FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Fair Trade Hits Home

NEWS:

Farm Bill passes House.  Attention turns to Senate

Maine approves GM modified corn

New farm group looks for way to stabilize dairy prices

EVENTS:

8/2-5: Kneading Conference, Skowhegan, ME

8/9-12: American Community Gardening Association Annual Conference, Boston, MA

8/10-12: Annual NOFA Summer Conference, Amherst, MA

8/21: Whole Farm Approach to Selling Raw Goat Milk and Goat Nutrition, Hoosick, NY

8/23: Small Scale Sustainable Farming Field Day, Meadville, PA

8/26: Kitchen Garden Day, your backyard or a garden near you

9/8: Pickling with Salt, Great Barrington, MA

9/9: Taste Organic Connecticut, Coventry, CT

9/21-23: Common Ground Country Fair, Unity, ME 

9/24: Creating School Gardens, Hubbardston, MA

10/27: Grass finished Natural and Organic Beef and Lamb, South Dartmouth, MA

OPPORTUNITIES:

Program Educator, Green Teen Community Gardening Program, Beacon, NY

Community Gardening and Nutrition Program Manager, Isles, Inc., Trenton, NJ

Development Director, Southside Community Land Trust, Providence, RI

Program Manager, Accokeek Foundation, Accokeek, MD

Freelance Writer, Grace, New York, NY

Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA

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

Grow-Off Show-Off Contest

Vermont Barn Grants

New York Food and Agriculture Industry Development Program

Farm Aid Grant Program

New Hampshire Integrated Pest Management Grant

Connecticut Agriculture Viability Grant

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

New York Farmland Protection Implementation Projects

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

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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

Fair Trade Hits Home

(Washington Post) – Admit it. You feel pretty good when you drink your fair-trade coffee. Smug, even. As you inhale the rich aroma from that bag of beans, you know that your $12 helped to pay the farmers a fair price for their labor — and helped build a school in El Salvador, create a women’s leadership program in Guatemala or provide tsunami relief to Sumatrans. Which is why Massachusetts-based Equal Exchange, a pioneer of the fair-trade concept, is betting you’ll feel good — maybe even better — as you dip into a snack bag of organic California almonds, Georgia pecans or Cape Cod and Wisconsin cranberries. The products, the first to be developed by a coalition called the Domestic Free Trade Working Group, hit Washington area shelves this month (see box below for locations). The products come from family farms or small co-ops, which are paid a price that both buyer and seller deem fair and that is typically higher than the cheapest available. Every pack has a unique “best by” date that customers can plug into a Web site to track where their snack came from. “For 20 years we’ve focused on the developing world. But the challenges faced by small farmers and family farms in the United States are not that different than the ones the farmers face overseas,” said Erbin Crowell, Equal Exchange’s domestic fair trade program manager. Like coffee and cacao farmers in Central America, small American farmers often get paid less than what it costs them to produce their products. Full article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/17/AR2007071700313.html

(Editor’s note: congrats to NESAWG member, Equal Exchange, on the good work and press)

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

NEWS

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

Farm Bill passes House

The Farm Bill was passed by the House last Friday through a largely party-line vote. In the coming days, NESAWG will be sharing a sort of snapshot of the Bill’s contents, both the good parts and the gaps.  As you will see from the links below, the national press has been very critical:

(USA Today) – Down on the farm, it’s business as usual.  Full article here: http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2007/07/post-30.html

(LA Times) – Pelosi’s bad farm bill. Full article here: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-ed-farmbill31jul31,0,1585835.story?coll=la-news-comment-opinions

(NY Times) – Farm Subsidies Seem Immune to an Overhaul: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/26/washington/26farm.html?th&emc=th

Meanwhile, on the Senate side:

Harkin may unveil SENATE farm bill plan next week

(Brownfield News Service) – Senate Ag Committee Chairman Tom Harkin told reporters yesterday that he may issue his preliminary version of the 2007 farm bill as soon as next week, even though Congress will be in recess. But Harkin also said details of his proposal are still being fleshed out and may not be available before Congress returns. “I had hoped to have something this week, but you know, these are some tough negotiations going on right now and we’re still having some conversations,” said Harkin. “I’m still hopeful that maybe by next week – I know we’re not in session, but staffs work and we’re working and we’re always on the phone and that kind of stuff – that we might be able to have something that we could basically roll out for people to look at over the August break before we come back in September, but then again, I’m not going to be held to that,” he continued. “If we don’t reach some agreements this week then I’m going to keep it in my hip pocket until we come back in September.” Full article here: http://www.brownfieldnetwork.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=1DDCD79B-0271-A982-34DE7E61EECBC17E

Other news:

Maine approves GM modified corn

(Portland Press Herald) – Maine joined the rest of the nation Friday in allowing the use of a genetically modified corn that is resistant to insects. Citing a mandate to try to reduce the use of pesticides, the Board of Pesticides Control approved applications by Dow AgroSciences, Pioneer Hi-Bred International and Monsanto to register seven Bt corn products to be grown for animal feed. While allowing the corn to be grown in Maine for the first time, the board plans to develop rules for the crops’ use to alleviate organic farmers’ fears of contamination. “I’m only going to be able to say there aren’t unreasonable risks if we add some conditions (for use),” said the board’s chairwoman, Dr. Carol A. Eckert. The board voted 6-0 to approve the applications under the conditions that the three companies report sales data to the board and support education and training. The board also agreed 6-0 — John Jemison Jr. abstained from both votes for unstated reasons — to develop rules for use. Full article here: http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=123630&ac=PHnws

New farm group looks for way to stabilize dairy prices

(Associated Press) – Margaret Laggis hopes that a new dairy farmers’ group started in Vermont has come up with a plan to stabilize the prices farmers get for their milk that can win support in other parts of the country.”Our challenge was to come up with something everybody could support,” said the farmer and longtime advocate on dairy issues. “We think weve done that.” Laggis joined the new group, Dairy Farmers Working Together, when it was formed late last year by farmers beset by low wholesale milk prices. It has 300 members now, from around New England, New York and Pennsylvania. Full article here: http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2007/07/22/new_farm_group_looks_for_way_to_stabilize_farm_prices/

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

EVENTS

******************* 

8/2-5

Kneading Conference, Skowhegan, ME

Meeting the need for locally grown grain and wood-fired bread. The KNEADING Conference invites professional and home bakers, farmers, and millers, oven builders, and innovative community members to participate in hands-on demonstrations and lectures on progressive ideas in the art of wood-fired bread baking and food production, local grain growing and milling, and oven building. For more info, see: http://www.heartofmaine.org/kneading/

8/9-12

American Community Gardening Association Annual Conference, Boston, MA

The ACGA Annual Conference brings together hundreds of individuals from across the United States, Canada, and abroad, who are engaged in all aspects of gardening and greening. The conference includes hands-on workshops, keynote speakers, a film festival, and visits to parks, school gardens, community gardens, and other green spaces in the Boston area. For more info, see: http://www.communitygarden.org/conferences.php

8/10-12

ANNUAL NOFA SUMMER CONFERENCE, AMHERST, MA

The 33rd Annual NOFA Summer Conference will take place Aug. 10-12, 2007 on the organic farmer-friendly campus of Hampshire College.  Keynote speakers include Bill McKibben and Hazel Henderson.  For more info, see: http://www.nofamass.org/conferences/s2007/index.php  

8/21

Whole Farm Approach to Selling Raw Goat Milk and Goat Nutrition, Hoosick, NY

NOFA Vermont presents this workshop at Berle Farm, a 500-acre OCIA-certified organic farm that produces raw goat milk, goat cheese, as well as organic beef and animal feed. The first half of this workshop will focus on producing and selling raw goat milk. The second half will emphasize goat nutrition for farm health and milk quality. Pre-registration is required.

http://www.nofavt.org/event.php?e_id=954

8/23

Small Scale Sustainable Farming Field Day, Meadville, PA

This PASA Farm-based Education event offers an opportunity to learn about high tunnel construction, costs and production and no-till raised beds in the open air garden at Fresh From the Vines. Also learn about selling at a farmer’s market and a natural foods cooperative, record keeping and operating a home processing kitchen.

http://www.pasafarming.org/programs/2007-small-scale-sust-farming.html

8/26

Kitchen Garden Day, your backyard or a garden near you

Kitchen Garden Day is an annual, decentralized celebration of food produced on a human scale. It is an opportunity for people around the world to gather in their gardens with friends, family, and members of their local community to celebrate the multiple pleasures and benefits of home-grown, hand-made foods. For more info, see: www.kitchengardenday.org

9/8

Pickling with Salt, Great Barrington, MA

Learn how to create delicious, nutritious pickles through the wonder of lacto-fermentation. Lacto-fermentation is the original and a healthy way of making pickles, sauerkraut, kimchee, and many other traditional foods. We will learn health benefits and make a batch of sauerkraut to take home and also sample some other fermented foods. Seth Travin has made sauerkraut for over 9 years and works at the SauerKraut Cellar at Hawthorne Valley Farm and sells to the Berkshire Mountain Coop. You will make and take home pickles & sauerkraut using organic veggies(bring ’em along!). Seth runs the Sauerkraut Cellar at Hawthorne Valley Biodynamic Farm. For more info, see: http://www.nofa.org/store/product.php?StoreID=1&ProdID=MASKLSPKL07

9/9

Taste Organic Connecticut, Coventry, CT

Fall Festival – Organic Farmer’s Market – Children’s Activities Educational Workshops – Music – Craft Vendors.  For more info, see: http://www.ctnofa.org/events/Taste/taste2007.htm

9/21-23

Common Ground Country Fair, Unity, ME 

Downeast Magazine calls Common Ground “Maine’s most authentic country fair, uniting, as it does, old-time folkways with progressive ideas about living the good life on a fragile planet.” Organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Common Ground Country Fair brings together people to share knowledge about sustainable living; eat delicious, organic, Maine-grown food; buy and sell beautiful Maine crafts and useful agricultural products; compete in various activities; dance; sing and have a great time. For more info, see: www.mofga.org

9/24

Creating School Gardens, Hubbardston, MA

Start with a tour of the 70-foot diameter organic school garden. The Hubbardston Center School’s garden program was developed using grant money, school and community involvement, and is student- maintained. Hear about the role the garden plays in hands-on learning at different grade levels and how the garden has provided nutritious snacks for the entire population of 480 students at this central Mass K-6 elementary school. Learn an introduction to organic gardening. Resources for beginners to learn more of the basics will be available. For more info, see: http://www.nofa.org/store/product.php?StoreID=1&ProdID=MASKLSSCH07

10/27

Grass finished Natural and Organic Beef and Lamb, South Dartmouth, MA

Come to Woolly Mammoth Farm (1:30-4:30) and learn many of the vital aspects to finishing high quality lamb and beef in natural and organic systems. We will also go in depth in areas of preference for participants. Learn about production (feed, breed, water, fencing, and shelter), processing (how, where, value-added), and marketing. Matt Rulevich has been raising grass-finished lamb as Woolly Mammoth Farm since 1998 and now finishes beef and lamb on a 300 acre coastal farm in South Dartmouth.

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

OPPORTUNITIES

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

Program Educator, Green Teen Community Gardening Program, Beacon, NY

Assist in the development, coordination and implementation of a city-based youth and teen (ages 7-17) gardening education program. Provide educational programming to underserved youth from the City of Beacon through gardening, ecology and food system activities in after school programs, during school hours, and in summer programs. Last day to apply: September 25, 2007 For more info, see:  http://www.idealist.org/en/job/233610-186

Community Gardening and Nutrition Program Manager, Isles, Inc., Trenton, NJ

Isles seeks a Community Gardening and Nutrition Program (CGNP) Manager to plan and implement activities of community gardening and nutrition for Isles, a nonprofit community development and environmental organization in Trenton, NJ. Last day to apply: September 29, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/233922-224

Development Director, Southside Community Land Trust, Providence, RI

The Development Director has primary responsibility for implementing and managing a multi-faceted development program that includes soliciting individual donors, overseeing fundraising events, and recruiting corporate sponsors. Last day to apply: August 29, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/232697-14

Program Manager, Accokeek Foundation, Accokeek, MD

The Program Manager will assume responsibility for launching a new collaborative program to encourage land conservation and compatible economic development in the Potomac River corridor in Prince George’s and Charles counties, Maryland, encompassing the viewshed of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and certain other lands of natural, cultural and scenic value. A working knowledge of growth management issues, experience in the conservation field, general technical skills, basic knowledge of real estate, ability to work well with a variety of people, strong writing and speaking skills, ability to work independently, proximity to and general familiarity with conservation area. Last day to apply: August 31, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/230510-89

Freelance Writer, Grace, New York, NY

GRACE’s Sustainable Table program [www.sustainabletable.org] invites applications for a freelance writer to assist with writing and research for a wide variety of subjects, including: sustainable and organic food and farming, nutrition, agribusiness, genetic engineering, pesticides, environmental issues, policy, international agricultural issues, and more. Writing will be for articles, fact sheets, handouts, and other online content. Last day to apply: August 10, 2007 For more info, see:  http://www.idealist.org/en/job/225914-85

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  

Grow-Off Show-Off Contest

Contests. Contests. They’re everywhere. Athletes have the Olympics. Singers have American Idol. Survivors have, well, Survivor. Heck, even bakers have the Pillsbury Bake-Off. But what about home gardeners? We have talents too (aside from compost pile turning and pesto-making, that is) and it’s time we celebrated them. The Grow-Off Show-Off is a light-hearted, no-holds-barred talent contest for gardeners who cook, cooks who garden, and other garden-variety foodies. We’re looking for fresh, creative entries that communicate the multiple benefits – health, environmental, culinary, and community – of home-grown, home-made foods. The Grow-Off Show-Off is a project of Kitchen Gardeners International and is co-sponsored by Mother Earth News.  There are many prizes available including a $500 grand prize. For more info, see: www.growoffshowoff.org

Vermont Barn Grants

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation has a 50/50 matching grants program to assist owners of historic agricultural buildings (barns, corn cribs, sheds, grist mills, etc.) Up to $10,000 can be awarded to assist the restoration and repair of these endangered buildings. This program encourages the continued use of farm buildings for agricultural use. Due date: October 2, 2007 For more info, see:http://www.historicvermont.org/financial/barn.html

New York Food and Agriculture Industry Development Program

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets invites proposals for implementing innovative and low risk approaches to the research, development, production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products and foods that capitalize on the State’s unique resources and strategic location near significant markets. Public and private agencies and organizations, business and industry, educational institutions, local governments and individuals are eligible to submit proposals. Due date: August 28, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/RFPS.html

Farm Aid Grant Program

The mission of Farm Aid is to keep farmers on their land and to bring together family farmers, citizens, and consumers to restore family farm-centered agriculture. The Farm Aid grant program supports organizations that work to maintain a family farm system of agriculture and that promote solutions to the challenges facing rural communities. Farm Aid grants are awarded in the following categories: Farm Resources, Farm Action, Food Systems, and Farm Policy. Grants range from $1,000-$40,000, with most being from $3,000-$7,500. Due date: August 31, 2007  For more info, see: http://www.farmaid.org/site/c.qlI5IhNVJsE/b.2723745/k.9953/Grant_Guidelines.htm

NEW HAMPSHIRE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT GRANT

This program awards grants, up to $5,000, to the best project proposals submitted to the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. The purpose of this program is to “bring about the broadest possible application of the principles of IPM to agriculture, landscape and building maintenance, horticulture, arborculture, and any other areas in which economic poisons are employed”. Due date: November 1, 2007 For more info, see: http://agriculture.nh.gov/programs/index.htm  

CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURE VIABILITY GRANT

The Agriculture Viability Grants Program (AVGP) encompasses two separate grants. The first grant is called the Farm Transition Grant. Producers, non-profits, and agriculture cooperatives may apply for this grant and may receive up to $50,000 matching. Non-profits who apply may use in-kind services as their match. The second grant is called the Farm Viability Grant and may only be used by municipalities, regional planning agencies, and association of municipalities. Due date: November 16, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?a=1368&q=317242  

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $7 million in block grant funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. The SCBGP assists State departments of agriculture in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Examples of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops include, but are not limited to: Research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs, education, “buy local” programs, increased consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, product development, and developing cooperatives. Due date: October 11, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/scbgp.html

New York Farmland Protection Implementation Projects

The New York Farmland Protection Program is accepting applications for matching implementation funds from counties and municipalities with approved agricultural land protection plans. Due date: September 17, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/RFPS.html