NESAWG

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Stalking the vegetannual: a roadmap to eating with the seasons

 

NEWS:

Farm Bill not just for farmers

Farm Bill likely to contains payment limits

WTO: US must cut agriculture subsidies to below $19 billion

What's killing the bees?

 

EVENTS:

5/4-5: Goatsmilk Cheesemaking Workshop, Tyler Hill, PA

5/12: Organic Orcharding Workshop, Unity, ME

5/12-13: New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival, Contoocook, NH

5/15: Practical Farm Skills Workshop-Organic Apples in Bloom, Concord, MA

5/15: Organic Farm Field Walk, Butler, PA

5/25-27: Allegheny Mountain Green Festival, Artemas, PA

6/1-3: Strolling of the Heifers, Brattleboro, VT

6/2: The Role of the Horse in the Farm Organism, Chestnut Ridge, NY

6/10-8/17: Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Semester, Craftsbury Common,VT

6/23-26: American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting, State College, PA

8/10-12: Annual NOFA Summer Conference, Amherst, MA

 

OPPORTUNITIES:

Executive Director, The Food Project, Boston, MA

Director of Development, Center for Whole Communities, Fayston, VT

Outreach Coordinator, Waterkeeper Alliance, Irvington, NY

Director for Boston Collaborative for Food and Fitness, Boston, MA

Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA

Multiple Job Openings, Community Food Resource Center, New York, NY

New York Conservation Innovation Grant

New Hampshire Integrated Pest Management Grant

Organic Farming Research Foundation Grant

Value-Added Producer Grant

Rhode Island Conservation Innovation Grant

Connecticut Agriculture Viability Grant

 

 

 

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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Stalking the Vegetannual: A Roadmap to Eating with the Seasons

(Orion Magazine) - Most people of my grandparents’ generation had an intuitive sense of agricultural basics: when various fruits and vegetables come into season, which ones keep through the winter, how to preserve the others. On what day autumn’s frost will likely fall on their county, and when to expect the last one in spring. Which crops can be planted before the last frost, and which must wait. What animals and vegetables thrive in one’s immediate region and how to live well on those, with little else thrown into the mix beyond a bag of flour, a pinch of salt, and a handful of coffee. Few people of my generation, and approximately none of our children, could answer any of those questions, let alone all of them. This knowledge has largely vanished from our culture. Read the full article here: http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/239/

 

 

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NEWS

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Farm bill not just for farmers

(Philadelphia Enquirer) - There is a growing sense that when Congress passes the farm bill this year, farmers and environmental programs in states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey could benefit. Most people think the farm bill is important only to the Midwestern states. But we all pay for its programs (likely $400 billion over the next six years) and should share in the funding. Full article here: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20070430_Farm_bill_not_just_for_farmers.html

 

Farm bill likely to contains payment limits

(AP) - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said the Bush administration plans to secure approval of a farm bill that will likely contain limits on farm payments before the end of the crop season. “I guess I’d be bold enough today to say this: I think you are going to get a payment limit proposal that will get to the finish line in this farm bill,” Johanns said Tuesday. The current farm bill expires Sept. 30. Congress enacts new farm legislation about every five years in re-sponse to changes in the agriculture industry. Under the proposed 2007 farm bill, President Bush is asking Congress to halt farm subsidies to wealthy farmers, drawing the line at anyone making more than $200,000 in adjusted gross income

 

US must cut agriculture subsidies to below $19 billion: WTO

(AFP) - The United States must cut domestic agricultural support and trade distorting measures to below 19 billion dollars (14 billion euros), the World Trade Organisation's chief negotiator on agriculture said on Monday. Crawford Falconer, the chairman of the WTO's special committee on agriculture, told the 150 member states it was "inconceivable" that Washington should be able to spend more on domestic support than the 19 billion dollars it is allowed now.The current US proposal tabled in deadlocked global trade talks would allow Washington domestic support worth 22 billion dollars, Falconer said in a discussion paper released to try to spark the negotiations. Full article here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070430/ts_afp/wtoustradefarm_070430160121

 

What's killing THE bees?

(Burlington Free Press) - These are difficult days for honey bees. Vermont's state insect, under siege by a deadly infestation of Asian varroa mites for nearly 20 years, faces yet another threat. In recent months, an estimated 25 percent of the 2.4 million honey bee colonies nationwide have been decimated, victims of an ailment scientists cannot pinpoint and beekeepers don't fully understand. The massive and sudden die-off, yet to be documented in northern New England, has been tagged "colony collapse disorder," and Vermont's honeymakers are bracing for its arrival. "None of our commercial operations have reported anything out of the ordinary as far as the causes of their winter losses," said Steve Parise, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture's apiculturist. "I don't know if it is coming. I sure hope not." Full article here: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070429/NEWS01/704290311

 

 

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EVENTS

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5/4-5

Goatsmilk Cheesemaking Workshop, Tyler Hill, PA

Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture sponsors this two-day workshop with Linda Smith at Fallsdale Farm. Registration includes two full days of instruction and a notebook of recipes. For more info, see: http://www.pasafarming.org/eventCalendar.html

 

5/12

Organic Orcharding Workshop, Unity, ME

In this third installment of the Organic Orcharding Workshop Series presented by MOFGA, learn about late spring & early summer orchard care. Join several experts for an early-season exploration of organic disease and insect strategies, including lectures, discussions, question and answer periods inside and out. For more info, see:

http://www.mofga.org/Default.aspx?tabid=300

 

5/12-13

New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival, Contoocook, NH

This festival sponsored by the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Growers' Association, will have a variety of activities for all to enjoy. There will be educational programs, a fleece and fiber sale, dog herding demo and trials, contests, commercial exhibitors and much more. For more info, see: http://www.yankeeshepherd.org/

 

5/15

Practical Farm Skills Workshop-Organic Apples in Bloom, Concord, MA

NOFA Massachusetts offers this opportunity to have Hutchins Farm's John Bemis teach you what he has learned about organic apple tree management: see the tools he uses to get a fairly predictable marketable crop, hear what has and has not worked well, tour the orchard when the apples are in bloom. For more info, see: http://www.nofamass.org/calendar2/view_entry.php?id=17&date=20070514

 

5/15

Organic Farm Field Walk, Butler, PA

Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) will be hosting an evening field walk at Misera’s Organic Farm. Steve Misera and his family have been farming organically since 1998, and raise organic chickens, eggs, corn, soybeans, wheat, oats and hay, and are working on getting certification for their new beef operation. Steve sells his products to individuals, restaurants, CSA’s and at a Pittsburgh farmers’ market. Participants will also learn how to use the results of cover crop research on the farm. The cost is $10 for PASA members and $15 for all others, handouts and dinner included. To register for this event, call 814-349-9856.

 

5/25-27

Allegheny Mountain Green Festival, Artemas, PA

"Exploring Our Future in an Age of Limits" is the conference theme, with sessions focused on Peak Oil, Global Climate Change, and Sustainable Agriculture. For more info, see: http://www.amgf.org/

 

6/1-3

Strolling of the Heifers, Brattleboro, VT

The Sixth Annual Strolling of the Heifers Parade and Festival includes a variety of events highlighting local foods and farms, such as all-local meals and farm tours. For more info, see:

http://www.strollingoftheheifers.org/index.php

 

6/2

The Role of the Horse in the Farm Organism, Chestnut Ridge, NY

The Pfeiffer Center presents this event as part of its series of spring workshops. The workshop will cover the basic nature and care of the horse, harness and equipment. Participants will work with grooming, harnessing and undertake a variety of practical tasks including logging, plowing, discing, and working raised beds. For more info, see:

http://www.pfeiffercenter.org/workshops/index.asp

 

6/10-8/17

Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Semester, Craftsbury Common,VT

The Sterling College Sustainable Agriculture Semester immerses students in the daily rhythms and realities of farming. The Sustainable Agriculture Semester is a 6-8 credit integrated program of work and study exploring ecological management of plants, animals, and land. Classroom instruction, hands-on training, and work on the farm are combined to teach sustainable practices and to foster discussion about agricultural issues. For more info, see: http://www.sterlingcollege.edu/AD.summerfarm.html

 

6/23-26

American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting, State College, PA

The Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council and Penn State University will host the joint 2007 American Forage and Grassland Council. For more info, see:

http://www.afgc.org/mc/community/eventdetails.do?eventId=109954

 

8/10-12

Annual NOFA Summer Conference, Amherst, MA
The 33rd Annual NOFA Summer Conference will take place Aug. 10-12, 2007 on the organic farmer-friendly campus of Hampshire College.  Keynote speakers include Bill McKibben and Hazel Henderson.  For more info, see: http://www.nofamass.org/conferences/s2007/index.php

 

 

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OPPORTUNITIES

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Executive Director, The Food Project, Boston, MA

The Food Project seeks an energetic, committed, charismatic, creative Executive Director who will lead the organization into its next phase of development. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the successful candidate will be the overarching leader of the organization as well as a seasoned fundraising ambassador for the organization. Last day to apply: May 30, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/210517-50

 

Director of Development, Center for Whole Communities, Fayston, VT

Center for Whole Communities is a vibrant and thriving organization bridging the environmental and social change arenas. We seek broad change through building stronger connections between people, land and community. We are based on a working organic farm in the Mad River Valley of Vermont and have a national scope through our alumni and programs across the country. Whole Communities is a forerunner in advancing an integrated practice of conservation leadership and community restoration. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as our Director of Development, coordinating our fundraising activities. Last day to apply: May 31, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/218748-31

 

Outreach Coordinator, Waterkeeper Alliance, Irvington, NY

Waterkeeper seeks an outreach coordinator to organize grassroots action against factory farms, coordinate campaign-related events and activities with Waterkeeper Alliance member programs and partners, develop and distribute educational and outreach materials, and provide general advocacy support for the Chesapeake Poultry Initiative. Last day to apply: May 26, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/215796-147

 

Director for Boston Collaborative for Food and Fitness, Boston, MA

Be part of an exciting Boston collaborative that aims to create systemic change in the areas of food and fitness to improve the lives and health of all residents. Through this collaborative, the demand for and availability of local fresh food will be doubled; residents in all neighborhoods and of all incomes will have access to affordable healthy food; and youth will be civically engaged and their thinking will integrate the relationship between eating healthy food, a physically active lifestyle and good health. Last day to apply: June 26, 2007  For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/219887-8

 

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, FOODCHANGE, NEW YORK, NY

FoodChange (formerly known as the Community Food Resource Center) 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 York Conservation Innovation Grant

The New York Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requests applications for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Grants up to $75,000 will be awarded. Due date: June 1, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=13259

 

New Hampshire Integrated Pest Management Grant

This program awards grants, up to $5,000, 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, 2007 For more info, see: http://agriculture.nh.gov/programs/index.htm

 

Organic Farming Research Foundation Grant

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is offering grants, up to $15,000, to projects that address any agricultural production, social, economic, or policy-related topic of concern to organic farmers and/or ranchers. OFRF supports research that is relevant to and takes place in certified organic systems. Due date: July 16, 2007 For more info, see: http://ofrf.org/grants/apply.html

 

Value-Added Producer Grant
The primary objective of this grant program is to help eligible independent producers of agricultural commodities, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures develop strategies to create marketing opportunities and to help develop business plans for viable marketing opportunities. These grants will facilitate greater participation in emerging markets and new markets for value-added products. Grants will only be awarded if projects or ventures are determined to be economically viable and sustainable. Due date: May 16, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=7374

 

Rhode Island Conservation Innovation Grant
The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS technical manuals or guides, or to the private sector. CIG funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Due date: May 18, 2007 for more infi, see: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=13518&mode=VIEW

 

Connecticut Agriculture Viability Grant

The Agriculture Viability Grants Program (AVGP) encompasses two separate grants. The first grant is called the Farm Transition Grant. Producers, non-profits, and agriculture cooperatives may apply for this grant and may receive up to $50,000 matching. Non-profits who apply may use in-kind services as their match. The second grant is called the Farm Viability Grant and may only be used by municipalities, regional planning agencies, and association of municipalities.

Due date: November 16, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?a=1368&q=317242

• Does your organization want to get more involved in public policy advocacy?
• Would you like to have a greater policy impact at the local, state or national level?
• Would your board & staff like to get clearer on your policy priorities & activity options?

NESAWG’s Building Advocacy Capacity can help groups working on food, farming and related issues to introduce or better incorporate policy advocacy activities into their work.

We’ll help build your group’s presence and power in policy change to:

• Serve your mission;
• Promote constructive dialogue on public issues;
• Increase your organization’s impact; and
• Engage your constituents.

The Method
We offer an intensive half- or full-day training that will help you:

• Understand terms and concepts about policy education, advocacy and lobbying;
• Clarify your advocacy objectives;
• Create criteria and participatory processes for prioritizing and addressing issues;
• Develop a concrete plan to participate effectively in your chosen advocacy arenas; and
• Move your members and constituents to direct citizen action.

We’ll work with you in advance to prepare and tailor the training to your needs. Training participants can be board members, staff, policy or education committees or any combination. We can provide follow-up support services identified through the training process.

The Result
Your organization will be better able to conduct effective public policy advocacy activities. Your staff and board will feel clearer, more secure and more empowered to proceed with decisions and actions. You will be more effective in reaching your members, constituents and public and in mobilizing their participation in farm and food issues that are important to you.

Eligible Groups
To benefit most effectively from this opportunity, organizations should:
• Have a grassroots orientation;
• Be able to bring various sectors’ interests to the table;
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity;
• Possess accountable governance and dedication to leadership development; and
• Show interest in exploring regional perspectives on agriculture and food systems.

Organization Time Commitment
• 1-2 hours in outreach, selection and scheduling of training participants
• 2-4 hours preparation to tailor training and absorb background materials
• 4-8 hours training session
• 4-6 hours follow up work to document group’s discussion, decisions and next steps

Follow-up Services
For groups that wish further assistance in moving forward on their policy advocacy agenda, we can negotiate and provide the following types of services:

• Help groups design activities (e.g., a public forum series, a grassroots lobbying effort, a social message campaign, a letter to the editor)
• Research and synthesize positions, perspectives and opportunities for specific policies
• Advise groups on getting and staying informed on issues
• Prepare organizations to take positions
• Represent organizations in advocacy arenas

Background
In 2006 NESAWG developed, piloted and refined a flexible training curriculum and support services to help member and other grassroots groups become more engaged and effective in transforming public policy. Led by Kathy Ruhf and Kathy Lawrence, this effort was part of a larger initiative to prepare groups for greater participation in the 2007 Farm Bill deliberations.

Between them, Kathy and Kathy have over 40 years’ experience fostering grassroots participation in agriculture and food system change. Kathy Ruhf has coordinated NESAWG since 1992 and is a food systems policy specialist. Kathy Lawrence directed both the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture and Just Food (in New York City). Each has led scores of workshops and dialogues on agriculture, food, and public policy issues.

Groups that participated in our pilot workshops significantly increased their understanding of policy advocacy principles, terms and options. They strengthened their cohesiveness and sense of purpose around public issues among Board members, staff and stakeholders. Pilot groups also highlighted the importance of collaborating in grassroots networks on advocacy efforts. Across the board, pilot participants noted the value of having a framework and skilled facilitation to make formerly overwhelming and amorphous discussions manageable and geared toward achievable actions.

For more information, contact:
Kathy Ruhf (413) 323-9878, [email protected] or
Kathy Lawrence (845) 361-3205, [email protected]

Background: The Northeast has an unprecedented opportunity to shape the 2007 Farm Bill to be more responsive to our region. Groups from across the Northeast have been working together to agree on and advance ten “must have” policy priorities. This is part 5 of a 10-part series in which we look at each priority in more detail. The full Agenda is available at www.northeastagworks.org.

Priority 5: Significantly increase funding for working lands conservation programs

How are “working lands conservation programs” different from other conservation programs?
Working lands conservation programs focus on lands in agricultural production. Other conservation programs are referred to as “set-aside” or “retirement” programs which take land out of production -- for example, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). In the Northeast, our land base is so tight that set-aside programs are not very popular. Working lands conservation programs help producers and farmland owners by funding conservation and preservation activities on active land. These programs include: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP); Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP); Conservation Security Program (CSP); Forest Lands Enhancement Program (FLEP), Forest Legacy Program (FLP) and a few others.

Why are these programs important to the Northeast?
Northeast producers want to practice conservation on their working lands. Because the majority of N.E. farms and farmland are around metropolitan areas, farm conservation programs provide multiple benefits—helping farmers meet conservation goals and improve farm economic viability, while addressing environmental regulations and providing critical environmental, recreational and cultural benefits to millions of people.

According to the last Census of Agriculture, the Northeast is losing farmland at a faster rate on average than the U.S. Less than 19 million acres of cropland and pasture remain in the Northeast, representing just 14.5% o the region’s total land area. With a regional average of over 60% of the region’s land base in forest (over twice the national average), working private forests are a critically important part of the landscape. Where farm and forest land values and development pressures are high, conservation programs such as FRPP and FLP help protect land from development.

Why are we asking for increased funding for conservation programs?
Quite simply, the demand for conservation assistance programs in the Northeast far exceeds the available funds. Also, many federal conservation programs do not directly meet our region’s needs. As mentioned above, the CRP, which currently constitutes 68% of all farm conservation program spending, does not work well for most of the Northeast. On the whole, the Northeast is underserved by current federal conservation efforts. While 22% of farmers nationally receive conservation payments, just 8% of Northeast benefit from these critical programs. The “regional equity” provision in the last Farm Bill helped to address this inequity by guaranteeing a baseline of funding to “under-served” states.

What can the next Farm Bill do to strengthen the Northeast’s conservation efforts?
The 2007 Farm Bill offers an opportunity to increase the amount of funds available for conservation purposes and to tailor national programs to address regional needs more effectively and more equitably. All states should receive a minimum base funding allocation for working lands conservation programs. Allocation formulas should reflect states’ characteristics such as population density, intensity of land use, land values, cost of conservation practices, and state matching funds. Annual expenditures (authorizations and appropriations) should increase for federal farm and forest conservation programs that are most in demand and most effective in the Northeast.

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Previous fact sheets in this series are available here:
1. Provide Appropriate Safety Net and Risk Management Tools for Northeast Farmers (pdf) (html)
2. Foster economic and regional market development (pdf) (html)
3. Support the Northeast Dairy Industry (pdf) (html)
4. Provide incentives for regionally appropriate farm energy production and efficiency (pdf) (html)

Background: The Northeast has an unprecedented opportunity to shape the 2007 Farm Bill to be more responsive to our region. Groups from across the Northeast have been working together to agree on and advance ten “must have” policy priorities. These are parts 6 and 7 of a 10-part series in which we look at each priority in more detail. The full Agenda is available at www.northeastagworks.org.

Priority 6: Provide appropriate conservation program flexibility to address national, state and local resource concerns and priorities.

Priority 7: Provide more technical assistance with greater flexibility in how it can be used.

Why is program flexibility important for the Northeast?
Northeast farms have unique characteristics and needs. They are on average ¼ the size of farms nationally, with diverse climate, soils and production systems. The Northeast region needs farm and forest conservation programs that are flexible enough to address resource challenges specific to a state or region. A one-size-fits-all approach inhibits innovation and often ignores state- or multi-state-level conservation priorities and resource concerns. Northeast states that direct state resources toward water and air quality concerns, combating sprawl and protecting working lands should be recognized by -- and work in tandem with -- federal conservation programs.

How has the Northeast fared in past Farm Bills in terms of conservation funding and technical assistance?
Conservation funding historically has been unevenly distributed across regions. Eligibility rules make some programs (e.g., CRP, WRP) less attractive to most Northeast producers. The 2002 Farm Bill acknowledged and addressed inequities with a “regional equity” provision that targeted Northeast (and several other) “underserved” states with additional dollars for certain conservation programs. The Conservation Security Program (CSP) was introduced in the 2002 Farm Bill. It is a “green payment” entitlement program that theoretically rewards all farmers – regardless of where or what they produce -- for their conservation activities. Funding constraints along with certain eligibility rules and formulas have thus far limited CSP’s broad value to Northeast producers. Similarly, federal spending for the Conservation Technical Assistance Program and technical assistance from Farm Bill programs have not adequately met Northeast producers’ needs.

What changes are needed in the next Farm Bill to address the Northeast’s needs?
The 2007 Farm Bill offers a critical opportunity to increase the amount of conservation funds and technical assistance services that Northeast farmers can access. Among the proposals put forward are ones to increase funding for programs like CSP, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Conservation Technical Assistance Program. These increases in funding must be accompanied by increased flexibility in the Farm Bill rule-making and implementation processes. Given the typical Northeast farm’s numerous, small fields and diversity of soil types and other natural resource conditions, delivery of technical assistance for Farm Bill programs such as CSP is often significantly more complex than for the type of farm operations found in the Midwest. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff in the region should have the funds, tools, and flexibility they need to serve the region’s diverse farms and farmers.

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Previous fact sheets in this series are available here:
1. Provide Appropriate Safety Net and Risk Management Tools for Northeast Farmers (pdf) (html)
2. Foster economic and regional market development (pdf) (html)
3. Support the Northeast Dairy Industry (pdf) (html)
4. Provide incentives for regionally appropriate farm energy production and efficiency (pdf) (html)
5. Significantly increase funding for working lands conservation programs (pdf) (html)