Showing posts with label New York Certified Organic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York Certified Organic. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
NOFA-NY Holds Annual Conference
Go to http://www.troyrecord.com/general-news/20170121/farming-group-celebrates-diversity-at-capital-region-event to check out the story.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
New York Certified Organic Sets Dates for Winter Meetings
New York Certified Organic has set the dates for its Winter 2017 meetings, bringing grain and dairy farmers together with guest speakers on the organic crops and dairy production.
The 2017 dates are Jan. 10, Feb. 14 and March 13. Each program begins at 10 a.m. in Jordan Hall, 630 W. North St. at the New York State Agricultural Experimental Station, Geneva.
There is no cost or need to register to attend the meetings; participants are asked to bring a dish to pass at the potluck lunch.
Roundtable discussions after lunch provide farmers the opportunity to ask questions and hear from the combined experience of the group. These sessions help advance organic production in New York and have been helpful to new and transitioning farmers as well as long-time organic producers.
A brief description of how crop insurance can benefit organic farmers will be included at each of the meetings.
The Jan. 10 meeting will feature presentations by Bob Quinn of the Quinn Organic Research Center, Big Sandy, Montana; Mark Sorrells of the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future at Cornell University; organic producer Tim Christensen of Penn Yan; and Sandra Wayman with the Cornell Sustainable Cropping System Lab.
Quinn's organic research center includes a 2,800-acre farm in Big Sandy. The fourth generation farm transitioned to organic production in 1986. Work on organic grain varieties led to the redevelopment of Kamut, an ancient grain grown by the Egyptians. The farm also grows soft white wheat, durum wheat, buckwheat, lentils, peas, sweet clover, and flax.
Quinn, a sought-after speaker on marketing and development of organic grains, will present his vision of where organic markets are going and how New York’s producers can prepare for the future at the January 10 NYCO meeting.
As part of a research team there, Mark Sorrells worked on the ‘Accelerating Production of Organic Grains in Western NY’ project sponsored by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority and Wegmans, the family-owned supermarket chain. Sorrells will review the results of this study conducted at the Cornell University Musgrave Research Farm in Aurora.
Tim Christensen farms with his father, Guy in Penn Yan and has been experimenting with different cover crops in his corn and small grain rotation. His decisions are based on the multi-layered objectives of protecting soil health, adding green manures, and qualifying for annual Conservation Stewardship Program payments. Christensen will share some of the success and failures he has had on his farm.
Cornell Sustainable Cropping System Lab Research Technician Sandra Wayman will review work with the newly-developed perennial grain Kernza.
The Feb. 14 NYCO meeting will focus on how to diversity farm business with organic poultry. The March 13 session will feature speakers on nutrient balancing, crop production and alternative forage production.
Producers, educators and agribusiness representatives are encouraged to mark calendars for these meetings.
For more information, contact Fay Benson at (607) 391-2699 or email afb3@cornell.edu
Information on past meetings is online at http://blogs.cornell.edu/
Friday, October 28, 2016
Friday, August 26, 2016
Andrianna Natsoulas New NOFA-NY Director
News from NOFA-NY
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), proudly announces Andrianna Natsoulas as its new executive director, effective Aug. 1.
Founded in 1983, NOFA-NY is a statewide organization leading a growing movement of farmers, consumers, gardeners and businesses committed to promoting sustainable and fair local, organic food and farming.
“It is an honor to join NOFA-NY — a trailblazer in the sustainable food system across New York state and the region,” Natsoulas said.
“As the demand for local foods increases and the integrity of organic products needs constant protection, NOFA-NY’s role in local, state, regional and national venues is at an all time high. I am excited to continue this important work and expand the organization’s reach,” she said.
Natsoulas has been a social and environmental activist for over two decades. She has coordinated with the global food sovereignty movements and has served on national and international boards and steering committees to protect access to resources, fight trade agreements and build alliances.
Natsoulas has been an independent consultant, writer, researcher and advocate for more than a half dozen grassroots, regional and international organizations.
“Andrianna brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and development, strategic planning, fundraising, and coalition building to NOFA-NY,” said board of directors Chair Phil Barbato.
“In addition, she has worked with a number of food-related organizations such as the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance and Food & Water Watch, and has written the important book, ‘Food Voices: Stories From the People Who Feed Us.’”
Natsoulas received her master’s degree in ecosystems analysis and governance from The University of Warwick, Coventry, England, and her bachelor’s degree in environmental forest biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse.
Barbato also acknowledged “the superb efforts of Nancy Apolito, who stepped up to take over the duties as interim executive director in January. Nancy’s efforts and intelligence guided the organization through more than half a year of work, including the successful search for a permanent executive director.
“The NOFA-NY team is stronger and more effective than ever due to her extra endeavors on our behalf. We’re so pleased that Nancy will be continuing at NOFA-NY as operations director,” Barbato said.
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), proudly announces Andrianna Natsoulas as its new executive director, effective Aug. 1.
Founded in 1983, NOFA-NY is a statewide organization leading a growing movement of farmers, consumers, gardeners and businesses committed to promoting sustainable and fair local, organic food and farming.
“It is an honor to join NOFA-NY — a trailblazer in the sustainable food system across New York state and the region,” Natsoulas said.
“As the demand for local foods increases and the integrity of organic products needs constant protection, NOFA-NY’s role in local, state, regional and national venues is at an all time high. I am excited to continue this important work and expand the organization’s reach,” she said.
Natsoulas has been a social and environmental activist for over two decades. She has coordinated with the global food sovereignty movements and has served on national and international boards and steering committees to protect access to resources, fight trade agreements and build alliances.
Natsoulas has been an independent consultant, writer, researcher and advocate for more than a half dozen grassroots, regional and international organizations.
“Andrianna brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and development, strategic planning, fundraising, and coalition building to NOFA-NY,” said board of directors Chair Phil Barbato.
“In addition, she has worked with a number of food-related organizations such as the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance and Food & Water Watch, and has written the important book, ‘Food Voices: Stories From the People Who Feed Us.’”
Natsoulas received her master’s degree in ecosystems analysis and governance from The University of Warwick, Coventry, England, and her bachelor’s degree in environmental forest biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse.
Barbato also acknowledged “the superb efforts of Nancy Apolito, who stepped up to take over the duties as interim executive director in January. Nancy’s efforts and intelligence guided the organization through more than half a year of work, including the successful search for a permanent executive director.
“The NOFA-NY team is stronger and more effective than ever due to her extra endeavors on our behalf. We’re so pleased that Nancy will be continuing at NOFA-NY as operations director,” Barbato said.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Series of 7 On-Farm Field Days Scheduled Throughout NY
Seven varied organic on-farm field days are being presented by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY).
They will be held in July and hosted by farms in six New York state counties.
Topics include women farmers, horsepower, soil health, organic transition and edible forest gardens. Another field day will feature a farm open house.
These are invaluable opportunities for farmers to learn about new methods, see what farms are doing, and network with others around the state.
The event schedule is as follows:
Women in Agriculture: Lady Farmers of Long Island
July 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Amanda and Katie from Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett, Suffolk County, host this event in which they share how they founded a CSA, pioneered the Amagansett Wheat Project, and continue to provide outstanding education, bread shares, and a
Food-to-Pantry project.
Registration fees are $15/person or $25 for two or more people/farm.
Developing a Diversified Horse-Powered Farm
July 9, 1-4 p.m.
Participants will join Matt Volz from Greyrock Farm, Madison County, for a tour of his horse-powered farm, which features a raw milk dairy, and meat and vegetable production.
Discussion topics are how to grow a farm with multiple complementary enterprises, including how to handle the management, production and business challenges on a diversified farm.
Registration fees are $15/person or $25 for two or more people/farm.
Long-Term High Tunnel Soil Health and Nutrient Management for Tomato Production
July 14, 6-8 p.m.
Host Obercreek Farm, Dutchess County, shares its success in managing tomato production in a high tunnel by maintaining and improving soil health and fertility, controlling pests and disease, and ensuring profitable yield and excellent quality.
Registration fees are $15/person or $25 for two or more people/farm.
Moving into Wholesale Markets for Small and Mid-Sized Farms
July 20, 4-6 p.m.
Mainstreet Farms in Cortland County brings healthy, local food to the community, utilizing education and community partners to create a strong local food system. Cornell’s Crystal Stewart will demonstrate the fundamentals for crossing over into wholesale markets, from record keeping to timing crops.
Organic Transition—Certification and Growing Practices: It’s More than Input Substitution
July 20, 4-7 p.m.
Fishkill Farms of Dutchess County produces eggs and grows crops that include tree fruit, berries, vegetables.
Josh Morgenthau will share the challenges in transitioning to organic, including changes in growing practices, creation of buffer zones, and management.
Caitlyn Reilly of NOFA-NY Certified Organic LLC will discuss the nuts and bolts of organic certification and be available to answer any questions. Risk management and crop/whole farm insurance programs also will be discussed.
Kingbird Open House
July 24, 1-4 p.m.
Kingbird Farm in Tioga County this year is celebrating 20 years of success.
Michael, Karma and Rosemary Glos will share their story of how they organically manage pork, chicken, eggs, culinary herbs, and produce while utilizing horses for field work.
The farm will be open for exploration, shopping, and enjoyment, with a guided farm tour at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Creating an Edible Forest Garden
July 30, 12:45-4 p.m.
Dani Baker, co-owner of Cross Island Farms in Jefferson County, has developed one acre of her certified organic farm as a multi-functional edible forest garden, incorporating numerous permaculture principles and practices.
She will take participants for a walk-through and introduction to 300+ perennial cultivars of fruits, nuts, berries, and other edibles.
Attendees will taste fruits, flowers, greens, and herbs in season, and go home with a potted plant to add to their own edible garden.
Registration fees are $20/person or $30 for two or more attendees from the same farm/family. Private farm tours are available that morning; email organic@crossislandfarms.com or call 315-482-3663.
Pre-registration is available online at www.nofany.org/events/field-days or by calling Jill at the NOFA-NY office (585- 271-1979, ext. 512).
Source: NOFA-NY
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
There's Still Time to Fill Out Your Certified Organic Survey
In early February, survey questionnaires were mailed nationwide to all known organic farms. Later this month, NASS will begin conducting telephone follow up with producers who have not yet responded.
Some farmers may also be selected for in person interviews to assist with data collection.
“Your participation is strongly encouraged,” said NASS’ Northeastern Regional Director King Whetstone. “The 2015 Certified Organic Survey will provide vital data to assist farmers, suppliers, policymakers, as well as those in the private sector in planning the production and marketing of new programs and products to help sustain industry growth.
For example, USDA’s Risk Management Agency will use the information to evaluate crop insurance coverage to help provide adequate pricing for organic producers.”
The survey asks farmers to provide information on acreage, production, and sales for a variety of certified organic crop and livestock commodities. NASS is also gathering information about certified organic farmers’ marketing practices and transitional data. The agency urges all participants to respond.
Producers can return their forms by mail or complete the survey online at www.agcounts.usda.gov.
Friday, February 19, 2016
New York Certified Organic Winter Meeting March 8 in Geneva
The New York Certified Organic Winter Meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. March 8 in Jordan Hall at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva.
A number of speakers will discuss new and changing global markets for organic grain and dairy producers, flax grain production and uses and "What Do You Want to Make Per Acre on Your Farm?"
One of the featured presenters is Bob Quinn of Big Sandy, Montana, talking about developing new markets for organic grain. Quinn considered several options before settling on the ancient grain of kamut as a good fit for his 2,400-acre organic farm, which is in an area that can receive 13 inches of rain in one season.
He will talk about the importance of research, dedication to establishing a strong market and what farmers can do to develop their own niche.
Mary-Howell Martens, who operates Lakeview Organic Grain and co-owns an
organic grain farm with her husband Klaas Martens in Penn Yan, Yates County, will
cover changes in the world grain market. The Martenses are highly
respected agricultural innovators who willingly share their knowledge to
encourage other farmers to be successful.
Luke Gianforte of Gianforte Farm, Cazenovia, Madison County, will help audience members answer the question of what each wants to make per acre with their farming enterprise. He will share how he tracks costs and returns for 500 acres of up to 10 different organic grains and row crops he and his dad grow in any given year.
The Gianfortes also operate their own small mill and package whole and milled grains in bulk and for restaurant, retail and farmers’ market sale, largely serving the Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions.
Ed Schefler of Groton, Tompkins County will be among the growers on the after-lunch panel discussing alternative grains production. Schefler will show slides about growing flax and pressing the seed for oil and cake, which he feeds to his cows.
There also will be a brief description of how crop insurance can benefit organic farmers at the March 8 program.
There is no cost or need to register to attend the program. Participants are asked to bring a dish to pass at the potluck lunch.
For more information, contact Fay Benson at (607) 745-3807 or email afb3@cornell.edu
A number of speakers will discuss new and changing global markets for organic grain and dairy producers, flax grain production and uses and "What Do You Want to Make Per Acre on Your Farm?"
One of the featured presenters is Bob Quinn of Big Sandy, Montana, talking about developing new markets for organic grain. Quinn considered several options before settling on the ancient grain of kamut as a good fit for his 2,400-acre organic farm, which is in an area that can receive 13 inches of rain in one season.
He will talk about the importance of research, dedication to establishing a strong market and what farmers can do to develop their own niche.
 |
| Mary-Howell Martens of Lakeview Organic Grain |
Luke Gianforte of Gianforte Farm, Cazenovia, Madison County, will help audience members answer the question of what each wants to make per acre with their farming enterprise. He will share how he tracks costs and returns for 500 acres of up to 10 different organic grains and row crops he and his dad grow in any given year.
The Gianfortes also operate their own small mill and package whole and milled grains in bulk and for restaurant, retail and farmers’ market sale, largely serving the Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions.
Ed Schefler of Groton, Tompkins County will be among the growers on the after-lunch panel discussing alternative grains production. Schefler will show slides about growing flax and pressing the seed for oil and cake, which he feeds to his cows.
There also will be a brief description of how crop insurance can benefit organic farmers at the March 8 program.
There is no cost or need to register to attend the program. Participants are asked to bring a dish to pass at the potluck lunch.
For more information, contact Fay Benson at (607) 745-3807 or email afb3@cornell.edu
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Organic Dairy Workshops Coming Up
From the New York Organic Dairy Initiative:
The New York Organic Dairy Initiative, in collaboration with the New York Farm Viability Institute and host farmers across New York state, will hold discussion meetings for dairy farmers titled “Lunch with Jerry” to honor the late Jerry Brunetti, worldwide lecturer on biological farming systems.
Cornell Cooperative Extension organic dairy extension educator Fay Benson will show video trainings produced by Brunetti for the NY Organic Dairy Initiative. Brunetti, of Pennsylvania, died in December of cancer.
He was in demand across the United States and the world to speak on topics of soil fertility, livestock health and animal nutrition.
The discussions are an opportunity for farmers to share what they have tried and learned in the past year, and to make plans and identify goals for 2015. Farmers who are currently certified as well as those thinking of transitioning to organic production are welcome.
Benson notes these meetings are an excellent place for farmers who are considering whether organic production is a good fit for their farm to ask questions.
The 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. meeting are free and include lunch. The meetings will be from March 19 through April 1 as follows:
March 19; Alfred State College Farm, 1315 New York 244, Alfred, NY 14803
Host: Virginia Chamberlain—Alfred State Farm Manager
March 20, Dave Hardy Farm Shop, 718 Aney Hill Road, Mohawk, NY 13407
Host: Dave Hardy
March 26, Hooper Farm, 7197 River Road, Memphis, NY 13112
Hosts: Mike and Karen Hooper
Special focus: Transitioning farmer with robotic milkers
March 31, Hammond Village Hall, 24 S. Main St. Hammond, NY 13646
Host: Farmer Liz Bawden
April 1, Malone Courthouse, 355 W. Main St., #456 Malone, NY 12953
Host: Farmers Fred and Gwen Tuttle.
To register for any site, contact Ellen Fagan at etf22@cornell.edu or 607-753-5078 or visit http://scnydfc.cce.cornell.edu online.
The New York Organic Dairy Initiative, in collaboration with the New York Farm Viability Institute and host farmers across New York state, will hold discussion meetings for dairy farmers titled “Lunch with Jerry” to honor the late Jerry Brunetti, worldwide lecturer on biological farming systems.
Cornell Cooperative Extension organic dairy extension educator Fay Benson will show video trainings produced by Brunetti for the NY Organic Dairy Initiative. Brunetti, of Pennsylvania, died in December of cancer.
He was in demand across the United States and the world to speak on topics of soil fertility, livestock health and animal nutrition.
The discussions are an opportunity for farmers to share what they have tried and learned in the past year, and to make plans and identify goals for 2015. Farmers who are currently certified as well as those thinking of transitioning to organic production are welcome.
Benson notes these meetings are an excellent place for farmers who are considering whether organic production is a good fit for their farm to ask questions.
The 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. meeting are free and include lunch. The meetings will be from March 19 through April 1 as follows:
March 19; Alfred State College Farm, 1315 New York 244, Alfred, NY 14803
Host: Virginia Chamberlain—Alfred State Farm Manager
March 20, Dave Hardy Farm Shop, 718 Aney Hill Road, Mohawk, NY 13407
Host: Dave Hardy
March 26, Hooper Farm, 7197 River Road, Memphis, NY 13112
Hosts: Mike and Karen Hooper
Special focus: Transitioning farmer with robotic milkers
March 31, Hammond Village Hall, 24 S. Main St. Hammond, NY 13646
Host: Farmer Liz Bawden
April 1, Malone Courthouse, 355 W. Main St., #456 Malone, NY 12953
Host: Farmers Fred and Gwen Tuttle.
To register for any site, contact Ellen Fagan at etf22@cornell.edu or 607-753-5078 or visit http://scnydfc.cce.cornell.edu online.
highly
demanded lecturer and speaker, both nationally and internationally, on
topics that included soil fertility, animal nutrition and livestock
health. - See more at:
http://obits.lehighvalleylive.com/obituaries/etpa/obituary.aspx?n=gerald-brunetti-jerry&pid=173573086&fhid=31073#sthash.9bELBHCj.dpuf
highly
demanded lecturer and speaker, both nationally and internationally, on
topics that included soil fertility, animal nutrition and livestock
health. - See more at:
http://obits.lehighvalleylive.com/obituaries/etpa/obituary.aspx?n=gerald-brunetti-jerry&pid=173573086&fhid=31073#sthash.9bELBHCj.dpuf
both
nationally and internationally, on topics that included soil fertility,
animal nutrition and livestock health. - See more at:
http://obits.lehighvalleylive.com/obituaries/etpa/obituary.aspx?n=gerald-brunetti-jerry&pid=173573086&fhid=31073#sthash.wuYNpZvW.dpuf
both
nationally and internationally, on topics that included soil fertility,
animal nutrition and livestock health. - See more at:
http://obits.lehighvalleylive.com/obituaries/etpa/obituary.aspx?n=gerald-brunetti-jerry&pid=173573086&fhid=31073#sthash.wuYNpZvW.dpuf
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Meeting on Soils Set for Jan. 13 in Geneva
New York Certified Organic (NYCO) has scheduled a meeting Jan. 13 in Geneva to talk about soil fertility.
The meeting, at the state Agricultural Experiment Station, begins at 10 a.m. in the Jordan Hall auditorium and features three presentations. They are:
1) Jean Bonhotal, director of the Cornell Waste Management Institute, will talk about how to gain soil vitality with compost.
2) Noted New York organic producer Klaas Martens of Penn Yan, will present information on the Soil Rennaissance Initiative, a grassroots movement that is drawing attention nationwide, including from high-ranking U.S. Department of Agriculture officials. The Foundation, Oak Brook, IL, and Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK, started the initiative in 2013.
Twenty-five soil health leaders working in production agriculture, industry, academia, research and government identified economics, measurement, research and education as key areas for advancing soil health as the decision-making cornerstone for land use management and sustainable natural resource systems and for meeting the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by the year 2050.
3) Carol MacNeil of the Cornell Vegetable Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension will discuss Cornell’s Soil Health Assessment practices.
The meeting includes a potluck lunch, and a discussion circle for questions and answers and brainstorming.
New York Certified Organic received funding for the meeting from the New York Farm Viability Institute and the New York Agriculture and Markets Crop Insurance Team.
Organic grain and dairy farmers have met at NYCO meetings since 1994 to increase their practical knowledge and expertise. Registration is not required; participants bring a dish to pass for the potluck lunch.
For more details, contact NYCO facilitator Fay Benson with Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-753-5213, afb3@cornell.edu.
The meeting, at the state Agricultural Experiment Station, begins at 10 a.m. in the Jordan Hall auditorium and features three presentations. They are:
1) Jean Bonhotal, director of the Cornell Waste Management Institute, will talk about how to gain soil vitality with compost.
2) Noted New York organic producer Klaas Martens of Penn Yan, will present information on the Soil Rennaissance Initiative, a grassroots movement that is drawing attention nationwide, including from high-ranking U.S. Department of Agriculture officials. The Foundation, Oak Brook, IL, and Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK, started the initiative in 2013.
Twenty-five soil health leaders working in production agriculture, industry, academia, research and government identified economics, measurement, research and education as key areas for advancing soil health as the decision-making cornerstone for land use management and sustainable natural resource systems and for meeting the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by the year 2050.
3) Carol MacNeil of the Cornell Vegetable Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension will discuss Cornell’s Soil Health Assessment practices.
The meeting includes a potluck lunch, and a discussion circle for questions and answers and brainstorming.
New York Certified Organic received funding for the meeting from the New York Farm Viability Institute and the New York Agriculture and Markets Crop Insurance Team.
Organic grain and dairy farmers have met at NYCO meetings since 1994 to increase their practical knowledge and expertise. Registration is not required; participants bring a dish to pass for the potluck lunch.
For more details, contact NYCO facilitator Fay Benson with Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-753-5213, afb3@cornell.edu.
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