The Small Farms update summarizes announcements, resources, opportunities and upcoming events relevant to small farms.  Please feel free to share this information in newsletters, email lists, etc. If you would like to submit an item for an upcoming issue,  please visit our new online form. Subscribe here.  Thank you again for your interest and support of small farms in New York.   

Anu Rangarajan,  Director, Cornell Small Farm Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced new data indicating the organic industry continues to grow domestically and globally, with 24,650 certified organic operations in the United States, and 37,032 around the world.  The 2016 count of U.S. certified organic farms and businesses reflects a 13 percent increase between the end of 2015 and 2016, continuing the trend of double digit growth in the organic sector . Read the press release to learn more. 

The Harley School, a Nursery through 12th Grade independent school in Rochester, NY with approximately 500 students, seeks a full-time Food & Farm Coordinator staff position beginning in Summer 2017. Harley is expanding its edible education program with backing from the U.S.D.A. and Wegmans through grant awards. The program capitalizes on existing Harle y facilities, including our Micro-Farm, High Tunnel, and Commons (our zero-net-emissions, 21st century barn, greenhouse, green roof, and science facility). The position involves coordinating our edible education program, which includes both teaching courses and supporting relevant activities and projects in PreK-12 courses. Managing the multiple growing spaces (planning layout, ordering seeds and supplies), taking care of the spaces, harvesting, food preparation and cooking, and working with student crews are all essential components of the role.  Please email jobs@harleyschool.org with your resume, letter of interest, and reference names and contact information. Position begins Summer 2017.

Seeking year round farm Director to live and work at the newly renovated Wakeman Town Farm (WTF), an educational farm and sustainability center in Westport. As the public face of the Town farm, this is a key role for a visionary with a passion for organic farming, sustainability, public education and community. The Director maintains the 2.5 acre grounds including the general upkeep of the farmhouse and doing daily farm and animal chores. Will develop and implement farm based educational programs including hiring and overseeing part time teachers and seasonal counselors. Develop and teach seasonal workshops and oversee at least two farm events a year (with help from the WTF Committee). Responsible for the spring High School internship program and the spring and fall Junior Apprentice Program. Coordinate with the Committee and Westport's Public School to run Farm tours. Must keep up with agricultural trends and share new techniques with students and residents. Apply through: Personnel/HR Department, dferrante@westportct.gov, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue Room 208, Westport, CT 06880. Application deadline is May 22.

N OFA-NY is   seeking a Food Safety Outreach Consultant. This is a limited contract position, renewable annually for up to 2 years. This individual will provide support to NOFA-NY's Food Safety Outreach Program (FSOP) project, "Expanding Food Safety Outreach and Education to Small and Mid-sized Farms in New York and Vermont". The Consultant will report to the NOFA-NY FSOP Project Director. It is expected that the Consultant will work remotely. Preference to the Hudson Valley. Position open until filled. Include writing sample or publications list with cover letter and resume. Remit to HR@nofany.org. Click here to view a PDF version of the job description.