People and Policy Workshops

Make Your Voice Heard: How We Still Can Stop Hydrofracking in NY
Saturday 8:00 AM
Join us for an update on the current state of gas drilling and a moderated discussion by Wes Gillingham, Catskill Mountain Keeper. We can still stop hydrofracking in New York State!

Creating a Local Domestic Fair Trade Pledge 
Saturday 2:30 PM
Fair Trade has gained in popularity over the past decade and many consumers are willing to pay more for products that benefit low income farmers. NOFA-NY is piloting a fair trade pledge label that follows the fair trade standards developed by the Agricultural Justice Project. Kristina Keefe-Perry, NOFA-NY, Liz Henderson, NOFA-NY Board of Directors, and participating farmers will describe domestic fair trade standards and evaluate the program's affect on the bottom line when direct-marketing produces as "fair trade pledge" to consumers.

Raw Milk: The Permit, the Benefits, and Everything In-Between.
Saturday 2:30 PM
Why and how would I go about getting permitted to sell raw milk in New York State? Jeremy Sherman, Jerry Dell Farm, and Laura Villanti, Weston A. Price Foundation, will discuss the ins and outs of getting permitted, the regulations surrounding raw milk in NYS, and some of the benefits of a diet that includes raw milk. 

Passing on the Farm: Succession Planning & Retirement
Heredando la granja
Saturday 4:15 PM
After 36 years of farming, the time had come to pass on Caretaker Farm to new farmers who would preserve its rich ecological diversity and continue to provide fresh food for the community. Elizabeth and Sam Smith, Caretaker Farm, will discuss how they managed to make the farm affordable for young farmers, provide sufficient retirement income for themselves, and ensure the long-term productivity of that land. David Haight, American Farmland Trust, will discuss resources for retiring farmers and some of the legal structures that make situations like this possible.
Después de 36 años de cultivar, el momento ha llegado para pasar Caretaker Farm a nuevos granjeros que conservarán su rica diversidad ecológica y continuarán proveyendo alimentos frescos a la comunidad. Elizabeth y Sam Smith, Caretaker Farm, hablarán de cómo han hecho que su granja fuera rentable para granjeros jóvenes y a la vez provea sufi cientes ingresos de jubilado para ellos mismos, así como asegure la productividad de su tierra de largo plazo. David Haight, de American Farmland Trust, hablará sobre algunas de las estructuras legales que hacen posibles las situaciones como ésta.

Small Farms Are Real Farms: Economic Impacts of Small Producers
Sunday 8:00 AM
Small in acres doesn’t mean small in impact. Small farms have big meaning for the communities of which they are a part, as well as the economy as a whole. Join John Ikerd, University of MO, for a discussion of the key roles that small operations play in our country.  

A Look at the 2012 Farm Bill
Sunday 9:30 AM
Each and every farm bill has its unique challenges, and this farm bill has been no exception.  Join Liana Hoodes, National Organic Coalition, and Patty Lovera, Food and Water Watch for an up up-to to-date look at the 2012 Farm Bill, and learn what is at stake for organic farmers in New York State.