ACTION ALERT January 9, 2007
--Senate Agriculture Committee Named!
--We still need MUGS!
--Composter needed in Bradford
--Upcoming Events
SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE NAMED
Late in the day Friday, Lt. Governor (and president of the senate) Brian Dubie announced the committee assignments for the Senate. The Agriculture Committee is as follows:
Chair - Senator Sara Kittell (Franklin County)
Vice Chair - Senator Bobby Starr (Essex-Orleans Counties)
Senator Susan Bartlett (Lamoille County)
Senator Harold Giard (Addison County)
Senator Hull Maynard (Rutland County)
These assignments bode well for agriculture this year, as well as the fact that the Agriculture Committee now has full committee status in the Senate and will meet more regularly as a morning committee. In the past, Senators who served on this committee also had to serve on two others because it was not a full-fledged committee, but now, each Senator will only have two (total) committee assignments. Further, the other committees that these Senators work on include Appropriations, Health, Education, and Finance, so Agriculture will be well represented in key discussions this year in other committees.
As yet, the full list of committees has not been posted yet on the web, but it will eventually be posted here:
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/legdir/comms.cfm?Body=S . The House is expected to announce committees on Tuesday. Senate Committees are expected to begin meeting next week.
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW to get started on your New Year's Resolutions ("Get to Know Your Legislators"):
1) IF YOU LIVE in one of the counties that the members of the Senate Agriculture Committee members represent, WRITE A HAND-WRITTEN NOTE congratulating them on their assignment, and introducing yourself as someone who is interested in Agriculture issues. If you are a farmer, let them know. Thank them for their own interest in agriculture, and their willingness to serve on this committee. You can address your letters to:
Senator __________________
Vermont Statehouse
115 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633
Be sure to include your return address.
2) IF YOU LIVE in any other county, write a LETTER TO THE EDITOR saying that the Senate's promotion of the Agriculture Committee to full committee status, and the appointments to the committee reflect an appropriate focus on agriculture, and express your hopes and desires for the coming year. You can find a list of newspapers and their contact info here: http://www.ruralvermont.org/getinvolved.html (scroll partway down the page).
WE (STILL) NEED MUGS!
THANK YOU to everyone who already dropped off some mugs! Keep 'em coming for a little while.
Do you have any mugs in the back of your cabinet collecting dust? Here is your opportunity to clean house and lend a hand to Rural Vermont! Rural Vermont is collecting mugs for our upcoming Hot Chocolate Socials. There is nothing more comforting on a cold winter day than sipping hot chocolate from a warm mug surrounded by old and new friends. Please help us conserve paper and make this winter's Hot Chocolate Socials extra special cozy by donating a mug or two. Feel free to bring them to any Rural Vermont table at the winter events, including the Grass Farmers' Conference, the Farm Show, or the NOFA-VT conference, or drop them off at the office (15 Barre Street, Montpelier). There will be a box labeled "Mugs" at the bottom of the stairs, but if you're in the neighborhood during business hours, please come up to our office on the 2nd floor and visit us! Thanks!
Also - watch your email and your mailbox for invitations to the Hot Chocolate Socials. They will be fun and informative, and a great way to beat the winter blues!
COMPOSTER NEEDED IN BRADFORD
Bradford Composting Program seeking composter!
We are seeking potential composters in the Bradford area to recieve roughly 100 tons of food scraps per year for composting. Upcoming information session for farmers on opportunities through this program on January 11th at 1pm in the Bradford Academy Building. Food scraps are thoroughly source separated at Bradford and Fairlee businesses and hauled to composting location. Composters recieve $30 per ton of food scraps recieved. Technical assistance from the Highfields Institute for establishing, designing and permitting your site, as well as helping establish and provide some on-going assistance in managing compost operation is provided. Funds may be available for site improvements. No previous experience with composting necessary. Are
you a farmer or landowner within a 15 minute drive of Bradford, VT with at least a 1/2 acre of land and appropriate equipment for farm-scale composting? If so, contact Tom Gilbert at the Highfields Institute to learn more about the program: 802-472-5138 or highfieldsfw@vtlink.net. Please inquire by January 20th if possible, not later than January 26th.
UPCOMING EVENTS
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN HEARINGS
The State of Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has developed a draft Vermont Pedestrian and Bicycle Policy Plan to promote bicycling and walking as an integral part of the overall transportation network in Vermont. An Executive Summary of the Plan, as well as a copy of the full Draft Vermont Pedestrian and Bicycle Policy Plan are available for review on the VTrans web site: http://www.aot.state.vt.us/planning/pbpp.htm. This is the plan that will shape the future of bicycling and walking in Vermont, so it's important that the cycling/walking/planning community knows what's in the plan!
Questions? Contact the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition -- 802-225-8904
There will be 3 public meetings to present the plan and get public input. All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.:
Tuesday, January 9, 2007 Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization
Downstairs Conference Room, 30 Kimball Avenue, South Burlington
Thursday, January 11, 2007 Bridgewater Village Elementary School, Bridgewater
Thursday, January 18, 2007 Brattleboro Savings and Loan, 221 Main St., rear entrance, Brattleboro
Snail mail and email comments will be accepted until February 5, 2007. Please address them to:
Scott.Bascom@state.vt.us
Scott Bascom
Planning Coordinator
Policy and Planning Division
VT Agency of Transportation
National Life Building
Drawer 33
Montpelier, VT
05633-5001
VERMONT GRAZING CONFERENCE: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO DIRECT MARKETING
keynote speaker: Mark McAfee, Farmer and Founder of Organic Pastures Dairy Company
cosponsored by Rural Vermont
11th Annual Grazing Conference Combines Practical and Inspirational Elements
The 11th Annual Vermont Grazing Conference will have a little bit of everything: eighteen workshops in six topical areas, lunch discussion and hands on activities, speakers from the east and west coasts, a terrific Vermont-grown lunch, and grazing resources galore.
Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Speaking to this year’s theme of Overcoming Obstacles to Direct Marketing will be keynote Mark McAfee, farmer and founder of Organic Pastures Dairy Company in Fresno, California. McAfee and his family sell certified organic, certified raw, pastured milk. In addition to the keynote, McAfee will lead workshops on farm management at OPDC, and explain in greater detail how the raw milk certification system works in California. Registration costs $35 for VGFA members, $50 for non-members, with $5 for each additional person from a farm, family or organization, and $10 for a seasonal local lunch. CONTACT: Jennifer Colby, (802) 656-0858, jcolby@uvm.edu or www.uvm.edu/~pasture for a downloadable conference brochure, and online registration.
V.A.L.I.D.
Introduction to Rights-Based Organizing Workshop sponsored by The Vermont Alliance for Locally Initiated Democracy (VALID)
Fletcher Free Library Burlington January 10th @ 6:00 pm Free.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library- Montpelier- January 24th @ 6:00 pm Free.
Rights-based organizing is an empowering new way to challenge corporate power, protect our environment and enhance our democracy. Well discuss why most citizen efforts fail and why even the ones that succeed dont win very much. Also, we will show an inspiring video about how citizens in Barnstead, NH used rights-based organizing to protect their water from a corporate bottling operation. Join us to learn more! For more info: Rick 244-5636 rscharf@pshift.com or www.validdemocracy.org
NOFA-VT Second Annual Direct Marketing Conference
January 13, 2007, Vermont Law School
Direct marketing, whether through Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), farmers markets, farm stands or on-farm events, can provide the best return for farmers. NOFA-VT offers this conference for farmers and farmers market organizers to share successful marketing ideas and build stronger marketing opportunities in Vermont. This years conference features a Beginning Farmer Track, sponsored by the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Direct marketing workshops are featured in this conference, rather than being included in the workshop line up at the Annual NOFA-VT Winter Conference on February 10th. About the Keynote: Vance Corum has 28 years experience in all realms of agricultural direct marketing while working with state government, non-profits, and the private sector. His primary joy is helping organize farmers markets in over 70 communities and restore markets in countless others. He is co-author of The New Farmers Market: Farm Fresh Ideas for Producers, Managers & Communities, lauded as the foremost guide to the farmers market industry. For a complete agenda please visit our website: www.nofavt.org. The conference fee is $25 per person (lunch is provided). To register please call Meg at 802-434-4122 or email
info@nofavt.org.
CISA ‘E-BUSINESS’ CLASSES TO HELP FARMERS WITH ON-LINE MARKETING
(GREENFIELD, MA) CISA has created a series of workshops that will help local farmers learn new skills and get the information they need to create a plan for their farm’s on-line business - whether it’s a simple web page with a few photos, or an elaborate on-line store. And because a successful ‘virtual’ business is based on ‘real world’ marketing and design principles, CISA has included classes to help farmers build those skills too. The workshop series meets for 8 sessions, starting Monday, January 22 and ending on Monday, March 19, at the Franklin County CDC, 324 Wells St., Greenfield, MA. Classes are held from 2:30-5:30 PM.
Topics to be covered are:
--Basic Computer Literacy
--Communications Strategy and Planning
--Basic Principles of Design
--Developing Effective Print Communications
--E-business Development (two sessions)
--Class Presentations and Feedback (two sessions)
The series is open to all farmers. Farmers can attend the entire series to receive the additional technical assistance, or choose to attend any individual classes. Cost for the entire series is only $100, or $50 for Local Hero members. Each class costs $20, or $10 for Local Hero members. Space is limited - sign up early! To enroll for the series or particular classes, or to join the Local Hero campaign, call CISA at 413-665-7100 and talk to Jennifer, Monday-Thursday, 9-4.
LOCALVORE WINTER CHALLENGE
Dates: January 29 - February 4, 2007
What the Challenge is: Eat local food only for a meal, a day, or a week. You choose what is a challenge for you and your family.
We have updated our website with a pledge form for the winter challenge, food sources, menu suggestions, and a ton of recipes that you can make with local foods that are available now.
Check out the website at www.VermontLocalvore.org
NOFA-VT's 25(!) Annual Winter Conference
February 10th, 2007, Vermont Technical College
Mark your calendars! The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT)s 25th Annual Winter Conference will be held on Saturday, February 10th at the Vermont Technical College in Randolph, Vermont. We are very excited to announce our keynote speaker: Kathy Lawrence. Kathy is the former Executive Director of the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, a network of diverse groups whose mission is to shape national policies to foster a sustainable food and agricultural system that is economically viable, environmentally sound, socially just, and humane (www.sustainableagriculture.net). Also featured at the Winter Conference are 32 workshops taught by experienced farmers and agriculture specialists for farmers, home gardeners, educators and concerned consumers. Some of the many workshop topics include: Local Grain Production, Climate Change & Farming, Heat Energy from Composting Manure, Wildcrafting, Cooking with Grass-Fed Beef, Organic Raspberries, Integrating Livestock into Your Backyard, Rabbits on Pasture, and Maximizing Space in the Garden. Future farmers can attend the Childrens Conference for ages 6 to 13. The Childrens Conference offers farming related workshops, games and crafts. Also, there is a colorful farmers market (open all day featuring educational materials, organic products, crafts, and associated businesses and non-profits), live music, and a silent auction benefiting our Farm to School Mentor Program, a program which builds partnerships between schools, farmers, and their communities through agricultural education. Registration is available in advance or at the door the day of the conference. Pre-registration is recommended. To receive a conference brochure and registration form, please call the NOFA-VT office at: (802) 434-4122 or email a request to info@nofavt.org. Registration fee is $35.00 for members and $45.00 for nonmembers. $5.00 discount for farmers. The conference will begin at 8:30am with the keynote at 9am and an organic ice-cream social at 5 p.m. For more information about this event, visit: www.nofavt.org. Brochures will be mailed the first week in January. To register for the farmers market, inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or donate a silent auction item, please contact Meg at the NOFA-VT office, (802) 434-4122 or info@nofavt.org.
NEW YORK FARM CONFERENCE
NOFA-NY Annual Organic Conference: Building the Farm Economy Around Local Foods
January 26-28, 2007 Holiday Inn, Syracuse, NY
The conference will feature over 55 workshops of interest to vegetable, grain, and livestock farmers, gardeners, food businesses, food system activists, consumers, teens and children! Saturday evening will include an anniversary celebration to commemorate 25 years of NYS organic farming education and community. This years conference features an exciting keynote lineup including Joel Salatin from Polyface Farm, Swoope, VA; Richard Pirog from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa State University; Judy Wicks owner of White Dog Cafi, Philadelphia, PA, and Guest Speaker, Joel McNair from Graze magazine. Dont miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge of organic agriculture and network among the leaders in the industry. The full conference program and registration forms are available at the NOFA-NY website, visit: www.nofany.org.
THREE ORGANIC FARMING CONFERENCES IN CONNECTICUT
CT NOFA is sponsoring three conferences this winter. Click on the links below for more information.
For new and existing farmers: Getting Started in Organic Farming will be held on January 13 in New Haven,CT. http://www.ctnofa.org/events/GettingStarted.php
For community organizations, farmers and individuals who operate or want to operate a community farm:The Community Farming Conference will be held on February 10 at the Mercy Center in Madison. It is co-sponsored by the Mercy Center and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Elizabeth Henderson and Lynda Simpkins will keynote. http://www.ctnofa.org/events/CommunityFarming.php
For farmers, gardeners, land care professionals and citizens: Cultivating an Organic Connecticut will be held on March 10 at Windsor High School in Windsor. John and Nancy Jack Todd will discuss "The Promise of Ecological Design." Plus 30 workshops, potluck lunch and organic marketplace.
http://www.ctnofa.org/events/CaOC.php
CREATIVE RE-USE SHOWCASE
The 11th annual Creative ReUse Showcase is coming to the Frog Hollow Gallery in Burlington this winter. The Chittenden Solid Waste District invites you (and your artist friends) to enter the 2007 Showcase. If your entry is selected, it will be on display for a month at Frog Hollow Gallery or a local sponsors place of business for the entire month of February. You also have the option to sell your piece at that time, and you will eligible to receive a $100 gift certificate from the local business/ co-sponsors listed below.
Awesome Art: Boutilier's Art Center
Fabulous Fashion: Champlain Clothing Company
Perfectly Practical: Outdoor Gear Exchange
Outrageously Original: Burlington City Arts
Strongest Statement: Artists' Mediums
People's Choice: Frog Hollow
This year we're introducing a Global Warming Grand Prize for the project that most expresses concern for the issue of climate change. NRG Systems will award a $200 cash prize!
For more information on the Creative ReUse Showcase check out this link:
http://www.cswd.net/school_programs/showcase_07.shtml
Also, I am available to do an in-class presentation for any classes interested in joining in the competition. Please contact me with any questions and download an entry form off the cswd website listed above. Thanks!
Jessica Sankey
Waste Reduction Coordinator
jsankey@cswd.net
(802) 872-8100 ext 211
FILM SERIES IN MARLBORO
Know Media Presents their 4th Annual
ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM FILM SERIES
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.
Marlboro Technology Center, Brattleboro (directions below)
January 23, 2007 - Big Bucks, Big Pharma: Marketing Disease and Pushing Drugs
Big Bucks, Big Pharma pulls back the curtain on the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry to expose the insidious ways that illness is used, manipulated, and in some instances created, for capital gain. Panel discussion to follow. Sponsored by Know Media and the Vermont Citizens Campaign for Health
February 27th, 2007 - Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes
Director hip-hop fan, and gender violence prevention educator, conceived the documentary as a "loving critique" of a number of disturbing trends in the world of rap music. He pays tribute to hip-hop while challenging the rap music industry to take responsibility for glamorizing destructive, deeply conservative stereotypes of manhood. Critically acclaimed for its fearless engagement with issues of race, gender violence, and the corporate exploitation of youth culture. Sponsored by Know Media and ACME VT.
March 27th - DOUBLE FEATURE: Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People
ALSO SHOWING: MANY WAYS TO SEE THE WORLD: A Thirty-Minute Tour of World Map Images
This groundbreaking documentary dissects a slanderous aspect of cinematic history that has run virtually unchallenged form the earliest days of silent film to todays biggest Hollywood blockbusters. By inspiring critical thinking about the social, political, and basic human consequences of leaving these Hollywood caricatures unexamined, the film challenges viewers to recognize the urgent need for counter-narratives that do justice to the diversity and humanity of Arab people and the reality and richness of Arab history and culture.
All films are open to the Public Suggested donation $3 - $7 (Proceeds to benefit Know Media) For More Info Call Robin (802) 258-2402 tbreeze@sover.net. Directions to Marlboro Tech Center: From North: Interstate 91 Take Exit 1, Brattleboro. At end of ramp turn left; (Route 5 / Canal Street). Travel 1.2 miles toward downtown Brattleboro. At the bottom of the second hill you descend, look for signs for Route 142 South. At 4-way intersection, make a sharp right onto Vernon Street (Route 142 South). Go past Brattleboro Museum on left. Parking for the Graduate Center is the next left. Room 2 NE