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03.11.10 | Monadnock Region Farmers' Labor Needs Focus Group

RESCHEDULED:
Focusing on Monadnock Region Farmers' Labor Needs

 

KEENE, NH - The Cheshire County Conservation District & the Hannah Grimes Center rescheduled the forum Focusing on Farmers' Labor Compensation and Workforce Housing Needs to Thursday, March 11, 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.

March 11, 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.

This forum is open to 15 farmers and 10 service providers.  The Focus Group is made possible through a mini-grant from the University of Vermont Extension.

03.12.10 | Introduction To Permaculture (Fri-Sun) Hancock, NH

Introduction To Permaculture
Weekend Intensive
Friday - Sunday, March 12-14
Sargent Center for Outdoor Education, Hancock

This weekend long intensive workshop will delve into the guiding principles, and the processes used to analyze a site's characteristics in order to create a design. Homeowners, farmers, gardeners, design professionals, and community organizers will find this course especially useful. This intensive weekend workshop will energize you with the knowledge and the network that will enable you to begin practicing Permaculture at home and in your community!

Workshop Registration $195 - $310 (3 options).  For more information or a Registration Form, contact kbied@naturesclassroom.org;
http://northeasternpermaculture.wikispaces.com.

03.12.10 | 2010 Northeast Rural Summit (Mon & Tue) Burlington

 

 
"*Generating Rural Innovation and Regional Partnership"*
 
 
      Join us at the *Northeast Rural Summit*, to take place at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Burlington Vermont on *April 12 and 13, 2010*, and *share in setting new regional directions, designing key strategies, and building partnerships in service to rural communities throughout the northeast*.
 
The Summit is designed to share best regional and place-based practices and build strategic partnerships among state Rural Development offices and rural leadership organizations throughout the region. Partners for Rural America, the national association of State Rural Development Councils, has been contracted by USDA Rural Development to convene four regional strategic action planning sessions to unite regional and place-based efforts to advance community and economic development. The Northeast region is defined by USDA RD to include the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.
 
Register today and join regional USDA leaders, state agency leaders, non-profit and business leaders from throughout the northeastern United States for two days of strategic planning around four crucial directions for the rural northeast:
 
     * *Food Systems*: Local Foods Development and Regional Foods Systems
     * *Energy*: Advancing Efficiency, Generation and Fuel Development
     * *Broadband*: Global Opportunities & Rural Lifestyles
     * *Rural Economic Development*: Investment in Innovation
 
 
 
      *When*      Monday April 12th ~ 8:00am to 4:45pm (evening reception 6-8pm)
Tuesday April 13th ~ 8:00am to 2:00pm
 
      *Where*     Burlington Hilton Hotel
Burlington, Vermont
 
      *Fee* *$150* ~ includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner reception
featuring Vermont foods and all workshop sessions
 
*CLICK HERE to Register
 
-OR-
 
View Event Website for More Information
Registration deadline: March 29, 2010
 
Feel free to contact us for more information at 802-223-6091 or info@vtrural.org
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Having trouble with the link? Simply copy and paste the entire address listed below into your web browser:
03.13.10 | Gorgeous Gardens & Green Living Show (Manchester,VT)

 

Building on the success and momentum of the Vermont Flower Show, the VNLA (Vermont Nursery & Lanscape Assoiciation) announces Gorgeous Gardens & Green Living, a brand new show to premier in Manchester, Vermont. This first annual consumer event will draw attendees and vendors from Vermont and all over New England. The show will be held March 13 & 14, 2010 at The Riley Rink in Manchester, Vermont and is open to the public on Saturday, March 13th from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday March 14th from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
Gorgeous Gardens & Green Living is presented by Green Works, Vermont Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA), a non-profit statewide organization, dedicated to educating, the sharing of ideas and information, and advocating for environmental horticulture in Vermont. Please visit www.greenworksvermont.org to learn more about our members.
 
Highlights of the 2010 Gorgeous Gardens & Green Living
•Four Central Landscaped Displays filled with the sights and smells of Spring!
•25 seminars and workshops to choose on horticulture, agriculture, and sustainable homes and gardens
•Keynote Presentation by Julie Moir Messervy award-winning landscape designer, lecturer, and author of Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love
•Over 40 vendors including Garden Centers, Landscapers, Artists, Jewelry, Composting Supplies, Garden Accessories, Tools, Herbalists, Organic Farmers, Bee Keepers, Home Orchardists, Local Vineyard, Wind Energy, Solar Panels, Energy Efficient Home Building Products, Green Roofs, and Educational Exhibits. Interested in securing a booth - contact Janice Valgoi at Janice@delaneymeetingevent.com.
Riley ParkManchester, VT
Contact Phone: 
888-518-6484
03.13.10 | Norwich Winter Farmers' Market

Held at Tracy Hall (on the green)  Mar 13, and Apr 10 for local/organic produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, handicrafts, baked goods, and breakfast/lunch foods. (1o am-1pm_

Regularly available products: Early winter season produce includes: potatoes, red and green cabbage, onions, spinach, lettuce heads, parsley, beets, carrots, winter squash, swiss chard, celery, turnips, garlic, leeks. Regular offerings are cheese, yogurt, beef, pork, and often lamb and chicken, plus maple, honey, jams, all kinds of pickles, bath & body products, jewelry, pottery, wooden bowls, greeting cards, dried flowers, other crafts, baked goods, pies, sandwiches, soups.
Events: Live music at Jan-April markets
Vendors:

See our website for vendors:
Services: Open Rain or Shine, Wheelchair accessible, Parking available, Bathroom available
03.13.10 | Brattleboro winter Farmers' Mkt

 

Mar-13-2010, 10:00AM - 03:00PM - Brattleboro, VT

If you are tired of cutting, splitting, hauling, or just looking at firewood, come to the Winter Farmers' Market on March 13 and see wood in a whole new light. Working with wood is the theme this week at the market.
 

Wkly Nov-Dec; alternate wks Jan 2-Mar 27
River Garden 157 Main St.
Intersection of Main St and High St in the heart of downtown Brattleboro
 

The beautiful River Garden in the heart of downtown Brattleboro becomes a vibrant community oasis on market days. Locals and tourists alike come for fresh local foods; families and friends relax over lunch and enjoy the view of the Connecticut River.

Regularly available products: In addition to fresh local produce, visitors to our Winter Farmers' Market will find locally raised grass-fed meats, eggs, fresh baked goods and sweet treats, jams, jellies and other local preserves; granola, cider, honey, maple syrup and more.

 

 

See our list of vendors at www.postoilsolutions.org/farmersmarkets/2009wfm/wintermarketvendors.

 

Services: Weekly events, Open Rain or Shine, EBT cards accepted, Wheelchair accessible, Bus stop nearby, Bathroom available

 

postoilsolutions.org/farmersmarkets/2009wfm

03.14.10 | Cooking with Vermont Cheeses - Brookfield, VT

March 14, 2010
Cooking with Vermont Cheeses
Ariel’s Restaurant
Brookfield, VT
We'll explore some of the finest Cheeses from Vermont in appetizer, entree and dessert applications. An appetizer of Vermont Goat Cheese Souffl's, an entree of tenderloin of beef accompanied with Bayley Hazen Blue Cheese Scalloped Potatoes and a fresh cheese and Vermont yogurt based mousse with Vermont honey for dessert will be accompanied by a wine selection fit for a very special celebration or a cozy romantic dinner. Allison Hooper of Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery and Calley Hastings of Fat Toad Farm will be there to talk about cheesemaking as well! Contact for mor info: arielsrestaurant@yahoo.com 802-276-3939

03.14.10 | Post Oil Solutions Annual Cold Frame Workshop - Brattleboro, VT
As it is with Spring, itself, Post Oil Solutions annual cold frame workshop appears around this time of year to demonstrate how people can get an early jump on the growing season. This year, the workshop will be held on Sunday, March 14, 1:00 PM, at the Rotch Building, Kipling Road, School for International Training. Our fee is a sliding scale, $2/$20, with no one refused for lack of funds. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, however: please call 641.715.3900, ext. 85789 to leave your registration information. Please note: Unregistered admissions at the door will be charged $20, firm, and admitted only if there is room. Light refreshments will be provided. The simple glass covered wooden frame was a state of the art growing device 100 years ago. It can be used throughout all four seasons and provides a simple alternative to a free-standing greenhouse. Through slides and discussion, the basics of cold frame operation will be presented as a way to extend the season both in spring and fall. A modern evolution of the cold frame now made from aluminum hoops and greenhouse grade plastic will be shown. In the late summer 2010 Cold Frame Workshop participants will be able to make their own hoop-style cold frame for use that fall and the following spring. Our workshop will again be led by Post Oil's garden guru, and designer of our (Re)learning series, Robert King. Robert has worked with many “master gardeners” over the past 40 years. His interests include sustainable agriculture as found in Rudolf Steiner’s Bio-Dynamic scientific/organic methods, Shaker agriculture, and low-tech appropriate technology (including hand tools). Additionally, we are offering a companion "textbook" to accompany our workshops. Published by the University of Maine, Smart Gardener: A Learning Guide for Home Vegetable Grower is an invaluable 72-page learning guide that will teach you how to make the most of your home vegetable gardens, large and small. Each of the 12 lessons focuses on a specific aspect of gardening know-how, such as soil, seeds, garden design, mulches and weeds, and is a very useful supplement to our workshops. We will be selling this at the workshop for $6. For information about additional workshop offerings in the months ahead, please go to www.postoilsolutions.org.
03.15.10 | New England Farm Energy Conference - Manchester, NH

NEW ENGLAND FARM ENERGY CONFERENCE Radisson Hotel, Manchester, NH Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mike Morris, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). Mike Morris works with farmers, ranchers, and communities on more sustainable ways of using energy and water. He is especially interested in irrigation, solar energy, and small-scale biofuels. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh, and has taught at colleges and universities in Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, specializ- ing in ethics, technology, and the environment. Mike’s keynote address will focus on assessing on-farm energy options. There will be two concurrent tracks of presentations over two days of the conference.: Oilseeeds and Biodiesel and Greenhouse Ef?ciency and Renewable Energy. CONTACT: www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/out-croppings

03.16.10 | "Raw Milk Revolution" Presentation by David Gumpert - New London

 

"The right to healthy food is the new civil rights movement!"
 
Author David Gumpert will be doing a presentation on his book "THE RAW MILK REVOLUTION - Behind America's Emerging Battle Over Food Rights" on Tuesday March 16th at 7pm at Tracy Library in New London.  Got milk? We'll be sampling some delicious local raw milk. There is no charge for this event.
 
"A highly readable expose that successfully captures how the controversy over raw milk is at the center of a larger battle between the industrial food system and the local food movement."  Peter Kennedy, President Farmer-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund
 
"The raw milk underground is one of the most contentious battlefields in the revolution to reclaim our food from industrialization, over-processing, and corporate control."  Sandor Katz, author of Wild Fermentation
 
"On the one side it's a disturbing story involving dubious police tactics, questionable lab results, and marginally legal investigation techniques, with young children used as political pawns in a highly charged atmosphere of fear and retribution; on the other, it inspires by introducing us to heroes and heroines, fighting for one of the most fundamental of liberties - the right to choose our food."  book cover
 
"David Gumpert has chronicled the Raw Milk War with insight and humor."  Sally Fallon Morell, President, The Weston A. Price Foundation
 
David E. Gumpert is a journalist who specializes in covering the intersection of health and business. His popular blog, www.thecompletepatient.com has chronicled the increasingly unsettling battles over raw milk. He has authored or coauthored seven books on various aspects of entrepreneurship and business and previously been a reporter and editor with Inc. Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review.
 
PLEASE JOIN US for this informative and fun evening. Bring your friends too! 
03.17.10 | Newly Released Organic Pasture Rule - Webinar

A Look at the Newly Released Organic Pasture Rule - Webinar by eOrganic

 
 
March 17, 2010 - 5:00pm - 6:15pm

 

On February 12, 2010, the USDA announced details of the final 
> > > regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock 
> > > operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) 
> > > regulations to clarify livestock feed and living conditions 
> > > provisions and specify the use of pasture in raising organic 
> > > ruminants. The final rule is the culmination of a process that was 
> > > initiated in 2005 when the National Organic Standards Board 
> > > recommended that ruminants obtain a minimum 30 percent dry matter 
> > > intake for at least 120 days. The final rule becomes effective on 
> > > June 17, 2010 (120 days after its publication).
> > >
> > > In this webinar, Dr. Kerry R. Smith of the USDA AMS National 
> > > Organic Program, will give an overview of the main components of 
> > > the Pasture Rule. The webinar will end with instructions for 
> > > submitting comments viewers may have on the new Rule to the NOP, 
> > > as well as taking suggestions for further webinars on this topic.

 

On February 12, 2010, the USDA announced details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to clarify livestock feed and living conditions provisions and specify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants. The final rule is the culmination of a process that was initiated in 2005 when the National Organic Standards Board recommended that ruminants obtain a minimum 30 percent dry matter intake for at least 120 days. The final rule becomes effective on June 17, 2010 (120 days after its publication).

In this webinar, Dr. Kerry R. Smith of the USDA AMS National Organic Program, will give an overview of the main components of the Pasture Rule. The webinar will end with instructions for submitting comments viewers may have on the new Rule to the NOP, as well as taking suggestions for further webinars on this topic.

 
Website: 

Reserve Your Webinar Seat Now!

 


Thanks to NOFA VT

 
03.17.10 | Planting Medicinal Herbs to Keep your Plants and Yourself Healthy-Woodstock

Planting Medicinal Herbs to Keep Your Plants and Yourself Healthy

By Carol Stedman

 

Carol Stedman, owner of the Clay Hill Corners Garden and a natural health consultant, will be offering a workshop on planting Medicinal Herbs in your garden to enhance your plants and your health.  She will be discussing the various healing qualities of herbs, whether to make teas or tinctures and where to plant them in your garden for maximum benifit to your plants.

For more information contact: Sally Miller | spmiller@gmail.com | 457-2911 | http://sustainablewoodstock.com

03.18.10 | Fitzwilliam Agricultural Commission Public Hearing


Thursday, March 18, 6pm
Fitzwilliam Town Hall, Fitzwilliam

The meeting will be at 7pm.  There will be a presentation on agricultural commissions and an opportunity to ask questions and share opinions.  Please come to learn more and show your support if you are a resident of Fitzwilliam.  The meeting will be at the Fitzwilliam Town Hall, in the lower meeting room. It is the first room on the right as you pass through the double doors after entering the building. For more information contact the Conservation District at 603-756-2988 ext. 116 or Amanda.costello@nh.nacdnet.net.

03.18.10 | "The Real Dirt on Farmer John" - Woodstock

 

Here's a wonderful opportunity to see a film about a farmer's life and meet local farmers!

"The Real Dirt on Farmer John" will be showing at the Woodstock Town Hall Theater on March18th, at 7:30 PM.

It's the epic tale of an unconventional farmer who transforms his failing family farm into a revolutionary new form of agriculture.  This film has won 34 national and international film festival awards.

It is sponsored by Sustainable Woodstock, and they are inviting as many farmers in this area as they can contact to come and be honored, and meet the rest of the community.

Admission is by donation, and local popcorn and local cider will be served.

(Thanks to Kye Cochran, for Transition Town White River Junction)

 
03.19.10 | Budding Explorers: Sugaring Time - Keene

Sponsors 2009Budding Explorers: Sugaring Time
Stonewall Farm
Friday, March 19, 9:30 - 11am
Stonewall Farm, Keene

We will check out the sap buckets to see if the sap is running and make maple leaf art. Maybe the farmer will be boiling maple sap into syrup! It wouldn't be sugaring time at the Farm without a tasty treat of ice cream and maple syrup.  The cost of the program is $15/child for each meeting ($12/meeting for members) and you may sign up for as few or as many sessions as you'd like.  Pre-registration is required, call Rebecca at 603-357-7278; http://www.stonewallfarm.org/toddler.html.

03.20.10 | Pruning & Grafting Workshop (Dummerston)

On March 20th, Scott Farm will host a pruning and grafting workshop for back yard fruit growers from 9 am – Noon.  Participants will receive instruction while pruning a variety of old and young fruit trees from 9 -11am and hands-on practice grafting apple trees from 11 -12pm.  This class will discuss caring for their trees, the proper tools to use and will give participants the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to work on their own fruit trees at home.  The fee is $40.00 and reservations are necessary. Participants are encouraged to bring their own tools if possible.  For more information, directions or to reserve a space, call 802-254-6868 or email scottfrm@sover.net.

 

For more information contact: Kelly Carlin | scottfrm@sover.net | 802-254-6868 | http://www.scottfarmvermont.com

03.20.10 | Lebanon Winter Farmers' Mkt

Lebanon United Methodist Church, 18 School St
Saturday, 10-1

The Lebanon Winter Farmers' Market is a great way to enjoy local products year round. Enjoy fine local products, prepared foods and crafts at every market.

Regularly available products: Come to the Winter Market to find vegetables, eggs, cheese, meat, preserves, prepared foods and crafts.
Events: Enjoy live music and craft demonstrations as well as other special events at every market.
 

Services: Weekly events, Open Rain or Shine, EBT cards accepted, WIC coupons accepted, Wheelchair accessible, Bus stop nearby, Parking available, Bathroom available

Contact Info:
Amy Miller, Market Coordinator
51 North Park Street
Lebanon, NH 03766
(603) 448-5121/(704) 996-0705    f-(603) 448-1496
farmersmarket@lebcity.com
lebanonfarmersmarket.org

03.20.10 | Starting Your Own Seedlings - Lebanon

 

The Canillas Community Garden at CCBA in Lebanon is sponsoring the following UNH Cooperative Extension workshop:

Starting Your Own Seedlings
March 20, 2010
10:30 - Noon
Lebanon Library

Are you thinking about starting your own seedlings for your garden this year for the first time?  Have you had difficulty growing seedlings in the past and want to try to increase your chances of success?  Are you wondering if you have enough light to grow seedlings, and what to do if you don't?  Come to this workshop to learn about when and how to start your own seedlings, as well as when they are ready to be transplanted into the garden and how to keep them healthy and thriving until then.  Heather Bryant and Arianne Fosdick with UNH Cooperative Extension will be our guest speakers for this workshop.  Bring yourself and your questions
Heather Bryant
Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources
UNH Cooperative Extension
3855 Dartmouth College Highway
No. Haverhill, NH  03774-4909

Tel.    603-787-6944
Fax.    603-787-2009
http://extension.unh.edu/Counties/Grafton/Grafton.htm
03.20.10 | National Agriculture Day (Montpelier)

 

Saturday March 20, 2010
 
10:30 am – 2 pm
Vermont Statehouse, MONTPELIER
Vermont’s farmers, hunters, anglers, culinary and food education organizations, historical societies, farm and food focused artisans and statewide associations, school children and farm youth organizations will be showcasing Vermont’s farm and food heritage through a parade, vendor booths, farm & food samples, live music, and more! Come visit the Rural Vermont booth! For more info, email organizer Diane Konrady at diane@SliceofVermont.com.
03.20.10 | Keene Winter Farmers' Market

Saturday, March 20, Noon - 4pm
Stonewall Farm, Keene

Excellent vegetables from Stonewall Farm's root cellar (potatoes, carrots, garlic, onions, turnip, celeriac) and fresh greens as well as local eggs, beef, lamb, pork, sausages, bacon and pot pies as well as alpaca fleece, felted hats, granola, jewelry, soap and more; http://www.stonewallfarm.org.


03.20.10 | High Mowing Seeds Social & Open House - Wolcott

 

This fun, FREE and informative event will provide an opportunity for growers to gather and learn more about vegetable varieties and the process of commercial seed production and distribution. High Mowing Organic Seeds’ founder and seedsman Tom Stearns will offer an overview of seed production happening here in Vermont and afar, accompanied by a tour of the facility, slide show, and pot-luck get-together. 
the High Mowing Warehouse
Rte 15

Wolcott, VT

March 20, 2010 - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Cost: 
Free
Website: 
High Mowing Seeds
Contact: 
High Mowing Seeds
Contact Phone: 
802-472-6174
03.24.10 | Using Facebook as a Marketing Tool for Farm Businesses - Online via Webinar
USING FACEBOOK AS A MARKETING TOOL FOR FARM BUSINESSES. Online via webinar Learn about using Facebook as a marketing tool through two free webinars offered by the University of Vermont Extension Women’s Agricultural Network (WAgN). These two on-line sessions are designed for farm business owners and employees who are not yet using Facebook, or people who have just started to use social networking and want to make better use of them to promote their businesses. Topics include: why use Facebook as a marketing tool; differences between personal pro?les and business pro?les; privacy considerations; setting up your ac- count; how to engage with others; and methods to increase followers organically. CONTACT: Women’s Agricultural Network, (802) 223-2389 x15, wagn@uvm.edu, www.uvm.edu/wagn
03.24.10 | Late Blight of Tomatoes and Potatoes - Plainfield, NH

 

March 24: Late Blight of Tomatoes and Potatoes :   The  biggest
question asked of any of us on the farm ever since its unwanted arrival early summer of 2009. We will best try to convey to you what it is, what makes it such a troublesome enemy, the best strategies for dealing with it, and what the future looks like if it really settles in.

Edgewater Farm

99 River Rd
Plainfield, NH 03781
(603) 298-5764/(603) 298-8391 

03.27.10 | 3rd Annual Jr Iron Chef (Essex Jct., VT)

 

3rd Annual Jr Iron Chef VT
March 27, 2010
Champlain Valley Expo
Essex Junction, VT

 

http://www.jrironchefvt.org/events.php?page=schedule

03.27.10 | NH Maple Weekend (Sat & Sun)


Sponsors 2009NH Maple Weekend
New Hampshire Maple Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, March 27 & 28
Cheshire County & State-Wide

Over 65 sugar houses across the state will welcome visitors.
Learn how maple syrup is made and its history. Taste free samples and enjoy a pancake breakfast, a horsedrawn ride, sap collecting, petting zoos, musical entertainment and more. Enjoy the sweet smell of maple steam rising from the evaporator and the ambiance of a working sugar house. For a list of participating sugar houses and what they are offering, check our website after mid-March or call 603-225-3757.

03.27.10 | Fifield's Sugar House Open House, Mar 27 & 28 (Strafford, VT)

Our Open House week-end this year is March 27th & 28th 2010  9:00 am till 3:00 pm

Fifield's Sugar House
Strafford, VT
(802) 333-9576 fifieldsmaple@wavecomm.com
03.27.10 | Sugarbush Farm Maple Open House

Join in celebrating maple season at Sugarbush Farm. Boiling goes on most of the month of March but the open house maple weekend is celebrated at sugar houses all over the state. Free admission to the farm where folks can visit the sugar house and watch the sap being boiled into syrup. Nothing is added-no coloring, no preservative, no sugar. Visit the cheese packing room for samples of 15 kinds of cheese, taste the 4 grades of maple syrup and enjoy other Vermont products made with maple syrup such as candy, mustards, spreads and sauces. Maple weekend is Friday March  26th through Sunday March 28th from 9 to 5 each day.

 

Outdoors folks can walk the maple nature trail to see the sap dripping out of the tree and how it looks like water when it first flows. Be sure to wear you boots as maple season  also means mud season. Since sap only flows when temperatures are about 20 at night and 45 during the day, you  might want to call ahead to see the actual boiling schedule as it varies along with the weather.  802 457 1757  .  Sugaring  notes will also be posted on the Sugarbush Farm Face book page.

 

For more information contact: Betsy Luce | betsy_sugarbush@wildblue.net | 802 457 1757 | http://www.sugarbushfarm.com

03.27.10 | Brattleboro Winter Farmers' Market

 

Winter Farmers' Market - 3rd Annual CSA Fair

Mar-27-2010 10:00AM - 03:00PM - Brattleboro, VT

Join us for the 3rd Annual CSA Fair. What could be a more fitting way to close out the 4th successful season of the Winter Farmers' Market than to help ensure your connection to local food continues through the 2010 harvest season.

 

River Garden 157 Main St.
Intersection of Main St and High St in the heart of downtown Brattleboro
 

The beautiful River Garden in the heart of downtown Brattleboro becomes a vibrant community oasis on market days. Locals and tourists alike come for fresh local foods; families and friends relax over lunch and enjoy the view of the Connecticut River.

Regularly available products: In addition to fresh local produce, visitors to our Winter Farmers' Market will find locally raised grass-fed meats, eggs, fresh baked goods and sweet treats, jams, jellies and other local preserves; granola, cider, honey, maple syrup and more.

 

 

See our list of vendors at www.postoilsolutions.org/farmersmarkets/2009wfm/wintermarketvendors.

 

Services: Weekly events, Open Rain or Shine, EBT cards accepted, Wheelchair accessible, Bus stop nearby, Bathroom available

 

postoilsolutions.org/farmersmarkets/2009wfm

03.31.10 | Flower Garden Problems - Plainfield, NH

 

Edgewater Farm will again be hosting gardening seminars to help gardeners (beginning and experienced) with some of the questions and problems they have. All sessions are free and are held in the heated shop behind the greenhouses at the farm. Sessions will begin at 6:30 pm and go until the last questions have been addressed.

 

 

March 31: Flower Garden Problems: Donald and Sarah will talk to those horticulturalists whose interests are mainly in the flowers and landscape. Topics include the expanding concern and list of invasive materials,"go-to" plants that really work well, and a roundtable discussion councerning cut flower hoping to help with questions about care,culture and varieties.

 

Edgewater Farm

99 River Road

Plainfield, NH 03781

(603) 298-5764/(603) 298-8391 

04.02.10 | Starting Out: Seeds and Seedlings - Fayston, VT
These half-day, hands-on workshops are designed for beginning to intermediate home gardeners who want to expand their knowledge and self-sufficiency. Take all in the series or individually. Go to our website for full descriptions (www.wholecommunities.org).
04.10.10 | Farm to Plate Statewide Food Summit - Rutland

Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, in consultation with the Sustainable Agriculture Council & other stakeholders, to develop a 10-year strategic plan to strengthen Vermont’s farm and food sector.      heather@vsjf.org if you would like to attend.  

 

The Farm to Plate (F2P) Initiative, approved
at the end of the 2009 Vermont legislative session, directs the

 

SAVE THE DATE!

 

Statewide Food Summit

Saturday, 9:30AM-4PM

April 10, 2010

 

Rutland Middle School

 

The purpose of the summit is to bring together stakeholders from the whole state to review and vet the draft plan goals and provide specific feedback to guide final drafting of the Farm to Plate strategic plan. An inspirational keynote speaker will begin the day and many breakout sessions will be organized to seek feedback on draft recommendations. Registration required - $10 suggested donation to help cover costs – Lunch served.

 

Please email
More information will be posted on our website:

 

www.vsjf.org/project-details/5/farm-to-plate-initiative
04.15.10 | Farmer Discussion Group: Water Quality Planning (So. Woodstock)

 

Farmer Discussion Group: Water Quality Planning in the Ottauquechee/Black Watersheds
 
Thursday
April 15, 2010
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Green Mountain Horse Association
110 Route 106
South Woodstock, Vermont
 
The Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District is hosting a Farmer Discussion Group on the Agricultural Section of the Basin 10 Water Quality Management Plan for the Black and Ottauquechee Rivers. Sylvia Harris, Agricultural Resource Specialist for ONRCD, will review the Ag Section of the Plan. The group will discuss agricultural recommendations and actions to address issues and concerns to be included in the Basin Plan. If you would like to insure that the voice of agriculture is heard in this important planning document, attend this meeting! A follow up meeting will be scheduled in the spring to review the draft ag section and recommendations. Cider and local snacks will be provided.
 
The Basin Plan being developed by the Agency of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets will address water quality in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds throughout the Basin. Participants help develop strategies to improve local waters and water resources. Partnering organizations include the  Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District, the Two-Rivers Ottauquechee and Southern Windsor County Planning Commissions, the Black River Action Team, the Ottauquechee River Group, the Woodstock Area Agricultural Forum, the Windsor County Farm Bureau and the Green Mountain Horse Association. Please call Sylvia for further information: 802-254-5323 x10.
04.17.10 | Homeopathy for all Animals (2 days) - Waterbury, VT

 

April 17, 2010 - 9:00am - April 18, 2010 - 4:30pm
Are you frustrated with what conventional medicine has to offer? Homeopathy can help! Join us for two days, April 17 and 18 from 9am - 4:30pm.
Join Christina Chambreau DVM for an introduction to this powerful form of medicine.  Dr. Chambreau teaches courses on homeopathy and holistic animal health throughout the country to lay people and veterinarians. Christina is a dynamic teacher who is committed to de-mystifying homeopathy. Proceeds to benefit The Vermont Humane Federation.
The Best WesternWaterbury, VT, 05676
Cost: 
$125 for two days
Contact Email: 
aprilseminar@gmail.com
Contact Phone: 
802-434-5697 or 802-635-9558
04.20.10 | FLAVORS OF THE VALLEY

 Now in its 9th year, Flavors of the Valley is the greater Upper Valley's premier tasting, informational, and buying event for locally grown foods. FLAVORS is brought to you by the Valley Food & Farm program at Vital Communities. Last year's event drew 1500 people. Visit www.vitalcommunities.org for more information

 

Tuesday, April 20, 2:00-7:00 pm at Hartford High School, White River Junction, VT.

04.27.10 | VT Foodbank Hunger Conference - So. Burlington

 

Understanding the Persistence of Hunger and Poverty
We are pleased to announce that the Vermont Foodbank's 4th Annual Hunger Conference will be held on Tuesday, April 27th, 2010. Please save the date.


 

As promised, we are moving the conference around the state in order to make it more convenient to all attendees. This year, it will be held at the Sheraton Burlington at 870 Williston Road.


 

The Vermont Foodbank's annual Hunger Conference has become one of Vermont's premier sources for learning about the issue of hunger as it affects our state and our communities. It is a valuable opportunity to share, discuss, and revise ideas regarding the important work of feeding our neighbors in need.


 

In an effort to provide you with the best value we have made some changes to the format of the conference.


 

This year, have decided to open the conference to the public. We would like to invite any and all interested parties to join us for lunch and afternoon workshop sessions. This will allow potential advocates, volunteers and donors to learn about the issue of hunger, and to get involved.


 

Additionally, we have teamed up with folks from the United Way of Chittenden County, and Vermont's Livable Wage Campaign to bring you workshops designed to address some of the causes of hunger. It is our belief that with a better understanding of why hunger persists in our communities, we will be best suited to tackle the issue.


 

With this in mind we have secured anti-hunger leader and advocate Joel Berg as our keynote speaker. Mr. Berg is the Executive Director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger. He served for eight years under the Clinton Administration in senior executive service positions for the USDA. In addition to a lunchtime keynote address, Joel will present an afternoon workshop.


 

We sincerely hope that you will be able to join us for this important educational opportunity.


 

Please download a registration form from our website and mail it the the address provided.

Please email eshipman@vtfoodbank.org with questions.

05.27.10 | Lambing on Pasture
These half-day, hands-on workshops are designed for beginning to intermediate home gardeners who want to expand their knowledge and self-sufficiency. Take all in the series or individually. Go to our website for full descriptions (www.wholecommunities.org).
06.04.10 | The Organic Garden in Spring - Fayston, VT
These half-day, hands-on workshops are designed for beginning to intermediate home gardeners who want to expand their knowledge and self-sufficiency. Take all in the series or individually. Go to our website for full descriptions (www.wholecommunities.org).
06.05.10 | Permaculture Design Course Weekend Series begins - Brattleboro, VT
72-hour certification course over 6 weekends: June 5-6 • June 19-20 • July 10-11 • July 24-25 • Aug 7-8 • Aug 21-22 For more information visit http://www.southernvermontpermaculture.com/