Title: Sundance Commons: A Model for New Farmers

Overview: As the average farm owner grows older and whiter and farmland is lost to development, how can a new generation build ownership of our foodways? In southwestern Ontario, young farmers are reclaiming the Commons and making farm work equitable and sustainable.

Description: Sundance Commons provides land access, infrastructure, wholesale distribution and resources to new and young farmers. Started by two young farmers, this non-profit was formed to grow the next generation of farmers who do not have intergenerational land wealth. Member farmers have long-term land access and directly sell to Sundance Market, an aggregator, which lessens the stress of the first year and provides a stable income stream. In this workshop we will talk about the member farmers, wholesaling, distribution channels and a map of how it started, how it’s going and the end goal of the Commons.

Title: Small, Urban and Production Agriculture Resources from AFT, FSA, MACD and NRCS

Overview: Come get personalized support in finding leading-edge resources available to area farmers, especially small and urban growers.

Description: What resources are available to small and urban farms and other producers, and what support is available in finding and securing them? Representatives of American Farmland Trust (AFT), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will help us navigate the technical and financial support available through their organizations, and will share updates on soil health and urban agriculture initiatives and opportunities. After the initial introduction attendees will use a worksheet to assess their needs, what resources they can access and what barriers they currently face. Presenters will then address attendees’ individual scenarios and help come up with solutions.

Title: Incorporating a DIY Worm Farm into your Growing System

Overview: Francisco Cabas nurtures lush, abundant ecosystems in the land he stewards. Learn what roles worm farming plays in his practices and how you can incorporate vermicompost at your scale.

Description: What can a worm bin contribute to your soil ecosystem, and how can you fit it to your scale? Using a demonstration worm farm, this session will cover plastic worm bin construction for indoor and outdoor composting. Next we’ll discuss the basics of vermicomposting: what it is, how to get started, how to maintain it to avoid issues like smells and insects, what to feed your worms, how often and how much. Finally, we’ll explore the variables that impact worm health and the role vermicompost plays in fertility and pest management in your growing system.

Title: Youth Leadership in Transforming a Community Garden into a Production Farm

Overview: Join us for a review and prospective of the ongoing transformation of a community garden through youth-led farm business and soil science. Hear from youth leaders and their supporters about how the project is growing and how it might translate into your community.

Description: The Tapley Court Apartments Community Garden received an MDAR grant to increase production and introduce value-added products while building youth leadership. We’ll hear how the garden has evolved and learn how key components of the garden project are being accomplished, including development of youth leadership in farming and food justice, development of value-added product as a youth-led business, and increases in soil health through regenerative and traditional soil practices implemented and monitored by young scientists. This session builds on a 2023 NOFA Summer Conference session which introduced the Tapley Garden Project from its birth.

Cross-cultivate knowledge and connections with like-minded colleagues and grow together at these workshops and so many more when you register for the 2024 Winter Conference!