NESAWG: March 2007 Archives
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Making other arrangements
NEWS:
Vermont dairy farms in peril, tie hopes to regional efforts
Maryland farmers air Farm Bill concerns
Proposed Farm Bill subsidy cuts “no big deal” for N.J. farms
Maine’s blueberry growers uneasy about latest honeybee die-off
New Hampshire lawmakers craft plan to attract veterinarians
EVENTS:
3/3: NOFA New Hampshire Winter Conference, Tilton, NH
3/6-8: Understanding Organics: Livestock Management and Health, Durham, NH
3/8-9: Whole Foods Market Northeast Region Local Grower & Supplier Seminar, Portland, ME
3/10: Organic Orcharding Workshop, Mount Vernon, Maine
3/10: Cultivating an Organic Connecticut Conference, Windsor, CT
3/16-19: National Farm to Cafeteria and Food Policy Conference,Baltimore, MD
3/16: Agriculture in the Hudson River Valley, Hudson, NY
3/29: Introduction to Organic Pasture Management, Grafton, MA
4/13-14: Agriculture in the City Conference, Boston, MA
OPPORTUNITIES:
Executive Director, The Food Project, Boston, MA
Executive Director, CADE, Oneonta, NY
Community Gardening and Nutrition Program, Isles Inc,, Trenton, NJ
Sourcing Coordinator, Yale Sustainable Food Project, New Haven, CT
Program Officer, Citymeals-on-Wheels of New York City, New York, NY
US Rural Policy Specialist, Oxfam America, Boston, MA
AmeriCorps Anti-Hunger Team Member, The New York City Coalition Against Hunger, New York, NY
Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA
Multiple Job Openings, Community Food Resource Center, New York, NY
Pennsylvania Conservation Innovation Grants
Rural Business Opportunity Grants
Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Program
Connecticut Farm Reinvestment Program Grant
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Making other arrangements
(James Howard Kunstler in Orion Magazine) – As the American public continues sleepwalking into a future of energy scarcity, climate change, and geopolitical turmoil, we have also continued dreaming. Our collective dream is one of those super-vivid ones people have just before awakening. It is a particularly American dream on a particularly American theme: how to keep all the cars running by some other means than gasoline. We’ll run them on ethanol! We’ll run them on biodiesel, on synthesized coal liquids, on hydrogen, on methane gas, on electricity, on used French-fry oil . . . ! We have to do better. We have to start right away making those other arrangements.
We have to begin the transition to some mode of living that will allow us to carry on the project of civilization—and I would argue against the notion advanced by Daniel Quinn and others that civilization itself is our enemy and should not be continued. The agenda for facing our problems squarely can, in fact, be described with some precision. We have to make other arrangements for the basic activities of everyday life. In general, the circumstances we face with energy and climate change will require us to live much more locally, probably profoundly and intensely so. We have to grow more of our food locally, on a smaller scale than we do now, with fewer artificial “inputs,” and probably with more human and animal labor. Farming may come closer to the center of our national economic life than it has been within the memory of anyone alive now.
Full article here: http://www.orionmagazine.org/pages/om/07-1om/Kunstler.html#
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NEWS
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Vermont dairy farms in peril, tie hopes to regional efforts
(WCAX –TV) – About 200 dairy farms could go out of business in Vermont this year. That’s a prediction made at an annual farm meeting today. Governor Douglas has approved an additional 3-million dollars in emergency aid for farmers, but some say it’s too little, too late. The farmers and Vermont’s political leaders say the problem is the current milk-pricing system that does not account for regional differences. “Our price of milk went down about 34-percent that farmers are getting paid because there was an oversupply in the country. Milk is so marginal that with a slight surplus the price bottoms out for the farmers, said Rep. David Zuckerman (P-Burlington). Full article here: http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=6137651
Related to the article above is another from the St. Albans Messenger which describes the mood at the recent meeting of the St. Albans Coop: If there was a central theme to this year’s meeting, it was that the Vermont dairy industry should market its products on a regional level instead of just inside state lines. The state’s lone U.S. Congressman, Democrat Peter Welch, touched on that during a 15-minute discussion of federal issues and policies, and Vermont Deputy Secretary of Agriculture David Lane spoke of an important memorandum of understanding between state officials and their counterparts in New York and Pennsylvania to develop sales strategies. Remarks by co-op general manager Leon Berthiaume to begin the meeting also focused on the importance of a regional outlook. “From the St. Albans perspective, we continue to support the regional production of milk, and we certainly want to work toward policies that will support regional production,” he said. Full article here: http://www.samessenger.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=493
Maryland farmers air farm bill concerns
(Daily Times) – Maryland farmers probably won’t be thrilled with the proposed reauthorization of the federal farm bill later this year in Congress because it will largely stay the same as it is now, U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, R-1st-Md., told about 40 farmers at a Monday night meeting. The good news for Eastern Shore farmers is that he, along with a block of representatives across the Mid-Atlantic, are working as a unified group to tweak The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act to include more money for conservation, renewable energy research and transition incentives, Gilchrest said at the United States Department of Agriculture Service Center in Princess Anne. The current bill expires Sept. 30. Full article here: http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070227/NEWS01/702270302
Proposed FARM BILL subsidy cuts “no big deal” for N.J. farms
(The Press of Atlantic City) – When U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns proposed cutting $4.5 billion in farm subsidies last week, corporate farmers in the Midwest sat up and took notice. By comparison, the response in New Jersey might have been a barely stifled yawn. The Bush administration’s plan calls for cutting subsidies to more than 75,000 wealthy farmers with adjusted gross incomes of more than $200,000 and capping maximum payouts. Those subsidies, however, typically go to huge farms that grow corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton. “But not much of that is funneled to New Jersey,” said Frank Baitinger, a fruit grower with about 900 acres in Hopewell Township and Shiloh, Cumberland County. “We make it on our own.” Full article here: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/story/7195647p-7050448c.html
Maine’s blueberry growers uneasy about latest honeybee die-off
(AP) – Maine’s blueberry-growing industry is taking note of the latest die-off of honeybees in 22 states across the country. Blueberry growers rely on thousands of bee hives trucked in from around the country to pollinate the crop. Without a sufficient number of healthy hives to pollinate the fields, growers will not produce as many blueberries. “Definitely there is some concern, not just about the cost but even availability,” said Dave Yarborough, blueberry specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Full article here: http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2007/02/21/maines_blueberry_growers_uneasy_about_latest_honeybee_die_off/
New Hampshire lawmakers craft plan to attract veterinarians
(New Hampshire Public Radio) – New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a bill to attract and retain large animal veterinarians in the state. Proponents say these vets are essential to the state’s billion dollar agriculture industry. But they’re also important for maintaining the state’s rural way of life. The proposal would reimburse student loan debt for those who agree to practice in the state for three years. But as New Hampshire Public Radio’s Amy Quinton reports, even proponents of the bill don’t know if such an incentive will work. Full article here: http://www.nhpr.org/node/12333
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EVENTS
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3/3
NOFA New Hampshire Winter Conference, Tilton, NH
This all-day conference, the fifth annual, features 28 workshops in 4 sessions, on food, farming, gardening, landscaping, sustainability and related topics, and will offer an organic potluck lunch, a Keynote, and a Market Fair. For more info, see: http://www.nofanh.org/calendar.html
3/6-8
Understanding Organics: Livestock Management and Health, Durham, NH
This comprehensive conference for veterinarians, Extension Educators and agri-service personnel is presented by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), in partnership with Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS) of Cornell University. This conference, funded in part through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NESARE), will focus on the comprehensive nuts and bolts of organic livestock production and will serve as the platform for future resources and trainings. For more info, see: http://www.qmps.vet.cornell.edu/nofa/nofa.html
3/8-9
Whole Foods Market Northeast Region Local Grower & Supplier Seminar,Portland, ME
Whole Foods is hosting this free seminar in efforts to find local vendors of high quality, organic and natural foods. Space is limited and potential participants must submit an application. Invitations and applications are available for download from the MOFGA Web site. For more info, see: http://www.mofga.org/tabid/417/Default.aspx
3/10
Organic Orcharding Workshop, Mount Vernon, Maine
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association offers a series of three day-long organic orcharding workshops designed for beginner to intermediate orchardists managing backyard plantings to larger orchards. The first workshop covers pruning fruit trees and early spring orchard care. For more info, see: http://www.mofga.org/Default.aspx?tabid=300
3/10
Cultivating an Organic Connecticut Conference, Windsor, CT
Connecticut NOFA presents this conference featuring keynote speakers Nancy Jack Todd and John Todd, as well as more than 30 workshops and an organic marketplace. For more info, see: http://www.ctnofa.org/events/CaOC.php
3/16-19
National Farm to Cafeteria and Food Policy Conference, Baltimore, MD
This third national conference is titled “From Cafeterias to Capitol Hill: Growing Healthy Kids, Farms, and Communities.” Join hundreds of farm to cafeteria and food policy enthusiasts to share experiences, and get the latest, up-to-date info on institutional purchasing—on both the organizing and policy perspectives. A major focus of the conference will be issues related to the Farm Bill, including farm to cafeteria and beyond. For more info, see: http://foodsecurity.org/F2C_Food_Policy_Conf.html
3/16
Agriculture in the Hudson River Valley, Hudson, NY
This third biennial conference is titled “Success Stories from Our Own Backyard,” and focuses on farm profitability, farmland protection, and agricultural economic development. For more info, see: http://www.hvap.org/
3/29
Introduction to Organic Pasture Management, Grafton, MA
Organic dairy farmers and advisors will discuss organic rotational grazing systems, management intensive grazing systems, pasture fertility and soil health. Sponsored by NOFA/Mass and Baystate Organic Certifiers, with support from Organic Valley and Stonyfield Farm. Contact: Kate Rossiter, NOFA/Mass Organic Dairy Coordinator, at (413) 625-0118, or Don Franczyk, Baystate Organic Certifiers, at (978) 297-4171.For more info, see: http://www.nodpa.com/events.html
4/13-14
Agriculture in the City Conference, Boston, MA
The emerging importance of urban agriculture as a solution to many public problems is the focus of the 2007 Urban Agriculture in the City Conference entitled, “Urban Agriculture: Changing the Way We Think about Food, Hunger and Health.” This conference organized by The Food Project will highlight research, policies and programs from the grassroots and up that are utilizing urban agriculture to address problems that relate to the health of producers, consumers, land and community. For more info, see: http://thefoodproject.org/agriculture/Internal1.asp?ID=551
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OPPORTUNITIES
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Executive Director, The Food Project, Boston, MA
The Food Project seeks an energetic, committed, charismatic, creative Executive Director who will lead the organization into its next phase of development. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the successful candidate will be the overarching leader of the organization as well as a seasoned fundraising ambassador for the organization. Last day to apply: April 2, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/210517-50
Executive Director, CADE, Oneonta, NY
The Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship (CADE) seeks an individual to coordinate activities of 501-C-3 dedicated to agricultural economic development/farm-level sustainability in Central New York. Duties include grant writing/fundraising, management of $240,000+ budget, contract oversight, supervision of office assistant/field consultants, workshop implementation, meeting/event attendance, responsible to Board of Directors. Last day to apply: June 1, 2007 For more info, see: www.cadefarms.org
Community Gardening and Nutrition Program, 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. Community Gardening: The CGNP Manager supports 40 community gardens by providing technical assistance to establish and maintain gardens and by implementing an annual schedule that includes organization of a spring gardeners’ meeting, annual horse plow and Midsummer Garden Tour. A special emphasis in 2007 will be to develop a nutrition education program for gardeners and other interested Trenton residents. Last day to apply: April 9, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/209574-200
Sourcing Coordinator, Yale Sustainable Food Project, New Haven, CT
The goal of the Sourcing Coordinator’s position is to significantly increase the quantity of locally-grown sustainable food purchased by Yale University for the next fiscal year and the foreseeable future. To that end, the Sourcing Coordinator will work with Yale University Dining Services (YUDS), local farmers, processors, and distributors to develop local supply, and to increase the percentage of local, sustainable food in the dining halls through both sourcing and menu planning. Last day to apply: March 30, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/211586-40
Program Officer, Citymeals-on-Wheels of New York City, New York, NY
The candidate sought will monitor a caseload of centers in Queens, the Bronx and ½ of Manhattan; provide technical assistance to centers as needed; provide timely and effective follow-up with centers; locate and participate in community events/activities/committees and be active in the community by presenting information about meals-on-wheels. Last day to apply: April 23, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/211355-326
US Rural Policy Specialist, Oxfam America, Boston, MA
The US Rural Policy Specialist will provide strategic analytical support to the US Regional Office with a focus on sustainable livelihoods and economic justice issues in vulnerable regions in rural America. A key function of the Specialist will be to provide policy analysis and options with regards to reform of US agricultural policy. Last day to apply: March 20, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/207042-52
AmeriCorps Anti-Hunger Team Member, The New York City Coalition Against Hunger, New York, NY
The New York City Coalition Against Hunger, in partnership with Green Guerillas, is currently accepting applications for summer positions in the NYC Anti-Hunger Empowerment Corps. This is a perfect opportunity for college students interested in poverty, nutrition and environmental issues! Position responsibilities will include working with urban gardens, farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture (CSA) in low-income communities. Last day to apply: March 1, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/207872-68
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
Pennsylvania Conservation Innovation Grants
For Fiscal Year 2007, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Pennsylvania will dedicate money to fund a State component of the Conservation Innovation Grant. Projects may be farm-based, multi-county, small watershed, or Statewide in scope. The maximum amount per grant under the State CIG component will be $75,000. CIG will pay up to 50 percent of the cost of the proposed project and at least 50 percent of the total project cost must come from non-federal matching funds. Projects may deal with water quality, soil, air quality, or wildlife habitat issues. Due date: March 2, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CIG.html
Rural Business Opportunity Grants
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an Agency within the Rural Development mission area, announces the availability of grants of up to $50,000 per application from the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program for fiscal year (FY) 2007. The purpose of this grants program is to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs. This is accomplished by making grants to pay costs of providing economic planning for rural communities, technical assistance for rural businesses, or training for rural entrepreneurs or economic development officials. To be eligible for a Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) applicants must be a public body, nonprofit corporation, Indian tribe, or cooperative with members that are primarily rural residents. Due date: March 30, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbog.htm
Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Program
Whole Foods Market has begun a new initiative that will make $10 million available each year for low-interest loans to small, local agricultural producers. To qualify, producers must: meet Whole Foods Market’s quality standards and animal compassion standards; and have a viable business plan and adequate cash flow to service debt. Additional information, as well as an application, can be found at the link above. For more info, see: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/locallygrown/lplp/index.html
Connecticut Farm Reinvestment Program Grant
The Farm Reinvestment Program (FRP) provides funds to be used for the expansion of existing agricultural production facilities or expansion into new production areas and site improvements related to such expansion or diversification. The grants will be awarded on a competitive and merit basis with those having a complete application and excellent business plan being rewarded. The farmer is required to match or exceed the amount of the grant being requested. Due date: April 30, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?Q=331914&A=1401
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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]