production Handbook as part of the NOFA Organic Principles and Practices Handbook Series, written by Sarah Flack.
NOFA/Mass members have the benefit of certification assistance through the newly established role of the Certification Assistance Coordinator. Please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].
www.nofamass.org 18 April 2015 Newsletter
The big picture look at raw milk laws & distributionSuzy Konecky, Beginning Farmer Program & Raw Milk Program CoordinatorIf you have been following the NOFA/Mass newsletter and e-blasts, you have likely seen the news that there is currently a bill in the Massachusetts state legislature that would allow for the delivery of raw milk. Currently Massachusetts’ raw milk sales are allowed only at the dairy where the milk is produced. Let’s take a step back and look at the big picture of raw milk laws and distribution to provide some context.
This map shows the legal status of raw milk around the country. Note that in the key, the highest level of access allowed is the one that it is colored for, but other forms of raw milk distribution may be allowed in any particular state. According to this map, there are about 38 states (including Massachusetts) where raw milk is available, either through retail sales, on-farm sales, or herdshares. The remainder of the states do not permit the sale of raw milk for human consumption at all, some only as pet food. In almost every state raw milk can be sold as pet food if the producer has a commercial feed license, however most states will not issue a commercial feed license for the sale of raw milk for pets. This map shows only the states where it is known that permits have been granted for raw milk for pets. The only state that expressly prohibits the sale of raw milk for animal consumption is Michigan.
There are other regulations not depicted here. In two states there is a limit to the number of lactating animals that can be on the farm (OR & MS). In some states (MS, KY, RI) only the sale of raw goat’s milk is permitted. In other states there
are limits on the volume of sales (VT, NH, OK), and in two states (KY & RI) raw milk is available by doctor’s prescription only.
In the 10 states on this map that show allowable retail sales, there can still be intrastate regulations. For example, in New Mexico retail sales of raw milk are allowed at shops, farmers markets, etc. However, Albuquerque country does
not permit the sale of raw milk within the county. Neighboring counties, such as Santa Fe County, do permit the sale of raw milk, so residents must travel within the state to purchase their raw milk. The same ability to travel to a neighboring area to purchase raw milk does not apply between states, as the interstate transport of raw milk is not allowed.
Many states that allow the sale of raw milk do not allow the sale of most raw milk products. Butter and cheese fall outside the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (the regulation that deals with the sale
of milk), but rather are regulated under the dairy manufacturing laws in a given state. This is what allows farmers to make and sell raw milk cheese (as long as they have a licensed plant/creamery), if the cheese has been aged for over 60 days.
This hopefully gives a big picture view of the landscape of raw milk throughout the country. As we have been working with the legislation in Massachusetts to allow the delivery of raw milk, we look to the successes of other states as inspiration. Various kinds of legislation related to the sale and consumption of raw milk is brought up regularly in state legislatures. Raw milk laws do change from time to time, but only with the wide support of consumers and residents. This map is an inspiration here in Massachusetts, as we are trying to push forth the delivery bill. It is useful to step back and see the big picture. This reminds us that we are in a good position with our ability to sell raw milk from our farms, but that it is possible to go further and join those states that have more flexible regulations.
www.nofamass.org 19 April 2015 Newsletter
A worried biotech industry moves to pre-empt state GMO labeling lawsJack Kittredge, NOFA/Mass Policy Director
On March 25 Congressman Michael Pompeo (R-Kansas) introduced HR 1599 in Congress, which he calls the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015.” The bill has more accurately been called the “Deny American’s the Right-to-Know” (DARK) Act. It would:
• Preempt states from requiring labeling of GMO food and prohibiting bogus “natural” claims.
• Codify the current, broken voluntary labeling system through new FDA non-GMO labeling rules and a new USDA non-GMO labeling program.
• Create new barriers to a national mandatory GMO labeling system.
• Create a GMO “safety” review system based on industry science, impossible deadlines, and loopholes.
Given that 90% of Americans support labeling of GMO food, three states (VT, CT, ME) have already passed state labeling laws, and 64 nations currently require labeling (including Russia, China, the EU, and important trading partners in Asia) it is almost incredible that such a bill would be introduced in Congress. What is even more incredible is that it has a good chance of passage.
The biotech industry is clearly in trouble. Besides their growing political and public relations problems, their dream to engineer and privatize all seed is turning into a nightmare by its own failures.
• Superweeds unaffected by Roundup now infest over 70 million acres of US farmland.
• Unapproved varieties of GMO corn, rice, wheat and alfalfa have been carelessly released into fields in at least eight states, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.
• Roundup itself has just been labeled “probably carcinogenic to humans” by an agency of the World Health Organization.
But when it comes to billions of dollars in profits, these companies are not giving up easily. They apparently have so little respect for the American people as to believe we will just lie down and give
up if they use their Congressional majorities to take away the hard-fought victories in states like Vermont, Maine and Connecticut, and prevent others like Massachusetts from even passing labeling in the first place.
But they are only digging themselves into a deeper hole. The more they fight, the more they try to confuse buyers and harass companies providing a non-GMO option, the more people will know that GMOs can’t stand up to honest inspection and will seek out organic and healthy foods.
Nevertheless, it is important to organize to resist the DARK Act. Surprisingly, even many of our Massachusetts Democratic Congressmen are not familiar with this bill nor the forces it represents. Call your Congressperson now and tell them you oppose this bill, want them to vote it down, and instead support the Boxer-DeFazio bill that would establish a true federal mandatory GMO labeling program. If you don’t know your Congressperson, go to www.house.gov/representatives/find and enter your zip code.
And tell them while you are waiting to get federal legislation doing the job, you are going to continue to support efforts for a Massachusetts labeling law!
The Environmental Working Group has come up with a tongue-in-cheek poster to get people to ask what DARK
Act is. Congressman Pompeo takes the role of Darth Vader and North Carolina sponsor George Kenneth Butterfield an
Imperial trooper. For a jpg of the poster send an email to [email protected].
www.nofamass.org 20 April 2015 Newsletter
Homesteading observations: Signs of springSharon Gensler, Homesteader
It’s the end of March, and I am awaiting those signs of spring that we look forward to with such longing after a long, cold, snowy winter. I wonder, have my snowdrops bloomed under the remaining snow and will they eventually show themselves? Their emergence, along with the hanging of sap buckets, reminds me that mud season will be upon us, soon followed by the slow beginning of the growing season. I’m a bit disoriented right now as I’m in Louisiana visiting my mom for her 95th birthday and spring is already in full swing. The trees are decked out in their frilly bright greens, the azaleas are in full bloom and we wake to bird song every morning. I’m hopeful that on my April 1 return, we will see the ground rather than the snow.
My brother Jim traveled from California and brother Larry lives here. We are all avid food growers and have a lot to share, besides memories, when we get together. Jim is dealing with the third year of drought and rats eating his tomatoes. (Could they be thirsty?) Larry worries about whether he’ll get tomatoes before the intense summer heat and I talk about late blight and the temperature/rain swings we’ve had the past few years. CLIMATE CHANGE is a family reality.
We share ideas and possible solutions. Jim has turned to container growing so he can best manage water usage. I’ve shared much of what I’ve learned through NOFA workshops, especially about soil and nutrient growing. Tonight we’ll be viewing my power point on cover crops for the homestead/garden, which I’ve presented at both the Winter and Summer Conferences. Tomorrow a trip is planned to the feed store to buy cover crop seed for Larry’s growing beds.
I am so grateful for NOFA. I am a member of an organization that is cutting edge on so many topics concerning healthy growing with its abundance of helpful workshops. Neither brother has access to anything like it where they live and feel like they are “on their own” when it comes to help with organic growing. Oh yeah, they do have me! However, I can only offer so much advice as their growing conditions are so different from ours. Maybe we need to sow seeds of “organic farming/gardening” organizations across the US. I’m encouraging them to visit for the Summer Conference, so they not only can take great workshops but also can experience being immersed in our community.
It was a great visit but it is even better to be back on the homestead. Back home, though there is over a foot of snow in the garden and pasture, it does feel like spring is in the air. Still no snow drops, crocus or daffodils! But we do have MUD on the roads and basil and peppers are up in the greenhouse.
Here’s hoping all of our individual efforts to slow down climate change, taken together will make a difference. The more I learn and tell others about carbon farming, the more hope I have for the longevity of a livable planet. Read and implement some of the techniques explored in our website at www.nofamass.org/resources/soil-carbon-sequestration-resources-farmers-gardeners-and-consumers). Share with your family and friends, and enjoy spring!
www.nofamass.org 21 April 2015 Newsletter
To organic farmers everywhere for treating their animals and the earth with care and treating us with some of the finest organic ingredients around, thanks.Howe Farm, VTOne of the Organic Valley family farms that supply milk for our yogurt
www.nofamass.org 22 April 2015 Newsletter
NOFA/Mass Workshops & Events
Visit nofamass.org/events for workshop additions and updates.
Korean Natural FarmingSunday, April 26 - 9:30am to 4:30pmMany Hands Organic Farm, Barre, MACost: NOFA/Mass Member $48; Non-member $60Workshop full with waitlistKorean Natural Farming (KNF) is an agricultural method that encourages self-sustaining, closed loop systems through minimizing external inputs. Developed by Master Han Kyu Cho in South Korea, KNF echoes many of the principles central to Masanobu Fukuoka’s Natural Farming technique as well as Permaculture. This all-day, hands-on workshop will focus on both the philosophies and the practices of KNF.
Workshop attendees will learn to make various KNF inputs such as Indigenous Microorganism (IMO) soil inoculant, Fish Amino Acids, Water-soluble Calcium, and Oriental Herbal Nutrient. KNF is applicable to many types and scales of farming, from backyard veggie gardening to larger scale livestock operations. Students will walk away from the workshop equipped with the knowledge to implement KNF practices on their own farm or garden.
Hands-On Hog Slaughtering and ProcessingSunday, May 3 - 10:00am to 4:30pmFrohloff Farm, Ware, MACost: NOFA/Mass Member $45 (Walk-In cost, $55); Non-member - $57 (Walk-in cost, $67)Workshop full with waitlistAt this hands on workshop Jake Levin, The Roving Butcher, will lead participants in the slaughter, bleeding, scalding, evisceration, and eventually the break down into various pork cuts, of a market weight pig.
There will be a tour of the historic 95-acre Frohloff Farm, 20 acres of which are managed as a hog operation by farmer Bill St. Croix.
Edible Wild Plant Walk with Hannah Jacobson-HardySunday, May 17 - 2:00pm to 5:00pmGreenfield Recreation and Swim Area, Greenfield, MACost: NOFA/Mass Member $25 (Walk-In cost, $30;) Non-member $31 (Walk-in cost, $36)Learn to identify edible wild plants and medicinal herbs with Hannah Jacobson-Hardy, holistic health coach and community herbalist of Sweet Birch Herbals. Participants will learn how to respectively harvest each plant and use them for making salads, soups, and skin care products. We’ll be identifying spring ephemerals such as ramps, dandelion, Japanese knotweed shoots, burdock root, and nettles, which are deliciously pungent and bitter treats that promote spring cleansing. After a winter of eating dense, heavier foods, are you craving more fresh green foods? Join Hannah for an educational walk that includes recipes and tastings.
www.nofamass.org 23 April 2015 Newsletter
Growing Vegetables For Health, Quality, and Profit - A Season Long SeriesSunday, June 14 - 2pm to 5:30pm (workshop 2 of 3)Brix Bounty Farm, Dartmouth, MACost: Entire Series: NOFA/Mass Member $90; Non-member $112Individual Workshop: NOFA/Mass Member $36; Non-member $45Learn about profitable, small-scale vegetable production throughout the 2015 growing season with farmer Derek Christianson at Brix Bounty Farm.
Workshop 2: June 14 - Fertility Foundations: Dry Mineral Applications & In-Season Management (Crop Monitoring, Water Management, and Foliar Sprays) - a focus on alliums, lettuce, and tomatoes. (Includes discussion on lettuce harvest and post-harvest management, allium varieties and distribution schedule throughout the season, and tomato succession management).
Participants will see and experience how Brix Bounty’s production evolves from early season fertility and plant propagation to mid-season management and fall harvest rhythms. The workshops will focus on the practices and key information essential to grow and sustain this commercial farm. Each workshop will build on information presented in previous sessions. Attendees are highly encouraged to register for the full series.
2015 NOFA Summer Conference – Save the date!Friday, August 14 – Sunday August 16, 2015University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA2015 NOFA Summer Conference keynotes confirmed: Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride is a medical doctor and nutritional consultant, and Ronnie Cummins is a consumer activist and regenerative agriculture advocate.
Looking for local, organic produce in season?
Check out the NOFA/Mass Organic Food and Products Guide!
Find farms and businesses all across the state selling the products you want!
(You can search by region or product.)
theorganicfoodguide.com
www.nofamass.org 24 April 2015 Newsletter
Looking for help? Have something to sell? Have land to lease? Place a classified ad!
Find out more at www.nofamass.org/classifieds
CLASSIFIEDS
Lexington Montessori School - Teacher/Coordinator for the Gardening Program Contact: Biff Maier; [email protected] LMS seeks a Teacher and Coordinator for the LMS Gardening Program to continue the development of a culture of gardening and sustainability at LMS, both in the classrooms and the community at large. Collaborate with classroom teachers at all levels to develop and deliver a cohesive, fully integrated garden based curriculum. Coordinate the use of existing gardening infrastructure and expands it in conjunction with LMS’ five year strategic plan.
<1/4 acre land for rare plant nursery; lease/swap Contact: Russell Stafford; [email protected] Mail-order nursery specializing in rare ornamentals (www.odysseyperennials.com) needs approximately 1000 s.f. of land with running water for shade structures to house containerized plants. A work shed on site would be ideal. Organic-friendly operation. Rent/lease, or a plants-for-land barter arrangement would be ideal. Eastern Mass., CT River Valley, southern Worcester County.
Groundwork Lawrence seeks Seasonal Grower for urban farm and youth program Contact: Stephanie Maraldo; [email protected] Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) is seeking a Green Team Grower to develop and maintain our half acre farm in South Lawrence. In addition to farming, the Grower is responsible for supervising and creating youth development opportunities
for our Green Team members. Green Team is an 8 week, part-time, summer employment program for 30 high school students from Lawrence, MA. The Green Team program allows for youth to be a part of various environmental improvements, stewardship projects, urban agriculture, healthy living initiatives, and community engagement opportunities. For more information please visit www.groundworklawrence.org/greenteam
Powisset Farm Seeks CSA Manager Contact: Meryl LaTronica; [email protected] The CSA Manager has over-all management responsibility for the Community Supported Agricultural operation at Powisset Farm. Responsibilities include crop production planning and management, staff supervision, volunteer and visitor experiences, budget management, planning, marketing, procurement and shareholder relations. The CSA Manager reports to the Farm Director, and works closely with the Superintendent of Charles River Valley and other non-CSA farm staff. The position is full time, year-round with a seasonally variable work schedule. Please email for full job posting.
Certified Organic Dominique flock for sale Contact: Cynda; [email protected]; 508-763-5901 14 Dominique layers and one rooster for sale. Baystate Organic certified since 2006. Layers are of various ages and have been a good source of sustainable birds. Dominiques are a rare, endangered breed, useful for both meat and eggs. Cockerels size up to about 4# in 16 - 20 weeks on free range supplemented on pullet grower pellets. Skin is white, breast and legs are large, body is short. Nice roasters. Contact Cynda for more information @ The Clover Path Garden.
www.nofamass.org 25 April 2015 Newsletter
Human Resources Assistant Contact: Ellen Mendonca; [email protected] The Trustees of Reservations is looking for a General Manager for Appleton Farms in Ipswich and Hamilton, MA. Responsibilities include but are not limited to supporting sustainable agricultural, financial, and ecological goals; ensuring productive relations across the organization and in the community; and solidifying an active volunteer corps. For more information please go to our website www.ttor.org/about-us/employment.
Landscaping company with ecologically minded mission Contact: Michael; [email protected] Crew Positions available: $15 - $20 depending on experience. ALTERNATIVE, FUN, POSITIVE and OPEN-MINDED. We are looking for EXPERIENCED individuals with landscaping or gardening knowledge and skills. Requirements: Stamina and strength to lift, dig and do repetitive tasks; Legal to work in the US, and a valid Mass. License; At least 1 year experience preferred; A commitment to the health of the environment and local ecology. References upon request. www.gogreenlawncare.com
Scholarship Program Announced, The Farm School Contact: Patrick Connors; [email protected] Come to The Farm School’s year-long Learn to Farm program to gain practical knowledge, confidence and competence on our diversified farm. Students are immersed in forestry, animal husbandry, carpentry, mechanics, business planning and organic vegetable production. Scholarships make the program available to all qualified students regardless of means. Apply now for the upcoming program, which starts October 1, 2015: www.farmschool.org/learntofarm
Seeking farmer for small plot of land in Petersham for summer of 2015 Contact: Diane Nassif; [email protected] Owner of a 2.5 acre plot of land in Petersham (near Hardwick and Barre) seeks a local person to farm some of the land for the summer of 2015. Black poly was put down on a 100’ x 40’ section of the field in the fall after it was mowed. Owner will pay for soil amendments (organic). Well water may be pumped to the location. There is no charge for use of the land, just looking to have it used for sustainable farming. A residence is not included so the farmer should be local and have transportation.
Support NOFA/Mass’ work
Here’s a simple way to support our work. Buy local when you can, but if you do use Amazon, they will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to NOFA/Mass whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
To sign up, visit www.smile.amazon.com/ch/22-2987723.
Thank you for your support!
www.nofamass.org 26 April 2015 Newsletter
Events
Community Happenings
Workshops Celebrating Earth DaySaturday, April 18 & Sunday, April 19Indoor Action Sports, Greenfield, MA
At the Better Living show, fifteen 45-minute workshops offer ways to ‘green’ your home and yard while having fun, and improving your health and the environment! Franklin County residents share their experiences and invite discussion on how we can live healthier and more lightly on the Earth, so that future generations can enjoy life in our beautiful, abundant valley.
For workshop descriptions and schedule visit www.fcbetterlivingshow.org.
DAPNet presents Draft Animal Plowing with Sam RichSaturday, April 25 - 8am to 5pmWe-Li-Kit Farm, Abington, CT
Teamsters, bring your team and plow at We-Li-Kit Farm and work with Sam Rich a farmer/builder/logger that works both horses an oxen. He is a former National Walking Plow Champion, and recently won the World Champion Percheron Farm Team award.
Join Sam and Erika for a day to work on your plow technique, teamster skills and much more! Breakfast and lunch are included! Auditors Welcome! Proceeds to benefit DAPNet.
Fee: Teamster $175 & Auditor $50. Please Pre-Register by April 15th. www.draftanimalpower.org/forums/topic/plow-clinic-with-sam-rich-april-25th
Sheep Day/Earth Day CelebrationSaturday, May 2 - 10am to 3pmSoule Homestead, Middleboro, MASheep shearing, wool demonstrations (washing and carding fleece, weaving, spinning and felting); sheepdog demonstrations (11:30am & 1:30pm). Children’s activities, recycle crafts, face painting, honeybee observation hive, rug braiding, hooking, handcrafts, plant sale, composting demonstration, yard sale tables (rent $5). Baked goods, hot dogs and refreshments available.
$5 adults; $2 children under 12 (under 3 free). One free admission per membership. For more information, call 508-947-6744 or visit www.soulehomestead.org.
Beyond the Honey Bee: Conserving our Vital Native Pollinators Saturday, May 2 - 8:00 am to 4:30pmHarvard Forest, Petersham Thousands of invertebrate species worldwide are responsible for pollination of plants, including crops, and non-native honey bees provide just a portion of that service. The purpose of this event is to increase awareness and provide information and resources to people who want to manage their
www.nofamass.org 27 April 2015 Newsletter
Community Happenings
properties to benefit native pollinators. It is designed for small landowners, public lands managers, small farmers, backyard gardeners, and others who want to manage open space with native pollinator needs in mind.
To register contact [email protected] or visit www.hubbardstonnatureclub.weebly.com/conference.html. $45.00 before April 27th $50.00 after April 27th & at door
Announcements
CT NOFA Hiring New Executive DirectorCT NOFA is seeking an experienced, energetic, and visionary leader to assume the position of executive director. The organization has distinguished itself as the first and leading grassroots association advocating for organic food, farming, gardening and land care in Connecticut, connecting people in the sustainable local food and land care movements with organic resources and education.The Board of CT NOFA invites applications from interested individuals as well as nominations from third parties. Helpful information may be found on the CT NOFA website: www.ctnofa.org/documents/JobAnnouncementCT NOFA_ExecutiveDirector_3-15.pdf
UMass Amherst hiring Senior Sustainability Coordinator for Auxiliary EnterprisesSupport the advancement of sustainability at UMass Amherst, supporting innovative projects such as the award-winning UMass Permaculture Initiative and the Local, Healthy UMass food system initiative. This coordinator works alongside a team of sustainability professionals to oversee or support various sustainability programs for UMass Auxiliary, develop meaningful community engagement opportunities, and create communications materials to promote our sustainability programs to the campus community and broader audiences.
Contact Rachel Dutton (Sustainability Manager for UMass Auxiliary Enterprises) at [email protected] with questions. Apply online at http://bit.ly/umasssustainabilitycoordinator. Deadline for preferred applicants is April 30, 2015.
UMass Offers Pre-College Class in Sustainable Food Systems and FarmingThe UMass Sustainable Food and Farming program is offering a one week pre-college class for high school students from July 26 to August 1, 2015. Students will have a college living experience while learning about the local food system and gaining hands-on experience in organic farming. The class includes field trips to local farms as well as an immersion experience in a UMass project growing organic food for local food relief organizations. Students will explore their personal relationships to food, and lead each other in activities to deepen their understanding of how to change the food system. www.sustfoodfarm.org/summer-college/
www.nofamass.org 28 April 2015 Newsletter
Since the founding of the first successful co-operatives 170 years ago, food co-ops have enabled people to work together to improve access to healthy, local food and community ownership. For a map of member locations, visit www.nfca.coop/members.
The Neighboring Food Co-op AssociationP.O. Box 93 // Shelburne Falls, MA // 01370-0093
[email protected] // www.facebook.com/neighboring // www.nfca.coop
Your Local Food Co-ops...Visit your Neighboring
Massachusetts Food Co-ops to learn more!
• Green Fields Co-op Market, Greenfield• Leverett Village Food Co-op, Leverett• McCusker’s Co-op Market, Shelburne Falls • Old Creamery Co-op, Cummington• Quabbin Harvest Co-op, Orange• River Valley Co-op Market, Northampton• Wild Oats Co-op Market, Williamstown
The Rochdale Co-op on Toad Lane
Founded 1844, Rochdale, England
Supporting Food Security
Since 1844!
www.nofamass.org 29 April 2015 Newsletter
New and Renewing NOFA/Mass Members in March
Mike AgostiThomas AldenRoberto AlonzoNeil AndersCate BarkoskieHarley BassettClaire BatemanPatricia Benjamin and Stephen SwinglePaul BertlerPauline BriereStacie BrimmageSandy BrownVin BuccaGareth BuckleyMaryBeth BurwoodClare Caldwell and Josh PincusJeffrey CanterRichard and Dona CareyAnne Casavant-ChaneyGwenda ClarkBruce ColbyKathy ColeWill and Amelia ConklinJoe and Deb D’EramoDaniela Dana and Pete Lavens-MoyerKay DeansGlen and Jennifer DeArmondFrederick and KathyJohn Dymon and Mary BlakeDianne Plantamura ElardoCarl FawcettBrooke Finn and Rita WollmeringDavid Fisher and Anna MaclayJohanna FliesFox Gloves Landscape Gardening and DesignKathleen Geary and David Lockesmith
Susan GeiserAline GeryEdward GoGoGreen LawnCareBen GoldbergSteven GougeonMassachusetts State GrangeAnna GrenierHope GuardenierKimberly HalingEvan Halstead and Eleanora LeceiBruce HartleyMelissa HofferAlexander HoutzagerC Linda HowittKathy HuckinsHannah Jacobson-HardyJeffrey JourdainColleen Kearney and Sean T. BradyBarney KeezellAnna KelchlinAmy Klippenstein and Paul LacinskiMatt KoziolRick Kunz and Laura PlathC Emil KurthChristine LacasseGrace LamJeff LangevinPeter LappinJohn LaStellaMaria LeoRobert Lynch and Meghan ArquinMargaret A LynchLinda MacMillanJames McSweeneyMike MintzDonald and Louisa MorganKatharine O’Donnell
Jonathan ParrottDale PerkinsOdessa PiperSusan and Tom PowersDianna ProvencherKevin RudatJamie SamowitzBruce and Rachel SchererJim SchultzRebecca Sheehan PurcellJohn SielskiRobin SilvaLydia SilvaJeffery SmithWendell SmithJack StacyLou StephensonEd StockmanPaul Sylvia and Mary L FrancisLaura TimmermanTrisha TinkerPamela TrentiniSusan TreutleinPaul and Alice ViglianiJonathan von RansonTom Warnick and Nicola MetcalfKimberly WassMartha Gilpatrick WolfRyan ZschauRichard Zukowski
www.nofamass.org 30 April 2015 Newsletter
McCusker’s Market3 State Street, Shelburne Falls
Open Daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (413) 625-9411
Across from the Bridge of Flowers
Green Fields Market144 Main Street, Greenfield
Monday - Saturday 8 to 8 p.m.Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(413) 773-9567Two blocks from the Energy Park
Local, Organic Produce!Meat & Cheese, Grocery & Dairy Vitamins & Supplements Local SpecialtiesBulk SpicesBakery & Delifree WiFi
www.franklincommunity.coopEvents calendar, sales specials, menus, and more on our website:
“Like” on FACEBOOK too!
One Co-op...Two Great Stores:
Serving our community for over 35 years.
www.nofamass.org 31 April 2015 Newsletter
www.nofamass.org 32 April 2015 Newsletter
NOFA/ Massachusetts411 Sheldon Road Barre, MA 01005
