NOFA-NH E-Newsletter: May 2021

Dear Friend of NOFA-NH,

Spring is a particularly exciting time of the year as we watch everything come alive and anticipate planting crops later this month. This is a great time to celebrate our pollinators! World Bee Day is next week and there are a number of wonderful opportunities to learn about pollinators and how to support them (keep reading below for details). One way is to let your lawn grow unmown to create habitat and forage for early season pollinators — No Mow May is an initiative that’s gaining popularity across North America.

By now, many outdoor farmers markets around the state have begun – an opportunity to eat the tastiest, fresh, nutritious food while supporting your local farmers and producers. You can find local farms, including those participating in farmers markets, using UNH Extension’s New Hampshire Farm Product Map. Or find local organic farms and food with NOFA-NH's Organic Farm and Food Map.

While many bigger events like the NOFA Summer Conference will continue online, we’ll finally be hosting small, in-person outdoor events again this summer, like our CRAFT farmer training program. We have a great lineup of tours in the works — more details coming soon!

Yours in Good Health & Healthy Food,

Team NOFA-NH

Technical Assistance Provided in Monthly Gardening Classes

New this year, we’re offering monthly classes during the growing season as part of our Feeding the Family Organic Gardening Series. Each will include instruction and technical assistance provided by organic farmer Ron Christie. Let us help you troubleshoot and improve your garden this season!

Classes will be held: June 8, July 13, August 10, September 7, October 5

Read More / Register

*Recordings from previous classes are also available for purchase.

Stay Tuned for 2021 CRAFT Program Info!

NOFA-NH's Collaborative Regional Alliances for Farmer Training (CRAFT) program provides opportunities for farmers, farm workers, interns and apprentices to learn from one another and socialize at educational on-farm events. Tours are hosted by certified organic farms during the growing season. Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming program!

You can watch the video tours and online discussions from the 2020 season on our YouTube channel.

Growing a Climate Resilient NH Food System: Opportunities for Action

What are the links between the food we eat and climate change? How is this unstable situation playing out in NH? How can we increase food security, sovereignty, and food production in our region? The NH Food Alliance’s Climate Action Team, formed by representatives from numerous organizations (including NOFA-NH) has been researching these questions and considering ways that Granite Staters can respond to these challenges. Read their newly released report here.

Celebrate World Bee Day!

We have food to eat each day thanks to the work of our pollinators; nearly 75% of the world’s crop production depends on them to flower, fruit, and reproduce. Unfortunately, pollinators’ lives are under threat due to harmful agricultural practices. To raise awareness about their importance and the threats they face, the United Nations designated May 20th as World Bee Day.

Celebrate by learning more about our pollinators and how to support them!

May 18, 7:00 PM – Flowering Trees and Shrubs for Pollinators and Wildlife
May 26, 6:00-7:15 PM – Supporting Pollinators in Your Landscape Webinar
May 27, 5:00-6:30 PM – Sustainable Beekeeping for Your Small Apiary
June 1, 7:00-8:30 PM – Native Bees of New England – Their Diversity and Natural History

Study Links Pesticides to Harmful Effects on Soil Organisms

A new study has found more evidence to support the claim that pesticides are harmful to the soil microorganisms so important to soil health, biodiversity, and mitigation of climate change. Researchers at the Center for Biological Diversity, University of Maryland, and Friends of the Earth found “soil-dwelling organisms” were significantly harmed in 71% of cases; this includes earthworms, beetles, etc.

USDA-NRCS photo by Catherine Ulitsky [LINK]

Farm to School Legislation Introduced by Senate Leaders

The Farm to School Act of 2021, introduced last month, will expand funding and programmatic scope of the USDA Farm to School Grant Program, which helps schools procure local foods for school meals and to support other food and garden related activities. This new legislation also aims to ensure that more communities benefit from the program, including "those serving racially diverse and high-need student populations, as well as engaging with beginning, veteran and socially disadvantaged farmers.”

History: Pivotal Farmworkers' Strike in the 1960s

The Delano Grape Strike in California in the 1960’s stands out as one of the most successful farmworker led movements in labor history. Cesar Chavez is universally associated with this 5-year long strike, but its success is due in large part to the efforts of Filipino farmworkers led by Larry Itliong. The strike began when 2,000 Filipino farmworkers walked out of the fields demanding an increase in wages and better living conditions. Larry Itlion, a Filipino farmworker and organizer of Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) encouraged Chavez and Mexican farmworkers to join.

Filipino Hall became the gathering place for the strikers to debate, learn, sing and eat! Grassroots labor movements overcame the challenge of uniting multi-ethnic, multi-racial workers through intense debate that included music and food. People who eat and sing together can’t hold animosity in their hearts.

Try this recipe for Chicken Adobo, a classic Filipino dish.

Listen to musician Agustin Lira speak about his experiences at Filipino Hall.

Beef_cattle_on_Eefie_Hill_-_geograph.org

Regenerative Agriculture and Agroecology: Debates and Realities

Here are a few useful links about the realities of and ongoing debates surrounding agroecology and regenerative farming.

Is Agroecology Being Co-Opted by Big Ag?

Opening a window in the "Cathedral of the Green Revolution"

Small farms outdo big ones on biodiversity – and crop yields

2021 National Pesticide Forum: Cultivating Healthy Communities

"Cultivating Healthy Communities: Confronting Health Threats, Climate Disasters, and Biodiversity Collapse with a Toxic-Free Future," a forum convened by Beyond Pesticides and The Institute for Exposomic Research/Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, will be held on May 24 & 25, & June 1, 8, & 15, 2021.

Hear from Congressman Joe Neguse, cosponsor of the resolution to create a national biodiversity strategy; Rodale Institute's Jeff Moyer; the “Godfather of Biodiversity” Tom Lovejoy; and 60+ speakers in 30+ powerful sessions at the virtual conference. There are registration options for all budgets.

Help Support the First Transfer of Land into the NH Agrarian Commons

Agrarian Trust is seeking funds to complete the first transfer of farmland into the NH Agrarian Commons. This innovative land-holding model ensures that valuable farmland is preserved for years to come, held and governed locally, protected for regenerative farming.

"Normanton Farms will be conveyed a 99-year lease to continue local food production using regenerative land stewardship practices. Normanton Farms is a pastured chicken, pastured pork, and 100% grass-fed beef farm producing 50 beef cows, 30,000 broiler chickens, and up to 100 hogs each year, directly supporting 130 local families and strengthening community and regional food systems.”

Opportunities for Current and Former Farmers

Survey for Livestock Producers — Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation is studying the needs of livestock producers relative to slaughter and meat processing. Current livestock producers in New Hampshire, and those who might consider raising livestock commercially if there were slaughter and processing infrastructure that met their needs, may complete the survey.
Inadvertent Pesticide Contamination Survey — Certified Organic Producers, Processors, and Handlers are invited to complete this survey even if you have never experienced inadvertent pesticide contamination in your organic operation.
History of Organic/ Sustainable Agriculture Project — Anyone who has been involved in any aspect of organic/sustainable farming (production, publications, researcher, etc.) is welcome to complete this questionnaire.

Round Up for NOFA-NH at Nature's Green Grocer

Nature’s Green Grocer in Peterborough has selected NOFA-NH to be a recipient of their Green Giving Program this quarter. Throughout the month of May, customers can round up their shopping total to the nearest dollar and the difference will be donated to our organization. Customers will also have the option to donate a wooden quarter to NOFA-NH when they spend over $50 this quarter. Thank you to Nature's Green Grocer and customers for your support!

Show Your Support for NH's Nonprofits During NH Gives!

This June 8-9th, show your support for New Hampshire’s nonprofits and donate to one (or more!) of the many organizations doing great work in communities around the state. To name just a few: Educational Farm at Joppa Hill, Five Rivers Conservation Trust, Land For Good, NH Food Bank, NH Hunger Solutions, Seacoast Eat Local, The Cornucopia Project.

Invitation to Join Policy & Other Board Committees

NOFA-NH's Policy Committee advocates and lobbies for laws, legal action and policies that promote the overall mission of NOFA-NH. The Committee works together with local, state and national organizations and governments to carry out its work.

We invite passionate and enthusiastic volunteers to join the Policy Committee or any of our seven other volunteer Board Committees. (Note: You do not have to be a Board Member to join.) Prospective members are welcome to attend a meeting. Please contact us for more information.

NOFA-NH Is Seeking Additional Board Members

Do you care about our food system? Do you have time and energy to offer NOFA-NH? We invite you to consider joining our Board of Directors! We’re looking for folks who: care about the environment, health and wellness, community advocacy; are skilled professionals or farmers; and/or are interested in farming, gardening, cooking, food, and drink. If interested, please contact our office at 603-224-5022 or info@nofanh.org.

Meet Our Members: Introducing Steve Haendler & Mildred's Drumlin Farm

NOFA-NH's knowledgeable and passionate members make our organization great. That's why we offer our members eligibility to be featured in the 'Meet Our Members' column of our e-news and on our website. Each month, we make our community a little closer by introducing you to someone new. Please contact us if you'd like to be featured.

Welcome New & Renewing Members

Thank you to our NOFA-NH Members who became new members or renewed their memberships in April 2021.

New Members:

Kathleen Everest

Renewing Members:

John and Diana Carroll, Cedar Brook Farm, Alice Groh

Classifieds

Organic Land Care Equipment for sale!

Large capacity Compost Tea production equipment and delivery system for sale. Hronek Compost Tea extractor, custom fully equipped Isuzu spray rig with multiple interior tank options, ride on spray rig, compost top dress and slice seeder. Suitable for organic lawn, tree, or farm services. Contact Fin at fphelan535@gmail.com.

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.

Please 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. We reserve the right to reject content deemed unsuitable or inappropriate for our readership and distribution.

NOFA-NH's Winter Conference Book Store

Hosted by Main Street Book Ends

MainStreet BookEnds of Warner is a family owned, independent bookstore serving NH since 1998. They share a strong commitment to community, local farmers, children, teachers, local artists and authors, and all who enjoy reading the printed word. MainStreet BookEnds is proud to once again be the bookseller for NOFA-NH’s Winter Conference.

Books by conference presenters and others are available through our Winter Conference Book List! When placing a book order, be sure to write "NOFA-NH" in the comments. As always, 20% of proceeds from book sales go back to support NOFA-NH throughout 2021!

Shop Now

Upcoming Events

May 18: Flowering Trees and Shrubs for Pollinators and Wildlife

May 19: NH Tree Fruit Twilight Meeting

May 20: Digging Into Native History in New Hampshire (NH Humanities)

May 24, 25 & June 1, 8, 15: Cultivating Healthy Communities: Confronting Health Threats, Climate Disasters, and Biodiversity Collapse with a Toxic-Free Future (Beyond Pesticides)

May 25: The Cows Don't Milk Themselves: Milk With Dignity & Farmworker Rights in the Time of COVID (NESAWG)

May 26: Supporting Pollinators in Your Landscape (UNH Extension)

May 27: Sustainable Beekeeping for Your Small Apiary (MOFGA)

June 1: Cultivating Farm and Food Safety for Visitors -- Guided Video Tours of Two Farms (UVM Extension)

June 1: Native Bees of New England - Their Diversity and Natural History (NH Audubon)

June 2: North Country Lunch & Learn Series: Non-Chemical IPM // Other dates: July 7, August 4 (UNH Extension)

June 3, 4: Holistic Management Series, Holistic Financial Planning (Stonewall Farm)

June 4: NH Food Alliance 2021 Network Café Series, Land Conservation & NH Agrarian Commons

June 5: 11th Annual Herb & Garden Day (NH Herbal Network)

June 7: Min Till Farmers Call Min Till Farmers Call, held the 1st Monday of every month (NOFA/Mass)

June 8: Organic Gardening Series Workshop

June 9: Getting the Most Out of Your Compost and Manure (UNH Extension)