Heading to the 111th Anniversary National Farmers Union Convention March 2-5th in Springfield, MA? Then join NYFC at our beginning farmer meet-up on Monday the 4th at 5pm at the Sheraton Hotel Lounge! Come connect with other young farmers from across the country and learn how you can get more involved with the Coalition! Tess Brown-Lavoie, NYFC’s board member and board member of the New England Farmers Union, will be co-hosting the event with organizer Sophie Ackoff. Everyone is welcome to join us for dinner following the meet-up. Email sophie@youngfarmers.org for more details.

This is the first year the NFU Convention is taking place in New England! Farmers from all over the country will descend upon Massachusetts to set the policy priorities for 2013. Panels will address international agriculture, conservation compliance, farm safety, women in agriculture and scaling up to meet demand. The more young, sustainable growers attending the convention, the better NFU will be able to represent us all year long.

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, who hails from western Massachusetts, will deliver the keynote address. Check out the agenda for more info.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

New England Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, fishermen, nurserymen, and their customers through educational opportunities, co-operative endeavors and civic engagement. For more information, see www.newenglandfarmersunion.org.