NESAWG

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

What’s in a number? How the press got the idea that food travels 1,500 miles from farm to plate.

NEWS:

Following Fannie and Freddie, Farmer Mac gets infusion of $65 million

Farm Aid’s urges congress to redirect bailout

Maine family farm finds sweet new niche

The churning point

Agritourism grows in New Jersey patches

Exhibit looks at the lives of Mexican farm workers in Vermont

EVENTS:

10/4-8: Community Food Security Coalition Annual Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey

10/5: Mother Earth Harvest Fair, Glenrock, PA

10/7: Pasture Season Extension-Fall Annuals and Perennial Stockpiling, Richmond, VT

10/9: Organic Sugarbush Management, Starksboro, VT

10/11-13: Nose to Tail Pork Processing Workshop, Unity, Maine

10/12: Harvest Festival – The Putney School, Putney, VT

10/15: Pete’s Greens’s Experience Building an On-Farm Kitchen, Craftsbury Village, VT

10/18: Tree Planting, Accokeek, MD

10/18: Colonial Candle-Making Class, Accokeek, MD

10/25: Living in the Balance at Seeds of solidarity with Rick Baruc and Deb Habib, Orange, MA

10/31-11/2: MOFGA Farmer-to-Farmer Conference, Bar Harbor, ME

11/8: Farmer Education Resource Day, Frederick, MD

DISCUSSIONS:

The cost of local food

“Eating the view” in the Northeast

Country of origin labeling (“COOL”)

OPPORTUNITIES:

Project Manager, Agricultural Stewardship Association, Greenwich, NY

GreenSpace Coordinator, Buffalo ReUse, Buffalo, NY

Garden Manager & Educator, Yale Sustainable Food Project, New Haven, CT

Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA

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

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant

Pennsylvania Agricultural & Rural Youth Grant

Organic Farming Research Foundation Research Grants

Energy Productivity in Innovative Local Food Production Systems Grant

Vegetable and Strawberry IPM Educator Exchange Program

Northeast SARE Sustainable Community Grants

Organic Farming Research Foundation Education & Outreach Grants

Vermont Barn Preservation Grants Program

Healthy Sprouts Awards

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant

Pennsylvania Agricultural & Rural Youth Grant

Regional Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program Northeastern Region

Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarships

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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What’s in a Number? How the press got the idea that food travels 1,500 miles from farm to plate.

(Slate) – Food critics may be finicky when it comes to celebrity chefs, but their affection for local ingredients never flags. It’s hard to open a magazine without finding an article about a photogenic farmer making handcrafted cheese or a happy family that has reduced its carbon footprint by planting a victory garden. And it seems like nearly every one of these stories offers up the same disheartening statistic to wean Americans off their penchant for industrially farmed suppers: On average, food travels 1,500 miles from farm to plate. Back in May, chef Dan Barber noted on the New York Times op-ed page that $4 per gallon diesel fuel means “it’s no longer efficient to transport food 1,500 miles from where it’s grown.” When Wal-Mart decided to start buying more local produce last July, the company issued a press release stating that an average meal travels 1,500 miles “before it gets to you.” The stat has popped up in Newsweek, Time, even Slate’s own 2006 “Green Challenge.” Not since Newsweek announced that a woman had a better chance of getting killed by a terrorist than getting married after 40 has a statistic been embraced so enthusiastically. There’s just one problem. It’s only sort of true–and only if you live in Chicago. Full article here: http://www.slate.com/id/2200202/

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NEWS

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Following Fannie and Freddie, Farmer Mac gets infusion of $65 million

(Wall Street Journal) – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. said it has named a new chief executive and lined up $65 million in new capital that is critical to meeting balance-sheet requirements. The CEO change and investment from a group of banks in the government-chartered company referred to as Farmer Mac come as the provider of funding for U.S. agricultural loans has been trying to stabilize itself. Michael A. Gerber will now serve as acting president and chief executive of Farmer Mac, succeeding Henry D. Edelman. Mr. Edelman, appointed in 1989, was the only president and CEO that Farmer Mac had ever had. Mr. Gerber will continue as CEO of Farm Credit of Western New York, an association in the Farm Credit System. Farmer Mac faces heavy losses due to its holdings of tens of millions of dollars in investments that have rapidly lost value, including preferred stock of its cousin, Fannie Mae, which was seized by the government last month, and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., the collapsed investment bank. Full article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122286482186093989.html

Farm Aid’s Urges Congress to Redirect Bailout

(Market Watch) – In response to the $700 billion Wall Street bailout currently being considered by Congress, the Farm Aid Board of Directors Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews sent an open letter to Congressional leaders urging them to redirect funds to farm communities and working men and women, where they can be better used to address our country’s economic, environment, energy and health crises. “The proposed $700 bailout asks taxpayers to foot the bill without giving them the opportunity to share in any gains that might result,” Willie Nelson said. “On the other hand, a $1 billion investment in family farm agriculture would enrich all of us, because we are all shareholders of the family farm. The return on investment in the family farm includes thriving local economies, nutritious food for better health, a safer and more secure food supply, a cleaner environment and more renewable energy.” Full article here: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/farm-aids-nelson-mellencamp-young/story.aspx

Maine family farm finds sweet new niche

(Morning Sentinel) – Three years ago, the Marble family took a big step when they invested in building two unheated hoop houses and started commercially growing vegetables year-round on their 135-acre farm on Holley Road. Last year, Richard and Weslyn Marble, their son Andrew and his partner, Sarah Winslow, added a 100-foot-long greenhouse and since then, have been building their “Marble Family Farm” brand with the distinctive, red barn and rising sun logo appearing on food sold in gourmet and health food stores in central Maine and at farmers’ markets. Their latest move is a state-certified commercial kitchen that opened last week where they make breads, baked goods and pies using Maine-grown whole wheat flour and process products from the farm. “This is truly a family operation. We all pulled together to make it happen,” said Richard Marble, a part-time plumbing inspector and a full-time farmer. “For a small farm in Maine, you cannot produce enough to compete with the big farms. You can only enhance the value of your product,” he said. “If we can process what we grow, we can deal with the competition. There is a huge market out there and our problem is being able to produce enough to meet demand. Full article here: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/5451491.html

The churning point

(Washington Post) – Bobby Prigel seems like a poster child for the local-food movement. A fourth-generation dairy farmer, he wants to build a creamery to make organic butter, yogurt, cheese and ice cream. He wants to sell those products to consumers in nearby Baltimore instead of shipping his milk out of state. He wants to make enough money to pass on the farm to a fifth generation. But some neighbors and conservationists are challenging Prigel’s plans. Opponents, led by the Long Green Valley Association, say zoning rules prohibit his proposed 10,000-square-foot creamery and retail shop among the rolling hills of Long Green Valley, a designated rural conservation area. They also are suing the Prigel family’s Bellevale Farm and a Maryland state preservation agency, arguing that preservation easements on the land prohibit Prigel from processing milk on his farm. The case has pitted neighbor against neighbor and raised broad questions about the definition of agriculture. Does a creamery that makes butter and cheese qualify as farming or as manufacturing? And how much say should neighbors have in how farmers farm? Full article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/30/AR2008093000487.html

Agritourism grows in New Jersey patches

(Philadelphia Inquirer) – They are symbols of the fall harvest, Halloween and Thanksgiving. But for Pennsylvania and New Jersey farmers branching out into “agritourism,” pumpkins are money in the bank.They help draw tens of thousands of people each year to the growing number of farms offering pumpkin-picking excursions, farm kitchens, produce markets, hayrides, corn mazes, and Halloween programs.Some farmers have taken the tourist efforts to new heights of “agritainment,” offering bed-and-breakfast inns, petting zoos, live music, miniature golf courses, driving ranges, and batting cages. Agritourism – which pumps tens of millions of dollars into the economies of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, “has been a growing industry over the past 10 to 15 years,” said Mark O’Neill, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization with 44,000 members. “Farmers are looking to diversify their business and utilize their land to bring in more money,” he said. Full article here: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080929_Agritourism_grows_in_the_local_patches.html

Exhibit looks at the lives of Mexican farm workers in Vermont

(Vermont Public Radio) – For several years now, a cornerstone of Vermont’s economy has relied on a workforce that lives in the shadows. About 2,000 Mexicans are employed on the state’s dairy farmers. Many are here without proper documentation, and they live in constant fear of arrest and deportation. A new exhibit at the Vermont Folklife Center in Middlebury shines light on this once-hidden segment of our society. The organizers hope the public will learn more about the lives of the Mexicans – and the connections they’ve made with Vermont. VPR’s John Dillon has this report on the exhibit. Listen to the story here: http://www.vpr.net/audio_download.php?id=26175

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EVENTS

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10/4-8

Community Food Security Coalition Annual Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey

This 12th annual conference has the theme “Re/Storing our Urban and Rural Communities with Healthy Food.” This year’s event will focus on access to healthy food: how many communities have been transformed into food deserts; the health and economic impacts that these communities face; and the policy and grassroots-based solutions to this ever growing problem. The meeting will also include plenaries on climate change and the global food crisis, as well as over 50 workshops, 12 field trips, and 5 short courses. For more info, see: http://healthyfoodconference.com/

10/5

Mother Earth Harvest Fair, Glenrock, PA

Combining the atmosphere of a traditional country fair and farmer’s market with cutting-edge advances in alternative fuels, green building, and sustainable living, the Mother Earth Harvest Fair is a celebration and showcase of healthy, balanced, and sustainable living in the Chesapeake Bioregion. For more info, Contact: 717-235-6610

10/7

Pasture Season Extension-Fall Annuals and Perennial Stockpiling, Richmond, VT

Bruce Hennessey and Beth Whiting of Maple Wind Farm will share their experience with season extending cropping systems and discuss this year’s planting of a Cereal Rye and Italian Ryegrass mix along with their experimenting with different grazing mixes, most of which include festulolium, a ryegrass/fescue hybrid that remains high energy in colder weather. Free to organic and transitioning farmers, $10 for NOFA members, $15 for non-members. Directions: From I-89 take Exit 11 to Richmond. Follow Rte 2, 1mi past the Richmond light to the white barn at Andrews Farm on the right. Bruce and Beth, 434-7257. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/event/show?id=2044592:Event:3290

10/9

Organic Sugarbush Management, Starksboro, VT

Join David Brynn of Vermont Family Forests, and organic sugar makers Don Dolliver, Brown Hill Sugarhouse, and Kurt Kling, #15 School House Maple, for organic sugarbush management. Topics include: regeneration, erosion control, crop tree release, organic invasive plants control, snags for wildlife, healthy spouts, managing nature in the sugarbush, monitoring tap closures, and forest management plans required for organic certification. Co-sponsored by Vermont Family Forests. Please bring a lunch. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/event/show?id=2044592:Event:3126

10/11-13

Nose to Tail Pork Processing Workshop, Unity, Maine

This workshop presented by MOFGA will cover all the basic techniques of humane slaughter, carcass preparation, breakdown of the major components, and demonstrations of sanitary fresh and preservative processing using the entire animal. Fore more info, see: http://www.mofga.org/Programs/Events/NosetoTail/tabid/773/Default.aspx

10/12

Harvest Festival – The Putney School, Putney, VT

The Putney School’s annual Harvest Festival, Sunday, October 12th, is a fun-filled day of music, entertainment, art shows, an International Café and booths from local artisans and non-profits. A school tradition for more than 70 years, this free event is a celebration of community and school spirit. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/event/show?id=2044592:Event:4519

10/15

Pete’s Greens’s Experience Building an On-Farm Kitchen, Craftsbury Village, VT

Pete’s Greens is a four-season certified organic vegetable farm specializing in vegetables like baby greens, heirloom tomatoes, and root crops. Pete’s Greens’ Kitchen prepares fresh salsa, pesto, gazpacho, pickles, and more for his Good Eats CSA. We will discuss the process Pete’s Greens has gone through to design, build, and meet the regulations for an on-farm kitchen. There will be a tour of the kitchen and a discussion of kitchen equipment. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/event/show?id=2044592:Event:3130

10/18

Tree Planting, Accokeek, MD

Join us for a morning of tree planting as we celebrate Gorgeous Prince George’s County Day. Wear closed-toe shoes. Tools and gloves will be provided. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/event/show?id=2044592:Event:5566

Colonial Candle-Making Class, Accokeek, MD

Learn the art of candle-making in this hands-on workshop, We’ll discuss wicks, waxes, uses of candles in the 1700s, safety, recipes and ideas for making your own candles at home. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/event/show?id=2044592:Event:5570

10/25

Living in the Balance at Seeds of solidarity with Rick Baruc and Deb Habib, Orange, Ma

How do we farm, raise families, engage in our communities and “stay present” when society says stay busy? The day will include a discussion of community building and dialogue among workshop participants will focus on creating balance, community and contentment within full lives and good work. Some techniques for finding balance, including yoga, and walking and sitting meditation will be incorporated. For more info, see: http://www.nefood.org/events/event/show?id=2044592:Event:3381

10/31-11/2

MOFGA Farmer-to-Farmer Conference, Bar Harbor, ME

MOFGA and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension plan the conference so that farmers can talk about what works for them–and what doesn’t–while learning new ideas from university faculty, extension educators, and other agricultural professionals. The conference features a unique 3-hour workshop session format, in which the first half is dedicated to talks by both ag service professionals and farmers, and the second half to a roundtable discussion intended to solicit and capitalize on the accumulated knowledge of all the farmers in attendance. For more info, see: http://www.mofga.org/Programs/Events/FarmertoFarmerConference/tabid/293/Default.aspx

11/8

Farmer Education Resource Day, Frederick, MD

Maryland Small Farm Cooperative presents a day designed to promote education (including MDA approved Nutrient Management credit hours) and networking among small farm producers. Seminars will include: three producers discussing and answering questions on their Ag enterprises; on-farm processing and sale of value-added food in MD; farm waste management (including carcass and manure composting); applying alternative nutrients (such as Organic, poultry litter pellets) to the soil. Pre-registration is required by October 27. For more info, see: http://www.marylandsmallfarmcoop.org/MSFC/Welcome.html

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DISCUSSIONS

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The cost of local food

This issue is consistently on my mind: competitiveness plus a real try at serving the low income communities tempers much of what we try to do on our farm. The editorial linked here refers to a grant received by Bates College in Lewiston Maine. The money was granted anonymously to invest toward the purchase and use of local foods in the college cafeteria, and has been received by the college over the past three years. Keen (and not so keen) competition has driven our food system for a number of years — supermarkets selling mass produced foods have really changed the dynamic in the food system. How can we work toward better pricing as well as teaching that cost isn’t necessarily king where food is concerned? Join the discussion here: http://www.nefood.org/forum/topic/show?id=2044592%3ATopic%3A5201

“Eating the View” in the Northeast

The “Eat the View” campaign to petition the next President to plant a garden on the White House lawn continues to build steam. If you haven’t heard about it, you can learn more from the videos embedded below. Since the campaign is not just about the White House lawn but other “high profile, high impact landscapes that could be made edible, I’d be interested to hear which ones from the Northeast we might identify. I know that the governors of Maine and New York are already eating from gardens at their executive mansions. Are there other examples you know of? Join the discussion here: http://www.nefood.org/forum/topic/show?id=2044592%3ATopic%3A5681

Country of origin labeling (“COOL”)

“COOL” begins to be necessary on September 30 2008. How are farmers in the Northeast preparing? Lots of produce and meats will require country of origin labeling to be marketed through retail outlets. If you are farming, or managing farm policy, what materials do you have available to comply with the new law? Join the discussion here: http://www.nefood.org/forum/topic/show?id=2044592%3ATopic%3A1821

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OPPORTUNITIES

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Project Manager, Agricultural Stewardship Association, Greenwich, NY

Agricultural Stewardship Association (NY), Project Manager – ASA, a rapidly growing land trust working in two counties outside of Albany, New York, seeks a full-time Project Manager to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified individual with 3+ years of land transaction/project management experience and a solid knowledge of conservation easements. Last day to apply: October 20, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/313091-235

GreenSpace Coordinator, Buffalo ReUse, Buffalo, NY

Seeking extraordinary community builders with experience in urban agriculture, land use planning, and developing best practices of green space management. Last day to apply: November 28, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/312605-307

Garden Manager & Educator, Yale Sustainable Food Project, New Haven, CT

The Yale Sustainable Food Project is looking for a Garden Manager & Teacher who will build and oversee all aspects of the Project’s one-acre, organic garden and educational programming associated with it. The one acre organic farm serves as a year-round model for sustainable agriculture in New England and functions as an educational resource for students and the New Haven community. The Garden Manager & Teacher will direct the garden and all activities associated with it, and will report to, and work closely with, the Director of the Sustainable Food Project. The Garden Manager & Teacher will work closely and collaboratively with the Sustainable Food Project staff. Last day to apply: November 28, 2008 For more info, see; http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/312782-274

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

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant

The goal of the Farmer Grant program is to develop, refine, and demonstrate new sustainable techniques and to explore innovative ideas developed by farmers across the region. To apply, you must be a farmer in the Northeast SARE region, made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Due date: December 16, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.uvm.edu/~nesare/FGinfo.html

Pennsylvania Agricultural & Rural Youth Grant

The purpose of the Agriculture and Rural Youth Grant Program is to fund projects, which will increase the knowledge and awareness of agricultural and rural issues in Pennsylvania, in particular, among the youth of Pennsylvania. The Program awards direct grants up to $2,500 and matching grants up to $10,000. Eligible youth organizations are those which are primarily comprised of persons eighteen years of age, or younger, and are organized within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to promote development in the areas of agriculture, rural community leadership, vocational training or peer fellowship. Due date: October 31, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=128621

Organic Farming Research Foundation Research Grants

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) funds research on organic farming and food systems and the dissemination of these research results to the greater agricultural community. Proposals must involve farmers or ranchers in project design and implementation and take place on working organic farms or ranches whenever possible. OFRF particularly encourages farmers, ranchers, researchers, and extension personnel to consider applying for funding. The average research grant awarded in OFRF’s last funding cycle was $13,300. OFRF will not fund a project for more than $15,000 per year except for fruit research grants, for which the maximum grant size is $20,000 per year. Due date: November 17, 2008 For more info, see: http://ofrf.org/grants/apply_research.html

Energy Productivity in Innovative Local Food Production Systems Grant

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) seeks to encourage innovative local food production systems, such as Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), greenhouse technologies, and aquaculture that support a sustainable economy, lead to sound energy management and can reduce dependence on carbon-based fuels. The production in New York State of fresh produce, fish and seafood products in controlled environments could experience explosive growth, based on rising energy and fertilizer costs, innovations in greenhouses and energy technologies, concern over energy security and food safety, and rising interest in locally grown food products. This solicitation’s objective is that every project funded includes efforts to expand awareness and use of these food production systems by others in the State.

Due date: October 2, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1236pon.asp

Vegetable and Strawberry IPM Educator Exchange Program

The Northeast Vegetable IPM Working Group, funded by the Northeastern IPM Center, offers an Educator Exchange Program that will pay up to $800 for qualified expenses to help agricultural professionals in the Northeast learn about and share integrated pest management practices in vegetables and strawberries. Funds are available for agriculture professionals in the private sector as well as those who work for public universities. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. For more info, see: http://northeastipm.org/work_vegetable.cfm

Northeast SARE Sustainable Community Grants

Northeast SARE and the Northeast Center for Rural Development offer grants to organizations such as community nonprofits, Cooperative Extension, local governments, educational institutions, planning boards, farming cooperatives, and incorporated citizens’ groups. The purpose of the Sustainable Community Grants program is to reconnect rural revitalization and farming. Projects can address diverse issues such as land use, nutrition, employment, markets, education, farm labor, public policy, and environmental quality. The Northeast region is made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Due date: November 27, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.uvm.edu/%7Enesare/grants_scomm.htm

Organic Farming Research Foundation Education & Outreach Grants

The Organic Farming Research Foundation will fund the development of educational opportunities and materials that are: pertinent to organic agricultural production or marketing; and aimed at organic producers and/or those considering making the transition to organic certification. OFRF will also accept proposals to fund activities that promote information sharing among organic agricultural researchers and organic farmers and ranchers. OFRF will not fund a project for more than $15,000 per year except for fruit grants, for which the maximum grant size is $20,000 per year. Due date: November 17, 2008 For more info, see: http://ofrf.org/grants/apply_education&outreach.html

Vermont Barn Preservation Grants Program

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is very pleased to announce that this year the Vermont Legislature has appropriated $160,000 for the Barn Preservation Grants Program to repair and preserve historic agricultural buildings. The grant program is open to all owners of historic agricultural buildings that are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in Vermont. Due date: November 3, 2008 http://www.historicvermont.org/financial/barn.html

Healthy Sprouts Awards

The National Gardening Association administers the Healthy Sprouts Awards, sponsored by Gardener’s Supply Company. These awards support school and youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and the issue of hunger in the United States. To be eligible for the 2008 Healthy Sprouts Awards, your school or organization must plan to garden in 2009 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. The selection of winners is based on the demonstrated relationship between the garden program and nutrition and hunger issues in the United States. Winning programs receive seeds, curriculum, and gift certificates for purchase of gardening materials. Due date: October 15, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.kidsgardening.com/healthysprouts.asp

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant

Pennsylvania Agricultural & Rural Youth Grant

Regional Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program Northeastern Region

The Regional IPM Competitive Grants Program (RIPM) supports the continuum of research and extension efforts needed to increase the implementation of IPM methods. The RIPM program supports projects that develop individual pest control tactics, integrate individual tactics into an IPM system, and develop and implement extension and education programs. Eligible applicants are designated public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. Due date: November 17, 2008 For more info, see: http://tinyurl.com/3rp9vq

Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarships

Annie’s Homegrown Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship Program is open to full time undergraduate and graduate students beginning or returning to an accredited 2 or 4 year technical or college program or graduate school in the U.S. for the 2009/2010 school year. Students must be studying sustainable/organic agriculture. The Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship program awards $50,000 in scholarship assistance each year. Due date: October 30, 2008 For more info, see: http://www.annies.com/sustainable_agriculture_scholarship

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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