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NetWorking groups

NESAWG’s Networking Groups (formerly called Work Groups) provide an opportunity to go more in-depth on specific topics. They are open sessions, connecting people throughout the region and across sectors to network, share resources and best practices, identify gaps, and brainstorm solutions.

Want to be part of the conversation? Join a group and bring questions, share ideas and take action to strengthen our regional food system.

Diet, Geography, Access and Public Health – Nathan Hale North
The Diet, Geography, Access and Public Health (DGAP) group has been dedicated to exploring persistent patterns of food system inequities, particularly in communities of color and economically or socially disadvantaged communities. For the 2016 discussion, we will consider recent decrees and documents and how these resources frame the relationships among planetary health, population health,  racial equity and social justice.  

Leaders: Joanne Burke, University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute & Food Solutions New England; Karen Spiller, NESAWG & KAS Consulting

Food Safety – Nathan Hale South
This group is an open forum to address and join together on specific activities regarding implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, GAPs and other certifications, farmer education, and one-size-fits-all regulations.

Leader: Roger Noonan, New England Farmers Union

Distribution & Food Hubs – – Salon A The Distribution and Food Hubs group discusses  issues, challenges, and best practices related to food hubs, value chains, and other strategies for wholesale distribution that support sustainable food systems goals and benefit all food systems stakeholders.

Co-Leaders: Jeff Farbman, Wallace Center at Winrock International; Ann Karlen, Fair Food Philly; Michael Rozyne, NESAWG Steering Committee & Red Tomato

Food Systems Planning – Salon B
The Food Systems Planning group is a community of practice for those engaged in planning activities that impact the food system. Members include regional and municipal planners, food policy council members, and others engaged in food system plans and policies.

Co-Leaders: Erica Campbell, Vermont Farm to Plate Network; Karen Banks, Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future

Labor & Trade – Salon C
This group will continue discussions on linking the sustainable agriculture movement with food workers in order to change the food system.

Co-Leaders: Elizabeth Henderson, Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York; Kathia Ramirez, CATA – Comite de Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agricolas/The Farmworkers’ Support Committee

Food Censorship and Misinformation – Mark Twain
In 2015, this group met and discussed numerous ways that food, industrial agriculture and GMO seed issues are often misrepresented in the media and academia.  This year we’ll discuss an Oct. 30, 2016 New York Times, a frontpage watershed article, “Doubts About a Promised Bounty.” The article questions both yield and safety claims regarding GMOs.  How do we help enlarge and sustain those valid doubts, in the teeth of industry propaganda?

Co-Leaders: Ruth Katz & Joan Gussow