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Scroll through this month's E-news, or click on the headlines below
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Happy Reading!
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 August is NH Eat Local Month!
Each week, the Instagram-based scavenger hunt will feature themed objectives for you to find and post on Instagram for the chance to win local prizes.
NOFA-NH is proud to be a partner in this fun statewide event.
Click here
for 31 ways to celebrate local food!
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'Eating Animals' Film Screening at Portsmouth Music Hall
Join us at Portsmouth Music Hall on August 30th at 7 PM for the film screening of "Eating Animals," an urgent, eye-opening look at the environmental, economic, and public health consequences of factory farming. The film is based on the bestselling book by Jonathan Safran Foer and narrated by co-producer Natalie Portman.
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Young Farmer Discussion Meet Contest Opportunity
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The NH Farm Bureau (NHFB) is looking for participants for the 2018 NHFB Young Farmer Discussion. The Discussion Meet is open to NHFB members between the ages of 18 - 35 with a passion for agriculture and working toward solutions.
The Young Farmer Discussion Meet is a competitive event designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a predetermined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.
For more information call 603-224-1934. For a look at this year's questions
click here.
Competitors can prepare for state and national Discussion Meets in a series of trainings. Each call/webinar will last an hour and include an industry expert on one of the five questions that will be used in the 2019 YF&R Discussion Meet in New Orleans.
Tuesday Training Schedule:
All calls will begin at 8:00 PM ET.
Tel: 1-800-768-2983 Passcode - 7870140#
- August 7 - General overview
- Aug 14 - Question #1
- Aug 21 - Questions #2
- Aug 28 - Question #3
- September 4 - Question #4
- September 11 - Question #5
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Save the Date for NOFA-NH's Screening of "Modified"!
When: Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Where: Red River Theatres, Concord, NH
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Join us on Wednesday, November 28
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(AFTER Thanksgiving) for an enlightening screening of the film "Modified" on GMOs, followed by a panel discussion with NH farmers.
In this new, award-winning documentary,
the filmmaker and her mother embark on a personal and poignant investigative journey to find out why genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not labeled on food products in the U.S. and Canada, despite being labeled in 64 countries around the world. Interweaving the personal and the political, the film is anchored in the filmmaker's relationship to her mom, a gardener and food activist who battled cancer during the film's production. Their intimate mother-daughter quest for answers, fueled by a shared love of food, reveals the extent to which the agribusiness industry controls our food policies, making a strong case for a more transparent and sustainable food system. The film is a visual celebration of family legacy and the love of food, cooking, and gardening.
Celebrate food, family, the harvest, and the holidays to come at this NOFA-NH fundraiser.
Spread the word and save the date!
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Save the Date!
NOFA-NH & Vital Communities Will Host a Farmer Mixer and Panel on Fair Labor & CRAFT Apprenticeship Models
When: Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Where: Three Tomatoes Trattoria, Lebanon, NH
What is CRAFT? CRAFT stands for
Collaborative Regional Alliances for Farmer Training. It is a national program of small, independent regional alliances focused on training for farm workers, interns and apprentices. CRAFT expands training beyond one farm at a time to bring apprentices together on farms within their regional collaborative to meet fellow apprentices and learn new skills at on-farm workshops.
Come and enjoy a meal on us, meet other farmers from our region, and learn from our knowledgeable panel of farmers and experts discussing the CRAFT apprenticeship model, with a focus on the experiences of Vital Communities' Upper Valley CRAFT program, and fair labor practices.
Save the date and join us for a fun and educational evening, mingle with friends, meet new people, enjoy great food, and come away with new information to use on your farm!
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Action Alert: Speak Up on the Last Step of the Farm Bill
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Congress recently named farm bill conferees to start the final step in re-authorizing farm programs. Naming conferees was required to start official discussions between the House and Senate to iron out the differences between the two farm bills proposals.
The next two weeks is a critical time in the final steps of reauthorizing programs important to the organic community. Please reach out to your elected officials to remind, and to explain, the importance of the following policy priorities.
Call 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senator or Representative's office.
Please call both Senate offices & your Congressperson. Ask to speak to their Agricultural Legislative Assistant.
Talking Points:
- Introduce yourself, your organic farm or business, and include your location.
- Ask your Senator or Representative to reach out to Conferees to include in the final conference committee bill:
- The Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act as included in both bills, which improves the oversight of global organic trade, creates a level playing field for American organic farmers, and establishes a better system to ensure the integrity of organic import supply chain.
- Increased funding for organic research, as written in the Senate bill: The Organic Extension and Research Initiative with full funding of $50 million by 2023.
- Re-authorizing the Cost-Share Program and providing $11.5 million of mandatory funding which is the Senate language.
- No changes to the operation of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Keep NOSB operating as it is. This requires eliminating changes to the NOSB in both bills. It's not broken, don't fix it!
We appreciate your help at this critical time in the Farm Bill's development.
Current farm programs are set to expire on September 30, 2018.
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Action Alert: Imported Meat Should Not Be Labeled "Product of U.S.A"
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The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is considering changing their current policy that allows foreign meat to be labeled as "Product of U.S.A" if it was processed in the United States regardless of the country of origin. The policy negatively impacts American ranchers by creating an unfair market advantage for large corporations that monopolize the meat market. This policy also denies consumers the right to support American meat and can additionally cause food safety and health issues.
The American Grassfed Association (AGA) and the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) have submitted a petition to the USDA asking that the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Services Agency change its labeling policy so that imported beef can no longer be labeled "Product of U.S.A." just because the meat passed through a U.S.-based inspection plant, or was blended with meat from cattle actually born and raised in the U.S.
Please tell USDA to support OCM's petition to change its labeling policy so that imported meat can no longer be labeled "Product of the U.S.A."
American ranchers should be treated fairly and be able to differentiate their product from imported beef. Consumers deserve true and fair labeling, and to know where their food comes from. The current policy obscures that fact.
Please submit your comments to the USDA to support this policy change prior to Midnight [Eastern Time] on August 17th. Comments can be submitted here. Click "Comment Now" next to the FSIS petition and cover letter.
Thank you for your engagement!
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EU Bans Hydroponics from Organics
"Beginning in 2021, the European Union will no longer accept produce labeled "organic" that has been produced hydroponically, including so-called "container production,"
The Cornucopia Institute reported.
"European hydroponic producers who use approved organic inputs will still be able to export their produce to the U.S., although their produce will not be eligible for organic status in their own country. It remains to be seen whether this will increase hydroponic exports from the EU to the U.S."
Learn more about this issue here.
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Maple Syrup & Honey Producers Spared Confusing FDA Added Sugars Label
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The FDA proposed earlier this year that maple syrup and honey, products naturally high in sugar, begin bearing an "added sugar" label. The purpose was to alert consumers to excess sugar in their diets.
Concerned that the labels could mislead consumers into thinking that pure maple syrup and honey contain artificial sweeteners, however, Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King authored an amendment that would block the proposal. After receiving over 3,000 comments on the proposed change, the FDA has backed off.
"Although the FDA's rule was well-intentioned, it would have created widespread consumer confusion and negatively affected many family-owned businesses," Collins, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a written statement, the Maine Press Herald reported. "While I am grateful that FDA has acknowledged the serious concerns expressed in public comments and by members of Congress and has pledged to revise its approach, my amendment will ensure this misguided labeling requirement does not move forward."
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Updated Farm Commons Book:
The Farmers' Guide to Business Structures
The Farm Commons "Farmers' Guide to Business Structures" details when, how, and why to form an LLC, how anti-corporate farming laws affect farmers' choices, when to form a second entity for agritourism, and resources like annotated operating agreements and bylaws.
The book was previously only available as a
free PDF, but is now being offered in
print by the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, which funded the research.
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Wellscroft Introduces Wednesday Workshops
Wellscroft Fence Systems announced its new 'Wellscroft Wednesday Workshops:' single-topic fencing workshops. The workshops are ideal for participants who are new to farming, experienced farmers, gardeners, commercial growers and those interested in learning more about their existing fencing system.
Workshop size is limited to 15 participants. The non-refundable fee of $10 helps cover the cost of snacks, information packets, and staff, and it can be credited towards a purchase of $100 or more the day of the workshop.
All workshops are held on Wednesday afternoons from 2-5 pm at the Harrisville, NH headquarters.
Upcoming 2018 Wednesday Workshops include:
- Poultry Fencing 101 - Wednesday, August 22, 2-5pm
- Extended Grazing for Sheep & Goats - Wednesday, October 17, 2-5pm
- Winterizing Your Fence & Energizer - Wednesday, November 14, 2-5pm
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Join NOFA-NH's Fundraising & Marketing Committee!
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We're looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our Fundraising & Marketing Committee, a part of our fun and dynamic volunteer Board of Directors.
The purpose of the Fundraising & Marketing Committee is
to facilitate Board involvement in the support of fundraising and marketing efforts that will expand the donor base and generate funds needed to fulfill the organization's mission.
This Committee:
- Ensures development of a Fundraising/Development plan annually.
- Evaluates the annual operating budget and determines fundraising needs.
- Presents fundraising goals and plans for Board support and approval.
- Enlists Board support and involvement in plan implementation.
- Supports special events and their committees.
- Ensures appropriate solicitation and cultivation efforts are developed and maintained throughout the year.
- Reviews, evaluates and supports staff cultivation and solicitation efforts.
- Evaluates, monitors and reports fundraising efforts and results to the Board.
Membership of the Fundraising & Marketing Committee
is open to all members of NOFA-NH. Volunteers work directly with the Committee Chair, Amy Manzelli, President of NOFA-NH's Board of Directors.
We are currently seeking two volunteers to join this committee.
Are you dedicated to supporting the local and organic food movement? Passionate about building and sustaining healthy communities? Interested in working with NOFA-NH to bring about positive and lasting change to our food system?
or call (603) 224-5022 to inquire.
We know that life is busy and your time is valuable, so we promise not to waste it.
Learn more about our Board of Directors and Staff here.
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Meet Our Members!
Introducing Temple Mountain Permaculture
NOFA-NH's knowledgeable and passionate members make our organization great. Each month, we'll make our community a little closer by introducing you to one of our invaluable members.
Name and Occupation:
Irene LeMessurier, Founder
How long have you been a member of NOFA-NH?
I joined just before the winter conference in March.
Why did you become a member of NOFA-NH?
I've been aware of NOFA for 35-40 years. I'm starting this place we're calling Temple Mountain Permaculture. At this point it's for myself, my two sons and their wives. In the future it could be more of a community. But at this point, that's what it's for. We're planning on farming to begin with for ourselves. We're trying to be sustainable and resilient, and we do have hopes that we will have some products to sell in the future. One of my sons is growing mushrooms now, not for market yet - shiitake and oyster mushrooms - and we have plans to put up a big greenhouse and grow micro greens and other things. Hopefully, a four-season growing space.
I knew that NOFA is full of all kinds of wonderful information and education, so I wanted to become a member and go to the conference. I'd say I've been aware of organic farming and gardening ever since I was about 7 or 8 when my mother got a hold of a bunch of organic magazines from Rodale in 1963. She tilled up the backyard of our suburban home outside of Boston. She was an organic gardener for my whole life. And then I married a man who was also into organic gardening. Both my mother and former husband were great fans of Helen and Scott Nearing.
How has NOFA-NH impacted your business?
I don't think I can say it has impacted my business yet. Our business isn't happening yet. We're building a home for my son on the property. He and his wife just had a baby. We haven't started the farming aspect yet besides the mushrooms. I did meet other members at the conference from my area (but I already knew them). I got information from the conference that has already been somewhat helpful. One of the workshops was about growing berry bushes and I took a lot of notes. It helped me narrow down what kind of bushes would be good for us to grow.
We're calling it Temple Mountain Permaculture because it goes back to when I first moved to NH in 1983. I lived next door to what was then called Gap Mountain Permaculture in Jaffrey. I didn't learn too much about it then, but I was very aware of what it was about. Then, about 6 years ago, one of my sons started studying permaculture and took a permaculture design course, and really took off with his interest in that. Then last summer my other son and I took a permaculture design course. The focus we'd like on our farm is to grow perennials like fruit trees and nut trees and orchards, and to have it be sustainable and resilient the way permaculture teaches. So since the land we purchased is right next to Temple Mountain, it looks right at it, it was kind of a way to honor Gap Mountain Permaculture, to name it after a mountain.
It was really inspiring to go to the conference and see how many young people were there. It inspired me see, yes, this is happening, this thing of going back to the land that started in the 60 and 70s. It's exciting to me to see so many young people getting into farming. I hope that my sons and grandchildren will be inspired by that as well.
What's your number one priority for NOFA-NH this year?
I was particularly drawn toward the focus of the conference this winter discussing the certified organics and other labels that could be used and developed. That was super interesting to me because I was already looking into if I should have my farm certified organic before we start, whether it's better or easier to do it before hand. Maybe so. What I came away with was that it is still difficult to know what our goal should be as far as being able to say if our stuff is organic or not, what's the best route to go with for labeling it, or having certification. I feel the more work NOFA-NH does on that the better, to let the farmers know what's that best way to approach that.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking about becoming a NOFA-NH member?
I would say don't wait! Don't put it off! It was very exciting for me to go to the conference, just a feeling, a great energy and interesting. It was very motivating.
Does your business have any upcoming activities or events you would like to share with the NOFA-NH community?
We don't have anything planned right now. At this point the main activity that's happening is my son harvests timber and sells seasoned cord wood. So, he's got a lot of cord wood for sale!
About this column:
NOFA-NH members with farms and farm related businesses are eligible to be featured in this column. Featured members are chosen by random lottery.
Click here
to become a member or renew your membership.
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Visit Our Online Store
Our online store is stocked with NOFA-NH bumper stickers and metal membership signs (great for your farmers market table, store, farm or farm stand!), as well as NOFA books on organic farming.
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Your Support Matters! Help NOFA-NH Thrive
NOFA-NH uses every cent of your donations on programs like providing CSA shares from local farms to low-income families, educating consumers and organic producers, and maintaining our website as an educational clearinghouse to support our network of growers, gardeners & more.
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Welcome New & Returning Members!
Thank you to our NOFA-NH Members who became new members and renewed their membership in July and August 2018.
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Renew Your Membership, Join Today, or Give the Gift of NOFA-NH Membership!
We've streamlined to just two membership levels:
- Student/Senior Membership: $30 (Available to full-time students currently enrolled in school and persons over 65 years old)
- Standard Membership: $45 (Available to everyone)
Check out a list of member benefits on the membership page of our website. A NOFA-NH Membership makes a great gift all year round! Call our office to purchase the gift of organic for your loved ones: 603-224-5022.
Current memberships
will continue for one year from the date you joined.
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Classifieds
Wanted To Buy: 1-3 Acres 20 Miles of Antrim // Bear Tree Zendo, a local Zen group, needs a small piece of land (one to three acres) within twenty miles of Antrim to build a small local meditation hall (zendo). Woods, field, old pasture, going back to trees, etc. Quiet essential. Continued use arrangement, hay or sugaring possible. Call 603-748-5006 and leave a message.
About This Section:
NOFA-NH Members may post 1 free Classified per month on our
Classifieds page
and in this newsletter. Not yet members may post a Classified in the e-news and on our website for $45 per Classified per month. To inquire about this program and to share your Classified with our community, please contact [email protected].
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