NESAWG
POTLUCK NEWS: JANUARY 2009
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Happy New Year from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG)!
Do you have a winter event you want included in Potluck? Post it to the NEFOOD.org events calendar and we’ll make sure to include it: http://www.nefood.org/events
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Is a new food policy on Obama’s list?
NEWS:
Year of the hungry
Dairy compact revival?
‘Cow Tax’ uproar underscores greenhouse-gas divide
Winter Farmers’ market keeps Mainers eating local
2008: A look back at Maryland’s farm troubles, triumphs
MA residents sow seeds for local farm committees
EVENTS:
1/5: Soil Mineral Nutrition Seminar, Barre, MA
1/16: Connect Locally: Food, Farms and Community, Frederick, MD
1/17: NOFA/Mass Annual Winter Conference, Worcester, MA
2/4: PASA’s 18th Annual Farming for the Future Conference, State College, PA
2/6: NESAWG’s Annual Meeting and Resource Harvest, State College, PA
2/14-15: NOFA Vermont’s 27th Annual Winter Conference, Randolph, VT
OPPORTUNITIES:
Multiple openings, Slow Food USA, Brooklyn, NY
Deputy Director, Center for Whole Communities, Fayston, VT
Farm Program Coordinator, Green Chimneys, Brewster, NY
Plant Education Coordinator, Food Bank For New York City, New York, NY
Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA
Multiple Job Openings, Community Food Resource Center, New York, NY
New York State Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program
Grow New York’s Enterprise Program
Pennsylvania GAP/GHP Cost Sharing Program
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Is a New Food Policy on Obama’s List?
(New York Times) – From the moment it was clear that Barack Obama was going to be president, people who have dedicated their lives to changing how America eats thought they had found their St. Nicholas. It wasn’t long before the letters to Santa began piling up. Ruth Reichl, the editor of Gourmet magazine, wants a new high-profile White House chef who cooks delicious local food. Wayne Pacelle, head of the Humane Society of the United States, wants policies requiring better treatment for farm animals. Parents want better public-school lunches. Consumer groups are dreaming of a new, stronger food safety system. Nutrition reformers want prisoners to be fed less soy. And a farmer in Maine is asking the president-elect to plow under an acre of White House lawn for an organic vegetable garden. Although Mr. Obama has proposed changes in the nation’s farm and rural policies and emphasizes the connection between diet and health, there is nothing to indicate he has a special interest in a radical makeover of the way food is grown and sold. Still, the dream endures. To advocates who have watched scattered calls for changes in food policy gather political and popular momentum, Mr. Obama looks like their kind of president. Full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/24/dining/24food.html
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NEWS
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2009: Year of the Hungry
(The Independent – UK) – One billion people will go hungry around the globe next year for the first time in human history, as the international financial crisis deepens. The shocking landmark will be passed – despite a second record worldwide harvest in a row – because people are becoming too destitute to buy the food that is produced. Decades of progress in reducing hunger are being abruptly reversed, dealing a devastating blow to a pledge by world leaders eight years ago to cut it in half by 2015. Rich countries have failed to provide promised money to boost agriculture in the Third World; the financial crisis is starving developing countries of credit and driving their people into greater poverty, and food aid to the starving is expected to begin drying up next month. Full article here http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/year-of-the-hungry-1000000000-afflicted-1213843.html
(Lancaster Farming) – With the prospect of farm milk prices sinking to as low as $14 per hundredweight by spring, major dairy cooperatives and agriculture commissioners of eight Northeastern states are scrambling to put together a package of options to put before members of the region’s Congressional delegation when they get down to business in Washington in early January. One idea to help dairy producers that is sure to spark interest and controversy is to revive the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact that the six New England states put together and operated between 1997 and 2001. The Compact imposed a premium on Class I (fluid) milk sales in the region that was distributed back to farmers by a regional commission composed of farmers, processors and consumer representatives. The Compact enjoyed broad support among political leaders and the general public, but it attracted heavy fire from dairy interests elsewhere in the U.S. and failed to win reauthorization in Washington. Adoption of the Compact was laborious process that wound through state legislatures, governors’ office, Congress, the U.S. Justice Department and finally the Clinton White House. Any initiative by two or more states to establish a pricing mechanism for any commodity requires approval by Congress. When representatives of the seven major dairy cooperatives met with agriculture commissioners of Vermont, New York and Pennsylvania earlier this month it was agreed that a revival of the Compact must include New York and Pennsylvania along with the New England states because of the increasingly regionalized nature of assembly, processing and distribution of milk supplies in the Northeast. Full article here: http://www.lancasterfarming.com/node/1629
‘Cow Tax’ uproar underscores greenhouse-gas divide
(Wall Street Journal) – Is the Environmental Protection Agency preparing to slap a “cow tax” on bovines for their contribution to global warming? The agency says no. But in recent weeks, farmers and livestock ranchers have flooded the EPA with letters warning of catastrophic consequences if such a tax was imposed. “If President-elect [Barack] Obama tries to include farmers in some kind of livestock assessment based on greenhouse-gas emissions, I want my Iowans to know that I’m going to stand beside the producers and fight,” Sen. Charles Grassley (R., Iowa) said this week. Full article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122913405823603643.html
Winter Farmers’ Market keeps city dwellers eating local
(MaineToday.com) – Monument Square may be covered in snow, but that hasn’t stopped a trio of farmers from showing up every other week to deliver Maine-grown and raised food to us urbanites. On Christmas Eve, there was quite a line of people waiting to fill their baskets and shopping bags with holiday eats at this Winter Farmers’ Market. I was psyched to restock my supplies of potatoes, carrots and beets, which were all running dangerously low. Full article here: http://www.mainetoday.com/blogs/inasnap/037583.html
A look at MARYLAND farm troubles, triumphs
(Baltimore Sun) – There will be a corn crop next year and farmers will continue plowing their fields, milking their cows, feeding their chickens and selling their goods at market. But I won’t be around to report on it. The newspaper is ending this weekly farm column. As I look back over a long career, I think about the respect I developed for farmers. They work hard and work smart or they don’t survive. They are part of the largest industry in the state. They feed us at a fraction of the cost of food in other nations while constantly battling the uncontrollable threats of Mother Nature. As a reporter, I sought to point out the contributions of agriculture to our economy and to our way of life. I tried to give farmers a louder voice at the bargaining table of government. As I scan through a pile of farm story clippings, here are some things that stand out. Full article here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/harford/bal-ha.farm28dec28,0,1538546.story
MASSACHUSETTS residents sow seeds for local farm committees
(The Beacon) – Just a few decades ago, much of this town was still open land and working farms dotted the landscape. But most of the farmland has disappeared, replaced by commercial and residential development. Now, a growing number of Acton residents hope that an agricultural commission will help preserve the remaining farms in town. “I would definitely like an agricultural commission to come about,” said Hart Millett, one of about a dozen residents who attended a Dec. 18 meeting at the Acton Memorial Library to discuss the possibility of forming such a commission in Acton. “I like to see farmers prosper and be welcome.” Millett said that much of the farmland where he grew up in Maine and in Acton, his home since 1981, was paved over to make way for residential and commercial development. Agricultural commissions are local bodies that advocate for local agricultural interests at a town level. The commissions are usually comprised of three, five or seven members, the majority of whom are involved with agriculture in some way. Such commissions exist in 117 communities in Massachusetts, including Boxborough, and 40 more are considering forming their own, said Cheryl Lekstrom, a contractor for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources who helps communities organize agricultural commissions. Full article here: http://www.wickedlocal.com/acton/news/x1647206096/Residents-sow-seeds-for-farm-committee
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EVENTS
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1/5
Soil Mineral Nutrition Seminar, Barre, MA
Learn a biological approach to farming that has helped many vastly improve yields, significantly decrease disease and insect pressure, and noticeably improve the taste and nutritional content of crops. Presented by Arden Andersen – an agronomist, osteopathic physician, and international leader in the field of biological farming. Learn a range of diagnostic techniques for discerning which components of the biological system are scarce or excessive and how to shift management choices accordingly to optimize conditions for crop growth. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/seminar-or-soil-mineral
1/16
Connect Locally: Food, Farms and Community, Frederick, MD
Future Harvest – A Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture is holding its 10th Annual Conference in Frederick, MD on January 16th and 17th, 2009. Keynote speaker Nina Planck, author of Real Food, will talk about the cultural and nutritional significance of traditional foods. Pre-conference sessions and workshops will cover agritourism, soil fertility, farm to institution programs, healthy food, sustainable grass-based systems, farm profitability, sustainable fruit and vegetable production and affordable grain production. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/2044592:Event:5982
1/17
Keynote Speech and all day workshop by Eliot Coleman. Over 35 other workshops on crops, gardening, livestock, farm management, organic land care, sustainable life-styles, homesteading and more! For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/22nd-annual-nofamass-winter
2/5-7
PASA’s 18th Annual Farming for the Future Conference, State College, PA
PASA’s FFF Conference brings together farmers, consumers, business people, experts, beginners and others involved in the sustainable agriculture community. With 13 Pre-Conference Tracks and over 80 Friday and Saturday workshops, you don’t want to miss this educational and enjoyable opportunity. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/2044592:Event:5993
2/6
NESAWG’s Annual Meeting and Resource Harvest, State College, PA
NESAWG is pleased to be organizing its annual gathering this year in conjunction with PASA’s Farming for the Future Conference. Please stay tuned to the NEFOOD list and NEFOOD.org for more information.
2/14-15
NOFA Vermont’s 27th Annual Winter Conference, Randolph, VT
Grow It Here: Innovations toward Local Food Sovereignty, NOFA Vermont’s 27th Annual NOFA Vermont Winter Conference will be held February 14-15, 2009 at the Vermont Technical College in Randolph. With over 1,000 farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, educators, and community members expected, this conference marks the preeminent annual gathering of Vermont’s local food movement to share in two days of workshops and conversations focused on growing a vibrant, healthy, and safe local food system. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/grow-it-here-nofa-vermonts
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OPPORTUNITIES
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Multiple openings, Slow Food USA, Brooklyn, NY
Slow Food USA is seeking applications for four new positions in its New York headquarters. Applications for all openings are due by January 16th. For more info, follow the link to the complete job description. Director of Slow Food Nation: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/322350-159/c Youth Programs Coordinator: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/322351-193/c Director of Communications: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/322349-156/c Director of Development: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/322348-123/c
Deputy Director, Center for Whole Communities, Fayston, VT
Center for Whole Communities (Whole Communities) is a vibrant and rapidly growing organization transcending the environmental and social change arenas. Our alumni are from 44 states and more than 400 different communities and organizations. We support and encourage these leaders in their efforts to innovate and build deep collaborations across the divides of politics, specialization, race, class and privilege. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as our Deputy Director, responsible for supervising our staff, managing day to day operations and overseeing our programs. This is a new position. Our Deputy Director will work closely with the Executive Director to provide leadership, creative vision and focus in implementing our theories of change and unique programs. Last day to apply: January 4, 2009 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/320129-55
Farm Program Coordinator, Green Chimneys, Brewster, NY
Responsible for successful trips to various destinations with animals and our children. Responsible for the farm related public programs, i.e. farm tours, visits from large and small groups, volunteers, international guests etc. Professional or personal experience working with children, preferably in public setting. Last day to apply: January 17, 2009 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/319016-308
Plant Education Coordinator, Food Bank for New York City, New York, NY
The purpose of this position is to oversee the daily operation of and development of a gardening based nutrition education program including recruitment, training and formalization of the gardening/farming lessons. Working within a fast-paced environment, this position requires an individual with strong interest in nutrition and food poverty issues, the experience and willingness to work with diverse audiences and the ability to collaborate with partner schools and community based organizations. Last day to apply: January 20, 2009 For more info, see http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/319576-0
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
New York State Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program
The New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee invites Soil and Water Conservation Districts or groups of Districts acting jointly to submit proposals for funding under the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program. Program funds are available for nonpoint source abatement and control projects that plan (AEM Tier III) or implement (AEM Tier IV) Agricultural Best Management Practices on New York State farms.
Due date: January 5, 2009 For more info, see: http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/RFPS.html
Grow New York’s Enterprise Program
The Grow NY Enterprise Program is a joint Governor’s initiative of the Governor’s Office for Small Cities (GOSC), Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and the Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), which dedicates $3 million annually to increasing the demand for and expanding the use of New York’s agriculture and forest products. Under the Grow NY Enterprise Program, funds are provided to eligible communities for the following purposes: To make loans for production agriculture and agribusiness development and expansion for an identified eligible activity which will result in the creation of permanent private sector job opportunities, principally for low-and moderate-income persons; or To construct publicly owned facilities or infrastructure which are necessary to accommodate production agriculture and agribusiness development and expansion that will result in the creation of permanent private sector job opportunities, principally for low-and moderate-income persons. For more info, see: http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/GNYRFP.html
Pennsylvania GAP/GHP Cost Sharing Program
Any business or individual located in Pennsylvania that successfully completes one initial USDA Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) or one initial USDA Good Handling Practices (GHP) audit is eligible to apply. Qualified applicants may receive up to a maximum of $400 per year to cover the costs of one successful initial USDA GAP or GHP audit. Due date: January 15, 2009 For more info, see: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=143713
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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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Roger Doiron, NEFOOD Listserve administrator, [email protected]