Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Conference

Hosted by the Northeast Organic Farming Association

Online / Friday, March 29 - Saturday, March 30, 2024

Join all seven chapters of the Northeast Organic Farming Association for this regional event as we discuss important topics in agriculture and our food system. All workshops will be recorded and available until May 31.

Once registered, please sign in to the virtual platform. To sign in, enter the email address you used to register, then create any password you like. 

Overview:

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Exploring Agroecology’s Potential for Food System Transformation in the U.S. Northeast

Friday, March 29 at 9:00 am

Presented by: Becky Maden, farmer, University of Vermont Extension specialist, and agroecologist and V. Ernesto Méndez, director of the Institute for Agroecology at the University of Vermont

In this session, two team members from the University of Vermont Institute for Agroecology will share an overview of the field of agroecology and of the recently launched Institute, some practical cases on how to apply agroecology, and reflection on the future of agroecology in the Northeast region.

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Passion, Purpose, and Fresh Paradigms

Friday, March 29 at 11:00 am

Presented by: Deborah Leta Habib, co-creator of Seeds of Solidarity Farm and Education Center

What ways of growing food and related livelihoods are possible—and essential—to restore climate, revitalize communities, and center justice and love? In this engaging session, gather and explore practices that enable land, lives, and community partnerships to flourish.

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Regeneration, Agroecology, Organic: Breaking Down the Silos and Organizing for the Planet

Friday, March 29 at 1:00 pm

Presented by: Ercilia Sahores, founding member of and director for Regeneration International and Organic Consumers Association

What do regenerative, agroecological, and organic practices all have in common? Join Ercilia Sahores as she breaks down the barriers between these farming systems. Learn about best practices and how we can all build more power in the regenerative, agroecological, and organic movement.

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From Heirloom to Ultracross - Variety Trials and Agrobiodiversity

Friday, March 29 at 3:00 pm

Presented by: Chris Smith, executive director of Utopian Seed Project

Learn the importance of regional seed sovereignty and seed saving as a simple and accessible technology for climate resilience. Participants will go on a journey into the world of okra and collards and apply lessons from this session to any crop at any scale.

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Putting the Rights to a Clean and Healthy Environment and a Safe Climate into State Constitutions

Saturday, March 30 at 9:00 am

Presented by: Dr. Kim Stoner, director of advocacy from CT NOFA

In this session Dr. Kim Stoner will discuss why it is important to have environmental rights in state constitutions, important aspects of a “Green Amendment”, and what she has learned from organizing policy efforts in Connecticut.

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A Collaborative Approach to Food Sovereignity

Saturday, March 30 at 11:00 am

Presented by: Tianna Kennedy, executive director of Catskills Agrarian Alliance

Catskills Agrarian Alliance (CAA) takes a regional, collaborative approach to food sovereignty. CAA programs include a multi-farm CSA, an agroecological diversified vegetable and small grain mutual aid farm, an inaugural land access project, and a farm-to-institution initiative. This session will share how and why CAA came to be, the logistics of collaborative farming and food systems, and how the cooperative approach works.

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The Ashawaug Project: Farming with Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions

Saturday, March 30 at 1:00 pm

Presented by: Cassius and Dawn Spears of Ashawaug Farm

The Ashawaug Project is the educational initiative of Ashawaug Farm, which integrates art and agriculture to expand knowledge of Narragansett foodways, support community health and cultural revitalization, and promote food sovereignty. In this workshop, learn about the indigenous practices and traditions happening at Ashawaug Farm and how they are building a sustainable farm and educational space.