This year, NESAWG brought a delegation of 22 to the NEASDA (Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture) Annual Regional Meeting! This conference is an excellent opportunity to interact with Northeast state agriculture heads, hear about their Farm Bill and state ag priorities and let them know what matters to us.

Stories from our Kitchen Table Panel

We presented on a panel of powerful farmers who lifted voices of color and shared “Stories From Our Kitchen Table”. Panelist included:

• Robert Chang– Farmer of Echo Farm in Woodstock CT, where he grows certified organic vegetables and cut flowers. He is also the Policy Coordinator of NEFOC (Northeast Farmers of Color) in New York
• Ulum Pixan– Co-founder and farmer of Global Village Farms in Grafton, MA
• Robert Peck– Farmer-owner of Hemp Milk & Honey in Connecticut
• Moderator: Cristina Cabrera (Traditional Name Chunchip Deer Spirit)- Executive Director of NESAWG and urban grower and producer with Native Green community gardens in Providence, RI

You can view the full panel conversation here as well as our slide deck.
 

New England feeding new england

A great presentation from New England Feeding New England highlighted the prevalence of chain grocery stores in our New England food system and the competition challenges that local distributors face. They outlined a plan for 30% of food consumed in New England to be produced in New England. Visit their website to view the full report and to get more information. 

Monthly NEASDA Meetings

NESAWG hosts a recurring monthly meeting for NEASDA organizing efforts on the first Friday of each month at 10am. Email Ella if you’re interested to learn more about NEASDA and join the monthly meetings.

Stay tuned for the full conference report. 

Photos by: Adam Liebowitz