Education

Organic Conference at UMass

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If you live anywhere near Western Massachusetts, plan on attending the 36th annual summer conference of NOFA, the Northeast Organic Farmers Association, at the Universityof Massachusetts to be held August 13 to 15 in Amherst, MA.  The conference will kick off with a Raw Milk Symposium, and continue with hundreds of workshops geared to farmers and gardeners, consumers, home cooks or anyone with an interest in topics such as sustainability, local agriculture and nutrition.   For more information click here.

Farming

Lots of New Farmers in Massachusetts

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The Boston Globe reported that after decades of decline, farming is resurging again in Massachusetts. New farmers are graduates fresh out of college, immigrants with farming backgrounds, or former professionals starting new careers.  From 2002 to 2007, the number of farms in Massachusetts jumped by about 27 percent.  That’s a reversal from the previous five years, when there was a 20 percent drop in the number of farms.  The start-up farms are smaller than the enterprises of the past.  For more….read the article here.

Food Policy and Advocacy

New “just food” service in Boston

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Busy people in Boston and nearby communities have access to a new service that will pick up and deliver local food from the farmers markets right to their door.  One of the criticisms of Community Supported Agriculture has been the time it takes to stop by the farm.  While many people, especially those with children, value this experience – others find it inconvenient.  There is no longer an excuse not to buy, “just food now.” This service also provides incentives for changing other aspects of your life (like quitting throw-away plastic water bottles for a more sustainable alternative).   Check out the Gogreenologist.