Dear friend,
I can’t believe it’s already the middle of June! Our networks have been swimming with activity all year and there’s so much to look forward to. This month we invite you to learn about the Seaweed Commons and what the future of kelp aquaculture should look like. Plus, it’s not too late to register for the LCN Seafood Summit and join us in Alaska this October, FSNE’s Network Leadership Institute applications are open, and NESAWG’s RFPs are open for their November gathering!
Keep Swimming,
Jen Halstead
Community Organizer - Outreach & Communications
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LCN Meet & Greet Webinar with Seaweed Commons |
Last week, NAMA took part in a Local Catch Meet & Greet Webinar with kelp harvesters from Seaweed Commons to discuss their position paper “A Precautionary Approach to Seaweed Aquaculture in North America.” Seaweed Commons is a group of kelp harvesters that seeks to form ecological seaweed coalitions, support and inform public discourse, increase algal literacy, and advocate for an appropriately scaled, just seaweed economy. They spoke about changing seaweed economies, their role in the marine environment, and what collaboration with all kinds of seafood producers looks like.
Large-scale industrial kelp farms are already impacting small-scale farmers and harvesters by driving prices down dramatically. Along with this, as we’ve seen in land-based agriculture, large monocultures of kelp are vulnerable to diseases and pathogens, which pose potential risks to the surrounding environment. We also need to consider the socio-economic impacts of industrial kelp farms, like privatization, and how that impacts the access for shellfish harvesters, shellfish farmers, access to fishing grounds, and recreational access. These are just a few of the list of concerns surrounding the growth and scaling-up of kelp farming throughout North America. We encourage you to dive in and read more!
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Local Catch Network's 4th Local Seafood Summit |
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Don't Forget to Register! |
The Local Seafood Summit is a practitioner-centric event. It is for small- and mid-scale seafood harvesters and businesses who are interested in sharing experiential knowledge, learning strategies that make community-supported fisheries and direct-marketing businesses successful, and collaborating to build a trustworthy, low-impact, domestic seafood supply system. The summit provides an opportunity for those interested in direct marketing to learn from established businesses and connect directly with other resources in a network that supports good, clean, fair seafood.
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FSNE Network Leadership Institute |
The FSNE Network Leadership Institute offers skill-building and network-building, connecting leaders with one another and the FSNE network and engaging them in the growing alignment around a shared vision and values for our New England food system. Each year, FSNE selects a diverse cohort of values-motivated food system leaders who demonstrate deep engagement with and commitment to the New England food system for an immersive, experiential program designed to maximize learning and growth, reflection and connection, and inspiration and renewal. Learn more and apply! Applications close June 20!
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NESAWG Request for Proposals |
Extended deadline: July 1st at midnight
NESAWG is accepting session proposals for their November It Takes a Region gathering. They’re looking for sessions that tackle systemic issues with engaging activities and presentations that prioritize the leadership and voices of those most impacted by the issue discussed. They are also looking for sessions that connect to our 2022 Conference Theme Creating Food Systems Change Rooted in Love, though not all sessions need to reflect the theme. Priority will be given to sessions presented by traditionally underrepresented groups (people under 25, people of color, immigrants, women, low and moderate-income people, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people) which directly address some aspects of inequity in the food system.
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New England Food Vision Prize |
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Deadline for Letters of Interest: June 30
The 2022 New England Food Vision Prize is a $1 million commitment aimed at building resiliency, relationships, and capacity within New England’s academic institutional food supply chain, resulting in increased preparation, serving, and consumption of local and regional food at K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Prize proposals may range from $25,000 to $200,000. Click here to learn more.
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NAMA is a fishermen-led organization building a broad movement toward healthy fisheries, and fishing communities.
We build deep, and trusting relationships with community based fisherman, crew, fishworkers, and allies to create effective policy, and market strategies.
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