FARM BILL UPDATE:

Farm Bill Stalemate Continues - Short Term Extension Likely

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Roots Politics

 

NEWS:

Pizza and Beer Now Cost an Arm and a Leg

Gardeners Using Shovels to Fight Higher Food Prices

New Jersey Farmers React to Governor Corzine's Plan to Cut Dept. of Agriculture

New Hampshire Yogurt Maker Practices What he Preaches

Connecticut Making the Case for Raw Milk

Maryland Dairy Farmers Seek Emergency Funding

 

EVENTS:

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

3/28-29: Northeast Grasstravaganza, Binghamton, NY

4/5: Raised Beds in the Garden and the Farm Organism, Chestnut Ridge, NY

4/12: Connecticut Community Gardening Conference, Waterbury, CT

4/12: Working Lands: An Agroforestry Sampler, Ithaca, NY

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

4/25: Organic Beekeeping: Principles and Practices, Chestnut Ridge, NY

4/26: Organic Gardening across Massachusetts, various locations

6/8-8/15: Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Semester, Craftsbury Common, VT

 

OPPORTUNITIES:

Program Director, World Hunger Year, New York, NY

Field Program Director, Sustainable Harvest International, Surry, ME

Assistant to the Executive Director, Slow Food U.S.A., Brooklyn, NY

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

Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA

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

Connecticut Farm Reinvestment Grant Program

New York Environmental Justice Community Impact Grant

Farmers Market Promotion Program

Value-Added Producer Grant

Small Minority Producer Grant Program

 

 

*******************

FARM BILL UPDATE

*******************

Farm Bill Stalemate Continues - Short Term Extension Likely

(Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s Weekly Update) – In our last update, we reported that starting this past Monday there would be just 20 days left before the farm bill expires on March 15 and that all the key players involved were looking for a breakthrough to happen this week.  Alas, as of Friday, there was no breakthrough to report, and by this Monday there will be but a dozen days to go.  It now appears highly likely that a short term extension of the current farm bill until sometime in April will be required, allowing more time for the deal to come together after Congress returns from its March 15-March 31 recess. As we noted last week, despite the continued slow down on reaching a deal at the Member level on the overall funding architecture of the bill, congressional staff continue to meet and plug away at all the many details of the farm bill in meetings grouped by farm bill title. We continue to follow this process very closely. Full update here: http://tidyurl.net/e9Vuo

 

 

*******************

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

*******************

Roots Politics

(Washington Post)  - I've been following the presidential campaign news, and I can't believe no one has asked the big question: Which candidate will pledge to be the Gardening President? Who will be the one to take the lead in teaching food self-sufficiency and good nutrition to the American public? What a fine example it would set if the food miles traveled by presidential produce added up to zero. Full article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/27/AR2008022701082.html

 

 

*******************

NEWS

*******************

Pizza and Beer Now Cost an Arm and a Leg

(MSNBC) - If you’re looking for a sure sign the U.S. economy is headed in the wrong direction, all you need to do is look at the skyrocketing price of “recession-proof” foods: pizza, hot dogs, bagels and beer. For many Americans, the credit crunch and the mortgage mess have left their pocketbooks – and their cupboards – bare. These same consumers, many living paycheck to paycheck, have relied on these cheaper foods to keep their expenditures down. Not anymore. Full article here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23415510/

 

Gardeners Using Shovels to Fight Higher Food Prices

(Associated Press) - Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach are battling back by growing their own food. Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies. Although the 2008 planting season is still largely in the planning stages, it appears vegetable seed sales will be up significantly from year-ago figures, said Barb Melera, president of D. Landreth Seed Co., in New Freedom, Pa. "I just came back from the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta and we sold three to four times the amount of seed packets we did the previous year," Melera said. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm." Full article here: http://www.eagletribune.com/pulife/local_story_055073601.html

 

New Jersey Farmers React to Governor Corzine's Plan to Cut Dept. of Agriculture

(The Examiner) - Local farmers and officials have had strong reactions to Gov. Jon Corzine's plan to eliminate the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) as a costcutting measure. Corzine also wants to eliminate the state's Commerce and Personnel departments. The New Jersey Farm Bureau called on Corzine on Feb. 21 to reconsider any plan to abolish the NJDA as a budget-cutting move. "We all recognize the need to streamline state government," New Jersey Farm Bureau President Richard Nieuwenhuis said, "but this goes too far and will dramatically undercut a $1 billion industry. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture provides vital support services to farmers across the state, and its elimination would be a severe blow to farmers across the state." Full article here: http://examiner.gmnews.com/news/2008/0228/Front_Page/002.html

 

New Hampshire Yogurt Maker Practices What he Preaches

(Providence Journal) - For more than 25 years, Gary Hirshberg has been telling people that they can do business, make money and actually thrive without destroying the environment. His successful Stonyfield Farm yogurt company is proof of his message, growing to $300 million in annual sales. Now, with energy costs and climate change warnings both soaring, business people are finally paying attention. Hirshberg, whose company is based in New Hampshire, gets so many speaking requests he says he could be on the road every day. To help “expedite evolution,” as he says, he recently came out with a book, Stirring It Up — How to Make Money and Save the World. The book comes with cover endorsements by Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s; Laurie David, the climate-change activist; Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation; former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and actor Robert Redford, who wrote that Hirshberg “dared to dream new ways of doing business based on respect for customers, employees, and the earth. And it worked.” Full article here: http://www.projo.com/business/content/stonyfield_03-02-08_N28SSCU_v23.3136c5b.html

 

Connecticut Making THE Case for Raw Milk

(New York Times)  - On a cold January morning at Town Farm Dairy here, people steadily flowed into a tiny office, exchanging empties for bottles of fresh milk. About half of them headed to the right side of the cooler, where the raw milk is stored. “It’s the best milk you can drink,” said Walter Radziwillowicz, 54, hoisting four half gallons. Mr. Radziwillowicz, an electrical contractor from Plainville, said he had drunk it regularly in his native Poland. “I love the taste. I like the smell,” he said. “It’s richer in calcium and richer in everything else.” Enthusiasts of the unhomogenized, unpasteurized milk agree with Mr. Radziwillowicz that it has a better flavor and is more nutritious than pasteurized milk. But the Food and Drug Administration banned the interstate sale of unpasteurized milk 20 years ago, and warned consumers again last year that they were risking their health if they drank it. Health officials say disease-carrying bacteria that may be present in raw milk pose a danger to humans. Nevertheless, its popularity continues to grow, especially in Connecticut. Each state gets to regulate how raw milk is produced, bought and sold within its borders, and Connecticut is one of the easiest places to buy and sell it. About one-third of states nationwide prohibit its sale, New Jersey among them. Among states where it is legal, most restrict sales to the farm where it is produced, which is the case in New York. In Connecticut, any store that sells milk can also sell raw milk, making it one of a handful of states where that is allowed. Raw milk is sold in Connecticut at about 15 farms, and is carried in many health food stores, small independent markets and three of the state’s four Whole Foods stores. “We’d give Connecticut an A,” said Sally Fallon, president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, an advocacy group that supports the universal availability of raw milk. Full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/24milkct.html

 

Maryland Dairy Farmers Seek Emergency Funding

(The Frederick News) - Two Frederick County dairymen want state lawmakers to approve an emergency fund that protect farmers from financial hardship when prices dip below costs. Point of Rocks farmer Chuck Fry and Frederick milk processor James Vona testified last week before the House Environmental Matters Committee in favor of the bill proposed by Frederick County Delegate Paul Stull, a Republican. The same bill has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. David Brinkley, a Republican representing Frederick and Carroll counties. Full article here: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=71968

 

 

*******************

EVENTS

******************* 

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

 

3/28-29

Northeast Grasstravaganza, Binghamton, NY

Central New York RC&D hosts this event, which offers speakers and workshops in four tracks: Local Meats, Food, Health and Marketing; Innovations in Grass-Based Management; Grazing Potpourri; Animal Behavior Symposium. For more information, see: http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/events/index.cfm

 

4/5

Raised Beds in the Garden and the Farm Organism, Chestnut Ridge, NY

In this one-day workshop at the Pfeiffer Center, Mac Mead will present both the principles underlying raised-bed cultivation and the practical aspects of growing in raised beds. In hands-on sessions, we will learn how to build up, amend and cultivate raised beds. Demonstrations of tractor methods of raised-bed farming will show how this valuable technique can be applied to larger-scale farming. For more information, see: http://www.pfeiffercenter.org/workshops/index.asp

 

4/12

Connecticut Community Gardening Conference, Waterbury, CT

The Connecticut Community Gardening Association and the Naugatuck Valley Community College present an annual sharing of garden ideas and insights on how community gardening contributes to the health of people and neighborhoods. For more information, see: http://ctcommunitygardening.org/events/

 

4/12

Working Lands: An Agroforestry Sampler, Ithaca, NY

Gain valuable information for enhancing land and water stewardship and increasing farm viability. This workshop will provide an overview of agroforestry practices and also the Root Production Method as applied to agroforestry with specific case studies highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of agroforestry to the landowner or farmer. Presentations and a tour of the Cornell MacDaniels Nut Grove will showcase the opportunities for forest farming in New York and the Northeast. For more information, see: http://rpmecosystems.com/workshop.html    

 

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  

 

4/25

Organic Beekeeping: Principles and Practices, Chestnut Ridge, NY

This workshop at the Pfeiffer Center covers topics suitable for all beekeepers, from novice to expert. A special Friday afternoon session for beginners demonstrates hive construction and the basics of handling bees. The rest of the workshop – Friday evening and all day Saturday – presents a balanced view of natural beekeeping topics not ordinarily covered in lectures and articles, including: swarming as an expression of the bees’ vitality; working with swarms and making splits; the importance of wax production; and acid treatments for Varroa mites. For more information, see: http://www.pfeiffercenter.org/workshops/index.asp

 

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

 

6/8-8/15

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 8-11 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. The deadline for application for the 2008 summer semester is April 14, 2008.For more information, see:

http://www.sterlingcollege.edu/AD.summerfarm.html

 

 

*******************

OPPORTUNITIES

*******************  

Program Director, World Hunger Year, New York, NY

WHY a national hunger and poverty organization founded in 1975 is looking for a leader who has a history and passion for working with grassroots organizations, is knowledgeable in the field of hunger and poverty and believes that empowerment and promoting self-reliance are keys to solving these endemic problems. The position requires strong leadership, internal and external communication skills and an ability to work on both the program and policy levels. Last day to apply: March 31, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/265768-154  

 

Field Program Director, Sustainable Harvest International, Surry, ME

Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) seeks a Program Director to lead its ongoing work to increase standards of living while protecting the environment. Currently with programs in four countries in Central America and having just completed our first decade of operations, SHI is committed to finding the person best suited to maintain our existing program and take us forward for the decades ahead. The Program Director (PD) will be responsible for all aspects of program management from budget oversight to policy, best practices, & program evaluation, development and planning. The PD will ensure that the field program remains focused on and aligned with SHI's mission, and maintains close familiarity with the work on-the-ground through regular visits to the field. Last day to apply: April 20, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/265517-167

 

Assistant to the Executive Director, Slow Food U.S.A., Brooklyn, NY

Slow Food USA’s Executive Director is seeking a full time assistant. Slow Food USA is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic organization with 170 convivia (chapters) and 15,000 members nationwide. Located in Brooklyn, the Slow Food USA National Office is the hub of activity for the national movement, with 12 staff members. The Executive Director is responsible for guiding the movement and its projects, and her assistant will work closely with her to streamline and organize her myriad commitments and make her, and by extension the organization, as effective as possible. Last day to apply: March 10, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/264133-275   

 

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

 

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/aboutUs/CurrentOpenings.cfm

 

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  

 

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

 

Farmers Market Promotion Program

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grants are targeted to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Approximately $1 million is allocated for Fiscal Year 2008 for the FMPP, with the requirement that the maximum amount awarded for any one proposal cannot exceed $75,000. Entities eligible to apply include agricultural cooperatives, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public health corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities and Tribal government. Due date: March 24, 2008  For more info, see: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fmpp/

 

Value-Added Producer Grant

USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service is seeking applications for the Value-Added Producer's Grant (VAPG) program. Approximately $18.4 million is available through the program this year for grants to assist independent producers, agriculture producer groups, farmer and rancher-owned cooperatives, and majority controlled producer-based business ventures with the production, processing and marketing of value-added agricultural products. Value added products include those created through a change in physical state, through differentiated production or marketing, or physical segregation. Both working capital grants of up to $300,000 and planning grants not exceeding $100,000 are available through the program, with documentation of either cash or in-kind matching funds required. All potential applicants are strongly urged to contact their Rural Development State Office to discuss their projects and make inquires concerning the application process. Due date: March 31, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm

 

Small Minority Producer Grant Program

The Small Minority Agriculture Producer grants are made to Cooperatives or Associations of Cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide assistance to small, minority agriculture producers and whose governing board and/or membership is comprised of at least 75 percent minority. The primary objective of this grant program is to provide technical assistance to small, minority agriculture producers. Eight awards of up to $175,000 are expected to be made under this program. Due date: April 8, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/smpg/smpg.htm