FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
The revolution will not be televised. It may, however, be streamed online.

NEWS:
Washington updates: CSP and WIC
NY region’s spinach growers suffer because of fear over California’s crop.
More college kids eating local farm fare.
Heavy rains mean empty pumpkin patches on Massachusetts farms.
Young farmers on the rise in New Jersey.
Animal officials prepare to combat bird flu, just in case.
Ethanol plant plans raise eyebrows throughout Delaware.
Memo to Nanny: No Juice Boxes.

EVENTS:
10/4: Field Corn Biomass for Heating Greenhouses, Westfield, MA
10/28: Teaching for Change, Farming for Profit, Orange, MA
10/28: Banking on Biodiversity, Keene, NH
10/28: Home Cheesemaking, State College, PA
11/1-3: New England Greenhouse Conference & Expo, Worcester, MA
11/4: Season Extension Workshop, Hancock, NY
11/4: Maryland Small Farm Conference, Princess Anne, MD
11/13-15: Farming on the Edge: The Next Generation, Newark, DE
11/14-15: Cornell Strategic Marketing Conference, Hyde Park, NY
11/9-10: “Regionalism: A Commitment to Place”, Baltimore, MD

OPPORTUNITIES:
Facilities Specialist, Oxfam America, Boston, MA
Executive Assistant, West Side Campaign Against Hunger, New York, NY
Director Corporate Relations, Project Bread - The Walk For Hunger of Massachusetts,
AmeriCorps Member/Migrant Health, ME
Development Associate, The Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston, MA
Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA
Multiple Job Openings, The Food Project, MA
Multiple Job Openings, Community Food Resource Center, New York, NY
Northeast SARE Farmer Grants
American Farmland Trust Steward of the Land Award
New Hampshire Integrated Pest Management Grant Program
Connecticut Agriculture Viability Grants Program
Northeastern IPM Center Partnership Grants



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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED. IT MAY, HOWEVER, BE STREAMED ONLINE.
Editor’s note: Just a week after I wrote an online commentary about how home-grown streaming internet videos are changing the way America receives its information and how this technology might be used for food systems change outreach, I received an e-mail from the Massachusetts-based group, the Food Project, with a link to their new online video. That link led me to another, an online video done by Yale University’s sustainable food project, and then to yet another series of online videos by Stone Barns’ Center for Food and Agriculture in New York. So, I think we are at an interesting point where two different revolutions – one working for a sustainable food system, the other for a new way of communicating – are meeting and mixing and where many new opportunities become possible. I leave you with a few links to get you thinking about how you and your organizations might try to harness this new communications medium to further your goals.

My commentary (written with another hat) : http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0918-27.htm 
The Food Project’s video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov6ct8x-m24 
Stone Barn’s video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrnaeBWly3U 
Yale University’s video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfbWYZj8nG8 


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NEWS
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WASHINGTON UPDATES: CSP AND WIC
Things have been fairly quiet on the federal policy front recently and will stay that way until the midterm elections are behind us. There are, however, a couple of developments worth noting. Last week, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that 51 watersheds would be eligible for the 2007 Conservation Security Program (CSP). A map of these watersheds is available online here: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/2007_CSP_WS.html  The reaction from members of the sustainable agriculture community was one of disappointment. “USDA is clearly low-balling the watershed number in attempt to prevent last year’s misfortune of getting farmers in 50 watersheds working on comprehensive conservation plans in order to enroll in CSP, only to have to tell them they were not going to be eligible after all,” said Ferd Hoefner of the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. “That may be wise politically at the moment, but at a pace of just one watershed per state per year, it would take about 40 years to reach the entire country. Our farmers are rightly upset at this absurdity. Clearly, this is no way to run a program.” On the nutrition front, changes are being proposed for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program that, if passed, would result in a restructuring of WIC packages to include more fruits, vegetables (including ones purchased from farmers’ markets) and whole grains and less dairy and eggs. Public comments are being accepted through November 6th. For more info on the proposed rule, see: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/regspublished/foodpackagesrevisions-proposedrule.htm 

REGION’S SPINACH GROWERS SUFFER BECAUSE OF FEAR OVER CALIFORNIA’S CROP
(New York Times) - The farmer seeded the crop here last month. It sprouted, flourished and was ready for harvest last week — hundreds of bushels that he would ordinarily sell for $10 apiece. Instead, he plowed it under, back into the sandy loam soil. It was spinach. The demand for fresh spinach — which had been soaring in recent years — suddenly collapsed as an outbreak of spinach-borne intestinal illness spread to 26 states in recent weeks. At least 183 cases were reported, 95 requiring hospitalization, and one victim died. Full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/29/nyregion/29spinach.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

MORE COLLEGE KIDS EATING LOCAL FARM FARE
(AP) - An earthy abundance from local farms comes through the loading docks of the Culinary Institute of America: sprigs of asparagus in the spring, peas and beets in the summer, apples and squash in the fall. The food — much of it taken from the soil the day before — provides fresh fodder from the Hudson Valley for the riverside school's five restaurants and classroom kitchens. Just as importantly, it drums up business for the farmers. The culinary institute, which buys directly from about two dozen local farms, is among the many colleges providing healthier choices for their students while throwing a lifeline to farmers getting by on thin margins. Full article here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060929/ap_on_bi_ge/farm_scene 

HEAVY RAINS MEAN EMPTY PUMPKIN PATCHES ON MASSACHUSETTS FARMS
(AP) - Leaves are beginning to change color on the sugar maples towering over the stone walls near Westview Farms, where the hayrides starting this weekend continue a long tradition of ushering in the fall. But there's something missing from this quintessential New England autumn scene: the pumpkins. Instead of countless pumpkins covering Westview's pick-your-own pumpkin fields, weeds have taken over the land. The $20,000 that farmer Dave Bradway spent planting pumpkins in mid-June may as well be rotting in the earth with the seeds ruined by too much rain. Full article here: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/09/29/heavy_rains_mean_empty_pumpkin_patches_on_massachusetts_farms/ 

YOUNG FARMERS ON THE RISE IN NEW JERSEY
(Gannett) - Acres of H&S DuBois farmland stretched to the horizon in the twilight as members of the family's seventh generation milled about a huge barn waiting for a community farm meeting to begin. The 4,200-acre farm, which spans Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties, has been growing vegetables, soybeans, wheat and hay for years in a lush, rural enclave most state residents wouldn't recognize as New Jersey.Steve DuBois Jr. and his cousins, Byron DuBois and Crystal DuBois-Taylor, will one day take over the family farm. The 20-somethings say they can't imagine doing anything different.
Full article here: http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060929/NEWS01/609290314 

ANIMAL OFFICIALS PREPARE TO COMBAT BIRD FLU, JUST IN CASE
(Boston Globe) - As avian influenza continues to spread around the globe, local preparations for a possible flu pandemic have focused on how to provide medical care for people. But there has also been a quiet, growing effort to organize the animal inspectors, wildlife officials, and veterinarians who are likely first responders if birds carry the virus to the region first. Wildlife officials began rounding up Canada geese and other migratory birds this summer at area cemeteries, parks, golf courses, beaches, and neighborhoods, and tested them for the deadly H5N1 strain of influenza. Although all such tests have been negative, the New England Wildlife Center in Weymouth will hold a full-day seminar in November to foster discussion among those on the front line who may be called on to pick up sick or dead birds, which can infect people. Meanwhile, at least one town has provided its animal inspector with an emergency response kit, complete with a protective Tyvek suit.
Full article here: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/09/28/animal_officials_prepare_to_combat_bird_flu_just_in_case/ 

ETHANOL PLANT PLANS RAISE EYEBROWS THROUGHOUT DELAWARE
Cape Gazette) - For more than 100 years, ethanol has been used by consumers in various forms, from beer to a fuel additive. Now Delaware could be getting its own ethanol refinery, which has raised eyebrows throughout the First State.During this past week and into next week, a series of workshops and hearings is being held in Dover to educate legislators and the public about ethanol’s emerging role as a fuel source. Full article here: http://www.capegazette.com/storiescurrent/200609/ethanol092906.html 

MEMO TO NANNY: NO JUICE BOXES
(New York Times) - IN posting after posting on the new Web site ISawYourNanny.blogspot.com, anonymous whistle-blowers describe alarming baby-sitting behavior they witness at playgrounds or supermarkets: the nanny in the Seattle suburbs who may be drinking on the job; the sitter in Greenwich, Conn., preparing for a date with the children’s father; the one near Atlanta pouring Dr Pepper into the sippy cup of her young charge. Alcohol abuse. Adultery. Carbonated beverages? One of these things is not like the others. But in an age of organic everything, rampant childhood obesity and widespread food allergies — not to mention poisonous spinach — the feeding and misfeeding of children has become a tense, awkward point of debate between parents and baby sitters. Full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/fashion/28nanny.html?ex=1159675200&en=afe5e2ac185d529a&ei=5087%0A 


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EVENTS
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10/4
FIELD CORN BIOMASS FOR HEATING GREENHOUSES,WESTFIELD, MA
This evening program is sponsored by University of Massachusetts Extension Agriculture and Landscape Program, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), and Donald Campbell Associates, as part of a series on Renewable Energy for Farms and Greenhouses. Tour the corn-heated greenhouses at Kosinski Farm, and listen to other speakers on growing corn for energy use, burning corn, and renewable energy system funding. For more info, see http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events.html#energy 

10/28
TEACHING FOR CHANGE, FARMING FOR PROFIT, ORANGE, MA
"Can you combine education and farming and draw a reasonable income?" This workshop is appropriate for those farming who wish to bring educational programs to their farm, or those thinking of starting a combined farm/education center. Topics covered will include the pros and cons of starting a non-profit organization, farm-based events and festivals, apprenticeships for education and labor, relationship-building with customers, schools and community. The workshop format will be interactive and help guide participants through the process of thinking through their goals using examples from Seeds of Solidarity Farm ( a for profit family farm) and Seeds of Solidarity Education Center Inc. ( a non-profit educational organization.) and the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. Deb Habib and Ricky have 12 years of experience combining non-profit education and for profit farming ventures. Visit www.seedsofsolidarity.org  to see more about Seeds of Solidarity Farm. For more information: contact Tom at [email protected] or see http://www.nofamass.org/programs/skills.php#teach 

10/28
BANKING ON BIODIVERSITY, KEENE, NH
The Center for Tropical Ecology at Antioch University New England presents this symposium that will bring together farmers, activists, educators and conservation biologists in an atmosphere of communication and strategy building. It will focus on ways in which agricultural systems can benefit both human and non-human ecological communities while remaining economically viable for farmers and ranchers. For more info, see: http://www.centerfortropicalecology.org/events/BankingonBiodiversity_Symposium.cfm 

10/28
HOME CHEESEMAKING, STATE COLLEGE, PA
PASA presents this intensive learning opportunity. Under the direction of Ricki Carroll, author of Home Cheese Making, participants will learn the basics of making simple hard and soft cheeses. The class will break into small groups to learn how to make Farmhouse Cheddar, Fromage Blanc, Crème Fraiche, Queso Blanco, Mascarpone, Ricotta, Mozzarella, whey cheeses and more. Through hands-on practice, we'll learn the basics principles of cheesemaking, care and use of equipment, and what types of milk to use. For more info, see: http://www.pasafarming.org/programs/2006_cheesemaking_ricki_carrol.html 

11/1-3
NEW ENGLAND GREENHOUSE CONFERENCE & EXPO, WORCESTER, MA
This event includes sessions on greenhouse production, pest management, business management, greenhouse engineering, and energy. Some sessions cover organic production and renewable energy. For more info, see: http://www.negreenhouse.org/ 

11/4
SEASON EXTENSION WORKSHOP, HANCOCK, NY
The NOFA-NY Susquenango Chapter Meeting offers an opportunity to learn about season extension from NOFA-NY Governing Council Board Member and longtime vegetable grower, Mark Dunau. You will learn techniques for extending your vegetable crop into the late fall and early winter. For more info, see: http://nofany.org/events.html 

11/4
MARYLAND SMALL FARM CONFERENCE, PRINCESS ANNE, MD
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore presents this third annual conference sponsored by the Maryland Outreach for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Project. Topics include: Production Issues, Food Safety, Financial Management and Local Food. For info, contact Maryland Cooperative Extension, [email protected] 

11/13-15
FARMING ON THE EDGE: THE NEXT GENERATION, NEWARK, DE
American Farmland Trust's annual conference is billed as the only national conference that brings together people who care about America’s rural legacy, land use and the future of farming and ranching. Participants and presenters will share information and ideas, network, find allies and form partnerships to achieve a healthy balance among sustainable agriculture and sustainable development, farmland protection and environmental quality. For more info, see: http://www.farmland.org/news/events/2006conference/default.asp 

11/14-15
CORNELL STRATEGIC MARKETING CONFERENCE, HYDE PARK, NY
"Beyond Growing: Strategies and Technologies that Transform Your Products to Meet Market Demands" is the title of this workshop. Determining how to transform crops in the fields to products desired by different markets is often a challenge for many local and regional agricultural producers. At this year's conference, buyers from retail, foodservice distribution, and restaurant sectors will share their insights, and growers will discuss their experiences on what the markets want beyond quality products, including packaging, varieties, volume, delivery schedule, and methods of doing business. For more info, see:
http://aem.cornell.edu/outreach/conferences/strategic_marketing.htm 

11/9-10
“REGIONALISM: A COMMITMENT TO PLACE”, BALTIMORE, MD
The Summit organized in the context of NESAWG’s “Northeast Ag Works!” project will provide an opportunity to: learn about emerging Farm Bill recommendations and priorities for the Northeast; explore areas of common cause and synergy; build our Northeast voice in upcoming policy deliberations; and discuss opportunities and strategies to work together. The Summit will take place in conjuction with NESAWG's annual meeting. The event will be held at the Marriott/BWI Hotel and Conference Center, located next to the Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport (10 minutes south of Baltimore). The conference will draw policy makers, advocates and educators from the Northeast region – Maine to West Virginia. For more info and a registration form, please see: http://www.nesawg.org/summit_registration.pdf 


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OPPORTUNITIES
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FACILITIES SPECIALIST, OXFAM AMERICA, BOSTON, MA
Under general supervision, maintains proper care of Oxfam America’s Boston office. Performs a variety of routine duties such as purchasing, conference room maintenance, reconfiguration of conference rooms, liaisons with building management, and environmental health and safety monitoring. Last day to apply: October 28, 2006 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/194658-157 

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, WEST SIDE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HUNGER, NEW YORK, NY
WSCAH is New York City's largest emergency food pantry. We are open Monday to Friday, and provide 3 days worth of food for people who find themselves without enough to eat. The pantry is set up like a supermarket where customers are able to select their own food. We also provide counseling and referrals for our customers, as well as programs such as the Customer Chef Program, nutrition workshops, Medicaid assistance, legal aid, and exercise classes. Last day to apply: November 14, 2006 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/192795-310 

DIRECTOR CORPORATE RELATIONS, PROJECT BREAD - THE WALK FOR HUNGER OF MASSACHUSETTS, BOSTON, MA
The Director of Corporate Relations will direct all aspects of the year-round corporate relations activities on behalf of Project Bread/The Walk for Hunger. The Director of Corporate Relations will report to the Executive Director, Project Bread. Last day to apply: November 21, 2006 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/193685-33 

AMERICORPS MEMBER/MIGRANT HEALTH, ME
The AmeriCorps member will conduct community outreach and health education for a statewide migrant health program in Maine. This may include providing information and education on services available, making referrals to care, organizing health education activities that focus on the needs of the community. Supportive activities may include assisting with data collection, needs assessment, marketing efforts and community-building. Last day to apply: October 21, 2006 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/194111-282 

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE, THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK, BOSTON, MA
The Development Associate is primarily responsible for donations processing, the administration and integrity of the donor database, and promoting good stewardship and donor relations. Last day to apply: October 29, 2006 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/190740-126 

MULTIPLE JOB OPENINGS, THE FOOD TRUST, PHILADELPHIA, PA
The Food Trust is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization improving the supply of affordable food and good nutrition in the mid-Atlantic region. The mission of The Food Trust is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food. For more info, see: http://www.thefoodtrust.org/php/about/jobs.php 

MULTIPLE JOB OPENINGS, THE FOOD PROJECT, MA
The Food Project operating from Lincoln and Roxbury Massachusetts is seeking to fill several full-time positions. For more info, see: http://www.thefoodproject.org/about/internal1.asp?ID=151 

MULTIPLE JOB OPENINGS, THE COMMUNITY FOOD RESOURCE CENTER, NEW YORK, NY
The Community Food Resource Center (CFRC) is dedicated to helping low-income New Yorkers gain and maintain access to nutritious food, income support and decent housing. For more info, see: http://www.foodchange.org/employment/employment.html 

NEW HAMPSHIRE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT GRANT PROGRAM
This program consists of awarding small grants, up to five thousand dollars, to the best project proposals submitted to the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. The purpose of this program is to "bring about the broadest possible application of the principles of IPM to agriculture, landscape and building maintenance, horticulture, arborculture, and any other areas in which economic poisons are employed." Due date: November 1, 2006 For more info, see: http://www.nh.gov/agric/programs/index.htm 

NORTHEAST SARE FARMER GRANTS
The goal of the Farmer grant program is to develop, refine, and demonstrate new sustainable techniques and to explore innovative ideas developed by farmers across the region. To apply, you must be a farmer in the Northeast SARE region. The region is made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Due date: December 22, 2006 For more info, see: http://www.uvm.edu/%7Enesare/FGinfo.html 

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST STEWARD OF THE LAND AWARD
The American Farmland Trust (AFT) annually offers its Steward of the Land Award of $10,000 to a farmer or farm family who embraces a lifelong commitment to good land stewardship. Now in its tenth year, the award recognizes a farmer or farm family who best demonstrates leadership in protecting farmland and caring for the environment.The award honors the memory of Peggy McGrath Rockefeller, an avid farmer and conservationist who helped found AFT. The 2006 award was given to Tom Hutson of DeLancey, New York. To nominate a candidate for the award, or simply to gather more information, click on the link above, or call 202-378-1244, or e-mail: [email protected] . Due date: November 20, 2006 For more info, see: http://www.farmland.org/programs/award/default.asp 

CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURE VIABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals from a variety of agriculture stakeholders—specifically farmers, farmer cooperatives, non-profits working directly with farmers, municipalities, municipal associations, regional planning agencies/councils of government, and non-profits working directly with municipalities—who are planning activities that will promote agriculture sustainability and/or increase the economic viability of one or many farm businesses. The two grants in the Agriculture Viability Grants Program are called the Farm Viability Grant for Municipalities (FVG) and the Farm Transition Grant (FTG). The intent of the Farm Viability Grant is to strengthen the economic viability and promote the sustainability of agriculture in Connecticut municipalities by providing matching grants for both capital projects and planning projects. The intent of the Farm Transition Grant is to strengthen the economic viability of Connecticut farmers, agricultural not for profit organizations and agricultural cooperatives for diversification of the farm, transitioning to value-added agriculture production and sales, and developing markets and other venues in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state. The Department may provide up to $50,000 in matching funds per project. Due date: November 17, 2006 For more info, see: http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?Q=318538&A=1401 

NORTHEASTERN IPM CENTER PARTNERSHIP GRANTS
The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center is pleased to announce the availability of funding through its IPM Partnership Grants Program for 2007. Approximately $465,000 is available to support projects that will address or develop regional IPM priorities and will further the mission of the Northeastern IPM Center. The Center is seeking applications for six project types: (1) IPM Working Groups (2) IPM Priorities (3) Regional IPM Publications (4) IPM Planning and Assessment Documents (Tactics Surveys, Crop Profiles, Pest Management Strategic Plans [PMSPs], and IPM Guidelines) (5) State Network Projects (6) IPM Minigrants. Due date: December 15, 2006 http://northeastipm.org/abou_fund.cfm 


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Potluck is a monthly e-newsletter sponsored by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG) and is supported in part by the Lawson Valentine Foundation and the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation. It is distributed via NEFOOD-L, the listserv for sustainable food systems in the Northeast generously hosted by Tufts University. In case you know of someone who you think would be interested in receiving Potluck, please invite them to subscribe to NEFOOD-L by going here: https://elist.tufts.edu/wws/info/nefood 

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Roger Doiron, NEFOOD Listserve administrator, [email protected]