The Cheshire County Conservation District and the Hannah Grimes Center are partnering to offer two forums focusing on the experiences and needs of farmers in the Monadnock Region on Thursday, February 11, 2010 10am - 1pm and Wednesday, February 24, 2010 10am - 1pm at the Keene Public Library in Keene.  In these sessions, farmers are the educators.  The format will follow a fishbowl discussion designed to provide a safe space for groups of farmers (aspiring, beginning and established) to talk candidly about their experience and the kinds of services that they believe can contribute to the success of their business.  The forums will also give service providers (organizations and businesses trying to address farmers' needs) the opportunity to listen, observe and learn.  The goal of these forums is to encourage creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. February 11, 2010: Focusing on Farmers' Business & Technical Needs, 10am - 1pm, Keene Public Library, Herberton Hall.  Register at: http://www.hannahgrimes.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=277.  For more information contact: jen@hannahgrimes.com; 603-352-5063. February 24, 2010: Focusing on Farmers' Labor Compensation and Workforce Housing Needs, 10 am - 1pm, Keene Public Library, Kay Fox Room. Register at: http://www.hannahgrimes.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=292.  For more information contact: amanda.costello@nh.nacdnet.net; 603-756-2988 ext.116. Each forum is open to 15 farmers and 10 service providers.  These Focus Groups are made possible through a mini-grant from the University of Vermont Extension.

Since 1997, Hannah Grimes has successfully developed a grass-roots model that focuses on supporting creative entrepreneurs as a means to a thriving local economy.  Hannah Grimes Center provides a comprehensive set of programs and projects that support and create infrastructure for small producers, farmers, craftspeople and consumers to create a vibrant community woven together by commerce and culture.  For more information about Hannah Grimes, visit http://www.hannahgrimes.com or call the Hannah Grimes Center at 603-352-5063. The Cheshire County Conservation District promotes the conservation and sustainable use of our natural resources for the people of Cheshire County by bringing individuals and groups with common environmental interests together to share ideas, resources, and information.  Established in 1945, the Conservation District operates out of Walpole NH where we work alongside the Natural Resource Conservation Service and other conservation partners.  For more information, contact Amanda Costello at 603-756-2988 ext.116 or email at amanda.costello@nh.nacdnet.net. # # #