October's Harvest

Community Update October 2017

Defining Organic

What does organic produce mean, and who decides? While this has been an ongoing debate for some time, the National Organic Standards Board is about to vote on whether or not hydroponic produce can be certified as organic. The Board recommends policy to the National Organic Program, and plans to hold several meetings between October 29 - November 4 before coming to a decision.

Groups on either side of the debate are deeply rooted in their perspective. Voices against hydroponic organics like Eliot Coleman argue that allowing hydroponics will further dilute the organic standard and continue to open the label to corporate agribusiness. Proponents for including hydroponics counter that hydroponics can be practiced ethically, and follow the current national organic standards. Others have tried to listen to both sides of the equation . Meanwhile, organizations like NOFA are calling for a rally in NYC in advance of the Board meeting in order to "keep the soil in organic."

So, what will it be? Who ultimately decides? Most importantly, what will you do about it?

Course Updates

Identifying cover crops at Taqwa Community Farm

Recent Courses

Over the past month, our Citywide students visited Taqwa Community Farm in the Bronx to learn about Preparing for Winter. After canning an apple pepper chutney, we planted cover crops and garlic, properly stored tools, saved seeds, and pruned fruit trees.

Student Reflection: Season Extension

" I loved how balanced this course felt, how most of our Wednesday 'classroom' time was actually using our skills to build. I feel so grateful to be amongst the wealth of knowledge between Karen and Marisa's 40+ combined years of farming experience. What a privilege and joy it was to receive their wisdom and generosity. The Rise and Root farm trip tops the list for sure "

- Rica Bryan, Citywide Certificate Student

What's Next?

In October, our five week Small Farm Planning and Design course focuses on the business and logistical side of starting a growing operation. Discover the value of record keeping for your site, while learning practical elements of garden & urban farm design, business planning 101, beginner marketing concepts & asset-based mapping.

October 18 - November 18, 2017

Wednesdays, 6 - 9pm

Saturdays, 10 - 2pm

2018 Already?

Still preoccupied with 2017? It's never too early to start thinking about next season. Plus, there are a number of opportunities you don't want to miss out on. Some application deadlines fall at the end of October, like the CASFS apprenticeships with a Food Justice Scholarship and the Stone Barns apprenticeships .

Our Citywide students will begin selecting and applying to apprenticeships too. So keep an eye on our website for apprenticeship opportunities in NYC in the next few months as well.