FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOFA/Mass Public Relations Director

NOFA/Mass 411 Sheldon Road Barre, MA 01005 (978) 355-2853 www.nofamass.org

PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: Nicole Belanger FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOFA/Mass Public Relations Director Phone: 508-450-2441

Reclaiming Our Agricultural Roots at the NOFA/Mass Winter Conference

WORCESTER, MA - The Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass) will hold its 28th annual Winter Conference on January 10, 2015 at Worcester State University. The conference draws about 1,000 from Massachusetts and neighboring states, including seasoned and beginning farmers, urban homesteaders, backyard gardeners, food activists, and others. The conference features workshops, exhibits, and an all-day seminar and keynote by Greg Judy, rotational grazier and carbon sequestration advocate. In his seminar, “Using Livestock to Build a Healthy, Profitable Farm,” Judy will discuss each step involved in setting up a profitable, managed grazing operation from scratch.

Based in Missouri, Greg Judy runs a grazing operation on 1580 acres of leased and owned land. Seven years ago, Judy and his wife switched from Management Intensive Grazing to Holistic High Density Grazing, using frequently moved electric fences to control grazing patterns, affecting the ability of grass to regenerate naturally. This switch allowed the Judy’s to rebound from near bankruptcy in 1999 to paying off a 200-acre farm and house in three years. They graze cows, sheep and pigs and have also started direct marketing grass-fed beef, lamb and pork. Contrary to most grazing operations throughout the United States, the Judy’s use no lime, no fertilizer, no seeding, no chemicals, and no equipment.

“More and more people are looking to do something that makes a positive impact in their community,” remarked Conference Coordinator Cathleen O'Keefe. “People understand that growing and purchasing food organically, on a large or small scale, can improve the health of ourselves, our environment and our communities. For over thirty years, NOFA/Mass has been committed to building this network of farmers and consumers, and we are excited about the possibilities regenerative agriculture has to offer.”

Building on this rich history and representing a variety of communities, skilled presenters will share their expertise in 70 workshops on topics like crop production, farm management, health, homesteading, livestock, beekeeping, policy, skill building, infrastructure, soil, urban/backyard gardening and organic land care. Parents are encouraged to bring their young ones to the children’s conference (for ages 3-12). It provides a lively, interactive educational experience for kids, while hands-on, do-it-yourself workshops keep teens active and engaged. A variety of exhibitors will also provide information, services, local food and merchandise. Author and educator Ellen Sousa of Spencer will present a workshop titled “Landscaping to Support Pollinator & Other Beneficial Insects in Backyards, Schoolyards and Farms”. She explained that “the Winter Conference is a highlight of the winter season for anybody with an interest in the land - a day crammed with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. I look forward to sharing how and why we all (not just farmers) need to appreciate and protect pollinators and other beneficial insects that are so vital to ecosystem health.”

Youth and adult staff of the Worcester Regional Environmental Council’s YouthGROW program will jointly present on issues of gentrification and segregation in the food system. Participants will discuss strategies for making access to growing space and healthy foods more inclusive and welcoming. “The youth in our program offer a unique perspective on urban farming and local food that we are excited to share,” said YouthGROW Coordinator, Grace Sliwoski. “Attending and presenting is a great opportunity for Central MA programs like YouthGROW to learn and grow our networks but also to share our expertise.”

"The NOFA/Mass Winter Conference is a bit of warmth in January,” said presenter Dan Conlon of Warm Colors Apiary in South Deerfield. “I have enjoyed presenting workshops since 2002, and continue to find the energy and optimism unique among the meetings I attend. It centers around good food and sustainable living, with so much to learn, and many friends to see.” This year, Dan and his wife Bonita will present a workshop for all levels titled “Breeding Honeybees”.

Issues concerning farmers, like land access, financially sustainable business models, legal, and policy issues, will also be addressed. Cambridge-based food consultant Julia Shanks is on a mission to help farmers understand the value of financial sustainability. “Helping farmers understand their books is a passion for me.” According to Shanks, “it may seem like a daunting topic, but I promise that that the approach and tools we'll discuss will make a huge difference to understanding how to run a profitable business” – an important link in creating a sustainable food system.

Rich Perna, Worcester State University’s Director of Dining Services, has specially developed an all-organic menu for lunch and dinner. Among other local farms, the meals will utilize produce from Red Fire Farm in Montague and cheese from Chase Hill Farm in Warwick. Both meals will be held at Worcester State University’s new LEED certified Sheehan Hall. The post-conference dinner is an optional, intimate meal and book signing with keynoter, Greg Judy. The general public is welcome to attend without participating in the all- day conference.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the NOFA/Mass Winter Conference visit www.nofamass.org/events/wc or contact NOFA/Mass Public Relations Director, Nicole Belanger at [email protected] or 508-450-2441.

About NOFA/Mass: Through education and advocacy NOFA/Mass promotes organic agriculture to expand the production and availability of nutritious food from living soil for the health of individuals, communities and the planet. To become a member, make a donation, or sign up as a volunteer, please visit www.nofamass.org.