FARM BILL UPDATE:

Fate of the Farm Bill still Uncertain

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler

 

NEWS:

Ed Schafer Confirmed as New Agriculture Secretary

Can Maine Farms Make a Comeback?

Organic Agriculture Boosting Maryland’s Economy

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Slow to Resolve In-state, Out-of-state Shipping for Wineries

In Martha’s Vineyard, Using Scallops as Currency

 

EVENTS:

2/7-9: PASA Farming for the Future Conference, State College, PA

2/9: Annual Community Farming Conference, New Haven, CT

2/16: Getting Started in Organic Farming Conference, New Haven, CT

2/16-17: NOFA-VT Annual Winter Conference

3/1: Introduction to Organic Beekeeping, Chestnut Ridge, NY

3/1: Fostering Food Processing on Farms and in Communities, Poughkeepsie, NY

3/2: Maple Sugaring with Drumlin Farm's Matt Celona, Lincoln, MA

3/4: Innovations in Agriculture, Syracuse, NY

3/6-8: Building a Market Community with Farmers, Customers and Community, Rochester, NY

3/8: Cultivating An Organic Connecticut, Windsor, CT

3/11: Organic Grain and Forage Production Workshop, Centreville, MD

3/15; Cheesemaking with Cliff Hatch at Upinngil Farm, Gill, MA

3/15: MOFGA's Spring Growth Conference, Unity, ME

4/21 : Organic Apples: Focusing Tree Energy with John Bemis at Hutchin's Farm, Concord, MA

4/26: Organic Gardening across Massachusetts, various locations

 

OPPORTUNITIES:

Educational Outreach Associate, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Millheim, PA

Corporate Marketing Researcher, The Humane Society of The United States, Gaithersburg, MD

Grant Writer, The Food Project, The Food Project, Lincoln, MA

Administrative and Financial Coordinator, Waltham Fields Community Farm, Waltham, MA

Assistant Crops Manager, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln, MA

Food/Nutrition Coordinator, The Partnership for the Homeless, New York, NY

Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, Hunger Action Network of New York State, New York City, NY

Farmstand Co-Manager, White Dog Community Enterprises, Philadelphia, PA

Multiple openings, Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston, MA

Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA

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

Conservation Innovation Grants

Connecticut Farm Reinvestment Grant Program

New York Environmental Justice Community Impact Grant

 

 

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FARM BILL UPDATE

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FATE OF FARM BILL STILL UNCERTAIN

(Reuters) - The White House has threatened to veto the five-year, $286 billion bill if it raises taxes or fails to end crop subsidies to the wealthiest Americans. Negotiators from the House and Senate are poised to write a bill blending legislation from each chamber. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said Bush strongly opposes a provision in the House and Senate farm bill that pays for larger public nutrition, biofuel and land stewardship programs. Congress said it gets the billions in new revenue by closing loopholes, but the administration said it amounts to tax increases. House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson has said that unless the House and Senate can come to an agreement on a new farm bill soon, supports for milk, cotton and grain would double from current rates as specified in a 1949 law. Peanuts, rice, sugar and soybeans are not guaranteed a safety net. Schafer said reverting back to the 1949 law would have "huge ramifications" in delivering programs, in the price of food and in the ability to deliver nutrition programs. Full article here: http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN3061602820080130

 

 

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler, by Mark Bittman of the New York Times

A sea change in the consumption of a resource that Americans take for granted may be in store — something cheap, plentiful, widely enjoyed and a part of daily life. And it isn’t oil. It’s meat. The two commodities share a great deal: Like oil, meat is subsidized by the federal government. Like oil, meat is subject to accelerating demand as nations become wealthier, and this, in turn, sends prices higher. Finally — like oil — meat is something people are encouraged to consume less of, as the toll exacted by industrial production increases, and becomes increasingly visible. Global demand for meat has multiplied in recent years, encouraged by growing affluence and nourished by the proliferation of huge, confined animal feeding operations. These assembly-line meat factories consume enormous amounts of energy, pollute water supplies, generate significant greenhouse gases and require ever-increasing amounts of corn, soy and other grains, a dependency that has led to the destruction of vast swaths of the world’s tropical rain forests. Just this week, the president of Brazil announced emergency measures to halt the burning and cutting of the country’s rain forests for crop and grazing land. In the last five months alone, the government says, 1,250 square miles were lost. The world’s total meat supply was 71 million tons in 1961. In 2007, it was estimated to be 284 million tons. Per capita consumption has more than doubled over that period. (In the developing world, it rose twice as fast, doubling in the last 20 years.) World meat consumption is expected to double again by 2050, which one expert, Henning Steinfeld of the United Nations, says is resulting in a “relentless growth in livestock production.” Americans eat about the same amount of meat as we have for some time, about eight ounces a day, roughly twice the global average. At about 5 percent of the world’s population, we “process” (that is, grow and kill) nearly 10 billion animals a year, more than 15 percent of the world’s total. Full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/weekinreview/27bittman.html

 

 

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NEWS

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Ed Schafer Confirmed as new Agriculture Secretary

(Reuters) - The Senate confirmed Edward Schafer as agriculture secretary with no objections on Monday even though Congress and the administration have differing views over a pending five-year farm bill. The former North Dakota governor was confirmed by unanimous consent and attended President Bush's State of the Union address several hours later with other members of the cabinet. Senators voiced no concerns about Schafer's nomination at a congenial confirmation hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee last week. But several members of the panel encouraged him to work with Congress to smooth stalled talks on the $286 billion farm bill passed by both the House and Senate last year.

 

Can Maine Farms make a Comeback?

(Sun Journal) - Sixth-generation farmer David Kimball is optimistic about the future of local agriculture. Kimball, and a small group of River Valley residents, formed the Agricultural Commission more than a year ago with the help of a $10,000 grant from the Northeast Sustainable Agricultural Research Association of the University of Vermont and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since that time, the group has explored the facets of agriculture either now in the area or that could be developed here. It has had the assistance of Mark Hews of Threshold for Maine. The commission operates under the auspices of the River Valley Growth Council. And this month, an agricultural economic development plan for 2008-2013 was finalized. Full article here: http://www.sunjournal.com/story/249412-3/RiverValley/Can_Maine_farms_make_a_comeback/

 

Organic Agriculture Boosting Maryland’s economy

(Baltimore Sun) - If you have five acres in the backyard and a Rototiller, you can make a living in organic farming, according to Luke Howard. Howard is chairman of the Maryland Agricultural Commission, a 30-member panel made up of a cross section of farmers that advises the state agriculture secretary on farm issues. He is an organic farmer and also serves as the industry's representative on the commission. "The organic food industry is growing rapidly and has been growing rapidly for many years," said Howard. "We have been seeing 17 percent to 25 percent growth nationally and in Maryland the past 10 years. Global sales now top $22 billion annually. "That's tremendous growth," he added. "The industry is doubling its size every five years." Full article here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/harford/bal-ha.farm27jan27,0,4159997.story

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers slow to resolve in-state, out-of-state shipping for wineries

(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) - The southern shores of Lake Erie provide a natural nursery for growing grapes. During winter months, the lake's frozen waters act as an enormous ice cube, delaying the spring buds well into spring, after winter's last frosts.In summer's heat, the lake's temperature will reach 85 degrees, so the breeze from the north continues to send mild air inland well after Pittsburghers have pulled their sweaters out of storage. The grapes love it. Nearly 40 years ago, Doug Moorhead was among the first grape growers in the area to take the first tentative steps into post-Prohibition winemaking. Today, there are a half dozen wineries near the Erie County shore. "We're not known as a great wine region yet," said Mr. Moorhead. But his expression says it's only a matter of time. Presque Isle Wine Cellars, which Mr. Moorhead co-owns, has three of its wines offered at the five-star Le Bec-Fin restaurant in Philadelphia. In all, Pennsylvania has about 120 wineries, with at least one in 41 of its 67 counties. Most are small operations, producing under 10,000 gallons yearly. A few, like Chaddsford Winery near Philadelphia, are major enterprises. Together, Mr. Moorhead said, they represent $660 million in commercial activity. But it could be Harrisburg legislators, and not the enterprising spirit of people like Mr. Moorhead, who determine the future success and growth of Pennsylvania wineries. Full article here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08030/853225-85.stm

 

In Martha’s Vineyard, Using Scallops as Currency

(New York Times) - For year-round residents of this Martha’s Vineyard village, winter is time to relax. In summer, when the island’s population soars from 15,000 to 75,000, locals like Jan Buhrman have to make a year’s living in just a few short months. Ms. Buhrman, who is 50, caters weddings and dinner parties for the seasonal crowd. When winter comes, she tends a local school library, among other jobs, and she cooks. Even in January, her hours in the kitchen have a purpose. Sitting in the bright oak post-and-beam room built by her husband, Richard Osnoss, a carpenter, Ms. Buhrman explained that she tries to eat only food raised on Martha’s Vineyard and to go down island to the grocery store in Vineyard Haven as little as possible. Some of her groceries she grows herself. For much of the rest, she trades with her neighbors. Following Ms. Buhrman for a day or two as she gathers ingredients is a lesson in how to eat locally, even in the coldest days of winter. Because she seems to know everybody on the island who raises, catches or forages for food, it is also a glimpse of an alternative economy of eating, one in which modern capitalism takes a back seat to a looser, island-grown style of bartering. In summer, for instance, Ms. Buhrman hands out ice from her freezers to help the local fishermen keep their catch cold. In winter, they repay her with fish, oysters and bay scallops. Full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/dining/23vine.html

 

 

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EVENTS

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2/7-9

PASA FARMING FOR THE FUTURE CONFERENCE, STATE COLLEGE, PA

This 17th annual conference presented by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture has the theme "Ready to Go: Sharing the Sustainable Story." The schedule includes an extensive selection of workshops, speakers, pre-conference tracks, and a kids' conference. For more info, see: http://pasafarming.org/conference2008/

 

2/9

Annual Community Farming Conference, New Haven, CT

The Community Farming Conference will connect three groups of people – towns and land trusts with land, community groups that want a local community farm with the food and educational opportunities it offers, and farmers who need land and local markets. http://www.ctnofa.org/events/Community%20Farming/2008_community_farming_conference_page.html

 

2/16

Getting Started in Organic Farming Conference, New Haven, CT

The Getting Started in Organic Farming Conference draws both beginning farmers who choose to farm organically and established farmers who are converting their operations to organic. In  addition, we will have speakers on organic certification, on soil and weed management, and a panel of farmers to talk about marketing organic  food. For more info, see: http://www.ctnofa.org/events/Getting%20Started/2008_getting_started_conference_page.html

 

2/16-17

NOFA-VT Annual Winter Conference

NOFA-VT is pleased to announce the 26th Annual Winter Conference, Business Not As Usual and we have exciting news: we are expanding from one to two days: February 16 and 17, 2008 at the Vermont Technical College in Randolph, VT. Our theme this year Business Not As Usual will bring together those interested in securing our Vermont food system with community-based businesses that play an important role in strengthening the Vermont economy. Judy Wicks will speak as our Saturday keynote. Judy is owner and founder of Philadelphia's 24-year-old White Dog Cafe and is a national leader in the local, living economies movement. For more info, see: http://www.nofavt.org/annual-events/winter-conference.php

 

3/1

Introduction to Organic Beekeeping, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Learn about the basic requirements and responsibilities for first-time beekeepers. Understand the mechanics of a hive, the tools involved, elements of site selection, and gain an appreciation for a naturalist's approach to the bees needs. This is ahands-on workshop, which includes a demonstration of the assembly of a wooden hive and is intended to get beginners started. For more info, see: http://www.pfeiffercenter.org/workshops/index.asp

 

3/1

Fostering Food Processing on Farms and in Communities, Poughkeepsie, NY

The 2008 Annual NY Small-Scale Food Processors' Association (NYSSFPA) conference considers three themes this year: Meat and Poultry Processing, Marketing and Advocacy; Successful Marketing Strategies; Diverse Models of Community-Based Shared-Use Kitchen. For more info, see: http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/news/index.cfm

 

3/2

Maple Sugaring with Drumlin Farm's Matt Celona, Lincoln, MA

Learn the basics of how to tap trees, collect sap, and turn that watery tree juice into pancake topping fit for a king! For more info, see: http://www.nofamass.org/programs/skills.php   

 

3/4

Innovations in Agriculture, Syracuse, NY

This eighth annual conference sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will consider topics related to energy and agriculture, sustainable agriculture, and value-added products. For more info, see:

http://www.nyserda.org/InnovationsInAgriculture/default.asp

 

3/6-8

Building a Market Community with Farmers, Customers and Community, Rochester, NY

This professional farmers' market managers training program is sponsored by USDA SARE Professional Development Program and represents the second in a three-year series of workshops. The goal of the program is to develop the skills of farmers' market managers, develop standardized procedures, and raise the overall quality of management of farmers' markets to create profitable marketing venues for small family farmers, reliable venues for local residents to find fresh local foods, and build a sense of community with a farmers' market at its core. For more info, see: http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/workshops.htm

 

3/8

Cultivating An Organic Connecticut, Windsor, CT

This event features workshops, an organic Marketplace, a potluck lunch, and a keynote speech by Michel Nischan of The Dressing Room. For more info, see: http://www.ctnofa.org/events/CAOC/2008/2008%20CAOC.html

 

3/11

Organic Grain and Forage Production Workshop, Centreville, MD

Farmers interested in growing organic feed stocks and exploring new marketing opportunities are encouraged to attend a workshop that will cover how to transition to organic grain and forage production, how to become certified organic, find ways to maximize the conservation benefits of organic farming, and explore various marketing and funding opportunities. Speakers will include nationally renowned expert, Dr. John Teasdale of USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Beltsville, as well as local farmers who have successfully made the transition to organic. The workshop is free and includes lunch, but pre-registration is requested by February 15. Contact Kate Mason at [email protected] or 410-841-5779. For more info, see: http://www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/organicwkshp.pdf

 

3/15

Cheesemaking with Cliff Hatch at Upinngil Farm, Gill, MA

Learn how to take raw milk and create a soft cheese. In this hands-on workshop, we will make several cheeses using different recipes and cultures. You are invited to bring 2 gallons of your own animals' milk to make more cheeses. For more info, see: http://www.nofamass.org/programs/skills.php  

 

3/15

MOFGA's Spring Growth Conference, Unity, ME

This year's conference will address energy, agriculture and climate change.  It features morning plenary presentations by Dr Tim LaSalle, Executive Director of the Rodale Institute and Peter Koon, University of Maine climate scientist, on the implications of climate change for Maine’s environment.Breakout sessions on:  farm- and home-scale alternative energy options and their application, and energy conservation and efficiency programs and assistance for farms, with the Maine Farm Energy Partnership.  For more info, see: http://www.mofga.org/Programs/Events/SpringGrowthConference/tabid/190/Default.aspx

 

4/21

Organic Apples: Focusing Tree Energy with John Bemis at Hutchin's Farm, Concord, MA

John Bemis, with 30 years of apple tree management experience, will show us how to guide the trees growth and help produce fruit. We will walk the orchard and learn about girdling and pruning to control excessive growth. For more info, see: http://www.nofamass.org/programs/skills.php  

 

4/26

Organic Gardening across Massachusetts with NOFA Staff, various locations

Learn how gardening begins with building the soil and composting and all about seeds and seedlings, mulches, raised beds and how you can grow some of what you eat and start to appreciate where all of your food comes from. For more info, see: http://www.nofamass.org/programs/skills.php

 

 

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OPPORTUNITIES

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Educational Outreach Associate, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Millheim, PA

The chosen candidate will work with the Director of Educational Outreach to plan, promote, execute and evaluate farm-based educational programming according to the work plan of in-house grants, collaborative grants, and the needs of the PASA membership. All staff members are expected to contribute as needed to ensure PASA best represents and responds to the needs of our members while striving to live up to our mission of promoting profitable farms that produce healthy food for all people while respecting the natural environment. Last day to apply: February 29, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/262318-96

 

Corporate Marketing Researcher, The Humane Society of The United States, Gaithersburg, MD

Seeking an individual to research and persuade corporations to reform their purchasing policies in ways that reduce farm animal suffering—focusing on the most abusive practices in agribusiness. Establish and manage strategic relationships; keep up-to-date on recent campaign developments and maintain regular contact to encourage collaboration that leads to tangible results. Conduct research on potential corporate candidates for animal welfare improvements; maintain and apply solid, evolving knowledge of industry trends and corporate environment via industry publications. Last day to apply: March 31, 2008 For more info, see:  http://www.idealist.org/en/job/262188-92

 

Grant Writer, The Food Project, The Food Project, Lincoln, MA

We seek a talented, motivated individual to be a key member of our Development staff. The successful candidate will prepare proposals, contracts, letters of inquiry, etc., for new and existing foundations. We are looking for an individual who can not only maintain and strengthen current funding relationships, but also help us initiate significant new relationships with national foundations. Last day to apply: February 5, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/254258-176

 

Administrative and Financial Coordinator, Waltham Fields Community Farm, Waltham, MA

Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF) is a non-profit organization based in the diverse suburban community of Waltham, Massachusetts. We forge relationships between people, their food supply, and the land from which it grows. The ideal candidate for this position will have training in and experience with QuickBooks and Microsoft Access; will have experience in bookkeeping and financial reporting; will have experience working with and/or maintaining a database; will be comfortable trouble shooting basic technology issues; and will be willing to take on a variety of administrative tasks as needed. Maturity, responsibility and discretion will be critical. Last day to apply: February 2, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/255635-67

 

Assistant Crops Manager, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln, MA

Massachusetts Audubon Society is seeking an Assistant Crops Manager for its 232-acre sanctuary in Lincoln, MA. Drumlin Farm is a wildlife sanctuary and working farm where a staff of educators and farmers teach school children, visitors, volunteers and apprentices sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. The Assistant Crops Manager will work with Drumlin Farm's Crops Manager to train seasonal apprentices, make educational opportunities available to school and camp groups, and grow 14 acres of crops for distribution to two Boston area farmers markets, a vegetable stand on the property, and a summer and winter CSA project. Last day to apply: February 14, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/254687-151

 

Food/Nutrition Coordinator, The Partnership for the Homeless, New York, NY

The Partnership for the Homeless is seeking a Food/Nutrition Coordinator to be a part of its Food for Life program, a multi-disciplinary initiative addressing the nutritional needs of older homeless adults, as well as the needs of families and children and persons affected by HIV/AIDS. Last day to apply: February 2, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/253741-277

 

Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, Hunger Action Network of New York State, New York City, NY

Hunger Action Network is seeking an energetic, organized and passionate individual to be our Policy and Advocacy Coordinator. Last day to apply: January 31, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/253490-192

 

Farmstand Co-Manager, White Dog Community Enterprises, Philadelphia, PA

The Farmstand Co-Manager will oversee the day-to-day operation and manage The Fair Food Farmstand, White Dog Community Enterprises’ retail location at the Reading Terminal Market. Located in the historic Reading Terminal Market, the Fair Food Farmstand carries a variety of fresh produce, meats, poultry, dairy, eggs and cheese from organic and sustainable farms throughout the southeast Pennsylvania region.Last day to apply: January 28, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/252608-57

 

Multiple openings, Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston, MA

The Greater Boston Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, and one of the largest food banks in the country, distributing more than 25 million pounds of food annually to a network of more than 600 member hunger-relief agencies. For more info, see: http://www.gbfb.org/content/main.cfm?sca_id=27&cu_id=12

 

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  

 

Conservation Innovation Grants

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. CIG enables NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the Nation's most pressing natural resource concerns. CIG has two competitions available in fiscal year 2008--National and State. The National competition is now open; individual states will announce funding availability through separate requests for proposals.

Due date: February 20, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/

 

Connecticut Farm Reinvestment Grant Program

By providing money for capital enhancement to farms, it is the Department of Agriculture's hope to help preserve Connecticut’s agricultural base and improve farm production. These competitive matching grants will be awarded on the basis of the quality of the business plan that is a part of their application. The farmer applicant must match or exceed the amount of the grant being requested. These funds must be used for projects that are defined as capital fixed assets and have a life expectancy of 10 years or more. The funds may be used for the expansion of existing agricultural facilities, or diversification—expansion into new production areas and site improvements related to such expansion or diversification. Due date: April 30, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?a=1368&q=273968

 

New York Environmental Justice Community Impact Grant

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants. The grants are being made available to local community organizations in neighborhoods historically overburdened by a higher density of contaminated sites, air pollution, water pollution, noise, lack of green open space and waterfront access, related public health impacts, and reduced quality of life, as compared to other communities in New York State. Eligible grant projects must address environmental or related human health problems in the community and educate community residents. Awards ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 will be given out for projects such as demonstration projects of green rooftops for storm water abatement, alternative energy projects, air and water quality monitoring, and community gardens. Due date: April 23, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/31226.html

 

    

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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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