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Organic certification can sound daunting and dry. After hosting a series of networking sessions for farmers of color across the state, and from the personal experience of some of our staff members, NOFA/Mass knows that the certification process can be particularly burdensome for farmers of color, new farmers, and farmers whose first language is not English. This workshop will help you find answers to the questions,  how do you make the leap to organic certification, and is it right for me and my farm?

This discussion-based event will help address the variety of questions that we all have, and serve as a space for us to sort out the logistics and practicalities behind certifying organic. 

This space is intended primarily for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color to gather and learn about organic certification. 

Cost: Free. Refreshments, interpretation services and child care provided.

Schedule/Agenda:

11:00 – Arrival, Refreshments & Introductions

11:30 – Collect Questions in breakout groups

12:00 – Break 

12:15 – Ask the Farmer

1:00 – Discussion & wrap up

About the Instructors:

Mohammed Hannan was raised on a family farm in Bangladesh, and moved to the US with his family a little over ten years ago. When he found it difficult to access the fresh, organic produce he had enjoyed as a child, Mohammed decided to grow his own.  

In 2018, he leased a small piece of land from Tufts University’s New Entry Sustainable Farming Project and started Hannan Healthy Foods, a family farm centered on the core value that healthy foods is not a privilege, but a right. For the past six years, Mohammed, his wife Kaniz, and their children, Arham and Afsheen, have spent every weekend on the farm, sustainably growing and selling award-winning produce at prices even their less fortunate neighbors can afford. 

Having recently expanded to 10 acres in Lincoln, MA, Mohammed plans to increase his growing list to over 60 types of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, including many from Southeast Asia. In the upcoming season, he looks forward to sharing a diversity of sustainable, organic, and affordable produce with the community. 

Born in Chile, Isabel Budnik is a grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, friend, teacher and student. She has dedicated the last years of her life to living a life in harmony with the environment and more minimalist and conscious. Isabel works the land here in Massachusetts at Old Frog Pond Organic Farm. She can be found tending to bees or cutting vegetables or fruit, preparing vegetables for distribution, writing spreadsheets or making jams or other value-added products

 

About the Project:

This event was made possible by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a national program from the USDA that helps farmers navigate the ins and outs of certification, and provides mentorships and technical assistance to those who are considering organic certification. 

There is a history of BIPOC farmers not receiving or having unequal access to the resources that are provided by government agencies. This event is a safe space for us to discuss those inequities, look at how they apply to our farmers and communities, and consider how we may interact with them going forward. It is important to NOFA/Mass that we prioritize and deeply consider the gifts, needs and concerns of our BIPOC farmers.

This event is intended primarily for BIPOC farmers. White allies are encouraged to attend other events (including our upcoming online Demystifying Organic Certification Webinar) join Caucus groups at our conferences, or make a donation to racial equity programming. Thank you.

Accessibility:

Interpretation services will be available. Location has a ramp and is wheelchair accessible. Event will be held indoors with a bathroom available. 

Please share with us your needs regarding (but not limited to): physical accessibility, allergies, noise, scent, gender, intellectual accessibility, and any instructions or tips to help you fully participate. 

Capacity:

Capacity for this event is limited to 25 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space! 

Register Online Now

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact UlumPixan at [email protected]