The consensus is that the 4th Annual Slow Food Seacoast Down-on-the-Farm Picnic was a great success! More than 80 people—singles, couples, and families—joined Slow Food Seacoast at Dalton’s Pasture, the Rowells’ homestead in Nottingham, NH, to learn about permaculture, homesteading, and living simply and to enjoy a lovely summer afternoon with like-minded people.

Host canines Finnegan and Sparky greeted each arriving party at the Welcome tent. On Saturday, Peter Rowell had prepared a pot of baked beans and cooked it in a fire pit overnight, so just after 12 noon, he unearthed it with a crowd watching to see whether they were going to be edible. Luckily for us, they were very much so, and they joined the rest of the delicious dishes on the potluck table!

After lunch, Lauren Chase-Rowell led her largest tour group ever around her farm, introducing them to permaculture principles along the way—how to not disrupt the site’s ecology, work efficiently, and use resources wisely. Next, John Forti led a wild and medicinal edibles walk on the property while Peter simultaneously showed a group his “chicken tractor” designs for keeping his pastured chickens safe in the field.

This event could not have taken place, never mind have been successful, without the planning and communications expertise of the Slow Food Seacoast board: Alison Magill, John Forti, Jenny Isler, Amy Pollard, Erin Jenkins, Pam Angulo, and Laura Spelke. (A few years of farm picnic experience doesn’t hurt!) In addition, the board extends a heartfelt and humongous thank-you to everyone else who helped make the event a success:

• Our most gracious and hospitable hosts, Lauren Chase-Rowell and Peter Rowell, who allowed us to march on their mulch, trample their thyme, and cackle with their chickens.
• All of the Slow Food Seacoast board members, chapter members, and other volunteers who collectively performed as planners, site-scouting crew, event-day signage team, set-up crew, sound engineers, food tent crew, kid’s activities director, event photographer, and clean-up crew.
• Daryl and Douglas, who staffed the Northeast Organic Farming Association, New Hampshire Chapter (NOFA-NH) table.
• Jenny Isler, who staffed the Seacoast Community Garden Network (SCGN) table.
• Heather Fernald, who staffed the Seacoast Eat Local table.
• Amy Antonucci and Steve Dimond, who staffed the Greater Seacoast Permaculture Group table.



• Amy Winans and Dan Winans, who organized the UNH EcoGastronomy table and Italian food tasting.
• Ali, who helped staff the Renewing America’s Food Traditions (RAFT) heirloom and wild edibles info and tasting table.
• Michael Sterling—who never appears in photos because he’s always behind the camera!—for taking pictures at the event. Check out our latest Flickr photo sets when you have a chance.
• Deb Locke of Sugarmomma’s Maple Farm, who donated the cutest and most delicious maple candies as prizes for the children’s activities.
• Everyone who talked up the event, handed out flyers, forwarded emails, or shared Facebook updates with people who otherwise might not know about Slow Food Seacoast and this wonderful annual event. (Thanks for getting the word out!)
• All the attendees who dared to venture out of Portsmouth … and drive down 3 miles of sometimes washboard dirt road to get to the property. (Wasn’t it so worth it?)

This is tug-o-war!

Illustration donated by Brenda Drew Designs, www.brendadrewdesigns.com

The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) New Hampshire Herbal Network (NHHN) 1st Annual Spring Herb and Garden Conference will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton, NH.

The conference, entitled Beautiful Earth, “will feature some of New Hampshire’s top herbalists, gardeners, farmers, retailers, crafters, artisans and trades people who support organic growing methods, ecologically friendly products, local food, sustainable agriculture, natural medicine, and community awareness.”

Check out the NOFA–NHHN link for details!

On Monday, we posted about Your chance to speak out against GMOs in NH. Today, we’re forwarding an action alert from Northeast Organic Farming Association, NH Chapter (NOFA-NH), requesting your presence or written testimony at tomorrow’s hearings. (Note: A link to democracyinaction.org in the original newsletter from NOFA-NH did not work, so it was deleted; we will post an update ASAP if we get a working link!)

GMO Action Alert

We need your support at the public hearings

Thursday, February 11

in the Legislative Office Building (LOB)
33 North State St., Concord NH
Room 308

11 am for the GMO liability bill
1 pm for the GMO seed labeling bill

Monsanto is coming with their expensive propaganda and expensive lobbyists.  There is nothing locally grown or heirloom about biotech - show the legislature that traditional and organic agriculture and gardening is our choice.

Or, email NOFA for two handouts info@nofanh.org that can help you compose testimony - the more people that speak the better.  Or just come with friends and colleagues and sign in to support the bill, and stay to hear both sides.

We believe consumer-farmers and consumer-gardeners have a legal right-to- know if their seeds contain GMOs.  And we want to protect traditional, organic and small farmers from cross-contamination that occurs with GMO crops.

Please forward this alert to all your networks and get promises to attend the hearings.
And to make it even better, please email Elizabeth at NOFA-NH info@nofanh.org with your RSVP that you or others will be offering testimony.

More people than ever are growing food for their own families, or for sale.  Organic agriculture continues to grow.

Did you know that there are at least six transgenic varieties of yellow summer squash, crookneck and zucchini that are available to consumers, and are not labeled?

Did you know that a farmer can buy transgenic seed without knowing it? It has happened!

Biotech is only getting bolder with their plans to own all seed in the world.  And to pollute our soils with pesticides and herbicides while creating super weeds and super pests.

No state has yet been able to get seeds labeled for GMOs.  Aren’t we still first in the nation?  Let’s be the leader!

Recommended websites for info and for studies to support your statements:

http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/geneticeng.pdf is an excellent (32 pg) summary of all that has been happening with transgenic crops. http://www.responsibletechnology.org/GMFree/Home/index.cfm is the website of the author of Seeds of Deception and other books on GMOs, Jeffrey Smith. http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/usda-releases-organic-production-survey-results/

You can also write Op Ed pieces about this issue.

How to testify: You will sign in at the hearing and wait till you are called. You will have only 3 minutes, maybe much less depending on the number of people who are signed up to testify.  Written and oral testimony do not have to be diatribes. Keep it simple, polite and to the point.  Thank the committee when you are done. Short statements about complex points are more memorable than long dissertations.

Please try to arrive by 10:45 am for the GMO liability bill (HB 1388) and 12:45 pm for the GMO seed labeling bill (HB 1172).  And plan to spend some time.

Thank you!

NOFA-NH recognizes that farmers, gardeners, and consumers of organic products share a “community of interests:” a common need to grow and consume safe, healthy, nutritious, great-tasting food; and a common interest in preserving a healthy environment that nurtures all of us. In an age of industrial agriculture, we’re working to re-establish a shared sense of pride and participation in a community-based food system that links local farmers with local consumers, and rewards them both equally.

Contact: Elizabeth Obelenus, Program Coordinator
info@nofanh.org
(603) 224-5022

Via NOFA-NH:

The theme of this year’s Northeast Organic Farming Association, New Hampshire Chapter (NOFA-NH), Winter Conference is “A Place at the Table”. It encourages everybody to become involved in shaping an organic farming and food future. There is a place at the table for everyone at the NOFA Winter conference, but we are especially encouraged by the prospect of young voices participating in the discussion. Keynote speaker Sharon Astyk will offer a special family-centered workshop on the topic of creating a viable way of life. The conference has many informational sessions that would be relevant to future farmers and consumers interested in organic food and farming. In addition, there is a special track for youth presented by youth.

Early registration discounts are available through February 26.

WHEN: Saturday March 6, 2010

WHERE: Rundlett Middle School, Concord, NH

CONTACT: Winter Conference Coordinator Scott Morrison, (603) 226-9434, WinterConference@nofanh.org, NOFA-NH website

The ramifications of the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture are varied—some have slowly become evident over time, and some remain unknown. Hearings for HB 1172 “GMO Labeling Bill” and HB 1388 “GMO Liability Bill” are scheduled to be held this Thursday in Concord, NH, and the Northeast Organic Farming Association–NH Chapter (NOFA-NH) invites the public to help build support for these bills. If you can describe why GMOs are bad for our health, are concerned about GMO seeds contaminating organic crops, or simply believe in the right-to-know in seed labeling, then your oral testimony—or written statement—is requested!

WHAT: Public hearings for HB 1172 “GMO Labeling Bill” and HB 1388 “GMO Liability Bill” (read more in ADDITIONAL INFO below and in links)

WHEN: Thursday, 2/11/2010, at 11 am (HB 1388) and 1 pm (HB 1172)

WHERE: Legislative Office Building (LOB), Room 308, 22 North State Street, Concord, NH

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW: If you can’t attend the hearings on Thursday, submit your written statement for the record. Comments to the House received by email are not included in the permanent record, so please email statements to Elizabeth Obelenus of NOFA-NH (info@nofanh.org), and she will print out the required copies and submit them in person at the hearings on Feb. 11 as official testimony.

• HB 1172 (GMO Labeling Bill) “defines genetically modified seeds and organisms and requires that genetically modified seeds be labeled as such.” (More and more people raise their own food in NH to ensure quality and purity—and to save money. How do they know if their seeds contain GMOs if the seeds they buy are not labeled? This bill asks that the time-honored consumer’s right-to-know be extended to seed labeling.)
• HB 1388 (GMO Liability Bill) “defines genetically modified seed or organism” and “establishes a cause of action for farmers sustaining damage from the use of mislabeled or genetically modified seeds or organisms.” (Genetic drift is proving to be a huge problem for farmers that do not purposefully raise GMO crops. If a farmer’s crop becomes contaminated with GMOs through pollen drift, this bill gives the farmer the right to seek damages.)
• If you wish to testify in person or want more information about how you can participate, contact Elizabeth Obelenus of NOFA-NH at 603-224-5022 or info@nofanh.org.
• Slow Food Seacoast posted about a February 3 meeting related to these bills.
• Read an interesting recent article about GMO policy in NH in Front Door Politics.
• The House Environment & Agriculture Committee is set to make recommendations 1 week later, on Feb. 18.

Via the Seacoast Eat Local blog:

Bringing together farmers, gardeners, localvores, educators, and consumers … featuring workshops and vendors: NOFA-NH Winter Conference: “A Place at the Table”

From Northeast Organic Farming Association of NH (NOFA-NH) via the Seacoast Eat Local blog:

ACT AGAINST GENETIC ENGINEERING IN OUR STATE!

There is nothing locally grown nor heirloom about genetically engineered food. The NH localvore, slow food and organic movement can collaborate and take the first steps in discouraging the presence of genetically engineered food and products in our state.

Take part in a meeting on

Wednesday, Feb 3
6:00-7:30 PM
Blue Moon Market and Café
8 Clifford Street, Exeter, NH

to hear about two bills in the NH House Committee on Agriculture and the Environment: one to label seeds that are genetically engineered or contain genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) and the other to provide farmers the right to seek damages if their crops become contaminated by GE crops. (The Café will still be serving food if you come hungry.)

Speakers at this meeting:

• Bob St. Peter of Food for Maine’s Future, will share his experience working on the GE issue in Maine, and will brief everyone on current Maine laws regarding GMOs and past failed attempts at labeling.
• State Representative Susan Wiley and others that sponsored the bills will be present
• Northeast Organic Farming Association of NH (NOFA-NH)

There will also be time for an open discussion about your interests in this issue.

The hearings for the two bills are scheduled for

Thursday, February 11
Legislative Office Bldg (LOB)
Concord, NH

11 AM for HB 1388 - Compensation for contamination

1:00 PM for HB 1172 – Labeling of GMO seeds

• NH House Bill # 1388: Give farmers the right to seek damages if their crops are contaminated by genetic drift
  Genetic drift is proving to be a huge problem for farmers that do not purposefully raise crops that have been genetically engineered. If a farmer’s crop becomes contaminated with GMOs through pollen drift, the farmer can be sued by the manufacturer of those genetically engineered seed, most often by Monsanto. This bill gives the farmer the right to seek damages if genetic contamination occurs.
• NH House Bill # 1172: Label seeds with genetically modified organisms
  More and more people raise their own food in NH to insure quality, purity and to save money. How do they know if their seeds contain genetically modified organisms or not if the seeds they buy are not labeled? This bill asks that the time-honored consumer’s right-to-know be extended to seed labeling.

Please make the time to appear in person at any of these hearings, and let Elizabeth Obelenus at NOFA-NH know your plans. The many aspects as to why genetic engineering is not welcomed need to be covered at these hearings to build a strong case. For example, if you or someone you know works in the sciences and can talk from that point of view about why genetic engineering is bad for our health, or know a farmer that wants to grow sweet corn organically but wonders if their crop will get contaminated by neighboring GE corn, ask them to contact Elizabeth at NOFA. Written testimony is also encouraged.

NOFA-NH CONTACT INFO: (603) 224-5022 or info@nofanh.org.

UNH Cooperative Extension announces a meeting and workshop on growing small fruit (blueberries/raspberries) and vegetable on Thursday, August 20, 2009 form 5:15 pm till 7:30 PM.

The event will be hosted by Ron and Lois Laurence, Blueberry Bay Farm at 38 Depot Road, Stratham, NH

Topics are:
- Integrated Pest Management
- Transitioning to Organic farming
- Cultural practices
- Update on insects, diseases on blueberries, raspberries and mixed vegetables
- Organic, natural pesticides and alternatives
- Biological control
- Bird and netting control

Sponsored by:
UNH Cooperative Extension, Rockingham County, Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA-NH), NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Speakers from UNH Cooperative Extension are: Alan Eaton, Entomology and Integrated Pest Management Specialist, Becky Grube, Sustainable Horticulture Specialist, Cheryl Smith, Plant Health Specialist, Nada Haddad Agriculture Extension Educator and Janis Connor, Agriculture Inspector with the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food

The meeting  was approved for 2 (two) pesticide re-certification credits (Private and Commercial)

The twilight meeting is open to all and there is no cost to attend; registration not required. Rain or shine
For more information call UNH Cooperative Extension: Deb Stevens or Nada Haddad @ 679-5616 or visit www.extension.unh.edu Persons requiring specialaccommodations should call two weeks prior to the event so that proper consideration can be given to the request.

***     ***      ***      ***      ***      ***      ***      ***
Nada Haddad
Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources
University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension       Rockingham County
113 North Road
Brentwood, NH 03833-6623

Phone: (603) 679-5616
Fax: (603) 679-8070
e-mail: Nada.Haddad@unh.edu
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Need weekend plans? Want to set winter aside for a day and think about green and growing things?

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire’s 6th Annual Winter Conference takes place this Saturday. Local And Organic: The Sustainable Future, takes place Saturday March 1, 2008 at the Winnisquam Regional High School, 433 W. Main St in Tilton, New Hampshire from 8:00 am–5:30 pm.

Tod Murphy, owner of The Farmer’s Diner, will Keynote. Tod will be introduced by our new Agricultural Commissioner, Lorraine Merrill. We have 36 workshops running all day. Speakers include Mark Fulford, Julie Rawson, David Yarrow, Mike Collins, Robert King, Dan Kittredge and other many other presenters from the Northeast who will offer their experience and expertise.

The following authors will present workshops: Paul Tukey (The Organic Lawn Care Manual and People, Places & Plants magazine), Ron Krupp (The Woodchuck’s Guide To Gardening), Linda Faillace (Mad Sheep: The True Story Behind the USDA’s War on a Family Farm) and Ross Conrad (Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture)

The conference will feature an all day Market Fair (60+ vendors) from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, plus a raffle. The Market Fair and raffle are open to the public.

More information at http://www.nofanh.org/calendar.html

On March 2, NOFA-NH’s Fifth Annual Winter Conference titled “Peas Lettuce Feed You” will take place at Winnisquam Regional High School in Tilton, NH, just 20 miles north of Concord. The conference features 28 workshops in 4 sessions, on food, farming, gardening, landscaping, sustainability and related topics, and will offer an potluck lunch, a Keynote, and a Market Fair showcasing local, organic and/or sustainable products, organizations, businesses, farms, and foods. All farmers, gardeners, food enthusiasts, landscapers, homesteaders and friends of the earth are welcome!

Early registration by February 20 saves $10: NOFA Members $35, non-members $45. After February 20 an additional $10 will be added to the registration fee. Potluck Lunch is free when you bring a dish to share! No time to cook? Then you may purchase a $10 ticket to the potluck.

This event and many others brought to our attention by the Office of Sustainability at UNH. Their online calendar is available here!