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News & Events
Past News & Events
Find out about past organic farming related news & events here.
Announcing: "Just Organic"™
FOG is participating in a pilot project to test social justice standards intended for use domestically. The objective of this project is to run through a social justice certification process in order to get feedback from all the participants. The information gathered during the pilot project will be used to mold the social justice certification program including the standards. You can view the standards at www.rafiusa.org/pubs/SocialJustice_final.pdf
The social justice standards are detailed in the document entitled "Toward Social Justice and Economic Equity in the Food System: A Call for Social Stewardship Standards in Sustainable and Organic Agriculture" found on the RAFI-USA website at http://www.rafiusa.org/programs/JUSTFOODS.html.
The phrase "Just Organic" is registered service and or certification mark registered as a trademark of Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers Inc. for use in certification of socially just agricultural practices. While the standards governing the use of the mark require that the operation certified under the "Just Organic" mark be either certified organic by a USDA accredited organic certifier or an operation who is excluded from the NOP requirement to be certified but otherwise complies with the USDA organic regulations, this certificate is not a certificate of organic certification under the National Organic Program and should not be used as a substitute for verification of the operation's current organic status. For verification of the operation's current organic certification status, please contact the operation or their organic certifier. This certificate only verifies that the operation meets the social justice agriculture standards of the "Just Organic" certification program and that at the time of issuance of this certification the operation was certified organic by a USDA accredited certifier or claimed exemption from the requirement to be certified and compliance with the NOP regulations contained in 7 CFR 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations. For a copy of the "Just Organic" socially just agricultural standards or to obtain more information about the proper use and meaning of this certificate please contact Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers Inc. at www.foginfo.org or call (352)377-6345.
Politics of Food Conference Sept 22-24 Raleigh, NC
http://www.elpnet.org/foodtour/conference.php
ELP's Politics of Food national conference will engage participants in a challenging exploration of how and why our food system works as it does, whether it is secure, just, and sustainable, and how it might be reshaped for the future. The conference will provide an interactive forum that enables attendees to make new connections and share information around the common goal of developing visionary, yet practical, solutions to local and national food-related challenges.
Posted June 30th, 2008
Project: School Garden-An Elementary Primer
FOG’s Neighborhood Nutrition Network (NNN) is pleased to announce the publication of Project: School Garden-An Elementary Primer, written by Colin Colverson and based in part on the experiences of NNN’s long running school garden program in Alachua County. More information can be found here.
The Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture
The Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture provides training in the concepts and practices of organic gardening and small-scale farming. This full-time program is held at the Center's 25-acre Farm and 3-acre Alan Chadwick Garden on the UCSC campus. Run in conjunction with UCSC Extension, the Apprenticeship course carries 20 units of Extension credit for the approximately 300 hours of classroom instruction and 700 hours of in-field training and hands-on experience in the greenhouses, gardens, orchards, and fields. Tuition for the six-month course is $3,750.
http://zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs/training/index.htmlCASFS
UC Santa Cruz
1156 High St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Phone: 831-459-3240
Email: jonitann@ucsc.edu
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, Inc. (Southern SAWG) is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1991 to promote sustainable agriculture in the southern United States.
SARE’s 20th Anniversary Conference:
The New American Farm:
Advancing the frontier of sustainable agriculture
Date: March 25-27, 2008
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Facility: The award winning Westin Crown Center
For details, see: http://www.sare.org/2008conference/
Innovative farming and grazing methods. Lucrative organic markets. Specialty crops. Community farmers markets. Sustainable farming is rapidly changing the face of American agriculture and rural life.
Come to the New American Farm Conference to find out more. State-of-the-art practitioners will be there – farmers, ranchers, teachers, researchers and students sharing work and experiences.
Tour local farms to see sustainable agriculture at work
What will you learn?
Expert practitioners from around the country will discuss current practices, such as:
Who should come?
SARE’s New American Farm conference is open to farmers, ranchers, teachers, researchers, students, advocates – or simply curious consumers. Anyone is welcome who wants to learn more about groundbreaking work in the exciting and rapidly expanding field of sustainable agriculture in America.
EXHIBITS AND SPONSORSHIPS:
Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Sean McGovern at outreach@sare.org for more information.
SARE's 20th Anniversary Photo Contest
The photo contest theme is Groundbreaking People, Partnerships and Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture. Four grand-prize winners will attend, free of charge, SARE's 20th anniversary conference. See www/sare.org/2008conference/photocontest for entry rules and submission guidelines.
Farmers Beat Skyrocketing Fuel Costs With Homebrewed Biodiesel:Two biofuels workshops
As farms search for ways to cope with high and fluctuating energy costs, some are successfully making their own fuel from agricultural products or byproducts, including vegetable oil and oilseed crops that can be grown locally. Piedmont Biofuels, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association are pleased to announce two full day workshops on biodiesel production and use. The Advanced Biofuels Capacity Building Workshop will take place February 9 at Crescent Moon Farm, 145 Crescent Moon Trail in Sopchoppy, FL, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Biofuels for Beginners Workshop will be held on the following day on February 10 at Barnhart Farms off of HWY 90 East on Barnhart Road in Monticello, FL from 10:30 to 4:30pm. Funding for these workshops are provided by the USDA-Risk Management Agency, through a cooperative partnership agreement with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, as part of a project called “Managing Farm Energy Risks.” The workshop is produced in collaboration with the Florida A&M University Statewide Small Farm Programs/Cooperative Extension.
A Florida renewable energy biofuels Pilot Project 2006: In an effort to equip small farmers, and rural and urban communities toward a sustainable development, FAMU Small Farm Programs in collaboration with Crescent Moon Organic Farm, ATTRA/NCAT, and Piedmont Biofuels held two capacity building hands-on workshops that focused on Biodiesel Fuel/ Using vegetable oil as an alternative fuel. During the 2006 workshop participants learned how to make clean-burning biodiesel fuel and how to build a biodiesel processor. The 2006 pilot project equipped innovative farmers and owners of Crescent Moon Organic Farm, with a biodiesel processor and knowledge and skill to make biodiesel fuel that they now use to power on-farm tractors, backhoe, truck, and equipment. Crescent Moon Organic Farm provides organically grown vegetables and fruit to local markets and several gourmet restaurants.
Piedmont Biofuels, a biodiesel cooperative from Pittsboro, North Carolina, will lead the February 2007 seminars. The workshop will examine a working on-farm biodiesel plant, discuss what has worked and what has not, and identify improvements to the plant design that will improve efficiency and safety. In addition, participants will learn quality control procedures designed to ensure the highest quality fuel. This workshop is ideal for individuals that have already started to produce biodiesel and need advice on how to improve their fuel production process.
The main objective of the workshop is to demystify biodiesel production, emphasizing methods for producing high quality fuel as well as proper safety precautions. Questions are encouraged, so come out and learn about how you can convert plant matter and restaurant waste into a high quality fuel for diesel engines. The all day seminar is free. There is a $20.00 charge that will cover lunch and refreshments. Registration is required. All interested in participating in this excellent hands-on learning opportunity must register before February 01, 2008. To register for the workshops, mail money order or check to Florida A&M University StateWide Small Farm Programs/Cooperative Extension Service, Room 202C Perry-Paige Bldg. Tallahassee, FL 32307. Address money orders or checks to FAMU Foundation/biofuels. For more information call 8504125260 or e-mail Jennifer.Taylor@famu.edu.
NEWS FROM THE SMALL FARMS PROGRAM AT CORNELL
FAX 607-255-0599
FDA Requests Feedback for CFSAN Priorities
http://snipurl.com/1opcs
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-12884.pdf
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)
College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture
StateWide Small Farm Programs
Featuring Joel Salatin
Download flyer here
For additional information about this or other sustainable development sessions, please contact: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University/CESTA StateWide Small Farm Programs/850 4125260/ Jennifer.Taylor@famu.edu
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture
StateWide Small Farm Programs
Organic Fruit Production and Management Field Day
September 08 and 09, 2007
Facilitator, Jerald Larson
CEA, Fort Valley State University
This two-day workshop is offered in collaboration with Turkey Hill Farm, Crescent Moon Farm, and FAMU StateWide Small Farm Programs.
The Organic Fruit Production and Management Workshop will demonstrate how you can use organic, sustainable methods to grow fruit in our region:
Peaches, Plums, Blueberries, Raspberries, Muscadines, Pears, Blackberries, Figs, Persimmons, and more.
Learn how to successfully establish organic fruit trees:
Select varieties
Control for pest using organic methods
Determine soil requirements
Use organic amendments and fertilizers
Mulching, double digging,
Winter and summer pruning, trunk painting,
Drip irrigation, polypipe demonstration, winter cover crop, etc.
This is a two-day workshop:
September 08, 2007/9:00am-4:00pm
Day one of workshop will be held at Turkey Hill Farm, certified naturally grown. Directions to Turkey Hill Farm, Tallahassee, Florida: In Tallahassee, take Hwy 90 east to Baum Road
3546 Baum Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309.
September 09, 2007/9:00am-2:00pm
Day two of the workshop will be held at Crescent Moon Organic Farm, 145 Crescent Moon Trail in Sopchoppy, FL.
Directions to Crescent Moon Organic Farm, Sopchoppy, FL: Take Hwy 319 S to Sopchoppy. Follow the signs. Go straight through town, take the right across the bridge continue to Greenough Rd, take right onto Greenough; at the three-way road take the far left fork; go 1/4 to the red brick house; turn left immediately after the red brick house. Continue 3/4 mile on Crescent Moon Trail.
Registration: Contact Turkey Hill Farm, Louise Devine.
Cost: $40.00/person
Email turkeyhill@earthlink.net to register. Limited class size $40 in advance to hold your space. No cash refunds, credit on produce only.
Thank you for your participation. For additional information about this or other sustainable development sessions, please contact: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University/CESTA StateWide Small Farm Programs/850 4125260/ Jennifer.Taylor@famu.edu
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Soil and Water Department
Short Course on Mycorrhizal Fungi
July 23-25, 2007
McCarty Hall B; Room 3096
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
This training course is designed for scientists, organic farmers, and other interests who are in practical and theoretical aspects of the use mycorrhizal fungi to enhance plant growth and nutrient cycling.
More information is available at: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/soils/micro/index.html
The first-ever SPIN-Farming workshop is coming to Michael Fields Agricultural Institute:
TITLE: SPIN Cities: Farming Where We Live
PURPOSE: To equip a new generation of farmers with the know-how to farm commercially without having to own much, if any land, and without having to make a large financial investment
INSTRUCTOR: Wally Satzewich, veteran urban farmer and developer of SPIN will show others how to replicate his success using this unique sub-acre farming approach
FOR: Backyard or small lot farmers in urban and peri-urban areas
WHEN: March 22-24, 2007
WHERE: East Troy, Wisconsin Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
TO REGISTER: Contact Janet Gamble at Michael Fields Institute at 262-642-3303 or jgamb;e@michaelfieldsaginst.org
COURSE OUTLINE AND PHOTOS: See attached brochure
“While the land base and expenses for a sub-acre farm are a fraction of the costs for a conventional multi-acre farm, the bottom lines are similar. A sub-acre farmer can expect to make the same living as a large-scale farmer, but with less stress and overhead, and with more certainty of success from year to year.” –Wally Satzewich
For more information on SPIN-Farming, visit www.spinfarming.com
Signup Deadline for 2005 Supplemental Hurricanes Disaster Programs
FSA Notice DAP-250, available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_Notice/dap_250.pdf <http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_Notice/dap_250.pdf> , was issues on January 25, 2007. This notice announces the extension of the deadline to sign up for 2005 Supplemental Hurricane Disaster Programs. The sign up deadline was extended to close of business March 30, 2007. The extension applies to the following programs: Citrus Program, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Tropical Fruit Program, Nursery Program, Livestock Indemnity Program II, and Livestock Compensation Program. All applications received after March 30, 2007 will be disapproved and that decision will not be appealable.
On the Farm with Joel Salatin
A Field day Promoting Sustainable Agriculture March 10, 2007
8:00am – 3:30pm
Broxton Georgia
$35.00/person
Hudson Red Angus and C&M Earthworks Pastured Poultry proudly present Joel Salatin of PolyFace Farm.
Its time to learn. Come and join us for a full day of fun and excitement on the farm with nationally renowned sustainable farmer and speaker, Joel Salatin.
Joel Salatin will address:
- All natural, grass fed sustainable livestock production and marketing
- Hands-on demonstrations of sustainable production models
- Learn how to raise, and market livestock without the use of medicines or pesticides and minimize “off-farm” inputs.
Joel Salatin Field Day Sponsors include: Georgia Organics, Florida A&M University StateWide Small Farm Programs, WDMG, TAMWORTH Farm, and The Weston Price Foundation.
Directions: Take Hwy 441 to Broxton.
Right on Hwy 268 East to Hazlehurst.
Left on Watson Avenue/Paved turns to dirt.
First paved drive on right/109 Watson Avenue.
Follow the signs.
The Field Day activities will also include a Fundraising Auction to benefit The Weston Price Foundation.
Registration:
Cost: $35.00/person (ages 13 and up). This includes lunch.
Pre-Registration deadline: February 28, 2007.
You can still register at the gate!
Send all pre-registrations and payments to:
Jim Hudson, Jr. Need additional information contact:
109 Watson Avenue (912) 3593017
Broxton, Georgia 31519 (678) 7020400
(850) 4125260
Sustainable Agriculture Conference Offers Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, Inc. (Southern SAWG) is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1991 to promote sustainable agriculture in the southern United States.
Contact:
Sustainable Biodiesel Fuel Workshops
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Statewide Small Farm Program at Florida A&M University, in conjunction with local small farmers, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service/ATTRA, and Piedmont Biofuels, will sponsor a series of timely workshops designed to equip small farm populations and the surrounding communities toward a sustainable and thriving development.
The workshops focus on the popular topic of “Using Vegetable Oil as Alternative Fuel/Biodiesel Fuel.” Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel can be made from almost any vegetable oil or animal fat, through an easy process which is not prohibitively expensive. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. Production of the fuel is growing rapidly as many farmers already produce their own fuel.
Matt Rudolf, workshop facilitator, has been working with and teaching biodiesel production since 2002 and is the executive director of Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative in Pittsboro, NC. (Visit online at http:// www.biofuels.coop/ ). At the workshops, he will provide information and demonstrations so participants can:
Find out about farm energy, the sustainability of biodiesel fuel, health benefits, and related success stories;
Learn what it takes to produce clean-burning biodiesel fuel and to build the equipment to do so. At the two-day workshop, participants will learn how to build a biodiesel processor;
Make test batches of fuel, titrate and test oil, and assess quality of the finished product;
Explore the chemistry of biodiesel and the related technology, and discuss the environmental, social, economic, and political implications of using vegetable oil or biodiesel as alternative fuels; and
Learn how to start a biodiesel cooperative;
Each workshop will include hands-on learning, demonstrations, handouts, and discussions.
Following are details related to the workshop series:
Two-Day Workshop
TOPIC “Vegetable Oil as Alternative Fuel/ Let’s Build It All Workshop”
FACILITATOR: Matt Rudolf, Executive Director of Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative in Pittsboro, North Carolina.
DATE: December 1-2, 2006
TIME: 9:00am – 4:30pm
LOCATION: Crescent Moon Organic Farm, Crescent Moon Trail, Sopchoppy, Florida
Free to the public. Organic lunch provided. Please bring your own chair.
REGISTRATION: Contact: Jennifer Taylor, Coordinator, Statewide Small Farm Florida A&M
University; Telephone 850-412-5260; Fax: 850 -561-2151;
Email: Jennifer.Taylor@famu.edu.
One-Day Workshop
TOPIC “Veggie Oil as Alternative Fuel Workshop”
FACILITATOR: Matt Rudolf, Executive Director of Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative in Pittsboro, North Carolina.
DATE: December 4, 2006
TIME: 9:00 am- 5:00pm
LOCATION: Jessica’s Organic Farm 4180 47th Street, Sarasota, Florida
Free to the public. Bring your own brown bag lunch and chair.
REGISTRATION: Contact: Jennifer Taylor, Coordinator, Statewide Small Farm Florida A&M
University; Telephone 850-412-5260; Fax: 850- 561-2151;
Email: Jennifer.Taylor@famu.edu.
For information about these particular workshops or other sustainable development sessions offered through the FAMU Statewide Small Farm Program, please contact: Jennifer Taylor, Ph.D., Coordinator, Statewide Small Farm Programs, Florida A&M University; Telephone: 850 412-5260; Email -Jennifer.Taylor@famu.edu.
Also: the pamplet for these events is available for download here: Page 1 _ Page 2
Scholarships available for 16th Annual SSAWG Conference
The state Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) SCHOLARSHIPS, for attending the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) conference, are now available through your state SARE Coordinator. THE APPLICATIONS MUST BE TURNED-IN BY DECEMBER 8, 2006!!!
Each scholarship consists of:(1) a general conference registration; (2) a ticket to the Banquet-with meal; (3) a farm tour, which I will ask you to choose when we register you; (4) your hotel, (to be reimbursed) (5) free travel on a motorcoach.
You will cover your meals except for the Friday lunch on the farm tour and the Saturday evening Banquet, which are included in your registration. Application form can be found here.
Sustainable Agriculture Conference Offers Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, Inc. (Southern SAWG) is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1991 to promote sustainable agriculture in the southern United States.
Contact:
OCTOBER MARKS SEASONAL OPENING OF COMMUNITY FARMERS' MARKETS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
-- Locally grown fruits and vegetables soon available at the peak of freshness, Bronson announces --
The arrival of October brings with it many special attributes. Fall's cooler weather offers a welcome break from summer's sweltering heat. Baseball fans eagerly await the World Series to wind up another season of America's Pastime, while football fans are enjoying a brand new season of exciting gridiron action. Holidays are on the horizon, and family get-togethers are being planned.
In Florida, October brings another welcome event: the seasonal opening of many community farmers' markets throughout the state and the kickoff of Florida's fall fruit and vegetable harvest. Shopping at farmers' markets is a growing trend in Florida, and the number of farmers' markets in the state has doubled in the last 10 years. Seventy-three community farmers' markets are listed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Half of Florida's 67 counties have farmers' markets.
"The increasing popularity of farmers' markets is due to a couple of factors," Bronson said. "As people have become more health-conscious, there's a growing demand for fresh, high-quality produce. And what could be more healthful than produce that's grown locally, often just minutes away from your home?"
People who shop at farmers' markets enjoy fresh, wholesome produce throughout the growing season, while helping to keep small farms viable. There are also less obvious benefits: buying locally grown food conserves energy and other natural resources, reduces air and water pollution, preserves green space, and helps build a stronger, more close-knit community.
Farmers usually harvest in the early morning, just before heading to the markets, so it's only a matter of hours between harvest and purchase. Produce remains vital, intensely flavored, juicy, and crisp. Nutrient loss is minimal, so your food not only tastes better, it's better for you.
Buying locally at farmers' markets cuts down on the distance that food is transported, the consumption of fossil fuels, and pollution. It also cuts down on the amount of food packaging that ends up in landfills. Plus, eating locally grown food makes for stronger farms and better communities.
"Farmers' markets can be excellent tools for local economic development," Bronson said. "Starting a farmers' market can help revitalize a city's downtown. People come into the area to shop at the farmers' market and they end up patronizing other nearby businesses. A successful farmers' market can help lift up everybody."
Farmers' markets serve as community gathering places, spaces where people can linger and chat and get to know each other. Some have evolved into weekly festivals, with live music, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, and community outreach by organizations such as local health departments and the Humane Society.
"There tends to be a social aspect to the markets," Bronson said. "The historic ties between farmer and consumer are restored."
Field of Greens
An Organic Farm Aid
Hosted by L'Thai Restaurant, Atlanta Cuisine Magazine, and Whippoorwill Hollow Organic Farm
Date: October 14, 2006 Time: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Connect with all things organic, sustainable, and natural at this first-ever festival celebrating local food and farmers, with proceeds to benefit Georgia Organics! It’s a fun-filled day starring demos from top-billed Atlanta chefs, local live music, and the opportunity to connect with health and wellness resources and information of all kinds – all set against the rolling hills of Whippoorwill Hollow Organic Farm in Walnut Grove, 30 miles from downtown Atlanta.
Explore the woods on the farm’s walking trail, check out farm animals between sets, or bid on items in the silent auction, including Sunday dinner for 10 at Chef Anne Quatrano's Summerland Farm. Make it a day in the country for the entire family!
Interested in volunteering, know of a band that's looking for a fun farm gig, or want to exhibit or be a sponsor? Contact info@fieldofgreensgeorgia.org. Admission is free in return for a couple of hours volunteer time. See website for more sponsorship info.
Cost: $10/person, $5/student with I.D., and free for 17 & under.
Admission includes chef demos, music & entertainment, exhibits, presentations, and all access to the farm. Vendors will provide beer and food (other than samples from chef demos) for an additional charge.
To register, visit www.fieldofgreensgeorgia.org.
Location: 3905 Hwy 138 Walnut Grove, GA 30014 CountyWalton
Contact Info:
Tel: |
Whippoorwill Hollow Farm: 678.625.3272 |
Email: |
info@fieldofgreensgeorgia.org |
Website: |
FL NATIVE WILDFLOWER SEED
PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
REGISTER ONLINE (SEE DIRECTIONS BELOW) -FEE$20
OCTOBER 24, 2006 TUESDAY 8AM — 4PM
LOCATION:
UF/IFAS SARASOTA EXTENSION
AUDITORIUM
TWIN LAKES PARK
6700 CLARK ROAD
SARASOTA, FL
Learn how to grow, clean and sell seed !
Network with growers and researchers !
Help meet the demand for native species of central/south Florida
WORKSHOP AGENDA:
-Morning session of presentations.
-Lunch provided.
-Afternoon session of field trip to demo
seed production & cleaning facilities
Info: Dr. Jeff Norcini -(850) 875-7160
Dr. Robert Kluson -(941) 232-3090
Online Registration:
http://www.extension.worldispnetwork.com/Oct06reg.htm
(October 17th deadline for registration w/lunch)
For the PDF poster, click here
The ACGA Annual Conference brings together hundreds of individuals from across the United States, Canada, and abroad, who are engaged in all aspects of gardening and greening. The conference includes hands-on workshops, keynote speakers, a film festival, and visits to parks, school gardens, community gardens, and other green spaces in the Los Angeles area.
Florida Organic Growers Farming Workshop/ UF-IFAS Organic Field Day
September 20, 2006 (Wednesday)
Plant Sciences Research Experiment Unit, Citra, FL
Sign up early and get the opportunity to learn about:
Organic Seeds: The rule and where to get them
Organic Certification Process: how to become certified under the USDA National Organic Program
Organic Pest management practices: effective methods to control pests, weeds and diseases
Organic nutrient management/BMP/water management: how to supply essential nutrients to your organic crops
Organic fruit and vegetable production: how to grow the most profitable organic crops in Florida.
The complete agenda and registration form can be found here here
For further information contact Juan Rodriguez at education@foginfo.org Telephone: (352)377-6345
2005-2006 NOP Organic Cost Share Applications Now Available
Reimbursements Issued on First-Come First-Serve Basis
Funds Limited
W-9 Form
State of Florida Organic Cost Share Application
Florida Disaster Training: What Farmers need to know about applying for and receiving Disaster Relief.
Farm Aid, Florida Organic Growers (FOG) and the Florida Farm Bureau are sponsoring a training session on Federal Disaster Assistance Programs for Farmers, taught by the Rural Advancement Foundation International - USA (RAFI-USA) and the Farmers Legal Action Group (FLAG). The training sessions will be held on July 10- 11 at the Farm Bureau in Gainesville, FL.
The training will present an overview of Federal disaster programs available to farmers, including eligibility, deadlines and application procedures for Farm Service Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration and Risk Management programs. All attendees will receive copies of the "Farmers Guide to Disaster Assistance," a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to disaster assistance programs. The training will provide individuals with information and experience with the specific issues of working with farm families who have been through a disaster. The cost for registration is $20.00. Fee waiver and other assistance may be available for limited resource participants.
Georgia Organics presents: The FARMER’S TOOL CHEST
ESSENTIALS FOR ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE GROWERS
June 29, 2006, 8 am—5 pm
Gaia Gardens, Decatur, GA
Includes Farm Tour and Lunch
THIS IN-DEPTH WORKSHOP WILL PROVIDE TRAINING IN KEY BUSINESS, FARM PLANNING, AND PEST MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Morning session:
►Planning, budgeting, and recordkeeping, linked with crop planning, rotation systems, and other production issues.
Afternoon session:
►Interactive workshop on developing pest management strategies for organic farms.
Sessions will be conducted by Daniel Parson, B.S., farm manager of Gaia Gardens, and Rose Koenig, Ph.D., owner of Rosie’s Organic Farm and agricultural educator.
•$35 for GO members; $45 for non-members; $20 mentoring program participants.*
Includes lunch and a farm tour.
•To register and for more information visit www.georgiaorganics.org or
contact Karen Adler, 404.633.4534; karen@georgiaorganics.org.
(*Mentoring participants please contact Karen to register.)
PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY (RMA) OF THE USDA
Dinner in Paradise!
The once-a-month celebration of organic and locally grown bounty of South Florida ingredients will be hosted by Paradise Farms in Homestead and feature culinary creations from Miami’s top chefs. Proceeds will benefit Katrina-ravaged farmers in Louisana and Mississippi.
Miami, FL ─ A strong proponent of fresh ingredients, acclaimed chef Michael Schwartz practices what he believes at the dinner table with his family, and in the kitchen of afterglo, the Miami Beach restaurant where the executive chef prepares beauty cuisine, a concept that incorporates organic produce, herbs and spices, wild game and seafood.
Read the entire post HERE
Make a donation and schedule a dinner HERE
An Evening At Lola's
Florida's Best Celebrity Chefs will prepare a Wild Organic Feast. Chef Al Rosas along with Heather Lee, Editor of Ocala Magazine and CIA graduate and Dr. Suzie Kerns will prepare a WILD organic evening for the lucky attendees. Entertainment including Ellen Livesay jazz recording artist and Pat Livingston, author of This Blessed Mess with be sure to make this a memorable evening. A Private Book signing will take place after the event. Ticket prices are $250 each or Tables of 6 for $1250 The Event is Sunday May 21st at 7:00 PM. Seating is limited for this celebrity star studded event! The Event will be held At Rosas' Farms in Citra Florida, just outside of Ocala. This is the Rosas' 2nd Annual Benefit for The Sturge-Weber Foundation. SWF is the leading non-profit organization that helps those who are victims of vascular birth defects. Erin Rosas, a medical research specialist and Board of Director for the SWF, owns Rosas Farms with her husband, Chef Al Rosas. Erin is also disabled by a vascular malformation. Please visit the Sturge-Weber Foundation or Rosas Farms websites for more information or call Erin Rosas (352)812-5036 for tickets and seating information.
WATERCOLOR April 22, 2006
Posted By:
on Tuesday, April 11, 2006
BUILDING COMMUNITY AWARENESS
FEATURING FRESH PRODUCE DIRECT FROM LOCAL SMALL FARMERS
Are you interested in selling your own local, seasonal, sustainably grown produce, and other products at WATERCOLOR on April 22, 2006/9:00am - 1:00pm? A free market opportunity for small farmers.
For additional information please contact:
Jennifer Taylor
FAMU StateWide Small Farm Programs
850-412-5260
Jennifer.taylor@famu.edu
SEMINAR INVITATION
Posted By:
on Thursday, April 13, 2006
 Dr. John E. Ikerd |
John E. Ikerd Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri Sustainable Agriculture: Beyond Organic to Sustainable/Local April 20th, 2006 9:00—10:00 am Reitz Union, Room: #282 Parking Information: http://www.union.ufl.edu/directions.asp |
Sponsored by University of Florida’s Center for Organic Agriculture. Free and open to the public.
Dr. John Ikerd spent the first half of his thirty-year academic career as a traditional free-market, neoclassical economist. He served on the faculties of four major state universities during his career: North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Missouri. Growing concerns for the lack of ecological, social, and economic sustainability of American agriculture during the 1980s led to broader concerns for the lack of sustainability for American society in general. As an economist, Dr. Ikerd eventually came to understand that growing threats to ecological and social sustainability are rooted in the neoclassical paradigm of economic development, which is inherently extractive and exploitative, and thus, is not sustainable. Dr. Ikerd spent the last half of his academic career and much of his time since retirement developing and testing the concepts and principles of an alternative development paradigm, the economics of sustainability, which are elucidated in his latest book:
 |
"For years, John Ikerd's writings and speeches have provided precious insights into the economics of this nation's food system, exploding the myth that factory farms are economically imperative. In this brilliant book, he makes a powerful case for a new capitalistic economy: one that is environmentally sound, socially just, and economically sustainable.” — Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
"John Ikerd has shown an uncanny ability to address the very questions which need to be answered-now. This is a must-read book for students, teachers, and policymakers striving for a framework to ensure economic sustainability and intergenerational equity." — E. Ann Clark, University of Guelph |
Grand Opening of the New SouthWood Farmer's Market
Posted By:
on Tuesday, April 11, 2006
April 15, 2006 will mark the grand opening of the Farmers Market at Southwood a vibrant retail and business center that originally opened in December 2005. The celebration will kick off at 8 a.m. with tethered hot air balloon rides, a balloon artist, children's activities, an organic container gardening demonstration, a mini-performance of Beauty and the Beast by the Tallahassee Ballet, and cooking demonstrations by Keith Baxter, Executive Chef of Kool Beanz Cafe.
SouthWood residents and Tallahassee area residents will be able to purchase at the Farmers' Market fresh seasonal plants, fruits, vegetables, and flowers that will be delivered fresh each week and grown by local farmers using organic methods. The market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine. Farmers participating in the weekly market are part of the Florida A&M University Statewide Small Farm Programs. The Market is a collaborative effort. Market Location: At the Southwood Town Center, corner of Merchants Row Blvd and Four Oaks Blvd. For additional information contact: Jennifer.Taylor@famu.edu FAMU StateWide Small Farm Programs/Cooperative Extension Service.
The Growers' Market- your midweek market
Features fresh seasonal, sustainably grown produce direct to you from your local small farmers.
Hours: Wednesdays, 3:00pm - dusk. Rain or shine.
Location: 229 Lake Ella Drive. Behind Black Dog Café. Tallahassee.
In collaboration with Local Small Farmers, The American Legion, Black Dog Café, and The FAMU StateWide Small Farm Program.
Interested small farmers or communities should contact: Jennifer Taylor/850 412 5260Jennifer.Taylor@famu.edu/ FAMU StateWide Small Farm Programs/Cooperative Extension Service.
Doing Business in Cuba
Posted By:
on Thursday, March 23, 2006
Doing Business in Cuba
You are invited to attend the conference "Doing Business in Cuba," to be held on April 13 at the Citrus Club in Orlando, Florida. This is the first statewide event of its kind in Florida. In October 2000, Congress passed legislation making it legal for US companies to sell medical and agricultural products to Cuba. Since that time, corporations from around the US have sold almost two billion dollars worth of products to Cuba. Over the past four years many leading Florida companies have begun taking advantage of this opportunity to sell their products while providing much-needed supplies to Cuba. The purpose of the April 13 conference is to help Florida companies learn more about how they can legally sell to Cuba.
This day long event is not about politics; it is about business - what is happening, what can be done, what are the laws and regulations, and what the potential is or could be for your firm. The special feature will be presentations via teleconference direct from Havana. You will have the chance to ask questions directly to Cuban officials in Havana who will talk about the state of US trade now, bi-lateral relations between the US and Cuba, travel and tourism, and the new developments in the economy which impact business in and with Cuba.Complete details about the conference can be found on the Association web site:
HERE.
The US-Cuba Trade Association was formed in April 2005, and has 52 members from 24 different states. Its purpose is to facilitate legal trade between the US and Cuba, to educate companies on the potential for business in and with Cuba, and to support efforts to normalize trade between the US and Cuba. This conference is being sponsored by the newly-formed Florida chapter of the US-Cuba Trade Association, and co-sponsors include A.R. Savage & Son of Tampa, Gulfstream International Airlines of Miami, National Foreign Trade Council, USA*Engage, Alamar Associates, and Fund for Reconciliation and Development. I hope you will be able to join us for this important event. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely yours,
Kirby Jones
President, US-Cuba Trade Association
kjones@uscuba.org
T. 202.530.5236
F. 202.530.5235
2300 M St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20037
www.uscuba.org
FREE ONE-DAY WORKSHOP FOR SMALL, BEGINNING, AND LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS
Posted By:
on Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
TEAM AGRICULTURE GEORGIA (TAG)is hosting a FREE ONE-DAY WORKSHOP FOR SMALL, BEGINNING, AND LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS At the VALDOSTA-LOWNDES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, VALDOSTA, GA 7:30 AM–3:15 PM
To read the full article click here
South-Central Florida Small Farms Conference
Posted By:
on Monday, February 27, 2006
Juan Carlos Rodriguez, FOG Education Program Director, will be making a presentation on Organic Certification at the South-Central Florida Small Farms Conference March 18, 2006... View the full article HERE.
Meatrix 2 Trailer Makes Anticipated Online Debut
Posted By:
on Saturday, January 28, 2006
NEW YORK An online trailer for the upcoming animated film Meatrix 2: Revolting debuts today at the meatrix2.com site. At long last, fans of the original Meatrix and the public at-large can view the trailer to the long-awaited sequel to the Internet's most popular animated advocacy film. The 20-second series of clips offers glimpses of the ramped-up action, romance and manure that are promised in this next Meatrix installment, slated for release in mid-March.
The Meatrix 2 mirrors the first film's successful combination of movie parody (The Matrix), cutting-edge Web animation and consumer education regarding the detrimental effects of factory farming. The topic this time is dairy farming.
"Already, people from the U.S., Brazil, Australia, India, Canada, the U.K. and other countries have contacted us since we announced the sequel the buzz has been amazing," said Diane Hatz, senior program director of Sustainable Table and executive director of the film. "The film uses innovative Web animation technology and pop culture to enable a broad range of people to grasp the dangers associated with factory dairy farming and the choices they have as consumers."
The Meatrix 2 Flash animation stars our favorite farm heroes, the young-pig, Leo, the trench coat-clad cow, ( Moopheus), and the sultry poultry fighter, Chickity. The Meatrix 2 brings the trio on a new adventure when Leo is taken to a factory dairy farm where he learns the ugly truth about how the animals are raised, what they eat, and their horrendous living conditions. To get the behind-the-scenes scoop and back story on the making of Meatrix 2, visit the Meatrix Blog HERE.
Visitors to the site will also be able to sign up to receive the film delivered directly to their inboxes upon release. Additionally, the Web site that houses the film will soon offer a host of resources to teach viewers about the dark side of the factory dairy farm industry and offer tools to get involved in the sustainable dairy movement. The site will also promote the Eat Well Guide an online directory of sustainably raised meat, poultry, dairy and eggs from sustainable farms, stores and restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
The Meatrix 2: Revolting was produced by Sustainable Table and Free Range Studios. Sustainable Table is a consumer campaign launched to help fill the gaps in the sustainable food movement, and to help direct consumers to the leading organizations working on the issue. Free Range Studios offers top-quality design and Flash animation services to companies and organizations whose vision goes beyond turning the world into a strip mall.
The Meatrix was a 2005 Webby Award winner, and has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success on the independent film festival circuit. In November 2004, the film won Best Documentary Short at the Fourteenth Annual Environment Media Association Awards (EMAs) in Los Angeles. It also has received awards from the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, the Gynwood Foundation, and Media Rights' Media That Matters Film Festival.
Graphics are available HERE
Agriculture & Aquaculture Economic Development Workshop
Posted By:
on Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Mote Aquaculture Park and UF/IFAS Integrated Agriculture & Aquaculture Economic Development Workshop January 30, 2006 (Monday) Time: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Location: Mote Aquaculture Park 12300 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34240 Who should attend? This Workshop will bring together agriculture and aquaculture producers with UF/IFAS research/extension staff and Mote Aquaculture Park scientists. We welcome attendance by growers from all food, aquaculture and horticultural crops specialties. If you are working on or interested in entrepreneurial opportunities, integrating crop production with state-of-the-art aquaculture, please plan on joining us! Workshop Goals - To present opportunities for participating in an innovative pilot project using effluent from freshwater sturgeon aquaculture for onsite agriculture crop production. - To present examples pilot project opportunities involving: • aquatic horticultural plants • wetland plants • irrigated high-value crops • aquaponics - To encourage sharing and information exchange in this new agricultural technology and economic opportunity - To describe opportunities and requirements for participation in the pilot project - To identify steps involved for selection of participants in the pilot project For additional information contact: Kevan Main, Director, Center for Aquaculture Research & Development, Mote Aquaculture Park, (941) 388-3373, kmain@mote.org or Robert Kluson, UF/IFAS Sarasota County Cooperative Extension, (941) 232-3090, rkluson@scgov.net Please RSVP to: Tina Shumway, Executive Assistant The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County tshumway@edcsarasotacounty.com or 941-309-1200 ext. #204 Please indicate in the subject line “Mote Aquaculture Park”
Training on Disaster Assistance for Farmers
Posted By: sb
on Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Training on Disaster Assistance for Farmers
The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, in collaboration with the Farmers Legal Action Group, the Rural Advancement Foundation International and Farm Aid, is presenting a 1-day training on Federal disaster assistance programs for farmers and rural communities.
This program is open to all individuals who advise farmers, including staff of community-based organizations, agricultural agencies, extension service, consultants, other professionals and concerned individuals, including farmers who plan to assist others in their community.
The training will take place from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Thursday January 19 in Louisville, KY, in conjunction with the SSAWG annual conference.
The training will cover the range of Federal disaster assistance programs available to farmers, including eligibility, deadlines and application procedures for the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), Risk Management Agency (RMA) and crop insurance programs. It will also cover the Katrina disaster aid package recently passed by Congress. It will also cover the specific needs of individuals who have been through disasters, and phases of disaster recovery.
All participants will receive a copy of the "Farmers Guide to Disaster Assistance," a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to disaster assistance programs; and comprehensive information on disaster assistance programs and practical experience in assisting farmers who have been through a natural disaster.
Registration is $50, with scholarships available.
Participants are responsible for their own meals and lodging. Lodging can be obtained through the SSAWG conference. Details are available at www.SSAWG.org.
For more information, contact Scott Marlow at smarlow@rafiusa.org. To register, contact Laura Freden at Farm Aid at Laura@farmaid.org or 1-800-farmaid.
Nov 9-11, 2005 High Impact Compost Workshop
Posted By: sb
on Thursday, November 03, 2005
Workshops Prices:
$ 395 in advance
$ 445 After October 31, 2005
Subject matter will include:
Understanding the science behind the documented benefits of humified compost
Learn the fundamentals of producing high quality, high value, high impact
compost including a hands-on session at local compost facility.
Determine the worth to the end user of the compost you produce and how to
present that value
Gain insights into selling on the value of humified compost
For more information about upcoming events, email MBS@emypeople.net or call
800-689-0714.
Midwest Biosystems
WEBSITE
CLICK HERE to download a brochure with details on the February 23-25, 2005 workshop
(the Adobe Reader is required to view this file).
Fee Waivers for 2006 Southern SAWG Conference
Posted By: sb
on Thursday, November 03, 2005
Fee Waivers for 2006 Southern SAWG Conference
Held January 19-22 in Louisville, KY.
Southern SAWG will once again be offering a limited number of general registration fee waivers ("scholarships") to help make it possible for limited-resource farmers and soon-to-be-farmers to participate in this unmatched educational and networking event.
Qualified candidates are those who:
1) cannot afford the conference registration fee,
2) are farming or are planning to be farming in the South, and
3) have a sincere interest in sustainable agriculture.
Preference will be given to those who have never attended a Southern SAWG conference before.
To apply to Southern SAWG for a conference fee waiver:
1) Print the Fee Waiver Application by going HERE
2) complete the form, and then
3) mail it by December 1, 2005 to:
Laura Lauffer
330 Hatley Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
For more information about the fee waivers, contact Laura Lauffer at 919-542-6067 or via email at laural@blast.com.
Lake Ella Growers' Market Celebrating First Anniversary
Posted By: sb
on Wednesday, October 19, 2005
The Growers' Market at Lake Ella is celebrating its first anniversary of bringing fresh local produce, plants, and flowers to midtown Tallahassee every Wednesday afternoon. To celebrate this Season's Harvest several of the areas most accomplished chefs will give cooking demonstrations during market hours Wednesday October 19 - November 9, 2005. The Growers' Market is open each Wednesday from 3:00 - 6:00pm/Rain or Shine. Location: 229 Lake Ella Drive, behind the Black Dog Café. Tallahassee.
For additional information about this and other sustainable development programs please contact: FAMU StateWide Small Farm Programs/Cooperative Extension
Service, 850 412-5260/Jennifer.Taylor@famu.edu
IFAS To Host Academic Conference
Posted By: SB
on Wednesday, September 14, 2005
More than 20 postdoctoral, visiting, and other doctorate scientists at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center will be on hand to provide research updates with scientific posters in the areas of horticulture, plant pathology, entomology and nematology, postharvest and food processing.
For more, click HERE
Hurricane Preparedness for Trees Workshop
Posted By: SB
on Wednesday, September 14, 2005
On Sept. 16, Green Industries Institute is organizing a half-day hands-on workshop on Hurricane Preparedness for Trees. Florida experienced 57 hurricanes during the 20th century. The workshop will include the following topics: methods of assessing hazardous trees, performing preventive hurricane pruning and restoration pruning, and bracing for a hurricane with tree supports.
For more, click HERE
Biodynamic Farming Conference
Posted By:
on Thursday, September 01, 2005
October 14-16, 2005: National Biodynamic Conference
Taiwan Inspector Training
Posted By:
on Thursday, August 18, 2005
Dou-liou, Yun-lin, Taiwan
IOIA and Florida Organic Growers/Quality Certification Services will cooperate with the Ministry of Education of Taiwan, Transworld Institute of Technology, and Integrated Agricultural Development Foundation (IADF) for additional IOIA Organic Inspector training.
For the first time, Processing and Livestock inspection courses will be held.
Processing course will commence September 24 and end September 27, 2005;
Livestock course will be held September 29-October 2, 2005.
Both courses will be instructed in English at Transworld Institute of Technology in Taiwan and use National Organic Standards (NOP) of the United States Department of Agriculture and IFOAM/IOIA International Organic Inspection Manual as references. Some presentations may be translated to Chinese.
Please contact Marty Mesh in Florida, USA at 352-377-6345 or fog@foginfo.org for further information.
NAFDMA Sponsors Survey
Posted By:
on Thursday, August 11, 2005
The North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) is helping sponsor and strongly endorses the most comprehensive survey that has ever been commissioned relating to the continental farm direct marketing and agritourism industry. Please take the time to participate. The survey is designed to help the operators who are currently engaged in farm direct marketing and agritourism enterprises.
This can’t be accomplished successfully without your participation! We’re so serious about this we are providing an incentive. The first 777 COMPLETED surveys will be entered into a drawing to win your choice either of a $1900+ USD value to attend the NAFDMA Convention in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, or $1000 CASH. Feel free to contact me if you have questions about your eligibility for the drawing.
This email is being sent to over 2000 farm direct marketing and agritourism operations that have had some connection to NAFDMA or their local associations in the past five years.
To complete the survey, go to http://www.farmmarketresearch.com. You will need to register first by providing your email, zip/postal code and name of the ranch/farm.
For more information, click here.
Community Food Systems
Posted By:
on Thursday, August 04, 2005
October 9 thru October 11
Atlanta, Georgia
The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SAWG) will offer a leadership training session for individuals who are working with local community food projects and those interested in taking on a more active role in the community food security movement in the Southern United States. Attendees will be given the opportunity to develop skills useful for working with community-based groups.
This training session will be held immediately after the Community Food Security Coalition Conference on October 9-11, 2005 in Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information:
See Resources
Community Food Security Coalition Conference comes to Atlanta
Posted By:
on Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Ninth Annual CFSC Conference It's Homegrown: Cultivating the Roots of Real Change
October 6-9, 2005 Atlanta, Georgia
The Community Food Security Coalition celebrates its 9th Annual Community Food Security Conference with a "Home Grown" theme in Atlanta, GA at the Westin Peachtree Plaza on October 6th thru 9th, 2005. CFSC brings this educational and empowering event to the home of the civil rights movement, with the intent of "cultivating the roots of real change" in food security and social justice.
For more information: www.foodsecurity.org
Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference
Posted By:
on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Hold your horses!
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (Southern SAWG) moves January 2006 conference to Louisville, Ky. Due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina on the New Orleans area, Southern SAWG has rescheduled its conference to take place in Louisville, Kentucky, January 19-22, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The complete conference schedule will be available in October at www.ssawg.org or call 678-494-0696 to request a brochure. The fifteenth annual event promises plenty of practical sessions from which to choose, with topics covering production, marketing, farm business management, federal farm policy, and community food programs, to name just a few. The conference features field trips to local farms and exhibits by vendors whose products and services provide support to producers. At a special dinner, attendees will get a taste of Kentucky with locally produced foods. When the meetings are over and it's time to play, the conference location is connected by pedestrian walkway to Louisville\'s hottest new entertainment venue, Fourth Street Live!, a one-stop destination for entertainment, dining and shopping. The 2006 Practical Tools and Solutions For Sustaining Family Farms Conference is brought to you through partnerships with the Risk Management Agency and the Southern Region Risk Management Education Center. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, Inc. (Southern SAWG) is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1991 to promote sustainable agriculture in the southern United States. Contact: Shari Hawley, Conference Publicity Coordinator Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (Southern SAWG) ssawg_conf@bellsouth.net
For more information:
www.ssawg.org
FOG Seminars: Converting from Conventional to Organic Processing
Posted By:
on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers Inc. (FOG), a 501(3)C not-for-profit and parent organization of Quality Certification Services (QCS), will hold a one day seminar on Saturday, August 27, 2005 for organic inspectors on conducting inspections of organic processing and handling operations for compliance with the National Organic Standards. The seminar is titled, "FOR INSPECTORS ONLY: Inspecting the Organic Processing Facility" , and will be held in Florida at the Tampa Renaissance Hotel International Plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Organic Processing Seminar: Converting from Conventional to Organic Processing
Friday, August 26, 2005, 9 AM to 5 PM
Renaissance Hotel International Plaza
Tampa, FL
Inspectors Only Seminar: Inspecting the Organic Processing Facility
Saturday, August 27, 2005, 9 AM to 5 PM
Renaissance Hotel International Plaza
Tampa, FL
For more information, registration documents, and more, click here.
Andy Parker, Master Gardener, at the Dreamer's Garden
Posted By:
on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Dreamers Garden in collaboration with The Generation Connection Summer Camp 2005 & Keep Alachua Count Beautiful present:
Andy Parker, Master Gardener, Tilth Inc., Portland Oregon
Friday July 22, 8:30-9:15am
Dreamers Garden, Corner of NW 10th Ave at 4th St, Gainesville
Further information: Casey Sith 352-378-4389
The Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture
Posted By:
on Monday, July 18, 2005
The Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems is offering a Practical Training / Farm & Garden Apprenticeship. The deadline for applications is November 1st, 2005.
The Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture is an educational program of the Center focusing on practical training in organic gardening and small-scale farming.
For more information:
zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs/training/infoap.html
Fridays at the Grower's Market, Tallahassee
Posted By:
on Sunday, July 17, 2005
Fridays at the Grower's Market
Friday and Wednesdays 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
229 Lake Ella Drive, Tallahassee.
Behind Black Dog Cafe.
Take a rest from the traffic and rediscover . . .
Fresh Local Produce, Organic, Natural, Sustainable.
Direct from your Local Small Farmers.
In collaboration with Local Small Farmers, The American Legion, Black Dog Cafe, and FAMU Small Farm Programs.
For more information contact: 412-5260/jennifer.taylor@famu.edu
FOG TO HOLD TWO SEMINARS: One for Organic Processing and One for Organic Inspectors
Posted By:
on Thursday, June 30, 2005
Organic Processing Seminar: Converting from Conventional to Organic Processing
Friday, August 26, 2005, 9 AM to 5 PM
Renaissance Hotel International Plaza
Tampa, FL
Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers Inc. (FOG), a 501(3)C not-for-profit and parent organization of Quality Certification Services (QCS), will hold a one day seminar on Friday, August 26, 2005 on converting from conventional to organic processing. The seminar, titled, "CONVERTING FROM CONVENTIONAL TO ORGANIC PROCESSING AND MANUFACTURING: Opportunities, Challenges, and Success", will be held in Florida at the Tampa Renaissance Hotel International Plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, please see the following documents:
All documents Adobe PDF.
- Aug 26 Processor Seminar Information Sheet
- Aug 26 Processor Seminar Press Release
- Aug 26 Processor Seminar Registration Form.doc[MSWord .doc Format]
- Aug 26 Processor Seminar Online Registration and Payment Information
Inspectors Only Seminar: Inspecting the Organic Processing Facility
Saturday, August 27, 2005, 9 AM to 5 PM
Renaissance Hotel International Plaza
Tampa, FL
Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers Inc. (FOG), a 501(3)C not-for-profit and parent organization of Quality Certification Services (QCS), will hold a one day seminar on Saturday, August 27, 2005 for organic inspectors on conducting inspections of organic processing and handling operations for compliance with the National Organic Standards. The seminar is titled, "FOR INSPECTORS ONLY: Inspecting the Organic Processing Facility" , and will be held in Florida at the Tampa Renaissance Hotel International Plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, please see the following documents:
All documents Adobe PDF.
- Aug 27 For Inspectors Only Seminar Information Sheet
- Aug 27 For Inspectors Only Seminar Press Release
- Aug 27 For Inspectors Only Seminar Registration Form [MSWord .doc Format]
- Aug 27 For Inspectors Only Seminar Online Registration and Payment Instructions
Twilight Organic Field Day
Posted By:
on Saturday, June 18, 2005
Thursday, July 7, 2005
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location:
Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center
8163 Hwy 178
Lyons, GA 30436
Schedule of Events
Visit Field Plots: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Compost Demonstration
Biodegradable & conventional black plastic and no-till production of cucumber, cantaloupe, and watermelon
New disease resistant pumpkin.
Other research
Supper: 6:30 – 7:30 pm
A catered organic supper of local produce will be served.
RSVP: Please let us know if you will be able to attend so we can plan the meal accordingly.
RSVP to:
Mary Anne Woodie
Georgia Organics
770/993-5534
maryanne@georgiaorganics.org
George Boyhan
University of Georgia
912/681-5639
gboyhan@uga.edu
Please let us know if you will need directions.
Three Field Days on Organic Seed Crop Management
Posted By:
on Friday, June 17, 2005
Pittsboro, NC- The Save Our Seed Project, comprised of nine Southeastern partners, will be sponsoring three workshops throughout the Southeast this July. The workshops will support and train local growers to raise Certified Organic seed, selected in the Southeast for use in the Southeast.
July 19, 20, and August 2, 2005
For more information: www.savingourseed.org
Bella Via
Posted By:
on Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Bella Via: The Sustainable Community of the Future.
Bella Via is the prototype for a totally new type of intentional community; one that embodies the principles of sustainability, green building materials and techniques, environmentally-friendly products, certified organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy sources, social consciousness, holistic health and wellness of body, mind, spirit and planet.
More Info: www.bellaviacommunity.com
Whole Foods Market
Posted By:
on Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Contact them to let them know you want one in your town: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/contact/
From www.wholefoodsmarket.com:
"Founded in 1980 as one small store in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market® is now the world's leading retailer of natural and organic foods, with 170 stores in North America and the United Kingdom. To date Whole Foods Market remains uniquely mission driven: We're highly selective about what we sell, dedicated to stringent Quality Standards, and committed to sustainable agriculture."
Food Films!
Posted By:
on Thursday, June 02, 2005
Two new animations, one about the real world of meat production, the other about grocery stores! Entertaining and highly educational, The Meatrix won the 2005 Webby Award in the Charitable Orgs/Non Profit category.
Organic Brassica Seed Production Guide released
Posted By:
on Wednesday, June 01, 2005
The Save Our Seed Project announces the publication of the Organic Brassica Seed Production Guide. This is number five in a series of seed production manuals that Save Our Seed created in response to the limited availability of organic and open pollinated heirloom seed.
More: Resources
Organic Consumer Trends Report Now Available!
Posted By:
on Tuesday, May 24, 2005
The Natural Marketing Institute’s 2005 Organic Consumer Trends Report™ can now be purchased by the chapter.
For more information: Press Release
Ecology of Bacterial Pathogens (Keeping out E. Coli and Salmonella)
Posted By:
on Thursday, May 19, 2005
The Soil and Water Science Department at the University of Florida now offers a new specialized 2-day training program on the Ecology of Bacterial Pathogens (Keeping out E. Coli and Salmonella). The Ecology of Bacterial Pathogens Short Course will be held August 17 & 18, 2005 in Gainesville, Florida on the University of Florida campus. For more info: See Resources
Natural Resource Conservation Service's Conservation Security Program
Posted By:
on Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Conservation Security Program sign-up deadline is May 27. Producers have until May 27 to sign up for the Natural Resource Conservation Service's Conservation Security Program. If you want to report your experience with this program or help work to improve it for organic producers, contact Tom Hutcheson (thutcheson@ota.com).
EFEST 2005, Sarasota, FL
Posted By:
on Wednesday, May 18, 2005
EFEST 2005 (www.efest.us), celebrating the Environment and Sustainability, is being held May 27-28, 2005 in Sarasota Florida. This festival hopes to attract some 5000 attendees along the Florida Gulf Coast -- and one of the themes is, of course, sustainable agriculture. The main event day is Saturday. We have Judy Wicks, founder of the White Dog Cafe (www.whitedog.com) in Philadelphia, speaking. She is a nationally recognized proponent of restaurants supporting their local organic farmers.
SAVANNAH ORGANIC WEEKEND
Posted By:
on Wednesday, May 18, 2005
GEORGIA ORGANICS EVENTS:
SAVANNAH ORGANIC WEEKEND
May 21 & 22, Downtown Savannah
Join Georgia Organics at the second annual Savannah Organic Weekend featuring four fabulous events. For Detailed event information:
www.georgiaorganics.org
Thriving, Building Capacity – Planting the Seeds for Change
Posted By:
on Tuesday, May 17, 2005
May 17-May 31
The Eco-Agriculture Workshops for May 2005 will address Sustainable living through Organic Gardening. Learn how to grow plants in small and creative spaces –beneficial for students, urban gardeners, city and rural life. Hands-on Demonstrations.
All workshops are free to the public!
See Resources for full schedule.
For additional information about these and other sustainable development sessions, please contact:
Jennifer Taylor
FAMU State Wide Small Farm Program
(850) 412-5260
jennifer.taylor@famu.edu
Choosing Your Market: A Direct Marketing Decision Tool for Small Farmers
Posted By:
on Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Help has arrived with a new direct marketing tool, "Choosing Your Market: A Direct Marketing Decision Tool for Small Farmers", developed by Georgia Organics, a non-profit organization promoting sustainable and organic farming and foods.
For more information:
Link: www.georgiaorganics.org/markettool/
Suppliers of Organic Fertilizers & Pesticides
Posted By:
on Thursday, May 05, 2005
see: Resources Suppliers of Organic Fertilizers & Pesticides Compiled by Dana Venrick, Extension Agent II - Dec 2003
Texas DOT Compost Utilization: A Blueprint for Florida Success?
Posted By:
on Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Organics Committee Workshop Sponsored by: The Florida Organics Recycling Center for Excellence - FORCE www.floridaforce.org
Texas DOT Compost Utilization: A Blueprint for Florida Success?
Date: Monday, June 6, 2005
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Venue: RFT’s Annual Conference in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. at the PGA National Resort
Moderator: Chris Snow of Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management Department
Speakers: Don Legacy and Richard Weaver of JV Environmental Services, Inc.
Please come and hear how Texas DOT leads the Country in the use of compost and organics in their road projects, and how the Florida organics industry can learn from the Texas experience. We also need to share with JV Environmental Services the state of the organics recycling industry in Florida and its unique characteristics.
Workshop Fee: $35. Please go to the RFT website: www.recyclefloridatoday.org for information on registering for the RFT Annual Conference and the Workshop. You are able to register for the Workshop without registering for the Conference.
Questions: Please contact Chris Snow at (813) 276-8408. Lunch is provided and sponsored by: JV Environmental Services
FOG @ ATO
Posted By:
on Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Florida Organic Growers and Consumers Inc. is having a booth at the upcoming All Things Organic trade show in Chicago to represent Florida's organic producers and handlers. The tradeshow takes place May 1-3 in Chicago. The booth is intended to raise industry awareness of Florida's organic agriculture industry-producers and processors.
2005 Survey of Certified Organic Agriculture in Florida
Posted By:
on Thursday, March 31, 2005
Organic agriculture in Florida is a rapidly growing industry that is characterized by many diverse types of certified organic operators, including certified organic growers, value-added growers, and processors. This report summarizes the data collected from the first survey ever conducted of Florida’s certified organic operators. This report describes the survey responses to questions about various aspects of certified organic operations in Florida, including: ownership types, acreage in production, products produced, sales, markets, labor usage and employment, and program and policy priorities. This survey and report were funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the United States Department of Agriculture.
To download this report in it's entirety, click here:
www.foginfo.org/docs/2002 SurveyofCertifiedOrganicAgriculture inFloridaPreface.doc
Marty Mesh speaking at
Posted By:
on Thursday, March 31, 2005
Marty Mesh, FOG Executive Director will be part of the Domestic Fair Trade Panel, speaking on how the concept of "fair trade" might benefit North American producers, at the Organic Trade Association's "All Things Organic Conference" being held in Chicago from Saturday April 30 until Tuesday May 3 in Chicago, Illinois at McCormick Place. For more information: www.organicexpo.com
Asian Soybean Rust Study
Posted By:
on Wednesday, March 30, 2005
The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry is currently looking for plots of principal hosts other than soybean, i.e., Kudzu, snap beans/dry beans (Phaseolus spp.), yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus), cow peas/southern peas (Vigna spp.), etc., to survey on a weekly basis throughout Florida. Plots that receive little to no fungicides would be ideal, but not a requirement.
We would greatly appreciate growers willing to allow surveys of their plots to contact us. It is crucial that we promptly gain as much information on this disease as possible.
Asian Soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) (SBR) was first reported in the Southeastern US, including Florida, in November of 2004. Since the first finding, SBR has been detected in 18 Florida counties and so far only on kudzu, a noxious weed (Pueraria lobata) and soybean (Glycine max). SBR spreads rapidly via wind-borne spores causing severe damage to soybeans and other legumes. Because the pathogen is a recent immigrant, scientists have little understanding of the host range, over wintering abilities and general biology in Florida.
For more information:
spdn.ifas.ufl.edu/
Florida_Soybean_Rust.htm
www.doacs.state.fl.us/ pi/enpp/pathology/soybeanrust.html
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Contact:
Adam J. Silagyi, DPM
State Survey Coordinator
Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS)
DPI-DOACS 1911 SW 34th St.
P.O. Box 147100 Gainesville, F.L. 32614-7100
Phone (352) 372-3505 x 452
Mobile: (352) 258-0806
Email: silagya@doacs.state.fl.us
USDA ANNOUNCES $6 MILLION FOR NEW SMALL-SCALE/LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS INITIATIVE
Posted By:
on Tuesday, March 29, 2005
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2005-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide up to $6 million for a new Small-Scale/Limited Resource Farmers Initiative to help small farmers implement good conservation practices on their land.
for more information: foginfo.org/resources
ORGANIC BEEKEEPING PRACTICES FOR HEALTHIER BEES
Posted By:
on Thursday, March 17, 2005
Earth Day Workshop!
April 22, 2005
ORGANIC BEEKEEPING PRACTICES FOR HEALTHIER BEES
Learn how to establish/maintain an organic beekeeping operation. Organics. Hands-on demonstrations.
Facilitator: International Speaker, Gunther Hauk, Co-Founder and Program Director of The Pfeiffer Center for Biodynamics and Environmental Studies in Chestnut Ridge, NY.
Time: 9:00-5:00 pm
Lunch will be provided.
Book Signing/"Toward Saving The Honeybee", by Gunther Hauk.
Location: Native Naturals Farm
Directions: 2 miles South of Monticello Exit on I-10/Route 19 S
Address: 7500 US 19 South
Lamont, Florida
Workshop registration fee: $50.00/person
Address check or money order to: FAMU Foundation/CESTA
Beekeeping
Registration Deadline: April 07, 2005
Mail Registration to:
FAMU StateWide Small Farm Programs
Room 202C Perry-Paige Building
Tallahassee, Florida