NYFC Releases Exclusive "Vegetable Grower's Guide to Organic Certification"
Whether it’s rallying for better federal programming or providing online resources for your operation, NYFC is dedicated to helping your farm thrive. We’re excited to release a new tool for you and your farm – the Vegetable Grower’s Guide to
SARE Celebrates 25th Year Anniversary
This year, the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program celebrates its 25th anniversary. The program aims to promote sustainable farming by funding research into different areas of sustainable farming such as cover cropping and rotational grazing, as well
Notes from Plowbreak Farm in Hector, NY
Walking into the field in Hector, New York, I find two farmers cheerfully harvesting basil and hot peppers. Meet Aaron Munzer and Kara Cusolito, founders of Plowbreak Farm. Plowbreak Farm began in 2012 when Aaron and Kara leased three acres
A Fond Farewell to Deputy Secretary Merrigan
Last week, Kathleen Merrigan announced that she will be resigning from her position as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in the USDA. It is a regret to see this visionary of local food and organic agriculture leave the department – we
Resource Spotlight: USDA's Organic Literacy Initiative
The USDA recently launched its Organic Literacy Initiative, a program designed to connect organic farmers, ranchers, processors with the Department of Agriculture resources they could use. Resources go over what the it means to be organic and how certification works,
Take a Stand in DC to Challenge Monsanto's Aggression Against Family Farmers
If you’re able to be in Washington, DC tomorrow (Thursday, January 10th), please come out to stand in solidarity with the 30 farmers fighting to defend American agriculture. They will will be appealing their landmark court case challenging Monsanto’s abusive
Beginning Farmers of Connecticut - a few upcoming events from CT NOFA
Due by December 31, 2012: Deadline for Journeyperson Applications CT NOFA is accepting registrations for the 2013-2015 Journeyperson Program. This provides education and business stipends, mentor support and free admission to CT NOFA programs for two years for Connecticut farmers
Free Finances and Management Worksheet for New Farms
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has put out a management and finances worksheet for organic farmers to test where they stand, entitled “Organic Farmers: Steps to Success.” The tool first takes you through a series of questions on management skills
Survey - Help Understand Beginning Farmer Knowledge Networks
NYFC would like to help researchers and other organizations better understand how to help beginning farmers! Below is information on a survey on organic farmer knowledge networks. If you have the time, please fill out the survey to help. My
New! Online Course De-Mystifies Organic Certification
While many small farmers use “all-natural” or “sustainable” practices, going the distance to certify your farm as organic–with the paperwork, annual inspection, and expense required–often feels like an overwhelming step. But for many farmers, the price premium received would increase