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Winter Conference Registration is OPEN!

Join us for our 16th annual Winter Conference on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Merrimack Valley High School in Concord, NH!  Enjoy all-day workshops on a variety of topics, delicious meals, book signings, the Green Market Fair, and an evening presentation by this year's Keynote Speaker, Dr. Daphne Miller , author of The Jungle Effect and Farmacology .
 
Register Online before February 15, 2018, and receive 20% off regular ticket prices!
  • Full-Day Conference: Includes meals & Evening Keynote with Dr. Daphne Miller: $76 ($95 after Thursday, February 15, 2018)
  • KEYNOTE ONLY: Evening Keynote event with Dr. Daphne Miller: $30 ($35 after Thursday, February 15, 2018)
Online registration closes March 15, 2018. Ticket prices increase $15 each for registrations after March 15, 2018, and walk-ins.

NOFA Members Save 20% on Tickets!



Presentation topics include: 
  • Advanced Growers
  • Agricultural Business
  • Beginning Farmers
  • Carbon/Soils
  • Gardening/Homesteading
  • Health/Nutrition
  • Livestock/Animals
  • Policy/Advocacy
  • and Social Justice.
Don't miss out on your chance to attend this spectacular event!






Click Here  to learn more about sponsor, exhibitor & advertiser benefits.  

Questions about the conference?
Contact Monica Rico NOFA-NH Winter Conference Coordinator .

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Shop NOFA-NH's Spring 2018 Bulk Order!
ORDER DEADLINE - FEBRUARY 28, 2018

No minimum purchase required, and no shipping charges!


Shop Online at


NOFA-NH's annual Spring Bulk Order is a collective buying program for organic farming and gardening supplies. Small-scale gardeners and large-scale farmers can participate.

Although NOFA-NH membership is not required to participate in the Bulk Order program, non-NOFA members will add 10% to their order.


Orders are delivered to 3 sites in New Hampshire the weekend of 
March 24-25, 2018.

There are many items to choose from and special orders are happily accepted.
 

Bulk Order Product Areas Include:
  • Soil Amendments
  • Potting Soil and Compost
  • Pest & Weed Control Products
  • Organic Cover Crop Seed
  • Farming & Gardening Supplies
  • Organic Seed Potatoes
  • Animal Nutrition and More

Pick-Up Locations in Andover, Rochester & Weare

Andover, NH:  Saturday March 24, 2018 9:00-12:00pm
Belletetes Building Products 33 Ten Penny Lane, Andover, NH (off Rte 11) Andover, NH

Weare, NH:  Sunday March 25, 2018 - 9:00-1:00pm
Country Three Corners 833 S Stark Hwy (intersection of Rtes 114, 149, 77) Weare, NH

Rochester, NH:  Sunday March 25, 2018 - 3:00-6:00pm
Spaulding Industrial Complex 20 Spaulding Ave, Rochester, NH


Save on supplies & support NOFA-NH at the same time!

Contact:  Bulk Order Coordinator, Denise Rico, at (603) 224-5022 and 
bulkorder@nofanh.org  with any questions.

Visit our  Bulk Order Webpage to learn more.

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Don't Miss the Toolkit for Local Regulation of Agriculture Webinar on January 25th!
 
NH Food Alliance is hosting its first ever webinar with guests, Amy Manzelli, Lawyer with BCM Environmental Land Law and President of the Board of Directors at NOFA-NH; and Theresa Walker, goat farmer and member of the Durham Agriculture Commission, about the new   Toolkit for Local Regulation of Agriculture.
 
The Toolkit for farmers and municipal decision-makers is aimed at guiding the development of local farm-friendly regulatory environments in which agricultural enterprises can operate successfully.

The Toolkit:
  1. Identifies and provides a flowchart of state laws governing farming and agricultural activities.
  2. Provides a checklist for assessing the farm friendliness of local regulations and policies.
  3. Discusses the relationship between state laws and town laws.
  4. Contains resources for assistance for farmers and municipalities to address conflicts and proactively develop farm-friendly regulatory environments.
Join the Webinar on Thursday, January 25th from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.

Click Here for details and registration.
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Visit Us at NH's Farm & Forest Expo!
 
We're excited to host an exhibitor booth at NH's Farm and Forest Exposition at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH!
This year, the family friendly Farm & Forest Expo is celebrating their 35 th anniversary with 100 exhibitors, free educational workshops, NH Made products, a Kidzone, demonstrations, animal friends, networking opportunities and more!

Stop by our booth on Friday, February 2nd and Saturday, February 3rd to ask questions and learn more about our upcoming Bulk Order and Winter Conference.

Expo Hours and Location:

Friday, February 2nd from 9AM - 8PM

Saturday, February 3rd from 9AM - 4PM

Radisson Hotel, 700 Elm St., Manchester, NH, 03101 


We're looking for volunteers to help out at our booth! Please contact our office to sign up. Email  info@nofanh.org or call 603-224-5022.  See you there!
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Rodale Institute Offers *FREE* Organic Transition Course

Rodale Institute partnered with the USDA Risk Management Agency to develop an online course aimed at the transitioning farmer. The resulting Organic Transition Course is a useful resource for established growers, beginning farmers, extension agents, as well as professors and students of sustainable agriculture.
 

This 15-hour online program, available for free, is designed to help users understand the National Organic Standards and use them as a framework for making the transition to organic production, completing the transition to certified organic, and integrating more sustainable methods into current farming systems.
 
Course details include:
  • The fundamental principles of organic agriculture.
  • Practical details about organic crop and livestock production.
  • Marketing opportunities available to organic producers.
  • Record keeping and other specific requirements of organic certification.
Hosted by Rodale Institute's farm manager, Jeff Moyer, who's been farming organically for more than 30 years, the online course has no set hours, registration fees or tests.
 
 Check out the website to learn more.  
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Report Released on How the New Tax Credit Law Will Affect Northeast Agriculture

Farm Credit East released a report summarizing the provisions of the recently passed federal tax law and how it will affect agricultural producers in 2018.

The report, prepared by Farm Credit East tax experts, reviews key provisions as they relate to agriculture and other rural businesses.

It breaks down the adjustments to tax brackets and outlines the key provisions specific to farmers, such as accelerated depreciation, interest deduction limits, cash accounting and like-kind exchanges. It also discusses the impact on cooperatives, pass-through entities, and breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Finally, the paper covers changes to standard deductions, state and local tax deductions, and the alternative minimum tax.
 
For the full report,  click here.
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Proposed Bill Will Help Fight Organic Fraud

In December, Congress proposed a bill that would double the USDA's budget for oversight of the organic industry.

After a year in which the National Organic Program has faced scrutiny and doubt as to whether products labeled USDA Organic are as advertised, farmers and legislators are hopeful that a budget increase will lead to more accountable regulators and improved monitoring of foods bearing the USDA Organic label.

"The legislation roughly doubles the budget for the USDA organic program to $24 million over the next five years," reported Peter Whoriskey in the Washington Post.

If passed, the legislation would also modernize the USDA's current system of inspecting so-called "organic food" imports from other countries by requiring additional reports and investigations across a product's supply chain.

With news outlets illuminating the ease with which "bogus" organic products can find their way into the U.S. from overseas, to the National Organic Standards Board's recent ruling to allow hydroponically grown crops to be certified organic without disclosing that they are not soil grown, and to the USDA's ruling that animals used in organic production need not be treated any more humanely than those on conventional farms have all led to a call for greater protection of organic farming's roots. Specifically, it's role in improving health and the environment. The bill, if passed, would be a step in the right direction.

Read the Washington Post's full article here for more details.
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Regenerative Organic Certification Focuses on Soil Health, Animal Welfare, and Worker Fairness

Rodale Institute, Patagonia, Dr. Bronner's, and others, are working together on a Regenerative Organic Certification, a cooperative effort among a coalition of farmers, ranchers, nonprofits, scientists, and brands to establish a new standard for regenerative organic agriculture.
The Regenerative Organic Certification encompasses guidelines for soil health and land management, animal welfare, and farmer and worker fairness for producers of food, cosmetics, and fiber. Its  goals are to increase soil organic matter over time, improve animal welfare, provide economic stability and fairness for farmers, ranchers, and workers, and create resilient regional ecosystems and communities. 
Developers of the new Certification are particularly interested in how a  shift toward regenerative organic agricultural practices could lead to an enormous increase in the sequestration of CO2 emissions worldwide by storing excess carbon in agricultural soil that in turn would lead to more productive yields.
The developers assert that the new certification is not meant to replace current organic standards, but rather aim to support these standards while facilitating widespread adoption of holistic, regenerative practices throughout agriculture.
Want to learn more? See what Rodale and Patagonia have to say.
IState Legislature to Review 'Agritourism' Bill Allowing Farms to Host Large Scale Events

NH lawmakers will consider a proposal this month that would make it easier for New Hampshire farms to host events, like weddings.

Current agritourism regulations monitoring activities that bring visitors onto farm property vary from town to town.  The issue of agritourism has been a contentious one in various communities across the state where farmers and their neighbors disagree about the kinds of activities that can take place on local farms, even leading to litigation.

The proposed bill would more formally define agritourism as an accepted farm activity under state law, which would allow farmers more leeway in hosting events, preempting local regulations that may limit such activities.

Click Here to read NHPR's full story.
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The Battle Over the Health Risks of Glyphosate Continues

In 2017, the state of California deemed glyphosate - the key ingredient in Monsanto's best selling herbicide, RoundUp, and many other pesticides used around the world - worthy of being added to its state list of chemicals that cause cancer. The decision would require RoundUp and other glyphosate products to bear a label warning potential buyers that its ingredients can cause cancer.

The vote to add glyphosate to the list, also known as Proposition 65, was influenced by a 2015 report from the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which deemed glyphosate "a probable human carcinogen." But that decision continues to be challenged.

Inflamed by California's decision, a dozen national and midwestern agricultural groups, including Monsanto, took the state to court over the label, insisting that glyphosate does not cause cancer and that the label would be "false" and "misleading."

In contrast with the IARC's report, the EPA announced that the weed killer is not likely to cause cancer last month.

A senior scientist for the Center for Biological Diversity responded by telling the Los Angeles Times  tha t,  "the  only way the EPA could conclude that glyphosate poses no significant risks to human health was to only analyze industry studies and ignore its own guidelines when estimating cancer risk."

Controversy over the chemical remains intertwined with opposition to genetically
modified crops. Monsanto, which is merging with agrochemical giant, Bayer, has patented several different versions of major commodity crops, all of which are resistant to its patented pesticide, RoundUp.

The EPA's draft risk assessment on glyphosate may become a foundational document
in the pending extension of the product's registration for U.S. use in 2019.

The agency is set to open a 60-day public comment period on the risk assessment, beginning this month.

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We're Calling For Board Members! Could That Be You?

Hi There, Reader! We're still looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our fun and dynamic volunteer Board of Directors. Won't you grow with us in this new year?

Are you dedicated to supporting the local and organic food movement? Passionate about building and sustaining healthy communities? Interested in working with the NOFA Interstate Council on regional efforts to bring about positive and lasting change?
 
Do you have some strong executive skills that you would like to share with your favorite farming organization? Are you good at managing money, raising money, thinking strategically, managing people?
 
If any of the above resonates with you, get in touch!

C ontact Nikki Kolb at info@nofanh.org or call (603) 224-5022.
 
We know that life is busy and your time is valuable, so we promise not to waste it.
 
If you'd like to learn more about our Board of Directors and Staff,  click here.

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Save the Date for the NH Food Alliance Statewide Gathering on March 9th

NH Food Alliance's 2018 Statewide Gathering will be held on March 9, 2018, at Colby-Sawyer College in New London. With a focus on improving farm, fish, and food enterprise viability in New Hampshire, the Food Alliance will offer a variety of workshops related to the work of its Action Teams and other Network Partners across the state.

NH Food Alliance Action Team projects include: grassroots local foods education and marketing campaign; peer-to-peer conservation easement workshops and innovative funding for agricultural land conservation; identifying the gaps in the landscape of technical assistance for farms and food businesses; and increasing low-income residents' access to healthy, local food through fruit and vegetable prescription programs.

Join the gathering to connect with others in the food system, learn about and get involved in Action Team projects, and learn new skills at workshops on topics like identifying metrics for measuring impact, fundraising, and collaboration.

Register Here, and visit the website to learn more.

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The Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Scholarship is Accepting Applications! Due: March 31, 2018

The Monadnock Localvore Project & the CCCD announced the 2018 Grant Cycle for the Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Scholarship.
 
Does your child have interest in farms or gardening?
 
Would he or she like to explore these interests this summer?
 
The Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Scholarship endeavors to connect young people with agriculture & the natural world.

Through this scholarship, the Monadnock Localvores hope to inspire the next generation of local farmers & local food supporters by giving regional children an opportunity  to experienc e sustainable farming practices first-hand & watch their efforts bear fruit  through summer camp, after-school programs, or membership to NOFA-NH.
 
All applications are due to the Conservation District by March 31, 2018.

Visit the website to apply or access the application here .

Submit applications to:
Cheshire County Conservation District
11 Industrial Park Drive
Walpole, NH 03608
 
- OR -
 
Scan and email to amanda@cheshireconservation.org.
 
Contact Amanda Littleton for more information at 603-756-2988 x 116 or amanda@cheshireconservation.org.
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Your Support Matters! Help NOFA-NH Thrive

NOFA-NH uses every cent of your donations on its important programs like providing CSA shares from local farms to underserved families, educating consumers and organic producers, and maintaining our website as an educational clearinghouse to support our network of growers, gardeners & more.

Help us continue to provide the programs you love by  making a donation .
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Renew Your Membership, Join Today, or Give the Gift of NOFA-NH Membership!

We've streamlined to just two 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)

Check out a list of member benefits on the membership page of our website.

 

A year's Membership to NOFA-NH makes a great gift any time of year! Call our office to purchase the gift of organic for your loved ones: 603-224-5022.
 

Current memberships  will continue for one year from the date you joined.

 
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Boulder Knoll Community Farm  Seeks Farm Manager

Boulder Knoll Community Farm in Cheshire, Connecticut, is seeking a Farm Manager to manage and implement production, maintenance, harvest, and distribution of vegetables  to CSA members and food charities for our 2-acre community farm. 

For a full job description, contact Dan at dgroberg@friendsofboulderknoll.com.

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Foundations of Permaculture Design Certificate
January 2 - February 28
Self-Paced Online Workshop

Advanced Marketing Short Course
Wednesdays, January 10, 17, 24 & 31
Concord, NH

Seacoast Permaculture Presents: Inhabit
Wednesday, January 17
Rollinsford, NH

Enterprise Analysis Workshop for Women Farmers
Friday, January 19
Bethlehem, NH

GenerationNext Seminar
Tuesday, January 23
Bedford, NH

Toolkit for Local Regulation of Agriculture
Tuesday, January 25
Webinar

Winnipesaukee Beekeepers School
Thursday, January 25 - March 15
Tuftonboro, NH

2018 Organic Farming Research Conference
Friday, January 26
New Brunswick, NJ

NH Farm & Forest Exposition
February 2 - 3
Manchester, NH

Accreditation Course in Organic Land Care
February 6 - 9
Norwich, CT


What's happening in neighboring states?

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NOFA-NH
Office Hours: Mon - Thurs 10am-5pm
Phone: (603) 224-5022       Email: info@nofanh.org

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