2022 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference program book

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Virtual Vendor Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Registration & Zoom Info. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Programming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-25

Keynote Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Roundtables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
NOFA AOLCP Credit-Approved Workshops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Language Justice (Interpreting/Translation). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Online Auction Fundraiser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Conference Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-31
Workshop Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-63
NOFA/Mass Winter Conference Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Presenter Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68-70

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WELCOME

Dear NOFA Community,

Welcome to the 35th annual NOFA/Mass Winter Conference.

We relish this opportunity to spend time learning and collaborating
with you for our annual conference and hope you are staying safe. We
have put together a program that is geared toward your interests that
we hope inspires you to learn, inquire, experiment, and give you many
ideas to take into your work.

We feel this year’s theme, Thriving In the Era of Climate Disruption:
Resiliency Strategies For Land and Communities encompasses our
present aspirations to address the climate crisis, and in doing so, build
a more just society that leaves no one behind.

Our keynote speaker, Precious Phiri, will address this topic directly on
Sunday, January 16th at 11am with her experience in Zimbabwe and
across the world through applying Holistic Management practices
we can all learn from. We have wished to have Precious join us at a
conference in the past, and are happy to have her join us at such crazy
times where we all need a vision of a brighter future.

Please enjoy and engage in the different workshops through four
sessions on Saturday, and both of Sunday afternoon’s roundtables. And
don’t worry if you miss a session! You can enjoy the entire conference
recordings long before Springtime arrives! Thank you for joining us.

Sincerely,

Jason Valcourt
NOFA/Mass Winter Conference Coordinator

Be Social! Show and tell your friends and the rest of the world about
what inspires you at the conference. Tweet and post on your favorite
social media platform with #NOFAMassWinterConference

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VENDOR MARKETPLACE

Click here to access our Vendor Marketplace web page.

Browse our amazing vendors and discover new and delightful
products and services! Our vendors are a great resource and wealth of
information, as well as purveyors of high quality goods. Many vendors
have provided generous discount codes for use by Winter Conference
attendees—be sure to head to the virtual vendor marketplace to
browse and shop!

Center for EcoTechnology
Certified Humane
Dr. Bronners

Dr. Elaine’s Soil Food Web School
Farm Credit East
Fedco

Grower’s Discount Labels
High Mowing

Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Legal Food Hub
Maine Grains
Sid Wainer & Son

Sitka Salmon Shares
USDA NRCS

Vermont Compost

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8

Video message from Certified Humane

Route 9, 285 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035

gardeners.com/store
(413) 584-1423

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SPONSORS

Thank you to our generous Winter Conference sponsors.

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

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Loans and Leases Farm Credit East is deeply rooted in
our customers’ success – and Northeast
Tax Services agriculture. In fact, no one knows ag quite
as well as Farm Credit East. So if you’re
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for your agricultural operation – of any
Business Consulting size or type – look to Farm Credit East.
Our mission is to grow your success.
Record-keeping
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Country Home Loans 800.562.2235

FarmStart
for New Businesses

Real Estate and
Equipment Appraisals

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Video message from Farm Credit East

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in here.

OV.coop

your source for quality seed potatoes

Wide selection of certified organic products:

Certified seed potatoes, garlic, shallots, cover crop seed,
fertilizers, inoculants, sweet potato slips,
heritage grains, and flowers.

Reasonable prices and volume discounts!

207-717-5451 www.mainepotatolady.com [email protected]

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REGISTRATION & ZOOM INFO

Registration Hours & Live Support
Online via Zoom

Saturday January 15 & Sunday January 16

Online Workshop Access:

To access your virtual workshop, skip over to the
Conference Overview pg 28-31 to find your Zoom access links.

Need help? Can’t find a session? Visit our Help Center
and chat with a support member of our registration team.

Wait times may vary. Inquiries will be answered on a first come, first
served basis. Be sure to check out the Conference Overview and
become familiar with our Zoom Meeting Rooms. Daily Agendas will
also be emailed to the address we have on file for your registration.
See the Program Schedule on the Conference Overview Page.
Questions about registration, changing your contact information,
modifying your registration, or accessing the workshops can also be
emailed to [email protected]
Forgot to register your friend, family member, or spouse? Register Here!
*We kindly ask that you do not share your registration access with
others, Thank you!

Be Social! Show and tell your friends and the rest of the world about
what inspires you at the conference. Tweet and post on your favorite
social media platform with #NOFAMassWinterConference

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Moonshadow Tomato

BeaDutiifguilt,abllack grape tomato with a striking

visual appeal that is as enticing and exciting
as its flavor. High-yielding plants produce
multitudes of gorgeous, black grape tomatoes
with irresistible flavor. Mix this dark and shadowy
tomato with the other Galaxy Suite tomatoes
for a truly unique pint. Part of High Mowing’s
exclusive Galaxy Suite tomato collection.

100% Organic Seed for Over 25 Years

High Mowing Organic Seeds

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Dr. Bronner’s saw an opportunity: Pair world-class Swiss chocolatiers with

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PROGRAMMING

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Precious Phiri All Levels

Sunday, 11:00-12:30pm
Zoom 1

As unpredictable and extreme weather conditions

like flooding are becoming more prevalent in the

Northeast, and across the globe, we need strategies

and techniques to create resilient systems that can

help us thrive through the changes we are faced
with. To address the theme, Thriving In the Era of
Climate Disruption: Resiliency Strategies For Land
and Communities, we can employ many tools to
re-orient harmful farming practices, help reverse

cropland and pasture degradation and at the same

time improve the health of our societies with good practices that reverse

poverty and build communities.

Precious Phiri is a Zimbabwean Facilitator and Accredited Professional in
Holistic Management. She is also a steering Committee member and African
Coordinator for Regeneration International. Her work involves using the
Holistic decision making framework for community organizing and working
with rural communities to learn together and reverse poverty and ecological
degradation, bringing communal work to global platforms and networking.
She has, over the years, committed to working with different partners in
Africa and beyond to keep creating opportunities for communities to change
the trajectory of their lives both now and in the future. She continues to learn
and grow in many ways in which to get action with communities. Precious
has experience working with agro-pastoral and pastoralist communities
implementing Holistic Management tools for rangeland and cropfield
regeneration, and she continues to engage in the broader regenerative
agriculture movement as a trainer.

Be Social! Show and tell your friends and the rest of the world about
what inspires you at the conference. Tweet and post on your favorite

social media platform with #NOFAMassWinterConference

21

PROGRAMMING

ROUNDTABLES

Boosting Farmers’ Voices in Climate Policy and Action
Sunday, 2:00-3:30pm

Zoom 2 All Levels

Farmers are on the frontline of climate destabilization. How do we bring their voices to the
table where climate action is being discussed? NOFA/Mass Policy Director Marty Dagoberto
will facilitate a discussion with agricultural policy advocates and NOFA farmer-members to
help answer these questions. What climate impacts did they feel this past season? How are
they adapting? How can we work together so that the farmers’ voices on climate policy are
heard on Beacon Hill and in DC?

Marty Dagoberto (he/him) serves as a community organizer, educator and activist working
to promote regenerative organic agriculture, food sovereignty and pesticides reduction. As
Policy Director, he is a registered lobbyist in the state legislature, communicates with the
organic movement through monthly newsletter columns and speaking engagements, and
facilitates multiple statewide coalitions. Marty studied genetics at WPI and cares for land
within the ancestral lands of the Pocumtuck.

Chelsea Gazillo (she/her) directs AFT’s Working Lands Alliance project in Connecticut,
including research and education, policy development, grassroots and direct advocacy,
outreach, and communications. Prior to joining AFT, Chelsea served on the Bridgeport Food
Policy Council and Farmers Market Collaborative, and as lead researcher for SIT Graduate
Institute’s Real Food Challenge Campaign. Chelsea holds a BA in International Affairs and a MA
in Sustainable Development.

Stephen Taranto (he/him) is a devout Interdisciplinary Ecologist who has worked at the
multiple intersections between food and farming systems and biodiversity conservation for
more than 20 years in the US and Latin America. As Program Coordinator, Stephen focuses
on crafting CISA’s initiatives related to climate change and resilience in the face of dramatic
social and ecological transition.

Jeff Cole (he/him) is a 9th generation farmer with over 25 years experience. He has deep roots
in agriculture and focuses on creating systemic change through collaboration, education,
and building networks of support. In addition to being The Carrot Project’s Client Services
Specialist, he also works part time as the MA Food System Collaborative’s Agricultural
Network Coordinator. More recently, Jeff has opened his farm’s land and infrastructure to
beginning, immigrant, and refugee farmers. He has a degree in Economics from Bates College.

Nataka Crayton (she/her) is a lifetime advocate for social, economic, and environmental
justice, particular for communities of color. Mrs. Crayton has developed youth programs,
led several community development projects, and was instrumental in helping to create the
Urban Farming Institute. Through loving leadership she inspires and empowers neighbors to
grow their own food and cook healthy meals. She is also growing her nursery business and
works as a landscaper and private chef.

Ariana Taylor-Stanley (she/her) serves as Associate Director of Grassroots Organizing for the
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. She also co-owns and operates Here We Are Farm
in Trumansburg, NY, growing vegetables for CSA and farmers markets. She is active in her
community as part of several grassroots racial justice and food sovereignty projects.

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Seed Sovereignty for Climate Change Resiliency All Levels

Sunday, 4:00-5:30pm
Zoom 3

What do we mean when we use the term “seed sovereignty?” How does
regional seed-saving help us adapt to the unpredictability of a modern
climate and foster solidarity within and throughout communities? In a
facilitated roundtable discussion we will map out the cultural, political
and economic factors around seed-saving as a tool for food sovereignty
and resilience against the climate crisis. Explore how growers, eaters and
advocates at all scales can participate as producers, distributors, researchers,
stewards and storytellers to develop a vision of a cooperative future that
benefits all people, their communities and the land.

Bill Braun (he/him) farms with his partner Deanna at Ivory Silo Farm in Westport, an
organic diversified farm growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit, and seeds. The
farm’s original design was to serve as a living lab for seed work slipping through
the cracks of the commercial seed trade; it has since graduated into Freed Seed
Federation, a farmer-run nonprofit dedicated to place-based seeds for the commons.

Heron Breen (he/him) was born & lives in the rural Central Maine town of Saint Albans.
Lessons and advice from wise community members have built his practice of seed
work in fields thru out the Sebasticook & Kennebec Rivers watershed (Wabanaki
Lands). Farming seed and plant breeding for 17 years, Heron also has an ongoing 22
year career in the retail seed trade.

Petra Page-Mann (she/they/ki) believes each seed and each of us is in the world to
change the world. In 2012 she founded Fruition Seeds to share the seeds, knowledge
and inspiration gardeners need to be more successful in the Northeast, as well as
build a culture of curiosity and care centering seeds of both resilience and justice. If
she’s not farming she is singing, skiing, snuggling her dogs, hunting mushrooms or
sharing a feast with a friend.

Amirah Mitchell (she/her) is a farmer, seedkeeper and community educator. She holds
a B.S. in Horticulture from Temple University and has worked in agriculture since 2007.
She has worked on urban farms in Massachusetts, Georgia and Pennsylvania, including
four years at Truelove Seeds, a Philadelphia-based farm and seed company. Currently,
Amirah is working to start her own farm business, Sistah Seeds, growing heirloom
seeds from across the African Diaspora.

Luke Jeffries (he/him) is a Mohawk from Tyendinaga, Mohawk Territory. He is a
language learner, avid gardener, and Project Coordinator for Ratinenhayénthos,
who operate the Kenhté:ke Seed Sanctuary in Tyendinaga. They have rematriated a
seed collection in the last few years and have been working to ensure that the living
collection remains viable for future generations.

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PROGRAMMING

BIPOC Caucus

Sunday, 1:00-2:00pm
Zoom Room 2

The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Caucus is a space for
those who self-identify as People of Color to come together and celebrate
and talk about the implications of how to do the work of sustaining our
communities, healing from racial trauma and work to organize collectively
to build relationships, power and systemic change for our communities in
a white dominating culture. We will also talk about how we take care of
ourselves, each other, our families and communities.

NOFA AOLCP Accreditation

To renew your Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals (AOLCP)
accreditation, you must earn 4 hours of continuing education per year. Each
90-minute session you attend at the NOFA/Mass Winter Conference counts
for 1.5 credits.

Credits are audited by CT NOFA each spring, so keep a record or account
of each conference session you attend and NOFA/Mass will confirm your
registration with the event organizers if your credits are audited.

Please note, your accreditation fees are due by January 1st, 2023. Call or
email the CT NOFA office, 203-408-6819, [email protected] if you have any
questions.

Language Justice (Interpreting/Translation)

We have a number of workshops that will be interpreted, live, during the
sessions. Those sessions are indicated by the following symbols:

Workshops identified with the symbol will be translated live from
English to Spanish.

Workshops identified with the symbol will be translated live from
Spanish to English.

Both English and Spanish speaking participants should bring a set of
headphones to use with their phone so that they can listen to translation as
needed.

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Online Auction Fundraiser

Help support our year-round education and advocacy work by bidding
generously in our online auction! Our sponsors, presenters, members,
and others have come together to donate amazing auction items,
including: Dr. Elaine’s Soil Food Web School Foundation Courses, a
pallet of soil (delivered!) from Coast of Maine, a vacation/staycation
package to enjoy the Berkshires, a microscopy package, gift cards,
books, and so much more! Please support our ongoing programming
in areas such as pollinator protection, soil health, and food access by
heading over to the online auction and being the highest bidder!

Click here, or text NOFA to 855-202-2100 anytime to browse and bid.

Auction closes at 7:00pm Sunday January 16.

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26

Video message from USDA MDAR

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CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

Zoom 1 SESSION ONE SESSION TW
9:00-10:30am 11:00am-12:3
Zoom 2
Zoom 3 Charting the Course; Updates, Achieving A Living
Zoom 4 Opportunities and Challenges Farmer & Farm Wo
Zoom 5
Zoom 6 for Regenerative Ocean
Zoom 7 Farming of Seaweed and Kelp
Zoom 8
Zoom 9 Year-round Poultry Raising and A Local Indige
Zoom 10
Processing at Reed Farm Relationship with

Defining and Creating a Planning to Adapt t
Regenerative Food System Change

Solar Arrays for Pollinators and The Power of Collab
Farmers: Opportunities and Local Food Sys
Constraints

On-farm Seed Saving Think Like A Veg

Climate Change: Impact on Understanding Wat
Bees & Other Pollinators, for Food Safety on
Agriculture & its Impact on
Humanity Farms

Maximizing and Using your NOFA Organic La
Fabulous Culinary Herb Program
Harvest
A Yoga-Rooted Ap
Regional Co-ops to Support Building Wellness
Farmers and Producers
Farm Wor
Simple Season Extension for
the Market Gardener Cooperative Food P
in the Rural Mid

Organic Machinery for No-Till Regenerative P
and Weed Control Production Syste

Find your workshop on the grid, then click the
appropriate workshop title to enter

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SATURDAY | JANUARY 15

WO SESSION THREE SESSION FOUR
30pm 2:00-3:30pm 4:00-5:30pm

g Wage for Native Land Enhancement Going Raw as an Option for
orker Alike Organic Dairies

enous The Cows Don't Milk Chestnut Agroforestry -
the Land Themselves: Milk with Dignity Update on Practices and Soil

to Climate & Farmworker Rights in the Health Changes
Time of COVID
Natural Farming Techniques
Sea to Soil: Local Kelp as
Fertilizer

boration in Vegetable Pests of the Year Prison Gardens: Strategies for
stems Therapy and Job Training

getable No-Till Gardening for Home or Forest Kitchen
Market

ter Quality A Look into Land- and Sea-
n Produce Based Aquaculture

and Care Regenerative Cannabis & When and How to Kill Cover
m Hemp CuCltAivNaCtiEoLnE:DAdvanced Crops

pproach to Techniques & Methods Maximizing Biological Diversity
s through for Ultimate Crop Health
rk Foraging for Edible and
Medicinal Mushrooms in New Vegetable Variety Trialing
Processing on Your Farm, Homestead or
dwest England
Garden
Poultry Integrating Sustainable
ems GardeCnAinNgCinELtoEDSchool Worker-Owned Cooperative
Farms
Curriculum

No-Till Transition Year 2:
Lessons Learned

Need help? Can’t find a session? Visit our Help Center
and chat with a support member of our registration team.

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CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

Zoom 1 11:00am-12:30pm 1:00-2:00p
Zoom 2 BIPOC Cau
Keynote Address
with Precious Phiri

Find your workshop on the grid, then click the
appropriate workshop title to enter

Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper A pioneer of seed source
transparency, Turtle Tree
OvFearr3m8C0rOoppsen, -inPcollulidniantgedovVeerge6ta0bHlee,iHrleorobm, FVloawrieerti&es Seed grows, breeds and sells
100% Biodynamic, organic,
www.turtletreeseed.org heirloom, open-pollinated
[email protected] vegetable, herb, flower and
farm seeds. We are commit-
ted to stewarding the highest
quality seeds for home,
market, CSA and commercial
growers, and contributing
to the health of the Earth.
Our mission includes helping
people to learn about seed
saving and to become
seed stewards. Our home
is Camphill Village, where
people with developmental
differences live with dignity,
equality and purpose, caring
for each other and the Earth.
Interested in joining us for a
gap year or semester?
[email protected]
www.camphillvillage.org/volunteer

30

SUNDAY | JANUARY 16

pm 2:00-3:30pm 4:00-5:30pm
ucus
Roundtable: Boosting Roundtable: Seed
Farmers’ Voices in Climate Sovereignty for Climate

Policy and Action Change Resiliency

Need help? Can’t find a session? Visit our Help Center
and chat with a support member of our registration team.

Interested in
Selling to School

Cafeterias?

Add your listing to our
free Farmer Directory

massfarmtoschool.org/farmer-directory

31

32

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Video message from Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Build a path to financial sustainability.

Secure your farm's future.

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35

Video message from Maine Grains

36

WORKSHOP
DESCRIPTIONS

Workshops with live translation indicated by the symbols:
&

37

SATURDAY JANUARY 15 | SESSION ONE

Charting the Course; Updates, Opportunities and Challenges

for Regenerative Ocean Farming of Seaweed and Kelp
Zoom 1 All Levels

As climate change affects coastal ecosystems in Massachusetts and
surrounding states, what challenges should we expect to experience and
how can we work to build sustainable food systems within and against these
challenges? Jennifer Bender, Ph.D. will be joined by fellow leaders from the
region for a panel discussion on where we’re at, current and upcoming
innovations, and the role of seaweed, kelp and shellfish farming in climate
change adaptation and mitigation. The panel will address the Massachusetts
Shellfish Initiative, their experience with social license and the potentials
and struggles of replacing dependence on unsustainable industry with sea
farming.

Jennifer Bender (she/her) is a Boston-based environmental scientist
active in bridging gaps between scientists, policy makers and the public
concerning marine and coastal environments. She serves as the Executive
Director of the Marine Studies Consortium, coordinates the UMass School
for the Environment, writes for publications and consults for a range of
environmental organizations. She sits on the Boards of Sea-Ahead, Pleiades
and is a scientific advisor to E25Bio.

Scott J. Soares (he/him) is the owner of Boston Bay Consulting. Drawing
on over 25 years of experience, he offers government relations, business
and organizational management support to those working in aquaculture,
agriculture, fisheries, and food systems. He served as USDA Rural
Development State Director for CT, MA and RI, Executive Director of the U.S.
Cranberry Marketing Committee, and in a variety of leadership positions with
MDAR.

Briana Warner (she/her) is CEO/President of Atlantic Sea Farms, the leading
line-grown seaweed aquaculture business in the US. She is passionate
about working with kelp farmers in Maine to create a more resilient and
thriving coast. Bri has served several tours as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign
Service, started and sold a wholesale bakery, and created the first Economic
Development programming suite at the Maine-based Island Institute.

Aaron Neiderhelman (he/him) is founder of media company All Consuming
Behavior. He hosts the popular show SourcingMatters and the UN talkshow
series Laying Down Tracks. He’s also a fishmonger focused on preserving
the unique values of the region he is from with sourcing agency monger.
fish, and is co-founder at OneHealthAg. Niederhelman was selected as a
2015 Eisenhower Fellow to explore the impact of good & bad resource

management.
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9:00-10:30am

Year-round Poultry Raising and Processing at Reed Farm
Zoom 2 All Levels

Learn how backyard flock owners and commercial poultry producers can
raise and process poultry year-round in New England, even throughout the
winter. Kat and Peter of Reed Farm, a small-scale poultry farm and processing
facility in Sunderland, MA, will walk us through their year-round production
methods, give a virtual tour of their on-site, state-inspected processing
facility, and touch upon a myriad of poultry topics including: financial
feasibility of poultry production, their custom poultry processing services for
other poultry raisers, legalities of poultry processing and poultry for resale,
local food systems and local poultry production.

Kat Chang Laznicka (she/her) owns and operates Reed Farm (Sunderland
MA), a small scale pastured poultry farm and licensed poultry processing
facility. In 2020, Reed Farm was awarded an MDAR Food Security
Infrastructure Grant. Currently, Kat serves on the Board of Directors of CISA.
When not on the farm, you can find Kat handspinning and planning to re-
expand her fiber flock.

Peter Reed Laznicka (he/him) owns and operates Reed Farm (Sunderland
MA), a small scale pastured poultry farm and licensed poultry processing
facility offering processing services to the local farming community and
backyard poultry raisers. In 2020, Reed Farm was awarded an MDAR Food
Security Infrastructure Grant to upgrade and expand the processing facility to
USDA specifications.

Need help? Can’t find a session? Visit our Help Center
and chat with a support member of our registration team.

Be Social! Show and tell your friends and the rest of the world about
what inspires you at the conference. Tweet and post on your favorite
social media platform with #NOFAMassWinterConference

39

SATURDAY JANUARY 15 | SESSION ONE

Defining and Creating a Regenerative Food System All Levels

Zoom 3

What do we mean when we say regenerative? What can our agricultural,
social or economic practices say about the larger culture of our land
use patterns? This dialogue-based workshop will get us thinking about a
paradigm shift for how can we take “regenerative” beyond agriculture alone,
and move into food and material systems, economic and social mobility, and
practices that are adjusted for the impacts of climate change. Brainstorm
steps we can take to redesign our consumption patterns, including collective
organizing and organizational awareness.

Hannah McDonald (she/her) is the Western Massachusetts Regenerative
Food System (WMRFS) Coordinator for NOFA/Mass. WMRFS focuses on
the collaborative effort of connecting the dots on local food to make the
intricacies of our food system not only resilient, but thrive. She is passionate
about the art of stewardship, and seeks to constantly improve relationships
with the Earth and human community in the form of song, dance, gardening,
celebrating and, of course, cooking and sharing the harvest.

Abby Ferla (she/her/they) has worked on small veggie farms and orchards
from Maine to New Mexico since 2012. She envisions local agricultural
systems that are resilient, ecologically-sound, socially just, and wholly
integrated/integral in their communities. Abby studied herbalism at Blazing
Star Herbal School in Conway, MA and manages Foxtrot Farm, a 8 acre no-till
certified organic farm in Ashfield, MA.

Felix Lufkin (he/him) co-founded and now directs Help Yourself Edibles, an
area community permaculture 501(c)3 that plants orchards in public places,
free for all to harvest from. He teaches nature education in public schools, as
well as K-12 and adult programs in the area, with a focus on wild edible plant
identification and uses and ecological literacy.

Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. (he/him) is a citizen of the Nipmuc people.
He serves as a cultural steward for his Tribe, is a father, public speaker,
traditional dancer, Indigenous activist for Indigenous rights, carpenter and
educator. Andre’s work focuses on bringing traditional knowledge back
to Indigenous peoples, including brain-tanning hides and making drums,
buckskin and blankets. Family, culture and traditions are at the core of his life.

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9:00-10:30am

Solar Arrays for Pollinators and Farmers: All Levels
Opportunities and Constraints

Zoom 4

As we transition away from a fossil fuel-based economy, demand for
renewable energy is creating pressures and opportunities for energy
production on farmland and natural spaces. Some see this as an occasion
to plug into the green economy, maximize land use, expand regional
biodiversity and sustain agricultural operations financially, while others view
the widespread conversion of prime farmland, field and forest as a threat
to regional food security and landscape connectivity, and even possibly a
loss of carbon. In this session, panelists will introduce their work with solar
panels in agriculture and pollinator habitat restoration, then engage in a
NOFA-moderated discussion on opportunities, concerns and visions for a
sustainable future.

Evan Abramson, M.Sc. is a results-driven designer and planner on a mission to
rebuild biologically diverse ecosystems through pollinator-plant interactions.
As Founder and Principal of Landscape Interactions, he works closely
with project partners along every step of the process, from conception
through design, implementation and maintenance. Since 2019, Landscape
Interactions has been responsible for nearly 200 acres of habitat installed in
the Northeast, specifically targeting at-risk bee and butterfly species for each
project location.

Jesse Robertson-DuBois is a farmer, conservationist and policy wonk who
raises sheep and goats with his family in Northfield, Mass. He embraces
the opportunity that sustainable agrisolar farming represents, grazing
in conventional solar arrays and working towards the permitting and
construction of three “dual-use” agrisolar arrays at Four Star Farms to
produce crops, livestock and energy for local and regional customers.

Stephen Herbert (he/him) is former Associate Dean and Director of the
UMass Center for Agriculture, Mass. Agricultural Experiment Station and
UMass Extension. He provided leadership to faculty and staff in applied and
advanced research and the extension for agriculture. Dr. Herbert maintains
active research and education programs in crop production including
renewable energy integrating spaced solar panels with pasture and
vegetable crops.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 15 | SESSION ONE

On-farm Seed Saving All Levels

Zoom 5

Seed saving and growing can complement and enhance your farm or garden
and deepen your relationship with the plants you grow. This workshop will
cover a handful of basic and effective seed-saving and breeding techniques,
as well as the harvesting and processing of annual and biennial seed crops
that fit within farms and gardens of all scales.

Bill Braun (he/him) farms with his partner Deanna at Ivory Silo Farm in
Westport, an organic diversified farm growing vegetables, herbs, flowers,
fruit, and seeds. The farm’s original design was to serve as a living lab for
seed work slipping through the cracks of the commercial seed trade; it
has since graduated into Freed Seed Federation, a farmer-run nonprofit
dedicated to place-based seeds for the commons.

Climate Change: Impact on Bees & Other Pollinators, All Levels
Agriculture & its Impact on Humanity

Zoom 6

Global climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing ecosystems
and societies. These have serious impacts on bees and other pollinators,
which in turn impacts agriculture. Mel will present on how organic growers
can introduce beekeeping to their operations to increase output of crops,
add other goods into their production and what effects we should expect to
see from climate change. He will walk us through findings from his case study
working with bees at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm.

Mel Gadd (he/him) has been keeping bees in traditional and non-traditional
hives, at school and community gardens and Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm
& Wildlife Sanctuary, for over 16 years. He has been a member of the Essex
County Beekeepers Association (ECBA), Chair of the ECBA Bee School, on the
Board of Directors of the Boston Area Beekeepers Association (BABA) and was
named the “Beekeeper of the Year” in 2017 by the Massachusetts Beekeepers
Association.

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9:00-10:30am

Maximizing and Using your Fabulous Culinary Herb Harvest
Zoom 7 All Levels

There are many creative uses for even the simplest of culinary herbs. Amy will
share her experience growing a wide range of herbs for tea, culinary use and
simple medicinal use. Learn how to grow herbs in open gardens, containers,
unheated hoophouses, and even how to overwinter herbs indoors. Learn
to work with the different plant growth patterns to maximize harvest and
promote additional growth, how to use fresh herbs and then how to preserve
and store them. Amy will share some of her fabulous recipes for pesto and
other herb blends, from simple combinations to more complicated recipes.

Amy Frances Leblanc (she/her) owns and runs Whitehill Farm, a small
Certified Organic vegetable and herb operation in Western Maine. She grows
seedlings for area gardeners and farmers in the spring and participates in a
local farmer’s market year round. Amy is a lifetime member of NOFA/Mass
and MOFGA, a long-time volunteer at the Common Ground Fair, a Master
Gardener, traveler, and an enthusiastic and adventurous cook.

Regional Co-ops to Support Farmers and Producers All Levels

Zoom 8

Co-operative enterprise is a powerful tool for farmers seeking more efficient
marketing and a more sustainable food system. Review local and regional
examples of co-operative associations formed to benefit farmers and
producers. Hear farmers and co-op organizers share examples of the benefits,
pitfalls, and resources the’ve discovered from working collectively. This panel
discussion, moderated by the Neighboring Food Co-op Association, includes
representatives from the Federation of Southern Co-operatives (FSC)/Land
Assistance Fund (LAF) (consisting predominantly of Black farmers), Organic
Valley Co-op and Maple Valley Co-operative, both of which have farmer-
members in New England.

Suzette Snow-Cobb (she/her) has been involved with food co-ops since the
mid 1980’s. Prior to joining the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA),
she worked for Franklin Community Co-op for 20 years and served on the
board of NFCA. Suzette currently serves on the board of the Valley Co-
operative Business Association and as Stakeholder Director for Valley Alliance
of Worker Co-ops board and holds a Master of Management in Co-operatives
& Credit Unions from Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 15 | SESSION ONE

Regina Beidler (she/her) Regina’s relationship with Organic Valley extends
for more than 20 years where she and her husband, Brent, were active dairy
farmer members for 18 years. Currently, Regina is the Member Program
Specialist, working with the staff veterinarians, sustainability, certification
and farmer events staff to assess and produce information relevant to the
membership.

Cecil Wright (he/him) has always had a passion for creating economic
models that support fair and equitable livelihoods for all. He is a long-time
maple farmer and currently farms 40 acres in Southwest Wisconsin. In 2007,
he Co-Founded Maple Valley Cooperative and he is currently the interim
President and a board member. Cecil is also on the board of the Organically
Grown Company, a $180M trust-owned independent distributor of organic
produce supporting farms of all sizes. Cecil has extensive organization and
industry leadership experience. Today he is a member of over ten co-ops
and has been on the boards of multiple local, regional and national co-ops
and stewardship-owned businesses. Cecil has advised and co-founded
biodiesel, health care, food, beef, multi-stakeholder, produce and many other
cooperatives.

Justin Cain (he/him) has been with Maple Valley Cooperative for over
three years. He oversees all aspects of operations including production,
certification, quality assurance and facility and farmer member management.
His previous experience encompasses organic food manufacturing,
plant management, supervision, food safety and dairy, sales and retail
management, e-commerce and website development. Justin is a Wisconsin
licensed pasteurizer and is FSPCA (Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance)
certified and a Hazard Analysis and Critical Controls, Process Control
Qualified Individual (HACCP PCQI). He is also certified in HTST, First Aid, CPR,
Bloodborne Pathogens and is a CNA.

Terence Courtney (he/him) Born and raised in Atlanta, Terence has been
an advocate for equity for more than twenty years. In his role at FSC, he
works closely with regional staff, cooperative members and the public
in cooperative development. In this capacity he provides organizational
leadership, resource development, training, and education. He also assists
FSC in managing international strategic initiatives as well as national and
regional projects.

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9:00-10:30am

Simple Season Extension for the Market Gardener All Levels

Zoom 9

Grow and harvest fresh vegetables into the winter months using timed
planting schedules, cold tolerant varieties, and simple unheated row covers
and structures. By using these techniques and combining them with proper
vegetable storage, you will have enough of your own produce to provide
for a small CSA or vend at a farmers’ market all winter long. This workshop is
intended for growers who have limited, or no, heated growing space.

Jen Burt (they/them) has been the Farm Steward at Dismas Family Farm for
nine years. The working non-profit farm provides a residential safe haven for
formerly incarcerated men. They do four season cultivation of two acres of
vegetables using organic practices. Jen is passionate about winter growing
to spread out workload and fresh produce and loves observing the resilience
of plants.

Organic Machinery for No-Till and Weed Control All Levels

Zoom 10

Farmers are ever more aware that growing begins with good soil, but
efficient, effective weed management is still an essential challenge for
organic growers. Over 35 years in biodynamic farming, Ana and Jos used
plant husbandry, animal rotation, composting and shallow cultivation to
succeed. Over time they developed their use of shallow tillage tools to build
up organic matter, reduce weeds and labor and lead to happier, healthier
soils and people. In this workshop they will compare critical differences in
early mechanization with innovations over the last 15 years, helping you find
and use the right tools for agriculture that respects the earth.

Ana Pelgröm (she/her), A fourth generation olive oil farmer and passionate
vegetable gardener, Ana began farming organically in Greece in 1998. Though
she stopped farming in 2016 to co-found Man@Machine, farming and farmers
continue to be a part of her life.

Jos Pelgröm (he/him) is a pioneer organic farmer from the northeast Polder
in the Netherlands, growing since 1978. He served as Director of School
Warmonderhof, Demeter International and Loverendale Farm, the oldest
biodynamic farm in the Netherlands. before founding Man@Machine with his
wife Ana.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 15 | SESSION TWO

Achieving a Living Wage for Farmers and Farmworkers -

A Discussion
Zoom 1 All Levels

What will it take to transform work on organic farms into respected careers,
with livable compensation and dignified livelihoods for both farmers and
farm workers? Elizabeth Henderson of the Agricultural Justice Project will
introduce a few farmers who will discuss the place of fair wages in their
operations, then open the floor to discussion between panelists and
audience. Talk through how farms could pay more in wages, adjust to rising
wage requirements, increase cooperation on (and between) farms, minimize
risks and fluctuation, command fair prices and communicate their necessity
to consumers.

Elizabeth Henderson (she/her) farmed at Peacework Farm in Wayne County,
New York, producing organically grown vegetables for one of the first CSA’s
in the state. She co-chairs the NOFA Interstate Council Policy Committee,
represents NOFA on the Board of the Agricultural Justice Project and is the
delegate to IFOAM-OI. She serves as Honorary President of Urgenci, the
International CSA Network. She blogs at https://thepryingmantis.wordpress.com

Brittany Overshiner (she/her) is the co-owner and farmer at Upswing Farm,
now in Pepperell, MA. She has started two farms in the last decade, and
moved her current farm 3 times due to land tenure issues, growing all the
while to a year-round vegetable CSA, with 450 members in peak season.

Jen Salinetti (she/her) For the past 17 years, Jen has been actively involved
as a vegetable grower and educator in the Berkshires. She co-owns and
operates Woven Roots Farm, a CSA and community wholesale operation
focused on bio-intensive growing using no-till and regenerative farming
practices. Jen has been a member of NOFA/Mass since college and now
serves as board secretary and proud no-till representative.

Need help? Can’t find a session? Visit our Help Center
and chat with a support member of our registration team.

46

11:00am-12:30pm

A Local Indigenous Relationship with the Land All Levels

Zoom 2

Andre StrongBearHeart and his younger kin will offer a welcome song and
speak on the reciprocal relationship the Nipmuc people have with the land,
so that all present can have the things they need. Nipmuc people still harvest
and hunt much of what they have for the past 12,000+ years, but now face
regulations, clear-cutting, pollution and other challenges. What has been
harvested and what is its importance? How can we ally and move forward
together? He will offer a snake dance to acknowledge medicinal plants and all
things without legs, and will describe the crucial interconnectivity between
bioregions of indigenous peoples and how this can shape our future.

Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. (he/him) is a citizen of the Nipmuc people.
He serves as a cultural steward for his Tribe, is a father, public speaker,
traditional dancer, Indigenous activist for Indigenous rights, carpenter and
educator. Andre’s work focuses on bringing traditional knowledge back
to Indigenous peoples, including brain-tanning hides and making drums,
buckskin and blankets. Family, culture and traditions are at the core of his life.

Planning to Adapt to Climate Change Beginner

Zoom 3

How will you adjust your farming practices to weather the climate crisis?
Discuss some of the commonly recommended adaptations for farmers
looking to be profitable while facing extreme weather shifts and estimate the
financial impact of those changes on your farm profits. Learn from The Carrot
Project’s business advisors and get resources for additional one-on-one
support for developing your farm business plan.

Jeff Cole (he/him) is a 9th generation farmer with over 25 years experience.
He has deep roots in agriculture and focuses on creating systemic change
through collaboration, education, and building networks of support. In
addition to being The Carrot Project’s Client Services Specialist, he also
works part time as the MA Food System Collaborative’s Agricultural Network
Coordinator. More recently, Jeff has opened his farm’s land and infrastructure
to beginning, immigrant, and refugee farmers. He has a degree in Economics
from Bates College.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 15 | SESSION TWO

The Power of Collaboration in Local Food Systems All Levels

Zoom 4

Bridge the gap between local farms and regional buyers, increasing healthy
food access and bringing growth and stability to farms. FarmFED Cooperative
is establishing a processing facility for small farmers in Central Illinois.
Learn about the business and community foundation that has enabled their
progress, including a unique agreement with the municipality, as well as
the system they’ve designed for local purchasing, processing, storage and
distribution to local institutions and larger retailers. Discuss the relevance of
this model to our region in Massachusetts.

Apolo J. Cátala (he/him) has been a lifelong community advocate, first in
30 years of law and community development before a trip to Puerto Rico
brought home the importance of local agriculture. He leads the farm for
OASIS on Ballou where he brings financial management and design skills
to food access, nutrition, sustainability, consumer education and reentry
initiatives.

Think Like A Vegetable Beginner

Zoom 5

Develop your “Plant Empathy”. Understanding the needs and preferences of
the vegetables you’re growing will result in healthier and more productive
plants. Learn your plant’s favorite soil conditions, growing temperature,
seeding, transplanting, spacing, support, watering, mulching, and pest and
disease prevention. This workshop is suited for home gardeners and offers
basic advice for success with common vegetables grown in the Northeast.

Christie Higginbottom (she/her) coordinated the horticulture program
at Old Sturbridge Village for over thirty years, researching, planning and
planting kitchen gardens, ornamental gardens and the Village’s Herb Garden
collection. Now retired from full-time work, she continues to teach home
gardening classes and to consult on historic gardens.

48

11:00am-12:30pm

Understanding Water Quality for Food Safety on Produce Farms
Zoom 6 All Levels

Contaminated irrigation water is suspected to have played a role in recent
outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Assessing the microbial quality of water
used in produce growing operations is an important practice for farmers
to understand food safety risks, comply with regulations, and prevent
foodborne illness. This workshop will cover why and how to sample
agricultural water for food safety. It will also provide an update on the current
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) provisions related to water.

Lisa McKeag (she/her) is an educator with the UMass Extension Vegetable
Program. She works with commercial vegetable growers throughout
Massachusetts on topics such as Integrated Pest Management and Produce
Safety, including understanding and meeting the requirements of the Food
Safety Modernization Act.

NOFA Organic Land Care Program All Levels

Zoom 7

What does ‘organic’ mean in the context of landscaping? Prior to the NOFA
Organic Land Care Program’s development, the ‘organic’ term was only
regulated within agriculture and did not define parameters for land care
professionals. NOFA now oversees an accreditation program that offers
professional credentials to landscapers who want to show professional
competency in organic and sustainable landscaping, based on the NOFA
Standards for Organic Land Care. Learn about the NOFA Accreditation
Program, how you can earn credentials in Organic Land Care, and what the
future holds for Organic Landscapers across the country.

Jeremy Pelletier (he/him) is originally from the Big Island of Hawai’i and
moved to Connecticut in 2012 to pursue a graduate degree in Global
Sustainability from Central Connecticut State University. He is a graduate
of the University of Hawaii’s Geography and Environment Department and
Central Connecticut State University’s Geography Department where his
graduate research was in human mobility and climate change. He is currently
the Director of Operations and The Organic Land Care Program at CT NOFA.

Sefra Alexandra (she/her), the Seed Huntress, leads the Ecotype Project for 49
CT NOFA, fortifying a truly local native seed supply chain ecoregionally in
the Northeast with organic farmers. To spread the word (and seeds) about
ecological restoration through rewilding our living seed banks, the soil, she
promotes backyard expeditions through BOATanical.org, putting the right
plants in the right place.

SATURDAY JANUARY 15 | SESSION TWO

A Yoga-Rooted Approach to Building Wellness through Farm Work
Zoom 8 All Levels

This inclusive “self-care for farmers 101” workshop offers farmers simple
& effective strengthening exercises, postural awareness, and stretches to
best sustain the important work we do, avoiding injuries and burnouts.
Most exercises can be done on the job, others with the support of blankets
or pillows, all without any fancy yoga mat, clothes or props. During this
workshop Julie will guide you through a sample movement practice
introducing some of her postural basics, strengthening exercises for
vulnerable areas and targeted stretches for overworked muscles. Participants
will receive a printable handout to help you take this practice into your
everyday life.

Julie Bradley-Low (she/her) began her yoga instruction 10 years ago with
an emphasis on Anatomy & Therapeutics. Farming since 2011, she now owns
and manages a regenerative micro CSA farm raising heritage livestock. As her
needs grew due to the strain of farming and childbirth, Julie turned her yoga
practice towards developing her body through farming and has been sharing her
practices through publications, workshops, conferences and individual coaching.

Regenerative Poultry Production Systems Intermediate

Zoom 10

Scaling up your chicken operation to commercial capacity can be difficult.
By integrating poultry into your crop and pasture rotation, you’ll be able
to see clear, humane paths forward, and reach larger markets. Reginaldo
Haslett-Marroquin brings an Indigenous-based approach to managing poultry
(by incorporating birds back into their natural environment) and to business
structure (by aggregating small farms and scaling our collective impact for a
new, regenerative industry). In this workshop we will lay out a regenerative
poultry production protocol and share the planning that is underway at the
Regenerative Agriculture Alliance to scale up this system throughout the
United States, and internationally.

Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin began working on economic development
with indigenous Guatemalan communities in 1988. He was a founder of
the Fair-Trade Federation, is Board VP for MOSES, is an owner-founder of
Regeneration Farms LLC, and founder and president of the Regenerative
Agriculture Alliance. Regi farms at Salvatierra Farms in Northfield, Minnesota
and recently published In the Shadow of Green Man.
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