NOFA-NH E-Newsletter: October 2019
Table of Contents
  • Thank You Share the Bounty Day Partners & Participants
  • WORK WITH US: NOFA-NH is Hiring a Finance Coordinator
  • The CRAFT of Farming: Update from Kearsarge Gore Farm
  • Review of the Fundamentals of Organic Lawn Care Workshop Series
  • Whole Foods Market Community Giving Day to Benefit NOFA-NH on October 17th
  • October is National Farm to School Month
  • Support the Saving NH Pollinators Act on October 17th at 1 PM
  • Save the Date for the Food Solutions Forum on November 5th
  • Join Us for "The Pollinators" Film at Red River Theatres on November 11th
  • Become a NOFA Member in November
  • Save the Date for NOFA-NH's Winter Conference: February 8th, 2020
  • Letter to Policy Makers on Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture
  • Take Action to Protect Organic Dairy Producers
  • Help NOFA and MOFGA Serve Beginning and Established Farmers
  • What's the Difference Between Regenerative and Organic Farming?
  • Meet Our Members: Introducing Teresa Downey and Terra Basics
  • Membership, Classifieds, Events & Sponsors
Thank You
Share the Bounty Day Partners & Participants
NOFA-NH would like to thank everyone who participated or partnered with us for our first Share the Bounty Day. This fundraiser was a huge success, and none of it could have happened without our dedicated supporters and donors. Donations raised from Share the Bounty Day have ensured that we can continue our Farm Share Program in 2020, providing fresh, organic produce for low-income NH residents.

Again, we could not have done this without the support of shoppers, diners, and our partners alike.

Another Big Thanks goes to:


And to New Hampshire Electric Co-op Foundation for funding the 2019 Farm Share Program and the development of this fundraiser.

Pictured: Board President Amy Manzelli at The Works in Concord.
WORK WITH US!
NOFA-NH is Hiring a Finance Coordinator
NOFA-NH is seeking a Finance Coordinator to join our fun and energizing team! In addition to supporting organizational decision-making around finances, insurance, taxes and more, the Coordinator will provide basic office support and generate reports as requested for the Treasurer and the Board of Directors.

This is a part time position of 10 hours per week, with flexibility in work hours.

Pictured: Board Member Laura Hartz at Kearsarge Gore Farm
The CRAFT of Farming: Update from Kearsarge Gore Farm
Kearsarge Gore Farm graciously opened their gates to thirty fellow farmers, gardeners and eaters at our third and final CRAFT event of 2019. Attendees spent a beautiful autumn afternoon touring the local, diversified, organic farm and learning firsthand the practices of successful organic growers.

A panel on healthy soils featuring Julie Davenson of Stonewall Farm , Gene Jonas of Hungry Bear Farm , and Sam Bower of Kearsarge Gore Farm was followed by a spirited roundtable discussion on best practices and future needs around soil health.

We’re also grateful to our first two farm tour hosts,  Brookford Farm  and  Work Song Farm , who both provided excellent experiences for CRAFT attendees earlier this year. All of these farmers exemplify the hardworking organic champions who are providing New Hampshire with healthy, local, nutrient-dense food. Thank you again to everyone who attended these tours and made our pilot CRAFT Program such a success!
 
These events were co-sponsored by grants from Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement and Farm Aid.

Review of the Fundamentals of Organic Lawn Care Workshop Series
Britt Phillips of Complete Land Organics presented her concluding talk on the Fundamentals of Organic Lawn Care at the Hooksett Public Library on September 18th. Britt’s inspiring, lively discussions of earth-friendly lawn care were enthusiastically received by audiences in Concord, Bow, and Hooksett. NOFA-NH was happy to co-sponsor these programs with the Merrimack County Conservation District , the Bow and Hooksett Public Libraries, and the Bow Conservation Commission. These programs, supported by a grant obtained by MCCD, have helped to increase public awareness about the many healthy ways to care for lawns which do not depend upon artificial fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
The collaboration with MCCD and Britt will continue during our Winter Conference, where we’ll be learning about these practices' potential to improve both public and ecosystem health. Stay tuned for more details! 

Pictured: Britt Phillips, Owner of Complete Land Organics
Whole Foods Market Community Giving Day to Benefit NOFA-NH on October 17th!
We're excited to announce that NOFA-NH will receive 5% of net sales from two  Whole Foods Market   locations in New Hampshire on Thursday, October 17 th  as part of the company’s annual Community Giving Days! Funds raised by Whole Foods Market will support NOFA-NH’s 2020  Farm Share Program , h elping to provide discounted organic produce for low-income NH residents while supporting small, organic family farms.

The October Community Giving Day initiative is Food and Wellness, focusing on organizations, partnerships, projects and events that leverage food as a preventative, nourishing and restorative health and wellness resource.

You can support NOFA-NH at these two Whole Foods Market locations on October 17th:

121 S River Rd, Bedford, NH
255 Amherst St, Nashua, NH

We hope to see you there!

October is National Farm to School Month
It’s National Farm to School Month. Here’s bipartisan national legislation that’s being introduced to support local farming, build resilient diversified food systems, and improve the health of our precious young people!

Support the Saving NH Pollinators Act
October 17th at 1 PM
Pollinators are critical to our food security. Yet these vitally important members of our food system and are in rapid decline in large part due to exposure to harmful pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. Join community activists on Thursday, October 17 th at 1 PM at the NH Statehouse for a public hearing on HB 646-FN : The Saving New Hampshire’s Pollinators Act to help protect bees and other pollinators in New Hampshire.

Not able to attend but feeling inspired? Sign and share this petition to NH legislators in support of the Act. You can also write about your support for this bill to the Environment and Agriculture subcommittee .

This bill is sponsored by State Representative Catherine Sofitikis. Co-organizers include: Beyond Pesticides, Toxic Actions, Non Toxic NH, NH Save Our Pollinators Coalition and others.

Save the Date for the Food Solutions Forum
on November 5th
On November 5th, NOFA-NH is partnering with the NH Food Alliance, Agrarian Trust, NAMA, and others to host the Food Solutions Forum. This event will bring together presidential candidates, farmers, fishermen, small business owners, workers, those who advocate for our producers, scientists, and the general public for a non-partisan discussion of food and agriculture.

Please join us at UNH Durham from 10 AM - 1 PM as we demonstrate how food policy profoundly impacts our lives and provides powerful mechanisms for the positive change that all are yearning for, across the political spectrum and a range of issues.

Join Us for
"The Pollinators" Film
at Red River Theatres
on November 11th
NOFA-NH invites you to a celebration of honey, pollinators and organic farming at our second annual film screening fundraiser!

Did you know that 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat depends on bees? That's why we’re proud to present  The Pollinators  at Red River Theatres on November 11th, an award-winning cinematic journey around the United States following migratory beekeepers and their truckloads of honey bees as they pollinate the flowers that become the fruits, nuts and vegetables we all eat. The film features farmers, scientists, chefs, economists, academics, and beekeepers to provide a broad perspective about the threats to honey bees and our food security, along with solutions.

WHERE?
Red River Theatres, Concord, NH

WHEN?
Monday, November 11th

5 PM | Mead Tasting, Hors d'oeuvres & Exhibitors

6 PM | Film Screening Followed by a Panel Discussion


$20 | BEEliever
$15 | General Admission
$10 | NOFA-NH Member / Student / Senior / Scholarship

Panelists Include:

  • Doug Bechtel, President, New Hampshire Audubon
  • Ron Christie, NOFA-NH Board Member and Organic Farmer
  • Moderated by Amy Manzelli, NOFA-NH Board President, Managing Attorney at BCM Environmental & Land Law


Sponsors Include:


Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Nikki Kolb at nikki@nofanh.org .


Become a NOFA Member in November!
NOFA-NH is a diverse 501(c)3 non-profit organization made up of knowledgeable and passionate farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, land care professionals, educators, food activists, environmentalists, eaters and educated consumers dedicated to supporting NH's local organic farming community. We provide programs that champion environmental and human health through farming, gardening, soil health, nutrition, food security, and land care practices across New Hampshire. But our work would not be possible without the vision of our members!

Your membership is vital to NOFA-NH   as we continue to expand our programs and workshops.

This November, we’ll be actively seeking new members to join us in creating a healthier, sustainable food system for all. If you value our mission, events and programming – including this monthly e-newsletter – please consider supporting our organization by becoming a new member or renewing your membership.

Benefits of membership include: 
  • Access to NOFA-NH's Member Forum
  • 1 FREE Classified per month in our e-news and on our website
  • A chance to be featured in our “Meet Our Members” column
  • Discounts on NOFA conferences, events and programming in NH and other chapter states
  • A subscription to The Natural Farmer quarterly publication
  • Featured on our Organic Farm & Food Map (for certified organic farmers/producers)
 
A Standard Membership is just $45/year, and a Student/Senior Membership is $30/year. Sustaining memberships and gift memberships are also available.

We welcome you to join our growing community!

Save the Date for
NOFA-NH's
Winter Conference February 8th, 2020!
Spend Saturday, February 8th, 2020 at NOFA-NH's 18th Annual Winter Conference at a NEW location: Kearsarge Regional High School in North Sutton, NH! Attendees can look forward to fun, educational workshops, book signings, delicious food, a keynote speaker, and the Green Market Fair.

 
 
 

Register Online   before  December 27th for 20% off regular ticket prices:

  • Full-Day Conference: Includes meals & Evening Keynote: $76 ($95 after Friday, December 27, 2019)
  • KEYNOTE ONLY: Evening Keynote: $30 ($35 after Friday, December 27, 2019)
 
NOFA Members Save 20% on Tickets!

Members will receive a promo code for your discount via email from our office.

Help us spread the word by RSVPing and sharing our Facebook Event .

See You There!

Letter to Policy Makers on Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture
This year’s devastating losses from extreme weather have brought home the urgent need to address the climate crisis and its impacts on agriculture. Now is the time to join thousands of other farmers and ranchers across the nation to ask policy makers and federal administrators to help us meet the challenges of a changing climate.
Please consider signing the letter below  to voice your concerns about climate change impacts on agriculture in the United States and to call for solutions that invest in our rural and agricultural communities.
Please note, we sincerely value the support of all but are specifically seeking signatures from farmers and ranchers for this effort. 

Take Action to Protect Organic Dairy Producers
In June, the House of Representatives passed a Fiscal Year 2020 agriculture spending bill  that included a provision to level the playing field for organic dairy producers. It would require the USDA to issue a final regulation on 'Origin of Livestock’ –  the rules for how conventional dairy cows are transitioned into organic herds . The regulation will protect organic dairy farms from loopholes that have allowed conventional dairy livestock to enter organic herds, creating an economic disadvantage for organic farmers who play by the rules, as it is more costly for them to raise calves organically. You can urge the  Senate Appropriations Committee  to take action to protect organic dairy producers.
 
Help NOFA and MOFGA Serve Beginning and Established Farmers
NOFA & MOFGA seek to support new and established farmers to be successful in their ventures, and to foster a thriving independent farming community across the Northeast. To do so, we need your help in understanding how we can build a stronger suite of resources, trainings, network facilitation, and other farm viability programs to deepen your capacity for resilience and long­-term success.

If you are a beginning or established farmer seeking support, please help us to create programs and opportunities to help you by  taking a few minutes to fill out this su rvey .
What's the Difference Between Regenerative and Organic Farming?
What are the differences between “regenerative” and “organic” farming methods? Read this article from Civil Eats to discover why organic and regenerative foods are especially good for people and planet. (But of course, organic, regenerative, and local are ideal!)

Meet Our Members: Introducing Teresa Downey and Terra Basics
NOFA-NH's knowledgeable and passionate members make our organization great. That's why we offer our members with farms and farm-related businesses eligibility to be featured in the 'Meet Our Members' e-news column. Each month, we make our community a little closer by introducing you to someone new. Featured members are chosen by random lottery.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of our members and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NOFA-NH, its staff, or Board of Directors.
Welcome New & Renewing Members
Thank you to our NOFA-NH Members who became new members and renewed their membership in September & October 2019.

Renewing Members: Grounding Stone Farm

New Members: Dr. Peggy Ueda
Renew Your Membership, Join Today, or Give the Gift of NOFA-NH Membership
Are you a NOFA-NH Member? We're aiming to recruit 50 New Members this year, and you can help us reach our goal by becoming a new member or renewing today! It's easy to do and comes with many perks


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)

A NOFA-NH Membership makes a great gift all year round!
Current memberships will continue for one year from the date you joined.
Classifieds
Plowshare Farm Lifesharing Community Seeks Lead Gardener
Are you a skilled organic vegetable gardener? Trained in or open to biodynamic principles? Ready to lead our garden crew to grow vegetables for our anthroposophic lifesharing community of 50 people? If you’re someone with a pioneer spirit, there is room here to make a real difference. Greenfield, NH. 603-547-2547 |  service@plowsharefarm.org. More info here.

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  info@nofanh.org .

Note: The views and opinions expressed in these classifieds are those of our members and sponsors, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NOFA-NH, its staff, or Board of Directors.
Upcoming Events
October 1 - 31: NH Farm to School Month , Statewide

Thursday, October 17: Community Giving Day , Whole Foods Market, Bedford, NH

Thursday, October 17: Community Giving Day , Whole Foods Market, Nashua, NH

Thursday, October 17: Saving NH's Pollinators Act Hearing , NH Statehouse, Concord, NH

Friday, October 18: NH's Association of Conservation Districts Annual Mtg , Laconia, NH

Friday, October 25: Preparing Local Food Systems for Climate Change , Webinar

November 1 - 30: NOFA-NH Membership Drive Month , Statewide



Tuesday, November 5: Food Solutions Forum , Durham, NH

Monday, November 11: "The Pollinators" Film Screening , Concord, NH

Tuesday, November 12: NOFA-NH Board Meeting , Concord, NH

Thursday - Sunday, November 14 - 17: Soil & Nutrition Conference, Southbridge, MA

What's happening in neighboring states?
Thank You, Sponsors!
NOFA-NH
Office Hours: Mon - Thurs 10am-5pm
Phone: (603) 224-5022    Email: info@nofanh.org
NOFA-NH E-News Written & Produced by Nikki Kolb & Deneé Woods
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