Your Comments Needed on Water Quality RAPs

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New Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) for Water Quality

 

As required by Vermont’s new Clean Water Act (Act 64), VAAFM has released its draft of new Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs). The draft includes new requirements for small farm certification, nutrient management planning, buffer zones, nutrient storage, livestock exclusion, and more. The Agency is now hosting public meetings throughout the state to gather feedback from Vermonters on the proposed RAPs. The final three meetings will be held next week. 

 

12/8: Newport, Eastside Restaurant from 2-4pm

12/10: Montpelier, Room 11 @ Vermont State House from 9-11am

12/10: Randolph, Chandler Music Hall from 2-4pm

 

The agency is also accepting written comments on the RAPs through December 18, 2015. Written comments can be submitted by email to AGR.RAP@vermont.gov or by mail to 

 

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Attn: RAPs

116 State St. 

Montpelier, VT 05620-2901

Support NOFA-VT with a year-end contribution

Dear Friend of NOFA-VT,

As NOFA-VT enters its 45th year, I have been reflecting on the growth of the organic food movement, NOFA-VT’s historic role in building a strong, local food economy, and the focus of our work, moving forward. As a friend, you can play an important role in supporting our work, and we appeal to you, at this time, to contribute to our annual fund.

I think two things are critical for Vermont organic agriculture to thrive­—people need to have a connection with farmers, and farms need to be as strong as they can be. We will continue our work to achieve both of those goals.

We will build relationships between Vermont consumers and food producers, like the farmers who write letters to classrooms statewide in our Farmer Correspondence Program, or the farm tours and Celebrate Your Farmer Socials held on organic farms every summer.  And, we will provide technical assistance to beginning and established organic farmers to help them be as profitable as possible­—from matching them with farmer mentors, developing marketing materials, or growing our Journey Farmer Program.

At the recent Farm to Plate gathering, organic producer Joe Bossen (quoting author Annie Dillard) stated, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

It is the compilation of days, and the progression of good work, that makes the difference over time.  NOFA-VT has been committed to growing organic farms, healthy food and strong communities since 1971, and we are motivated and passionate about our work moving forward. We so value the annual support of our friends to make this work possible and visible. Please consider a year-end gift to NOFA Vermont. Every donation matters.

Thank you, in advance, for your important contribution.

Enid Wonnacott, NOFA Vermont Executive Director

New videos address the question, ‘Why Organic?’

Vermont Organic Farmers releases videos and brochure to convey the benefits of buying organic, and growing organically

Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF) has developed a collection of outreach materials that explain and support the organic certification process, and promote organic products. The materials include a series of short videos for consumers that convey the benefits of buying organic products, a longer video that explains the certification process, and a beautifully designed brochure that addresses the reasons for farmers and processors to become certified. These materials can be used and shared by anyone interested in promoting organic agriculture.

In response to requests from certified organic producers to help increase demand for organic products in the marketplace, Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF) developed five consumer-focused video clips, designed for easy sharing online, to show the importance and value of organic production. Each video features one benefit, or value, of buying organic products: “No GMOs”, “Taste, “Stewardship”, “Community” and “Integrity”.  These values are articulated by organic growers in Vermont, and were filmed on-farm, providing an intimate glimpse into the world of sustainable agriculture. (All the videos can be found on the NOFA Vermont YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwGgmXsdmFP45nSGt-Bx0gbj8hRRLbwfE)

“We are really excited for consumers to get to know the growers of their food better,” said Nicole Dehne, who directs the VOF certification program. “This is a chance for folks to hear directly from the farmers about why they feel it is important to farm organically.”

VOF has also produced a longer video that demystifies the organic certification process for farmers interested in pursuing organic certification. This film will be used as mentoring support and motivation for producers who are interested in learning more about the process. Through various outreach efforts, the video will reach a broader consumer audience and  build confidence among buyers that the certification process is meaningful.  Viewers will hear directly from organic growers, why they certify their farm as organic and what that process means to them and to their market.  After watching the film, viewers will better understand the annual inspection process, the record keeping requirements, and the benefits of organic certification for their business.

As a companion to the videos, VOF has created an brochure for farmers interested in pursuing organic certification (http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/NOFA-VTBrochure.pdf), which outlines five benefits of  becoming certified organic and also addresses concerns, such as the burden of record keeping and the cost of certification.

The project was funded with support from the USDA National Organic Program’s “Sound & Sensible Initiative,” a campaign that aims to make organic certification more accessible, affordable and attainable. Other resources from the campaign can be found on the USDA website: http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/11/09/organic-sound-and-sensible-resources-why-go-organic-and-where-to-start/ 

 

NOFA Vermont seeks workshop proposals for the 34th Annual Winter Conference

Richmond, VT – The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA Vermont) is accepting workshop proposals for its 34th Annual Winter Conference. Proposals will be accepted until September 18th, 2015. The event is Vermont’s largest agricultural conference, bringing together more than 1,500 farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, educators, policy makers and consumers for three days of workshops, networking sessions, meals and celebration.

The goal of the conference is to facilitate learning and sharing of information on all aspects of local, organic farming and gardening.  Organizers of the conference aim to create a gathering space that fosters collaboration between diverse groups of people, while also meeting the specific needs of these varied groups. The suggested topics below apply in the broadest sense. Additional topics will be considered.

Workshop topics:

• Technical commercial organic vegetable, fruit, herb, flower, dairy & livestock production (beginner – advanced)
• Direct marketing strategies and best practices: CSA, farmstands, farmers’ market vending, etc.
• Procurement and infrastructure: distribution, processing, storage, food safety and cooperative models
• Education: farm-based education, experiential education, school gardens
• Agri-business marketing, technology, and business planning
• Food security and access
• Homesteading and gardening (beginner – advanced)
• Health, wellness and nutrition
• Alternative energy, climate change and resiliency
• Policy, activism, and community engagement

The annual Winter Conference is NOFA Vermont’s largest fundraiser, which supports programs that educate and connect farmers, gardeners, and their communities throughout the year. The success of the conference is due in large part to the support of the many talented presenters who choose to participate each year.

More information about the conference, and the RFP process, can be found at http://nofavt.org/annual-events/winter-conference/RFP or by calling NOFA Vermont at (802) 434-4122.

2016 CONFERENCE SPECIFICS

Location: University of Vermont’s Davis Center and surrounding campus, Burlington, VT
Dates: Saturday through Monday, February 13-15, 2016
RFP Information: http://nofavt.org/annual-events/winter-conference/RFP
Submit RFP: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2016RFP

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About Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont: NOFA Vermont is member-based organization working to grow local farms, healthy food, and strong communities in Vermont. Our members are farmers, gardeners, educators and food lovers of all sorts – anyone who wants to help us create a future full of local food and local farms. Our programs include farmer and gardener technical assistance, farm to school support, organic certification, advocacy, an online apprentice and farm worker directory, an annual Winter Conference, and programs that work to ensure access to fresh, local food to all Vermonters, regardless of income.

Celebrate Your Farmer this summer at a NOFA Vermont pizza social near you

Photos by Rachel Fussell, NOFA Vermont’s Education & Events Coordinator

On July 16, 2015, a group of about 75 farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, and organic food lovers came together in Manchester to enjoy good food, good music, great conversation, and a tour of the farm and facilities at Earth Sky Time Farm.

Join NOFA Vermont and friends at any of these upcoming “Celebration Your Farmer” pizza socials. More information about these events, as well as our summer and fall on-farm workshops can be found here.

July 23 – Adam’s Berry Farm, Charlotte
July 30 – Golden Russet Farm, Shoreham
Aug 6 – Berry Creek Farm, Westfield
Aug 12 – Farmer Olympics, Maple Wind Farm, Bolton
Aug 27 – Tamarlane Farm, Lyndonville
Sept 3 – Flack Family Farm, Enosburg Falls
Sept 10 – Lilac Ridge Farm, Brattleboro

NOFA Vermont’s 2nd Pizza Social of the 2015 season was at Earth Sky Time Farm in Manchester, VT

Jen Miller for RAFFL (Rutland Area Farm & Food Link) and Melissa Weiss of NOFA Vermont work together to churn out dozens of delicious free pizzas for the “Celebrate Your Farmer” social at Earth Sky Time Farm on July 16, 2015.

Earth Sky Time Farm built this beautiful barn for functions and agriculture use.

Ben Freeman, a community member from Peru, VT, enjoyed delicious farm-fresh food at the “Celebrate Your Farmer” social in Manchester, VT.

Enid Wonnacott: NOFA Vermont executive director and extremely talented pizza thrower.

Melissa Weiss is a summer intern with NOFA and FEED (Food Education Every Day). Here she helps prepare pizzas for the 75 farmers and organic food lovers who attended the “Celebrate Your Farmer” pizza social at Earth Sky Time Farm on July 16th, 2015.

Oliver Levis, proprietor at Earth Sky Time Farm, welcomes guests to the “Celebrate Your Farmer” social, which included food, music, and a farm tour.

Two happy NOFAvores, Lida Lutton & Katrina Menard, enjoy the good food at the 7/16/15 social, including salads made from Earth Sky Time farm’s veggies, and pizza made in the NOFA Vermont mobile pizza oven.

Melissa Weiss, NOFA Vermont FEED intern, created these amazing gluten-free “pizzas”!

Jake Jacobs from the Risk Management Agency at the UVM Extension enjoys some fresh wood-fired pizza at Earth Sky Time Farm on July 16, 2015.

Enid Wonnacott, NOFA Vermont’s executive director, takes a break from her pizza baking duties to laugh with old friend and NOFA Vermont Farm-to-Community Mentor Scout Proft.

The 7/16/15 pizza social was for everyone, but it was also a “Beginning Farmer Gathering”. Pictured here, some new farmers share stories.

Bonnie and Oliver Levis pose next to their farmers market van.

Bonnie and Oliver Levis are the homesteaders at Earth Sky Time.

Journey Farmer Social

The new cohort of NOFA-VT’s 2015 Journey Farmers gathered in Richmond, Vermont for a Sonoran-themed lunch and educational workshop on April 18.

Everyone shared a delicious meal together and were able to share various farm challenges, successes and excitement for the coming summer season. They were joined by Richard Wiswall from Cate Farm who gave an in-depth workshop on cost benefit and enterprise analysis.

With full bellies and minds, the Journey Farmers left the social abuzz with new ideas and connections.

Read more about NOFA-VT’s Journey Farmer program »

Vermonter honored at the White House

by Laura Nunziata, Vermont Organic Farmers

Congratulations to Red Hen Bakery’s Randy George!

Red Hen Bakery co-owner honored at the White House (courtesy photo)Randy was honored at the White House on Monday as a “Champion of Change” for working families by providing equal and livable wages, paid sick days, and health benefits to its 43 employees.

Not only is this small Vermont Business a champion for change in the workplace, they have also been champions of organic production for well over a decade now. These folks first became certified organic before the National Organic Program Rule was enacted and have remained true to those practices through the years.

Red Hen’s dedication to supporting their local community, their employees, organic production, and creating an exceptional product is certainly something to be celebrated and recognized. Way to go friends!

Read more about this:

Times Argus article »
WCAX video & story »
White House blog »

Attention CSA Farmers!

NOFA- VT is requesting your input through our ANNUAL CSA SURVEY. We use this information to update the CSA directory on our website and to determine the economic value of CSAs to Vermont agriculture.  This data is aggregated with others’ responses and used in testimony to the Vermont legislature, to compile a report on the success and current status of CSAs in Vermont, and inform our CSA work and advocacy strategies. Check out our report based on last year’s survey: Vermont CSA Report – 2013.

Please note that our policy is to offer CSA directory listings to farms that are either certified organic through Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF) or are members of NOFA-VT.  The benefits of NOFA-VT membership extend far beyond your online listing, and include: discounts on workshops, conferences, and our annual bulk order of farming supplies; our quarterly NOFA Notes newsletter; The Natural Farmer quarterly journal; and more! Visit www.nofavt.org/join  to join, or request a membership brochure via e-mail: info@nofavt.org.

Please complete our survey by February 21, 2015.  The survey can be completed online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NOFA2014CSA or you can contact us to request a paper copy.

If you have any questions, please contact us: erin@nofavt.org / michael@nofavt.org / 802-434-4122.

Thank you!

Stories and Poems Sought for NOFA Vermont Winter Conference

Sunday’s keynote address to be replaced by a storytelling “slam” on issues of food justice

This year, as part of their 33rd Annual Winter Conference, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA Vermont) is inviting farmers, gardeners, and all Vermonters who love local food and farms to share stories from their own lives. Stories will be selected by the end of January, to be presented as part of a “Story and Poetry Slam” event on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at the Davis Center, University of Vermont.

“Inspired by the revitalization of storytelling in Vermont, we decided to host a Story and Poetry Slam, featuring the amazing stories that come out of Vermont’s own farms and gardeners,” said Meg Klepack, NOFA Vermont’s Winter Conference Coordinator.

The theme of this year’s conference is Growing the Good Food Movement. In support of the theme, NOFA Vermont seeks stories or poems focused on food equity, race, class, farm worker rights, or food sovereignty.

Click on the image to see Laura Brown-Lavoie, Farmer/Poet, in action at NOFA Vermont’s 2013 Winter Conference.

Hosting the Story and Poetry Slam, and performing, as well, will be Laura Brown-Lavoie. Laura is a farmer, poet, performer, and youth mentor in Providence, RI, who describes herself as “a farmer with a pen clipped to her belt loop, a poet with leaves in her hair.”

Pitches for stories and poems should be short, around 30 seconds long, and can be submitted for consideration by calling the NOFA Vermont office at 802-434-4122, extension 30. The deadline for submissions is January 23. 

The 33rd Annual NOFA Vermont Winter Conference will be held February 14-16 at the University of Vermont in Burlington. For more information about the conference, visit www.nofavt.org/conference.

 

Jr Iron Chef VT

Do you know any aspiring young chefs? Are you an avid cook who would like to share your talents with local students? Are you a farmer who’d like to develop a relationship with a nearby school? If so, then the 8th Annual Jr Iron Chef VT is where you need to be!

Jr Iron Chef VT is a statewide culinary competition that provides middle and high school students with the opportunity to have hands-on experience cooking nutritious, farm-fresh foods. Students source local ingredients and design, test, and practice recipes in preparation for the 90-minute cooking competition. Their dishes are critiqued by a panel of hand-selected judges, and prize packages are awarded.

Register your team by January 15th to get in on the action.

“The energy at the competition is amazing and students are able to see other food ideas, how other groups work together, how they perform under pressure, and deal with unexpected consequences. They inspire me.” –Dawn Fuller-Ball, Coach, Whitcomb Middle/High School

74 teams will square off at the 2015 event on March 21 at the Champlain Valley Exposition. Learn more at www.jrironchefvt.org or check out our Facebook page.