Organic Berries and Apples—Adding Value and Diversity to your Farm

This Beginning Farmer-geared tour and lecture will provide insight into the practices and tools used in the production of five acres of strawberries, one acre of blueberries and a half acre of raspberries at Thompson-Finch Farm.  The tour and talks will include information on crop rotation, site preparation, planting, cultivation, specialized tools and equipment, crop protection, harvest, and sales.  Organic apple production may also be covered, time allowing.  A potluck supper follows the workshop; please bring food to share and your own place settings.

Thompson-Finch Farm is one of the largest and oldest organic fruit farms in the Hudson Valley/Berkshire Mountain region, growing certified organic fruit.  The farm, run by Don and Marnie Maclean for 29 years, has been owned by Marnie’s family for five generations.  Strawberries are the largest crop, complemented by blueberries, fall raspberries and apples as well as mixed vegetables, greenhouse tomatoes, potatoes and other field crops.

Some scholarships may be available for Beginning Farmers to attend this workshop.  For more information on scholarships or the content of this workshop, please contact Rachel at (585) 271-1979 ext. 511.  Please register for this event by visiting the NOFA-NY Shopping page or by calling Katie (Membership & Registration Coordinator) at (585)271-1979 ext 512.
 

Funded by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant # 2010-49400-21847.