Workshops

Schedule at a Glance

• 8:30 - 9:00: Registration
• 9:00 - 10:00: Keynote – Markets in Transition (Chase Center)
• 10:10 - 11:25: Workshop Session I

Protecting Your Markets with Safe Food Practices (Oakes 207)

Board of Directors 2.0  (Oakes 210)

Merchandising for Maximum Sales (Oakes 208)

Expanding Your Markets to Include Limited-Income Shoppers (Map Room)

CSA Software (Oakes 211)

Leveraging Customer Relationships Into Year Round Sales (Nina Thomas Classroom)

• 11:35 - 12:35: Mid-Morning Session

Vermont Farmers’ Market Association (VTFMA) Annual Meeting

Hands-On Skill Building Sessions: Direct Marketing Speed Networking or Sales Pitch Role Playing

• 12:35 - 1:35: Local Lunch and Networking
• 1:45 - 3:00: Workshop Session II

Pricing for Profit - Strategies for Diversified Farms (Nina Thomas Classroom)

EBT and Debit Cards at Farmers’ Markets: What Comes Next? (Oakes 211)

Maintaining Market Loyalty through Risk Management and Crisis Communication Plans (Oakes 207)

Agritourism: Hosting Visitors to Build Direct Market Relationships (Map Room)

Marketing Toolkit: Planning and Measurement Strategies (Oakes 208)

Effective Off-Farm CSA Management (Oakes 210)

Accounting for Farmers’ Markets (Canceled)

• 3:10 - 4:25: Workshop Session III

DigInVT - Opening a Web Portal on Vermont's Food and Agricultural Experiences (Oakes 207)

Business Planning for Farm Success (Map Room)

Brand Development (Nina Thomas Classroom)

Safe and Effective Food Demos (Oakes 211)

Farmers’ markets and other methods of creating value for farmers in Vermont: A Historical Perspective (Oakes 210)

Beyond Vendor Fees: Diversify Your Income (Chase Center)

Neighborhood Markets: Adapting the CSA Model for Low-Income Consumers (Oakes 208) 

Keynote

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Markets in Transition: How Can Vermont’s Direct Markets Evolve with a Growing Local Foods Movement? (Chase Center)
Remember 20 years ago when local food purchasing almost exclusively happened at farmers’ markets, CSAs and farm stands? Take a look at the marketplace today and we see an explosion of new market outlets (even Wal-Mart wants to get on the local bandwagon!), increasingly diverse consumers, flashy media attention, and…more regulatory hurdles. Are these changes helping or hindering the local food movement?  Ellen Kahler and Jean Hamilton will reflect on recent findings from the Farm to Plate Strategic Plan, personal observations of direct marketing trends in Vermont, and critical questions of how direct marketers can continue to lead the local food movement with strong values and thriving practices.
 
Ellen Kahler has been the Executive Director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) since 2005. Throughout Ellen’s career, she has identified challenges and developed opportunities for Vermont’s business community to become economically strong, ecologically sustainable, and socially just.  As a leading coordinator of the Farm to Plate Strategic Plan, Ellen has spent the past two years deeply immersed in data collection and critical thinking about Vermont’s food and agricultural future.  More information about Farm to Plate can be found here: www.vsjf.org/project-details/5/farm-to-plate-strategic-plan. 

Jean Hamilton recently concluded a four-year term as NOFA-VT’s Market Development and Consumer Access Coordinator.  Over the past four years, Jean has had the opportunity to observe the local food marketplace through research, direct consultation with producers and consumers, and dialogue with food systems visionaries from Vermont and around the world.  Jean is now pursuing a Masters Degree in Food and Beverage Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.  

Workshop Session I

10:10 am – 11:25 am

Protecting Your Markets with Safe Food Practices (Oakes 207)

Food safety has become an increasing concern for consumers, producers, and marketers.  While aspects of food safety regulations seem daunting, it is important that all food producers and marketers have a clear understanding of the risks associated with food marketing, the regulations that they are required to follow, and strategies for maintaining a safe environment at your farmers’ market/farm marketing operation. This workshop will provide easy-to-use reference tools that clearly communicate these practices.

Londa Nwadike, University of Vermont Extension Food Safety Specialist, works with food processors throughout Vermont to improve the safety of their products, particularly meats and other small scale processed food products.  She also assists maple producers to meet food safety requirements and provides general support to strengthen the safety of other foods produced and processed in Vermont.

Diane Eggert is the Executive Director of the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York.  Under her leadership, the organization has developed a variety of programs and services to support and advance the farmers’ market industry in New York State, including a commercial general liability insurance program for markets and participating vendors, market manager training programs, new market development in partnership with community organizations, and market promotional programs.  The Federation also partners with the NY State Department of Agriculture and the NY State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to offer a statewide farmers’ market wireless EBT program to allow New York’s farmers markets and other non-traditional retailers access to the food stamp program.

Board of Directors 2.0 (Oakes 210)

Join this interactive discussion about the roles, responsibilities, functions, duties and best practices of nonprofit boards. This workshop will pay special attention to smaller boards and ones that have developed over the last five years. The goal is to create an understanding of boards that act strategically, allocate time wisely, work in partnership with the director and add value to the enterprise.

Jim LeFevre is an organizational consultant who has worked for more than 20 years with clients from many sectors of the nonprofit spectrum.  These clients include land trusts, humanities councils, museums, healthcare organizations, international family planning organizations, and Planned Parenthood affiliates throughout the United States.  Jim was the Chief Executive Officer of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England for 18 years.  In 1995, he moved to national headquarters (Planned Parenthood Federation of America) serving for eleven years as Interim Co-President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Strategic Officer.  Jim has received many awards honoring his accomplishments.  He is the author of two books:  A Case for Merger: the Story of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (1986) and Redirecting Boards: A New Vision for Governance for Planned Parenthood (1993).

Merchandising for Maximum Sales (Oakes 208)

Learn techniques to attract customers to your farmers’ market or farm stand, and ideas on how to maximize sales once they are there.  This workshop will demonstrate effective signage, display options, customer flow designs and point-of-sales tools.  Mike McCusker is a 30-year retail veteran and consultant who specializes in merchandising and branding, as well as small-business development.

Mike McCusker founded and managed a rural village, local foods-oriented, Specialty/Natural Foods Market and Deli in Shelburne Falls, Mass for 30 years,.  Mike is currently working in Massachusetts and Vermont as a consultant to Farm Stores, CSA’s, Farm Stands, and Farmers’ Market Retailers.

Expanding Your Markets to Include Limited-Income Shoppers (Map Room)

14% of Vermont’s households are food insecure, meaning that lack access to enough food to fully meet basic needs at all times due to lack of financial resources (as reported by Hunger Free VT).  Many of these households participate in 3SquaresVT, the federal food benefit program that used to be called ‘food stamps.’  Considering these marketplace realities, how can your farm, CSA, or farmers’ market improve customer diversity by reaching out to low-income customers?  This workshop will provide an introduction to programs like Farm Share and 3SquaresVT and recommend resources to incorporate low-income customers in your customer mix.

Jean Hamilton recently concluded a four-year term as NOFA-VT’s Market Development and Consumer Access Coordinator.  Over the past four years, Jean has had the opportunity to observe the local food marketplace through research, direct consultation with producers and consumers, and dialogue with food systems visionaries from Vermont and around the world.  Jean is now pursuing a Masters Degree in Food and Beverage Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

Angela Smith-Dieng.  As 3SquaresVT Advocacy Manager at Hunger Free Vermont, Angela works extensively with Vermont’s Department for Children and Families, local advocates, and community groups across Vermont to improve access to and participation in 3SquaresVT, formerly the Food Stamp Program. Before joining Hunger Free Vermont, Angela worked at the local, national, and international levels on behalf of vulnerable populations. She began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mauritania, West Africa, focusing on education and community development; in Elizabeth, NJ she managed emergency services at St. Joseph Social Service Center, providing food, shelter, and basic needs to low-income residents; and in Washington, DC she helped grow Detention Watch Network, a national coalition of organizations advocating for the rights of immigrants detained throughout the U.S. Angela received her Bachelors in English at Middlebury College and her Masters in Sustainable Development from the SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, where her research focused on the food pantry phenomenon and developmental empowerment.

Ames Robb has been with the Vermont Agency of Human Services since 2005, serving as EBT Director since 2008.   Prior to working for the State, Ames worked in the non-profit sector, running a Meals on Wheels program, a mentoring program, and was the Assistant Editor for an environmental periodical called Wild Matters. She also has experience in farming and community organizing.  Ames graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and attended the Institute on Political Journalism of the Fund for American Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. 

CSA Software (Oakes 211)

This workshop will explore the current models of CSA software, including Farmigo, CSAware and Central Market Assembler.  A panel of CSA farms that use these platforms will present on their use for ordering and payment, delivery scheduling and member communication. 

Eric Rozendaal and his wife Keenann own and operate the Rockville Market Farm in Starksboro, Vermont.  They grow twenty-five acres of certified organic vegetables as well as produce from their seven greenhouses.  They store and process butternut winter squash and are excited about their new haygrove tunnel that they will use to grow raspberries.  In addition to veggies, they raise 50 feeder pigs a year, and operate a quickly expanding egg business.  They market primarily throughout Chittenden and Addison Counties, as well as a handful of accounts in the Boston area.  In addition to wholesale accounts, they are vendors at the Burlington Farmers’ market and operate a 150 member CSA.

Sona Desai is the Intervale Food Hub Manager and has led the development of the enterprise since inception in 2007. She manages the CSA program and overall business communications, outreach and growth. She also coordinates production and purchasing with farmers and logistics with chefs and buyers. Sona has an extensive background in farming, food marketing and small business management and is committed to developing new and sustainable markets for Vermont farmers.

Tucker Andrews is the Food and Farm Coordinator at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and coordinates their Monitor Barns Farm (MBF) program. MBF uses 12 acres of vegetables and pasture to raise food for sale, donation and education.  He has a degree in Environmental Economics from Bard College and a ten year history of growing food commercially. He grew up in West Bolton, VT. 

Leveraging Customer Relationships Into Year Round Sales (Nina Thomas Classroom)

Engaging customers throughout the year is important to business success, even for those with seasonal products or markets.  In this workshop, the presenters will share different techniques used to keep customers connected from events to co-promotions to unique marketing tools.

Sherry Maher is a founding member of Post Oil Solutions (POS) and currently serves as Board Treasurer.  She has managed the Winter Farmers’ Market in Brattleboro since its inception in 2006, and organized the Townshend Common Farmers’ Market in 2008. Both are sponsored by POS.  In keeping with the sustainability focus of POS, these markets give preference to local agricultural vendors, focus on building sustainable communities, and work to make locally grown food more accessible to those on tight budgets.  Sherry lives and gardens with her husband, Tim Stevenson in Athens, VT.

Diana Orr is the Community Wellness Coordinator at Essex CHIPS, a non-profit community coalition in Essex Junction. She helped to found the Five Corners Farmers' Market in Essex in 2010 and serves on its Board of Directors as well as Event Planning and Stewardship committees. Diana is a home gardener living in Waterbury, VT with an academic background in health promotion and nutrition.

Greg Cox has been an organic farmer for 30 years.  He is a board member of the Vermont Farmers’ Market Association, is a founding member of RAFFL, and an advocate of a local, year-round food system.

Mid-Morning Session

11:35 am – 12: 35 pm
 

Vermont Farmers’ Market Association (VTFMA) Annual Meeting

Every Vermont farmers’ market is invited to send a voting representative to the annual VTFMA meeting to learn of 2011 accomplishments, the 2012 work plan, and important updates that will affect markets statewide. While only one representative from each market may vote, the meeting is open everyone interested in farmers’ markets.

Hands-On Skill-Building Sessions

Join either of these networking sessions to share best practices with your peers, learn innovative ideas and practice your new skills. 

-       Direct marketing speed networking with Abbie Nelson of NOFA-VT

-       Sales pitches role playing with Jean Hamilton and Mike McCusker

Lunch (Chase Center)

12:35 pm – 1:35 pm

Workshop Session II

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm

Pricing for Profit - Strategies for Diversified Farms (Nina Thomas Classroom)

Learn how to set the "right" price for your products. We'll explore practical approaches to cost-based pricing, and learn how to integrate market information -- what your competitors are charging -- and your own profit goals in your pricing decisions. Participants will learn how to use the new, online Vermont Direct Price Reporting tool to get a snapshot of market conditions, and grower panelists will share their approaches to integrating production costs, market information and farm goals into their pricing strategies. Participants in this workshop will be eligible for small-group pricing clinics and farmer-to-farmer mentoring in February and March through the UVM Extension Vermont Direct Market Price Project.

Beth Holtzman is outreach education coordinator for the UVM Extension New Farmer Project and for the Women's Agricultural Network, where she provides a range of marketing and business development education and technical assistance to farmers. Beth also coordinates the Vermont Direct Market Price Survey & Report, an online tool to help farmers share information about what they charge at direct markets (farmstands, farmers' markets, etc) and to help them set prices that are fair to consumers and support farm profitability.

Sona Desai is the Intervale Food Hub Manager and has led the development of the enterprise since inception in 2007. She manages the CSA program and overall business communications, outreach and growth. She also coordinates production and purchasing with farmers and logistics with chefs and buyers. Sona has an extensive background in farming, food marketing and small business management and is committed to developing new and sustainable markets for Vermont farmers. 

EBT and Debit Cards at Farmers’ Markets: What Comes Next? (Oakes 211)

Congratulations to the nearly 40 farmers’ markets who are now accepting EBT and Debit cards!  Whether you have been running wireless card readers for 1 or 4+ years, you are contributing to a nationwide movement to bring some of the $56 billion in federal food benefits back to family farms and local economies.  That said, you have probably encountered some hurdles along the way.  This workshop is for farmers’ markets that already have wireless card readers and want to discuss challenges, innovations, and what’s on the horizon for EBT at farmers’ markets.

Jean Hamilton recently concluded a four-year term as NOFA-VT’s Market Development and Consumer Access Coordinator.  Over the past four years, Jean has had the opportunity to observe the local food marketplace through research, direct consultation with producers and consumers, and dialogue with food systems visionaries from Vermont and around the world.  Jean is now pursuing a Masters Degree in Food and Beverage Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

Chelsea Bardot Lewis is a Senior Agricultural Development Coordinator with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. She coordinates the Vermont Meat Processing working group, and has been working to identify partnership opportunities between meat producers and processors in Vermont and New England. She has an M.S. in Agriculture Food and Environment from the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, where she researched New England’s large animal livestock slaughter and processing capacity.

Angela Smith-Dieng.  As 3SquaresVT Advocacy Manager at Hunger Free Vermont, Angela works extensively with Vermont’s Department for Children and Families, local advocates, and community groups across Vermont to improve access to and participation in 3SquaresVT, formerly the Food Stamp Program. Before joining Hunger Free Vermont, Angela worked at the local, national, and international levels on behalf of vulnerable populations. She began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mauritania, West Africa, focusing on education and community development; in Elizabeth, NJ she managed emergency services at St. Joseph Social Service Center, providing food, shelter, and basic needs to low-income residents; and in Washington, DC she helped grow Detention Watch Network, a national coalition of organizations advocating for the rights of immigrants detained throughout the U.S. Angela received her Bachelors in English at Middlebury College and her Masters in Sustainable Development from the SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, where her research focused on the food pantry phenomenon and developmental empowerment.

Ames Robb has been with the Vermont Agency of Human Services since 2005, serving as EBT Director since 2008.   Prior to working for the State, Ames worked in the non-profit sector, running a Meals on Wheels program, a mentoring program, and was the Assistant Editor for an environmental periodical called Wild Matters. She also has experience in farming and community organizing.  Ames graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and attended the Institute on Political Journalism of the Fund for American Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. 

Maintaining Market Loyalty through Risk Management and Crisis Communication Plans (Oakes 207)

What would your farmers’ market do in a crisis?  Many of Vermont’s farmers’ markets got first hand experience with crisis management this year when Tropical Storm Irene hit: markets were cancelled, some market sites were washed away, and many agricultural vendors lost their crops.  Whether it is an accident, a natural disaster, or a food-borne illness, crisis planning at the market empowers organizers and vendors to be strong managers in the face of adversity. 

Diane Eggert is the Executive Director of the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York.  Under her leadership, the organization has developed a variety of programs and services to support and advance the farmers’ market industry in New York State, including a commercial general liability insurance program for markets and participating vendors, market manager training programs, new market development in partnership with community organizations, and market promotional programs.  The Federation also partners with the NY State Department of Agriculture and the NY State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to offer a statewide farmers’ market wireless EBT program to allow New York’s farmers markets and other non-traditional retailers access to the food stamp program.

Agritourism: Hosting Visitors to Build Direct Market Relationships (Map Room)

There is no question that Vermont is becoming known not only for recreational opportunities but also as a culinary destination.  Have you considered hosting visitors at your farm?  Many farmers' markets already draw tourists, but are they engaging those visitors in meaningful market relationships?  Presenters of this workshop will discuss best practices in welcoming travelers into Vermont's dynamic local food community. 

Lisa Chase is Natural Resources Specialist with University of Vermont Extension and Director of the Vermont Tourism Data Center. For the past 10 years, she has worked with farmers and food entrepreneurs to promote Vermont as a culinary destination.

Jinny Hardy Cleland is owner of Four Springs Farm in Royalton, a diversified organic farming operation with a Campground and Learning Center component to complement the farming activities.  She has been farming for more than 30years and within the past 10 years expanded to include the agritourism components.  Her desire to share the land as well as use it and enable people to learn how their food is raised is now going in the direction of offering a farm-based educational experience for high school students.

Beth Kennett has been integrally involved in Vermont agritourism. Beth and her family have welcomed guests at their dairy farm for almost 28 years! Liberty Hill Farm has been showcased by regional and national media over the years in television, radio, magazines, and newspapers. The Kennett family provides their guests with a wonderful Vermont agricultural experience.

Marketing Toolkit: Planning and Measurement Strategies (Oakes 208)

Whether you are promoting your farmers’ market or farm products, it is challenging to decide where to put your time and money: Facebook? Blogs? Online directories? Print ads?  Are any of these options actually free? This dynamic workshop will provide an overview of navigating diverse marketing opportunities, implementing a strategic marketing plan, and evaluating the impact of your marketing efforts.  We will look in detail at social media and coupon promotional campaigns. 

Nicole L’Huillier Fenton has transitioned from an award-winning journalist to one of the region’s top marketing professionals. Fenton launched Flavor Communications (www.FlavorCom.com) in 2010 to help food producers, growers and retailers develop compelling designs and results-driven marketing and advertising campaigns. What makes Flavor different than other food marketing agencies is that the marketing team has behind-the-scenes food retail experience and produces award-winning design. That insider food industry know-how gives Flavor its extra spice.

Effective Off-Farm CSA Management (Oakes 210)

As more CSA farms develop innovative, and often off-farm marketing outlets, there are new logistics to manage.  A panel of CSA farms will present their models, highlighting the marketing, packaging and distribution logistics that they have developed, which systems are most effective and valuable lessons learned.

Eric Rozendaal and his wife Keenann own and operate the Rockville Market Farm in Starksboro, Vermont.  They grow twenty-five acres of certified organic vegetables as well as produce from their seven greenhouses.  They store and process butternut winter squash and are excited about their new haygrove tunnel that they will use to grow raspberries.  In addition to veggies, they raise 50 feeder pigs a year, and operate a quickly expanding egg business.  They market primarily throughout Chittenden and Addison Counties, as well as a handful of accounts in the Boaston area.  In addition to wholesale accounts, they are vendors at the Burlington Farmers’ market and operate an 150 member CSA.

Jill Perry Balzano has been involved in local agriculture as a farmer, writer, and now as the New Markets and Education Specialist for the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL).  She currently manages RAFFL’s workplace CSA, Farm-to-Workplace Delivery, and community food education program, Everyday Chef, while pursuing additional avenues to expand markets for Rutland area farmers.  She and her husband own Little Lake Orchard, an upstart specialty apple orchard, in Wells, VT. 

Abbey Willard is the new Local Foods Administrator for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.  She will be working with producer groups, consumers and institutions to provide local producers assistance in scaling up to increase access to institutional markets.  She will be administering a local foods grant program this spring.  Abbey will also be initiating a workplace CSA drop-off program for Vermont state employee next growing season. She lives in Randolph Center with her partner Dan and operates Ridge Meadows Farm, a pasture based meat business.

Accounting for Farmers’ Markets

This workshop has been canceled.  We know there is a lot of interest in this workshop and will work to include it in future conferences.

Workshop Session III

3:10 pm – 4:25 pm

DigInVT - Opening a Web Portal on Vermont's Food and Agricultural Experiences (Oakes 207)

Several agriculture, tourism, and culinary organizations have collaborated to promote Vermont's unique farm and food culture through the Vermont Agriculture and Culinary Tourism Council.  The Council is launching a new website geared towards promoting experiential exchanges between farmers, food producers, and consumers.  In this workshop you will get a sneak peak at the new web marketing tool and discuss how tourism can support your marketing efforts.

Lisa Chase is Natural Resources Specialist with University of Vermont Extension and Director of the Vermont Tourism Data Center. For the past 10 years, she has worked with farmers and food entrepreneurs to promote Vermont as a culinary destination.

Alyssa Nathanson is the Project Coordinator for the Vermont Agriculture and Culinary Tourism Council’s DigInVermont website project.  She works with the Council on gathering, creating and organizing content for the DigInVermont website, which will serve as the go to resource for agriculture and culinary tourism experiences in the state.  Alyssa has an MS in nutrition from the University of Vermont and is a registered dietitian.

Eleanor Léger has over twenty years of experience as a management consultant and senior executive in the financial services and software industries. She received a BA cum laude in Economics from Harvard and an MBA with distinction from the Wharton School. In 2007, she left her role as head of customer experience for the Quickbooks division of Intuit to found Eden Ice Cider Company with her husband Albert, who is a Chemistry teacher at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH. 

The Légers purchased an abandoned dairy farm in West Charleston, Vermont, and have planted a new orchard of heirloom, cider and traditional dessert apples.  Their Ice Cider has won gold medals at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Los Angeles International Wine Competition and is distributed in New England, New York, Washington, Oregon, California and the UK.

Business Planning for Farm Success (Map Room)

What are the different tools you need to evaluate different market outlets?  This workshop will explore how to effectively use business planning tools to establish a sustainable business model.  Through a case study analysis, these tools will be demonstrated so participants walk away with basic understanding of how to apply them to their own business planning.

Rose Wilson specializes in business planning, market research, and business development for farms, small businesses, and non-profits in Vermont and New Hampshire.  Rose has worked on business and feasibility plans, market research, market development, and marketing plans, and provided grant writing services for over one hundred and ten (110) businesses and organizations.  Prior to founding her business, Rose was Business Development Manager for Harpoon Brewery, where she launched the brand in Northern New England, and a National Sales Manager and Vertical Market Supervisor for Geographic Data Technology, Inc. creating the company’s vertical market segmentation. 

Joe Buley is a mixed vegetable farmer for 9 years and a restaurateur for over 25. Joe specializes in passive solar winter production of spinach and salad greens. He has a diversified marketing and sales strategy that is adjusted annually.

Brand Development (Nina Thomas Classroom)

What are the unique selling points of your farm or agricultural business? Learn how to identify and work them into your imaging and messaging to effectively communicate your brand to your target market(s). Explore the basics of brand development and marketing communications through strategic planning, consistent messaging, and marketing tools to include print, email, websites and social media. Bring your business cards for a drawing of marketing-related prizes!

Pam Knights is the owner of Pam Knights Communications, a full service marketing communications firm in Northfield, Vermont.  Pam Knights offers brand building for small businesses throughout Vermont and the Upper Valley. Having co-founded the Vermont Fresh Network in 1996, Pam is a strong supporter of Vermont farms and specializes in culinary and agri-tourism marketing.

Safe and Effective Food Demos (Oakes 211)

Food demos are an effective way to draw in customers and increase sales.  At this workshop, participants will cover topics including what types of demos work well, which food demos can actually help drive your sales, regulations and safety issues, and ideas for partnerships.

Carolyn Grodinsky manages the Capital City Farmers Market.  Her background is eclectic ranging from working at the National Zoo Conservation and Research Center, studying ibex in the Swiss Alps, to planning statewide recycling programs for the state of Vermont before starting at the market. 

Tanya McDonald is a currently pursuing a Bachelors’ Degree in Business from Champlain College. She has over 10 years of experience working in a variety of healthcare food service operations. She is currently employed as a Supervisor of Nutrition Services at Fletcher Allen Health Care. She is responsible for two retail areas and catering services.  Recent work at that organization includes the implementation of new retail services, room service for patients, and a food sustainability program that is nationally recognized. Recently Fletcher Allen received two first place national awards from Health Care Without Harm for Sustainable Food Procurement and Public Policy and Advocacy.  Fletcher Allen was the first hospital in the nation to host an onsite market.  Tanya is passionate about local food, both personally and professionally, and currently volunteers to manage the Flectcher Allen Farmers’ Market.

Farmers’ Markets and Other Methods of Creating Value for Farmers in Vermont: A Historical Perspective (Oakes 210)

The presentation will cover the history of direct marketing by farmers in Vermont to include market days in their local communities.  Vermont farmers, from the beginning when they cleared the land after the French and Indian Wars, have been active in direct marketing of their products.  The session will cover this history with the emergence of the Renaissance of the Past with the interest in local and regional farm produced foods today.

Roger Albee is the Current Advisor to President of Vermont Technical College on establishment of Institute for Applied Agriculture and Food Systems, former Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets for Vermont, former Executive Director of USDA Farm Service Agency for the State of Vermont, former co-owner of AgTec, an international business development firm for U.S. Food products, former member of International Practices Group for Washington, D.C. law firm, former Vice President and member of Senior Staff of the farmer and farmer cooperative owned former Farm Credit Banks of Springfield,Ma, then a major farm lending organization in the Northeast, former Professional Staff Member of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, former Extension Specialist Cornell University.

Roger also currently serve as Chair of the Advisory Committee to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Vermont, and Chair of the Working Landscape Council of the Vermont Council on Rural Development. He is a former member of advisory committee on international agricultural trade to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Ambassador, and author of a blog on Vermont agricultural history, at www.whatceresmightsay.blogspot.com.

Beyond Vendor Fees: Diversify Your Income (Chase Center)

If you're looking to raise more money to support your market, join us as we run through the options: foundation and government grants, business sponsorships, community-based fundraising, events, product sales and other earned income, etc. This workshop will help you understand the range of opportunities and begin to rough out a fundraising plan.

Andy Robinson (www.andyrobinsononline.com) provides training and consulting for nonprofits in fundraising, grantseeking, board development, marketing, earned income, planning, leadership development, and facilitation. Over the past sixteen years, Andy has worked with organizations in 47 US states and Canada. He specializes in the needs of groups working for human rights, social justice, environmental conservation, historic preservation, and community development.

Andy is the author of five books, including Grassroots Grants and Selling Social Change, available from Jossey-Bass. His latest books, How to Raise $500 to $5000 From Almost Anyone, The Board Member’s Easier Than You Think Guide to Nonprofit Finances, and Great Boards for Small Groups, were published by Emerson & Church. When he’s not on the road, he lives in Plainfield, Vermont.

Neighborhood Markets: Adapting the CSA Model for Low-Income Consumers (Oakes 208)

This workshop will address some of the common barriers for low-income consumers to access locally produced food, then share some success stories focusing on the Neighborhood Market Model developed and run by Post Oil Solutions in the Brattleboro area. This workshop is relevant for farmers and Farmers’ Markets interested in selling more to low-income community members, and for community organizations working on or interested in working on this issue.  We will share lessons learned and give practical steps for how to begin developing a Neighborhood Market or similar endeavor at a Farmers’ Market.

Richard Berkfield is the Executive Director of Post Oil Solutions and has been working over the last four years to bridge the gap between low-income consumers and local farms. He believes that focusing on this issue provides a window into solving the larger farm and food crisis.

Thanks to our Conference Sponsors:

• Castanea Foundation
• Vermont Agency of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant
• Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NE SARE)

Marketing that Sells

This course was offered with the Direct Marketing Conference, January 9, 2011.

Click here for more information about the 2011 Direct Marketing Conference.

This compressed course involved an orientation at the Direct Marketing Conference and a day-long follow-up session.

Designed for experienced growers, "Marketing that Sells" will helped particiapnts build on what they learned at the conference to select, implement and evaluate marketing strategies that match their farm operations and budget.

On-Farm Energy

November 4, November 18, & December 9, 2010

This course has been cancelled due to low enrollment. We may reschedule it in the spring; please contact Wendy Sue Harper if you are interested in taking this course at a later date.

Download Registration Brochure

Intended for intermediate to advanced vegetable growers, this course covers energy usage on farms, paying special attention to greenhouses and cold storage, the two biggest energy-users on most vegetable farms.

By the end of the three days, you will have completed a simple energy audit for your farm and developed a plan to reduce energy use and save money.

Follow up one-on-one mentoring is available for 5 course participants; follow-up enterprise analysis is available to 4 course participants.

Course fee: $125, includes all books, course materials, lunch and refreshments.

For more information call 802-434-4122 or email info@nofavt.org

Organic Crop Protection

January 18, February 2, & February 16
Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, VT

Registration deadline extended to January 3, 2011!

This series of three workshops is intended for intermediate to advanced vegetable growers who want to understand pest management.  Each session will stress the biology and ecology of the pests and how to choose the management strategy that fits your farm system.

With information from researchers, crop advisers and farmers you will get scientific and practical information that will serve you well in improving pest management on your farm.  Each day will include ample time for farmer-to-farmer exchange so you can also learn what works on the ground. See more details on each session below.

Download the brochure by clicking here (PDF).

You may register for one, two, or all three of the sessions. Cost:
All three sessions: $150
Any two sessions: $110
Any one session: $70

 To register, please download and mail in the registration form on the brochure, or contact the NOFA Vermont office at info@nofavt.org or 802-434-4122.

Session One: Insects
Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Texts: Resource Guide to Organic Insect and Disease Management; Diseases and Pests of Vegetable Crops in Canada

Understanding how insects eat, reproduce and spend
the winter will help you think about when they are
most vulnerable. This session will help you identify
which insect pests you have and how to avoid them,
protect your crops, or save your crops by killing the
pests.

Speakers in Session One:
• Alan Eaton - University of New Hampshire
• Brian Caldwell - Cornell University
• Eric Sideman - Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners
Association
• David Marchant - Riverberry Farm, Vermont
• Ted Blomgren - Windflower Farm, New York
• Jake Guest - Killdeer Farm, Vermont

Session Two: Diseases
Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Texts: Resource Guide to Organic Insect and Disease Management; Diseases and Pests of Vegetable Crops in Canada

Understanding what causes plant diseases, how they
live and reproduce, and how they spend the winter
will help you think about when they are most vulnerable.
This session will help you identify which pathogen
you have how to avoid it, protect your crops, or
save your crops by spraying an organically-approved
substance to control the microorganism.

Speakers in Session Two:
• Ann Hazelrigg - University of Vermont
• Abby Seaman - Cornell University
• Eric Sideman - Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners
Association
• Rob Johanson - Gorenson Farm, Maine
• Jean-Paul Courtens - Roxbury Farm, New York

Session Three: Weeds
Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Text: The Growers Handbook of Ecological Weed Management

Understanding how weeds invade, compete with your
crops, reproduce, and survive the winter will help
you think about when they are most vulnerable. This
session will help you identify weed success strategies
and decide on the practices that offer the best chance
avoiding or suppressing the weeds, depleting the weed
seed bank, and beating them back with cultivation.
You will also learn what tools are available and how to
use them.

Speakers in Session Three:
• Eric Gallandt - University of Maine
• Eric Sideman - Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners
Association
• Tim Taylor - Crossroads Farm, Fairlee Vermont
• Ryan Voiland - Red Fire Farm, Massachusetts
• Geo Honigford - Hurricane Flats, Vermont

Summer Workshop Ride Share

Do you need a ride to a summer workshop? Do you have extra space in your car? Want to cut down on emissions and meet new people in the process?

We've set up a blog page to facilitate ride-sharing - Take a look!

Summer Workshop Series

Workshops by Category

2010 Summer Workshops by Category
Click here to view all workshops by date.

Workshops marked with an asterisk (*) will be followed by a NOFAvore social with our wood-fired, mobile pizza oven!

Some workshops require pre-registration; to register, you can call the office (434-4122) or email (info@nofavt.org), or you can register online.

• Gardeners and Homesteaders
• Apprentices and Beginning Farmers
• Commercial Farmers

Workshops by Date

All 2010 Summer Workshops by Date
Click here to view workshops by category.

Workshops marked with an asterisk (*) will be followed by a NOFAvore social with our wood-fired, mobile oven!

Some workshops require pre-registration; to register, you can call the office (434-4122) or email (info@nofavt.org), or you can register online.

Click on the workshop name for details and directions.

• July
• August
• September
• October

NOFAvore Socials

You’ve probably heard the term “localvore” for someone who eats locally-grown food; we invite you to become a NOFAvore - someone who eats food that is local AND organic!

Our NOFAvore socials provide an opportunity to talk more with workshop leaders and participants; meet NOFA Vermont staff, volunteers, and other like-minded folks; and eat some delicious pizza with ingredients raised right on the host farm! 

Workshop attendance is not required - you can always come for just the workshop, just pizza, or both! Two of our socials are associated with farm tours rather than workshops; see below for details.

A donation is suggested for your NOFAvore dinner, which will include pizza, salad, drinks, and lots of fun!

Please register online or contact the office (info@nofavt.org or (802) 434-4122) if you plan to attend - that way we'll be sure to have enough pizza to go around!

2010 NOFAvore Socials

July 12 • 5 - 7:30pm: Luna Bleu Farm • South Royalton
Pizza dinner will precede a farm tour and discussion about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) at Luna Bleu Farm. 

August 8 • 5:30pm: Vermont Compost • Montpelier
Follows "Producing Eggs Year ‘Round  On Compost Without Purchased Grain." 

August 19 • 4 - 7pm: D. Miller Orchards • E. Dummerston
Pizza follows a tour of this diverse organic farm and orchard, which includes poultry, eggs, pork and value-added items. 

August 21 • 5pm: Family Cow Farmstand • Hinesburg
Follows "Home Dairying Day."

August 25 • 7pm: Larson Farm • Wells
Follows "Farm Equipment Primer: Safety and Types of Equipment for Small Farms;" this one is also a New Farmer Mixer with RAFFL - all new and aspiring farmers are welcome!  

October 25 • 5:30pm: Blackwell Roots • Cabot
Follows "What's a Coolbot? Low-cost Storage for the Winter Market."

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Benefactors

---

Sustainers

Exhibitors' Fair

Always a favorite aspect of our conference, the Exhibitors' Fair features local businesses, agricultural experts, and organizations involved in food and farming.

*NEW!* Please join us Saturday night for Happy Hour with the Exhibitors at 5:15, featuring local beer and wine, with refreshments from Healthy Living Market and Cafe.

This year's exhibitors include:

• Acadian Organic Fertilizer
• Alltech
• BCS/O'Neill & Associates
• Center for an Agricultural Economy
• Chelsea Green
• City Market
• Cooperative Fund of New England
• Davis Center Exhibitor
• Deep Root Organic Co-op
• Drip Irrigation Systems
• eOrganic
• FarmPlate
• Green Mountain Compost
• Hanover Coop
• Healthy Living
• High Mowing Organic Seeds
• Hunger Mountain Coop
• Institute for Energy & the Environment, Vermont Law School
• Intervale Center/Intervale Conservation Nursery
• Johnny's Selected Seeds
• McGill University - MacDonald Campus
• New Village Farm
• Northeast SARE
• NOVIC - Nothern Organic Vegetable Improvement Collaborative
• Progressive Asset Management
• Risk Management Agency
• Rural Vermont
• Shelburne Farms
• Singing Spindle Spinnery
• Sterling College
• The Children's Initiative
• Tierra Farm
• Total
• USDA NASS
• USDA NRCS
• UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture
• UVM Department of Continuing Education
• UVM Extension Rural & Ag VocRehab & VT Agribility
• UVM Extension VT Rebates for Roll Bars Program
• UVM New Farmer Project
• Vermont Agency of Agriculture
• Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
• Vermont Compost Company
• Vermont Migrant Farm Worker Solidarity Project
• Vermont's Local Banquet Magazine
• Wellscroft Fence Systems, LLC
• Weston A Price Foundation/Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund
• Wormpost Vermont

Keynote Speakers

Mid-day Activities

There are a number of activities available for your mid-day break!

Lunch
Saturday & Sunday, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Locally-sourced, mostly organic lunch catered by Sodexo.  Meat, vegetarian, and vegan options are all available. Thanks to all the local producers who contributed to this year's lunch menu!

Social Action Table
Saturday & Sunday, 12–2 pm
Join NOFA Vermont and Rural Vermont to learn more about current agricultural and food-related issues, legislation and policies at the state and  federal levels that are of importance to Vermont's farmers and local food system. Your involvement makes a difference!

Health Screening and Farm Safety Booth
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Free health screenings, farm safety information, and health access surveys will be offered by a partnership of the University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, The Vermont Farm Health Task Force, The Vermont Department of Health, Fletcher Allen Health Care and the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH).

The free screening booth will focus on non-fasting cholesterol, blood pressure readings, and private skin cancer risk screenings. In addition there will be information on farm safety, including hearing and vision protection and roll-over protection structure use. The booth will be staffed by Vermont health professionals and staff of NYCAMH.

Yoga  
Saturday & Sunday ,12:15 – 1:15 pm
Connect with your conference community and learn some great ways to relieve the everyday aches and pains of farm and garden life. Take a break from sitting and enjoy a yoga class offered by our certified yoga instructors, Kelli Mae Willis & Sam Schafer-Joel on Saturday, and Julie Epstein on Sunday. Kelli Mae, Sam and Julie are staff at Evolution Yoga in Burlington, VT.  A mat and comfy clothes are recommended, but not necessary.

Film: Silenced Voices
Saturday & Sunday, 12:15 – 1:15 pm
Vermont migrant farmworker José Obeth Santiz Cruz was killed in a farming accident in December 2009. The VT Migrant Farmworker Solidarity Project sent a delegation to Mexico to help return his remains and made a documentary film to share his family and community coming to terms with the young workers death and present personal stories of migration to Vermont.

Their experiences highlight the conditions that force migrants from their agricultural communities in Mexico and draw attention to some of the hardships endured by Vermont's migrant farm workers. The film was produced and directed by Gustavo Terán, Brendan O’Neill and Sam Mayfield for the VT Migrant Farmworker Solidarity Project and will be followed by a discussion about farm worker and food system justice organized by the VTMFSP. More information at www.vtmfsp.org.

Peace Corps Presentation
Saturday & Sunday, 12:15 – 1:15 pm
The U.S. Peace Corps, now in its 50th year, is actively seeking Volunteers (no upper age limit) to serve overseas for 27-month terms in numerous program areas including: Agriculture, Environment Education, Health, Business / NGO Development & Information Technology, and Youth & Community Development.

Come to this lunchtime session to learn more about Peace Corps and hear from several Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV), including some noteworthy local “Aggies”.  This session will be facilitated by Greg Flatt, RPCV - Mali (Agriculture Extension ’97-’99), PC Recruiter for VT, farmer, CSA coordinator, and local food security  enthusiast.

Parking

Parking for this year's Winter Conference is in the Given and Jeffords lots at UVM. These are both a short (3-5 minute) walk from the Davis Center.

Please click here for a general map of the UVM campus.

Saturday Events

Join us Saturday night as we unwind from one day of workshops and recharge for another!

Happy Hour with the Exhibitors
5:15-6:15pm

Light refreshments, local wine and beer offerings, and a chance to get to know our exhibitors. Refreshments sponsored by Healthy Living Market and Cafe.

NOFAvore Dinner and Dance
6:30-10:00pm; $20 + cash bar
Just want to dance? Show up at 8; we'll be taking donations at the door.

Enjoy a fantastic locally-sourced meal by Sodexo, good company, and contra dancing with music by the legendary Clayfoot Strutters!

We will also be hosting the first annual NOFA-VT Seed Swap outside the dinner hall, so bring seeds to share! Experts from High Mowing Organic Seeds will be on hand to answer your questions about seed saving and garden growing!

Also during dinner will be a story booth with the Vermont Folklife Center. If you would like to share your story about farming or food, find a partner and sign up for a 15-minute slot by emailing vera@nofavt.org, calling the NOFA-VT office at 802-434-4122, or signing up at the conference.

Want a taste of Saturday's music? Listen below.

Sponsorship, Advertising, and Exhibiting

There are many ways to support the Winter Conference while promoting your business or organization to our attendees.

Download the sponsorship brochure and reply form or visit the links below for more details.

Sponsorship
We offer a range of sponsorship options that provide many benefits, including complimentary registrations, exhibiting discounts, and advertising in the conference program and on the Winter Conference website.

Advertising
*We are no longer accepting ads for the 2012 program.*

By advertising in the conference program, each attendee will see your support and connection to the local, organic foods movement. Programs are handed to each attendee and act as a manual for the weekend.

Exhibiting
Our attendees look forward to browsing gardening tools, visiting with our sponsors, troubleshooting with experts, and making new connections to local businesspeople.

The Children's Conference

The NOFA-VT Children’s Conference is the place for all children ages 6-12 to be on February 11^th and 12^th. 

Taking place just down the road from UVM at Edmunds Elementary School on Main Street in Burlington, the Children’s Conference provides a variety of exciting and hands-on workshops to inspire and teach our young people about agriculture, cooking, nutrition, animals, the environment, and much more!  With a talented crew of experienced farmers, chefs, and educators to lead our many workshops and activities, youth will have a fun-filled learning adventure.  Kids will explore topics from sourdough-making to seed science and farm animals to birdhouse-building. Snacks and a local foods lunch are included. 

Click here to register!

Children can attend the Children's Conference even if no adult is attending the Winter Conference.

Please note: Space is limited—pre-registration is strongly encouraged.  There will be few walk-in registrations available.  Please use the form on page 25. We also ask adults joining us for lunch to pre-register and add $10 per adult, per day. Thanks! Once we have received your registration we will send you an information packet about the children’s conference.

Schedule:

Workshop presenters include: Green Mountain Farm to School, Winooski Valley Parks District, Circus Yoga, VINS

Conference activities subject to change.

Parking/drop-off information: Edmunds School parking lot is accessible from Maple Street, between South Willard and South Union Streets. Transportation to and from the conference is the responsibility of parents or guardians.  We will also be offering shuttle rides to and from Edmunds for those adults who with to attend the local foods lunch.

The Children’s Conference is funded in part by the generous support of the Johnson Family Foundation. 

Interested in presenting or volunteering next year?  Contact info@nofavt.org

Winter Conference Registration

• Register Online
•  Click here to download a registration form to mail in. (PDF)
  

Scholarships are available! Click here for Scholarship Information.

Please note: If you would like to apply for a scholarship, you cannot register online. Please read the scholarship information before registering.

Discounts Available:

• Early bird: $5 discount per adult registration if received by January 24.
• Volunteer: $15 discount per 2-hour shift. You must contact the office to arrange your volunteer opportunity.
• Farmer: $5 discount per adult registration (maximum $10 per farm)

Please note: no discounts are applicable to children's conference registrations.

Winter Conference Scholarship Information

We make every effort to ensure that our conference is accessible to everyone. To this end, there are several scholarship opportunities for the 2012 Winter Conference. Scholarships are limited, so we encourage early application - don't wait until the deadline! Please apply before registering for the conference. Applicants who do not receive scholarships will still be able to register for the conference regular rate.

The deadline for the Flood-Impacted Farmer Scholarship has been extended to February 6.

The deadline for other scholarships was January 24th, 2012.

1. Flood-Impacted Farmer Scholarship

Farmers who were impacted by Tropical Storm Irene can apply for the Flood-Impacted Farmer Scholarship, set up by the NOFA-VT Emergency Farmer Fund. The scholarship covers up to $60 per day towards conference registration for two people per farm (excluding meals Saturday and Sunday and social events). Deadline: February 6. Download an application here to mail in with your completed registration form.

2. General Scholarship

Thanks to donations from members, friends, and conference sponsors, we have a general scholarship fund which can cover up to 50% of registration costs (does not include meals or social events). NOFA Vermont members needing financial assistance to attend the conference may apply for this scholarship (Deadline is January 24th.) If you would like to support our scholarship program, donations can be made when you register.

3. Beginning Farmer Scholarship

Like last year, we also have scholarships available specifically for beginning farmers (defined as those who have been farming for ten years or fewer). This scholarship covers 100% of the registration fee (does not include meals or social events), and is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2010-49400-2184. Deadline is January 24th.

Please do not apply for more than one scholarship. For questions regarding scholarships, please contact the NOFA office:  434-4122, info@nofavt.org.

Rideshare & Accomodations

We currently have rooms blocked at two local hotels: the Best Western and the Doubletree across the street. Make a weekend out of it!

• The Best Western’s rate of $75.00 per night is available until February 1.
  Click here to book a Best Western room online or call 1-800-371-1125
• The Doubletree’s rate of $92.00 per night is available until February 1.
  Click here to book a Doubletree room online or call 1-802-658-0250

We've also set up a blog to facilitate home-sharing. If you have room to offer or need a place to crash, visit nofavt.wordpress.com.

Looking for a ride? Have room in your car?
We've created a group on ridebuzz.com to facilitate ridesharing. Please click here to offer or search for a ride.

Winter Conference Press

Thank you for your interest in the 2012 NOFA Vermont Winter Conference. For more information or a press pass, please contact Caitlin Gildrien, Outreach Coordinator, at caitlin@nofavt.org.

• Press Release 11/16/11 - NOFA Conference to Focus on Resiliency, Collaboration
• Press Release 1/4/12 - NOFA Conference offers hands-on workshops for gardeners, localvores
• Press Release 1/12/12 - Farmers get inspired at 30th NOFA conference
• Press Release 1/23/12 - Children's conference reaches the next generation of localvores

• Click here to download a high-res NOFA Vermont logo
• Click here to download a photo of Vern Grubinger, Saturday keynote speaker
• Click here to download a photo of Wendy Johnson, Sunday keynote speaker

2011 Media Coverage:

Weekend NOFA Conference creates links - WCAX, 2/13/11

Blood, Syrup, and Samosas: Rendering the tastes of place at NOFA - Seven Days, 2/16/11

It's an Exciting Time: Vt. NOFA attracts 1,000 - Herald of Randolph, 2/17/11

Author promotes radical homemaking - Burlington Free Press, 2/18/11

McKibben says farm numbers are up at NOFA-VT winter conference - Country Folks, 2/28/11

Friday Night Events

Opening Reception: 4-9pm; $10 + cash bar

Taking place at Main Street Landing in downtown Burlington (see below for map), we are pleased to offer an opening reception to start the conference off right! Enjoy local wine and beer, light appetizers, and tastings from Friday's workshops, including crisp apple slices and sweet honey. Sugarsnap Catering will provide additional tasty snacks and the Skinny Pancake will run the bar. $10 includes admission to our feature film, Queen of the Sun.

Film Screening: Queen of the Sun
6-7:30pm; $5, free to those attending the Opening Reception

QUEEN OF THE SUN: What Are the Bees Telling Us? is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from Taggart Siegel, director of THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN.

Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana Shiva. Together they reveal both the problems and the solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature.

Map to Main Street Landing

View Larger Map

Workshops

At the 30th Annual NOFA Vermont Winter Conference, we welcome all who want to engage in conversation about complex food systems that are based in community, land stewardship, and resiliency. Whether you’re a gardener, homesteader, commercial farmer, researcher, forager, chef or consumer, you are certain to find something at the Winter Conference to enrich your skills, inspire your goals and deepen your understanding of resilient food and farm systems.

Read on below to learn about workshops for and about:

• Homesteaders & Gardeners
• Commercial Vegetable, Fruit, and Herb Growers
• Renewable Energy
• Hands-on workshops
• Commercial Dairy and Livestock Farmers
• Farm and Food Policy
• Community Food Systems

Homesteader/Gardener

This track is built to intrigue, inspire, and honor those working with land and food on small scales. Ben Falk, of Whole Systems Design, LLC, will introduce you to the adaptive design of one Mad River Valley farm and will inspire you to reap the rewards of land used creatively and efficiently. Those interested in fig cultivation, blueberry plant care, mushroom foraging, apple grafting, seed saving and small-scale poultry systems will have opportunities to learn from experts. Wendy Sue Harper will explain how to design and care for a robust home composting system, and Nicole Dehene of Vermont Organic Farmers will help conscious consumers understand the intricacies of food labels. Didi Emmons, chef, culinary herb expert, and author of the cookbook Wild Flavors, joins us to share how flavor, community and the biology of plants unite in a farm-to-plate culinary ethic.

Commercial Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Growers

Over 15 workshops for commercial growers will provide opportunities to broaden technical skills and share best practices while engaging in conversation on climate-adaptable farming. Fred Kirschenmann, Distinguished Fellow at the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, will examine eroding ecological capital and Cornell Researcher, Jonathan Comstock will address the effects of climate change on farmers in the Northeast. Entomologist Ann Hazelrigg will give a workshop on the management of pests currently in our region and those to expect next season and beyond. Nicole Dehne and Dave Rogers of NOFA-VT will also prepare you for the future in a discussion of upcoming changes in organic standards. Ginger Nickerson and Hans Estrin will host a panel discussion to explain GAP Audits, Practical Food Safety Trainings and how farms can implement food safety plans at present to save time later. Mark Canella of UVM will talk about responsible money management, Deb Neher, Chair of UVM’s Plant and Soil Science Department will examine soil microinvertebrates and ecological functions in soil and Andrew Sparda of Woods End Laboratories will present on assessments of soil respiration. The program expands even further as several noted presenters offer workshops on greenhouse seedling management, drip irrigation systems, rice cultivation and cereal grain processing.

Renewable Energy

Energy – its on farm uses and sources – runs deep in many conference workshops this year. We welcome Andy Jones and Lee Blackwell to discuss energy efficient cooling systems for vegetables, John Williamson of Stateline Biofuels and Lynda Prim of NOFA-VT on oilseeds for liquid fuel, and Paul Harlow of Harlow Farms on solar PV. Looking for more? Stay tuned to find out whether 2012 is the year that NOFA-VT will offer a 6-hour intensive workshop on renewable energy projects on-farm. Check back often!

Hands-On

This year’s Winter Conference will offer five hands-on workshops to animate your mid-February kitchen. Cow’s milk is transformed as Turkey Hill Farm’s Margaret Osha walks you through home cheese making. Betzy Bancroft, of the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism will teach teas, tinctures and salves to keep you well through the winter months and beyond, while farmer-chefs from New Farms for New Americans will explore vegetables popular in some Asian and African cuisines and how they can be cultivated or foraged right here in Vermont. The Real Picklers come to town to teach pickle and kraut preparation and discuss the history, microbiology, and health benefits of lacto-fermented foods. Vermont Cranberry Company’s Cranberry Bob continues the fermentation beat and presents on making your own fruit wines. Bring a notebook and your appetite!

Livestock/Dairy

Pasture and animal health is the focus of the Livestock and Dairy category this year. New presenters Dr. Samuel Yoder, VMD, Dr. Annemarie Yoder, DVM, Gordon Barnaby, of Corner Rail Fence Company, and Alethea Bahnck of Vermont Heritage Grazers join the Winter Conference to present on organic wormers for ruminants, basic veterinary procedures, do-it-yourself fence maintenance and alternative feed for pigs. Conference veterans Heather Darby and Sid Bosworth will address flood related pasture, feed and vaccine issues. Sarah Flack will teach the fundamentals of grazing systems and Bruce Hennessey will explore season extension grazing. Steven Judge of Bob-White Systems and Margaret Osha of Turkey Hill Farm will explore the operation of micro dairies and Nicole Dehne and Dave Rogers of NOFA-VT will keep you up to speed in “What’s Coming Down the Pike in Organic Standards.”

Policy

Workshops in the spirited Policy category are sure to rustle feathers. NOFA-VT’s own Dave Rogers will lead a discussion of genetically modified crops, while Dan Ravischer of the Public Policy Institute will outline the latest in the pending Organic Seed v. Monsanto lawsuit in which NOFA-VT is a plaintiff. Barbarina Heyerdahl will present on her experience as a lobbyist and activist for sustainable agriculture and resilient communities, and Bill McKibben may join the conference to invigorate the activist in all of us.

Community Food Systems

The Community Food Systems category provides a wide umbrella under which people, labor, land and food come together. Listen as a farmer, UVM researcher, state worker and non-profit leaders answer and ask hard questions about food security and the future of an equitable, sustainable food system in Vermont. Robb Kidd of Rural Vermont will address food sovereignty and Kristopher Flack of Fresh Start Community Farm farm will explore community farming as a means to build local food systems. The Domestic Fair Trade Association and the Migrant Farmworker Solidarity Project will co-present on labor issues on Vermont farms and in the greater food system. Grace Gershuny and Joey Klein will reflect on NOFA Vermont as the organization nears its 41st birthday and keynote speaker Wendy Johnson will present on strength, respect, and work that is grounded in the mentor-mentee relationship.

Full workshop descriptions will be coming soon - so stay tuned!

Children's Conference Documents

Please click here to download the informational packet about the 2012 NOFA Vermont Children's Conference.

Please contact the Liz Gleason, the Children's Conference Coordinator with any questions: elizabeth.j.gleason@gmail.com

Thanks!

Download Winter Conference Program

Click here for a print-quality, high-resolution PDF.

Click here for a smaller PDF file.

Friday Intensive Seminars

This year we are featuring several day-long seminars on Friday. These will take place at Main Street Landing in downtown Burlington from 10am to 4pm on Friday, February 10.

Click for more information in each topic:

• Advanced Orchard Health for Sustainable Fruit Production
  
• Nose-to-Tail Butchery: The Beauty of the Beast
  
• Organic Beekeeping
  
• Renewable Energy Options On-Farm and Alternative Fuels for Greenhouses
• Weed Management in a Wetter, Warmer Climate

Cost: $55 member, $65 non-member. Lunch is included. Pre-registration required.

• Click here for a map to Main Street Landing

Advanced Orchard Health for Sustainable Fruit Production
For commercial growers

Fruit tree culture has been stuck in allopathic mode for far too long, solely seeking out short-term fungicides and antibiotics to destroy disease-causing organisms from without. We never understood that the tree’s own immune ability could be coupled with the stimulation of friendly microbes to defeat disease from within. Join orchard health expert Michael Phillips for a day of in-depth orchard care geared towards fruit producers looking for sustainable and nature-based production techniques.  Register here. 

Nose to Tail Processing
For farmers, homesteaders, and home cooks

Butchery is a cornerstone in an artful food system. This intensive workshop will educate you in the time-honored tradition of butchery.  Instructors Frank Pace, Head Butcher at Healthy Living Market, Sam Ehrenfeld of Greyrock Farm, and Sam Fuller of NOFA Vermont will guide you through a hands-on lesson in making fresh sausage. 

Discussion will focus on whole animal processing, cooking techniques for various cuts of meat and the chefs will demonstrate how to make several types of charcuterie including bacon, pate, salami, and ham.  Get intimate with your food as you roll up your sleeves and engage with this venerable art.  Register now!

Organic Beekeeping
For homesteaders & commercial farmers

This workshop provides an introduction for folks interested in small scale and backyard beekeeping. Featuring Local bee expert Ross Conrad, this workshop will present a balanced view of natural and organic beekeeping topics and practices including: location and equipment requirements; basic honey bee biology; sourcing bees, swarming as an expression of the bees vitality; presence and mindfulness in the bee yard; non-toxic pest and disease control; and an appreciation for the role that pollinators and beekeepers play within the Earth's ecosystem.  Register here. 

Weed Management in a Wetter, Warmer Climate 
For advanced, commercial growers

In a higher CO2 climate, weed physiology is changing and weed management systems must adapt as well. This workshop brings together three experts in weed management.

Dr. Lewis H. Ziska, plant physiologist, will examine weeds' shifting geographical ranges, competitiveness, resistance to control and reproductive responses in our warmer, wetter climate.

Dr. Eric Gallandt is a professor of Weed Ecology whose practical research focuses on reducing the germinable weed seedbank with soil disturbance, cover crops,  elevated seeding rates or inter-row hoeing and selective use of seed predators.

Tom "Geo" Honigford, of Hurricane Flats in South Royalton, Vermont, has a zero tolerance attitude towards weeds at his 8 acre diversified vegetable operation. Honigford will discuss several weed species and equipment and systems for their management, why he weeds at least every two weeks, and how his long-standing zero-tolerance philosophy is paying off.  Register here. 

Renewable Energy Options On-Farm and Alternative Fuels for Greenhouses
For commerical growers

Using renewable energy on farm can be simple in theory and complicated in practice. The first half of this full day workshop will outline how to conduct an on-farm energy audit and various options for financing renewable projects, while the second half will look at real on-farm solutions to alternative energy and greenhouse heating.  Register here. 

Agenda

10:00 - Welcome

10:15—Rose Wilson – Sustainable Business Planning

Rose specializes in marketing, business planning, and business development for farms, non-profits and small businesses.  She will discuss opportunities for farmers to receive support in integrating renewable energy into their greater farm management plans.

10:30— NRCS and Efficiency Vermont—Efficiency and Conservation 

There is financial help available for Vermont farmers looking to assess and retrofit their farm systems.    Bob Kort of Vermont Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Jenn Osgood of Efficiency Vermont will provide an overview of auditing processes, assistance programs and some next steps to take once your audit is complete.

11:00— Chad Farrell, Encore Redevelopment

Encore Redevelopment specializes in project development services for renewable energy systems and manages the financing, permitting and construction of these projects for owners and investors.  Encore's Principal, Chad Farrell, will outline the details and opportunities associated with both farm-owned projects and third party financing models. He will share several examples of how farmers are diversifying their income streams through investing in and/or hosting renewable energy systems on their land.

 11:30—Caleb Elder, AllEarth Renewables

Caleb Elder, of AllEarth Renewables, will discuss the importance of the VT Group Net Metering rules for farms installing renewable energy systems. Group Net Metering allows farms to install solar or wind generation wherever they have the best resource (ridgeline for wind, barn roof for solar, etc.) and then apply the credits to multiple accounts. Caleb will also discuss some different AllEarth Renewables projects installed on farms in VT over the past two years.

12:30—Lunch catered by The Skinny Pancake

1:30—Alternative Fuels for Greenhouses

Heat Capture and Transfer from Aerobic Composting

Heat Capture and Transfer from Aerobic Composting is a valuable tool for farms seeking to reduce dependence on fossil fuel and grid based energy systems. Farms generating or having access to compostable feedstock can glean heat for space, water, greenhouse and other needs. This is a valuable technology for holistically focused farm operations.  Joshua Nelson and Brian Jerose run AgriLab Technologies, LLP and teach courses on composting and sustainability at Green Mountain College.

Outdoor Cordwood Gasifiers for Greenhouse Heating

High Ledge Farm maintains just over 4,000 sq feet of greenhouse space for bedding plant production and for growing greenhouse tomatoes and winter greens. Paul was interested in installing an alternatively fueled heating system following a devastating propane tank failure that led to a fire which destroyed almost all the farm’s buildings including his greenhouses in the spring of 2009.  In this workshop, Paul Betz will share why he chose to install a cord wood gasifier and how it provides energy security.  

Wood Pellet Central Heating Systems for Greenhouses

Ease your impact on the environment and lower your operational costs by heating your greenhouse with wood pellets. Workshop participants will learn about the operational costs, environmental, and local economic benefits of heating with wood pellets verses oil or propane.  The workshop will review a case study of a greenhouse wood pellet user and will discuss fuel cost comparisons, operational and maintenance requirements, and the origins and processes used to create wood pellets.  Andy Boutin is founder of Pellergy, LLC, a manufacturer of wood pellet central heating systems.

4:00 Closing. Opening Reception in the Lake Lobby begins.