Potluck News: June 2007
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
An even better Farm Bill
The 2007 Farm Bill: Cultivating saner policy
Think global, grow local
NEWS:
Congress approves FY07 supplemental appropriations with CSP uncapped and MILC extended
Chesapeake provision included in initial draft of House's Farm Bill
Massachusetts announces agriculture grants
Vermont egg farm pursues cage free niche
EVENTS:
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
6/16: Connecticut Community Gardening Conference, New Haven, CT
6/23-26: American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting, State College, PA
6/28-29: FoodMed--Conference on Local, Sustainable Healthcare Food, Boston, MA
7/11-14: 2nd National Conference on Facilitating Sustainable Agriculture Education, Ithaca, NY
8/10-12: Annual NOFA Summer Conference, Amherst, MA
9/21-23: Common Ground Country Fair, Unity, ME
OPPORTUNITIES:
Youth Horticulture Coordinator/Educator, Poughkeepsie, NY
Temporary Copywriter, Oxfam America, Boston, MA
Program Coordinator, Share Our Strength, Boston, MA
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
Connecticut Agriculture Viability Grant
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Editor’s note: You know the Farm Bill debate is heating up when the Bill is mentioned in the editorial pages of three of the region’s largest papers in the same week.
AN EVEN BETTER FARM BILL
(New York Times) - For years, reform-minded legislators have been trying to rid the country of a farm subsidy program that lavishes huge amounts of money on relatively few producers, compromises the environment, penalizes third-world farmers and fouls up trade negotiations. With the farm bill set to expire this year, the Bush administration has already proposed several excellent reforms. Now legislators in both houses are offering another approach that actually improves on the administration’s. Read the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/28/opinion/28mon2.html
THE 2007 FARM BILL: CULTIVATING SANER POLICY
(Philadelphia Inquirer) - Congress isn't very good at big bills - those phone-book-sized proposals to transform policy on energy, transportation, immigration, or Social Security. It's especially tough when new thinking is required. In complex bills, everybody wants something. Interest groups ramp up; lobbying is intense. Priorities fall victim to horsetrading. In the end, bills often are drained of meaning, and bloated fiscally. Reform hopes evaporate. Those dangers lurk as House and Senate subcommittees craft the 2007 farm bill, which must pass by Sept. 30. Too much is at stake for Congress to revert to bad habits this time. The farm bill covers aid to farmers, fair trade, nutrition for the poor, conservation, agricultural research, energy policy, forestry, and rural development. Predictably, various interests are competing for a cut of a limited pool of money. Read the full article here: http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/7760167.html
THINK GLOBAL, GROW LOCAL
(Boston Globe) - I do not agree with Samuel Johnson that remarriage is the triumph of hope over experience. That dubious triumph belongs to the gardener, not the bride and groom. By the time the seed catalog comes through my urban door slot in midwinter, I have forgotten last summer's yellow wilt, the invasion of the monster tomato worms, and the enemy battalions of weeds. I have a dim memory of the bittersweet vine -- the bane of my existence -- or of my own slacker's performance as a farmer. Read the full article here: http://tinyurl.com/ywd8mm
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NEWS
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Congress Approves FY07 Supplemental Appropriations with CSP Uncapped and MILC ExtenDED
(Sustainable Agriculture Coalition) – Last week, Congress approved a $120 billion FY2007 Supplemental Appropriations bill (H.R. 2206), which includes $17 billion in domestic funding. President Bush said he will sign the bill this time, after vetoing the first version earlier. The good news is that the bill removes for FY2007 the cap on Conservation Security Program (CSP) funding imposed in the FY 2006 and 2007 regular appropriations act. This will give CSP sufficient funds for the 51 watershed sign-up announced by USDA to go forward and allow the contract modifications from earlier year contracts to be finalized and for payments to start. In addition, the supplemental extends the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program for one month through September 30, 2007, which means the program funding can be included in the budget baseline for the next farm bill without requiring offsets. The bill also included about $3 billion for an agriculture disaster assistance package.
Chesapeake provision included in initial draft of House's Farm Bill
(Chesapeake Bay Journal) - The Bay region took the first step toward getting a bigger slice of the Farm Bill pie in May when the initial draft of the Farm Bill in the House Agriculture Committee included a special provision to help the Chesapeake.It would establish a “Chesapeake Bay Program for Nutrient Reduction and Sediment Control” that would be authorized to spend a total of $100 million over five years to control nutrient and sediment from farms in the watershed.The money would be used to implement a comprehensive plan, to be written by the U.S. agriculture secretary in consultation with the states and other federal agencies, to improve water quality in the Bay, restore habitats and increase economic opportunity for farmers and rural communities. Full article here: http://www.bayjournal.com/article.cfm?article=3106
MASSACHUSETTS ANNOUNCES AGRICULTURE GRANTS
(Springfield Republican) - Gov. Deval L. Patrick recently announced $2.7 million in grants to boost the state's agricultural industry including money for training immigrant farmers in Holyoke and building a demonstration winery at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The university received more than $500,000 in grants for several programs. Nuestras Raices, a nonprofit organization based in Holyoke, received $77,000 to provide training, technical support and marketing to immigrants and minorities interested in farming. Another $55,000 went to UMass-Amherst to develop a small-scale winery and cider production facility. The university will develop innovative methods for wine, juice and cider production and help people establish new wineries. The Amherst campus also netted $185,000 to develop management strategies for increased grain production. The money will also be used for developing strategies for increasing nutrients in animal feed and achieving cost savings in dairy and livestock production. A grant for $170,000 went to the Amherst campus for developing tools and practices to help farmers who raise livestock in pastures. A grant of $71,500 was awarded to the Amherst campus for studying ways to improve pollination for cranberry production and to cope with a possible loss of honey bees. The state also provided $300,000 to rebuild a federally-inspected slaughterhouse in Athol, which helps producers capitalize on the market for locally-produced meat. Fire destroyed the facility in December. Also, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, a nonprofit organization in the South Deerfield section of Deerfield that links farmers and communities in western Massachusetts, received $117,000 to develop business opportunities for bagged salad greens and Massachusetts-produced organic and conventional dairy products.
Vermont Egg farm pursues cage free niche
(Burlington Free Press) - When Maple Meadow Farm was started six decades ago, hens ran free in the coop and George Devoid delivered the eggs by bicycle. Today, Maple Meadow eggs are delivered by truck. The farm, now run by the second generation of Devoids, has taken a step back in time, converting part of its operation to the way it used to be -- cage-free. The farm that first turned to cages to remain competitive is letting the birds out again for the same reason, owner Jackie Devoid said. Full article here: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/BUSINESS/705270302/1003/NEWS05
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EVENTS
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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
6/16
Connecticut Community Gardening Conference, New Haven, CT
Growing Healthy Food & Healthy Communities in Connecticut. A Community Gardening Conference in the Elm City. For more info, see
http://ctcommunitygardening.org/events/media/2007ConferenceBrochure.pdf
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
6/28-29
FoodMed--Conference on Local, Sustainable Healthcare Food, Boston, MA
This one and half day conference is designed to help participants incorporate sustainable and nutritious food purchasing at their facilities, and learn cost effective strategies that emphasize health concerns that meet the unique needs of healthcare and facilitate the development of healthy communities. Presentations will be geared towards healthcare providers, dieticians, food service directors and food procurement and distribution professionals. More info here: http://www.foodmed.org/
7/11-14
2nd National Conference on Facilitating Sustainable Agriculture Education, Ithaca, NY
With a team of trained facilitators in real-time participatory techniques such as World Café and Open Space Technology, the conference will consist of a series of focused group discussions, participant-driven workshops, and short presentations. As complement to the real-time participant-driven workshops, sessions will also be organized to: 1) explore innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to learning and teaching that are applicable to sustainable agriculture; 2) share curricula and teaching experiences from developing or established programs; 3) provide a forum for exchanging resources and materials; 4) strategize resourceful ways of starting and maintaining sustainable agriculture education programs and farms; and, 5) formally launch the Post-Secondary Sustainable Agriculture Education Association (SAEA). For more info, see: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/SustAgEd/
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
9/21-23
Common Ground Country Fair, Unity, ME
Downeast Magazine calls Common Ground "Maine's most authentic country fair, uniting, as it does, old-time folkways with progressive ideas about living the good life on a fragile planet." Organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Common Ground Country Fair brings together people to share knowledge about sustainable living; eat delicious, organic, Maine-grown food; buy and sell beautiful Maine crafts and useful agricultural products; compete in various activities; dance; sing and have a great time. For more info, see: www.mofga.org
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OPPORTUNITIES
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Youth Horticulture Coordinator/Educator, Poughkeepsie, NY
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County seeks a coordinator for its youth development program. The chosen candidate will provide educational, technical, work and life skills to under served youth through in-school, after school and summer venues, with the focus on horticulture and gardening. Last day to apply: June 30, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/223098-108
Temporary Copywriter, Oxfam America, Boston, MA
Oxfam America is dedicated to creating lasting solutions to hunger, poverty, and social injustice through long-term partnerships with poor communities around the world. It seeks a temporary copywriter responsible for creating copy for a variety of Oxfam America campaign and outreach publications and web pages. Last day to apply: July 31, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/224490-216
Program Coordinator, Share Our Strength, Boston, MA
Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline® is a groundbreaking nutrition-education program that helps low-income families help themselves by teaching them how to prepare healthy, low-cost meals. The Program Coordinator works closely with the Operation Frontline Boston Program Manager to coordinate, implement, support, and strengthen all aspects of the Operation Frontline program in Boston. Last day to apply: July 30, 2007 http://www.idealist.org/en/job/224327-120
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
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
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $7 million in block grant funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. The SCBGP assists State departments of agriculture in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Examples of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops include, but are not limited to: Research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs, education, "buy local" programs, increased consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, product development, and developing cooperatives. Due date: October 11, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/scbgp.html