Intensives, Workshops, and Events

Friday, January 9: We will kick off the conference with a series of in-depth, 90-minute, intensives followed by an opening event that features networking at the trade show—complete with live music, local food, drinks, and great company!

Saturday, January 10: The full-day conference will offer something for everyone with a variety of educational workshops and events along with the trade show, breakfast, lunch, and more!

The Rooted in Community Affinity Space will be open for the duration of the conference. Designed to meet the needs of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, SWANA farmers, landworkers, and earth stewards, will continue to offer workshops and strategy lab spaces to help resource our network of farmers while additionally offering space for folks to gather for rest, a warm mug of tea, herbal first aid and care, and a container for connection and building of deeper, culturally resonant community partnerships.

See the schedule here

Friday Intensives:

Friday from 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Presented by: Jack Whettam of Hidden Acre Farm
Jack Whettam of Hidden Acre Farms—a NOFA-NY Certified Organic and Real Organic Certified operation in Bloomingburg, NY—will lead an in-depth session on his newly revamped tomato program. Founded in 2019, Hidden Acres now manages over four fenced acres and five 96-foot high tunnels, enabling production from early spring straight through the cold New York winters. This season, Jack has undertaken a complete overhaul of the farm’s tomato operation, experimenting with improved growing techniques, refining harvest and record-keeping systems, exploring preservation methods, and expanding opportunities for year-round market sales. During this session, Jack will share insights from his on-farm trials, lessons learned, and the strategies that have led to his current tomato production successes and marketing outlets.
Sponsored by TOPP

Friday from 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Presented by: Jessica Gilbert-Overland and Della Miller of Good Food Buffalo Coalition, and Ribka Getachew-McLean and Taylor Pate of Community Food Advocates
We know that farmers are the backbone of our communities and that without farmers we would not be able to survive. Yet, farming is an incredibly challenging career and too often state policy makes farming even more so. We need state policies that enable our farmers, and thus our communities, to thrive.

This farmer roundtable will bring farmers together to explore how state-level policy can better support those who feed our communities, particularly through values-based public institutional food procurement. Participants will share the barriers and challenges they face with accessing institutional markets, highlight the solutions they need, discuss how policy can help (rather than hinder) their success, and engage directly in the policy process. This discussion will highlight one concrete example — the Good Food NY Bill — as a model for how thoughtful, farmer-centered state policy can strengthen our local food and agricultural economies, improve food access, and create a more resilient food system.

Friday from 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Presented by: Corinne Hansch of Lovin’ Mama Farm
Join us for a deep dive to learn how Corinne has built a thriving cut flower enterprise on her small organic farm. We’ll explore the full season of flower production—from growing in high tunnels and planning crop successions to managing perennials, soil preparation, weed control, trellising, and employee coordination. We’ll also cover harvest and post-harvest handling, including techniques for dried flowers, as well as design work and effective sales and marketing strategies.

Bring your questions and experiences to share in this engaging, roundtable discussion. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow growers, exchange insights, and gain inspiration for your own flower enterprise.
Sponsored by TOPP

Friday from 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Presented by: Erik Hassert of Red’s Consulting, Tracy Lerman, Food Systems Consultant, and June Russell of Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming
Glynwood Grains & Staples Initiative plays a critical role in connecting Northeast grains and staples farmers, buyers, and researchers. We regularly field requests from buyers looking for state and regionally-grown grains and beans who cannot find a supply, and from growers looking to market a “stranded” crop, (when a buyer does not follow through on a purchase). There is a clear need for formal, transparent, and equitable coordination as a vital next step to ensure the growth of this market.

With New York Farm Viability Institute’s support, we have been conducting farmer and supply chain actor interviews and surveying successful models of collaborative marketing. In this session, the project team will present their findings and solicit feedback from stakeholders on a path forward that continues to create viable opportunities for regional farmers to grow and sell staple crops.

Friday from 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Presented by: Elizabeth Higgins of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program
Elizabeth Higgins is a Farm Business Management Extension Associate with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Eastern NY Commercial Hort Team. She has over 30 years of experience working with businesses and non-profits in both New York and Louisiana in a wide range of industries and scales of operation. The intent of this session is to help those of you who have a business idea that you are really excited about – and are considering jumping into – take a breath and organize your ideas into actionable steps – the start of a plan! We will cover goal setting and planning, collecting financial data with intention and to answer questions (not just to fill in your federal tax return – although that is important too) and the importance of good communication. She will also give you a roadmap for farm-business start up (key forms, points of contact and regulations) but the focus will be on coaching you through what information you need to have and to collect to reduce the risk of not achieving your business goals.

Friday from 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Presented by: Fred Lee of Sang Lee Farms
Join second-generation farmer Fred Lee of Sang Lee Farms for a dynamic 90-minute intensive on high-tunnel growing that blends decades of practical experience with the innovative spirit that defines this iconic North Fork farm. Participants will get an inside look at the farm’s extensive network of low and high tunnels that support production of more than 100 varieties of specialty vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, herbs, baby greens, and a celebrated collection of Asian cabbages, greens, and radishes.

The first half of the intensive will focus on the history of Sang Lee Farms, current day farm setup, markets and outlets, and an in-depth tunnel infrastructure break down. Fred will walk growers through Sang Lee Farms’ strategies for season extension, comparing heated and unheated tunnels, and demonstrating the benefits and challenges of different tunnel setups.

The second half of the session with focus on specific tunnel production techniques. From soil health to airflow, crop planning to tunnel maintenance, attendees will gain actionable insights rooted in real-world practice. Tunnel production supports Sang Lee Farms’ year-round CSA programs—both Winter and Summer—and fuels their certified organic vegetables and the farm’s expansive line of value-added products made in their on-site Certified Organic Kitchen. Fred will share how careful tunnel management helps maintain both quality and consistency. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your protected-culture systems or deepen your understanding of diversified organic production, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a farm that continues to innovate across generations.
Sponsored by TOPP

Friday from 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Presented by: Tracy Lerman, Food Systems Consultant, and Hannah Tremblay of Farm Aid
As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, farmers are too often left without meaningful relief. This session will take a hard look at the gaps in current disaster assistance and unprecedented slash in funding to support climate resiliency and mitigation efforts. Drawing from new research and a forthcoming white paper, we’ll discuss what’s broken — and what needs to change. Participants will connect with organizations working on solutions and learn how to get involved in efforts to support farmers to increase climate resiliency and when disasters happen.

Friday from 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Presented by: Matthew Dell of Treadlight Farm
Join Matthew Dell of Treadlight Farm for an immersive session focused on cultivating cut flowers and native plants plugs organically. Based in Kerhonkson, NY, Treadlight Farm has been a leader in sustainable floriculture since 2015, blending ecological stewardship with exceptional floral design potential. In this intensive workshop, Matthew will share insights on soil health, propagation, and management practices that support both thriving blooms and healthy ecosystems. Participants will gain practical knowledge on integrating native species into production systems, meeting market demands, and fostering biodiversity, all while maintaining the highest standards of organic integrity. Perfect for growers, florists, and land stewards looking to deepen their connection between beauty and sustainability.
Sponsored by TOPP

Friday from 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Presented by: Heron Breen of Fruits of Our Labors and Rebecca Povilus of the Geneva NY USDA – ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Unit
This session will offer an introduction to plant germplasm resources for breeders of all scales, with a focus on the USDA’s National Plant Germplasm System. Collections of crop genetic diversity are a foundation for agricultural security in the face of changing environments, changing pests/diseases, and changing market preferences. Using a few specific crops as examples, we’ll discuss approaches to accessing these resources and how to steward them. We will also highlight efforts the can be enriched by crop diversity resources, including: bringing heirlooms back to the market, preserving our history and food ways, and breeding locally-adapted varieties to meet current and future challenges.
Sponsored by TOPP

Opening Event:

Friday from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
After a full day of intensive sessions, join NOFA-NY to kick off the conference and celebrate community at the trade show! This is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, unwind, and recharge together. Enjoy a cocktail hour with appetizers, followed by a buffet featuring plenty of fresh, local, organic, and vegetarian options from iEat Green. The evening will also include live music by Honey for the Bees and a cash bar. Come ready for a warm, laid-back night of good food, music, and great company!

Honey for the Bees is a harmony-infused indie-rock group based on Haudenosaunee land (Syracuse, NY). They write original songs inspired by queer stories, love and heartache, and the troubles and beauties of the world. Plus they’ll share quirky covers, many with food and garden themes :) Feel free to sing along!

Shabbat for Jewish Farmers:

Friday from 5:15 – 7:00 pm
Join Jewish Farmer Network for a soulful and accessible Shabbat dinner with your NOFA-NY friends. Shabbat is the original farmer’s “reset button,” inviting us to pause, connect, and nourish ourselves and each other. Come connect with fellow Jewish farmers, slow down and dive into rituals—some traditional, some lovingly made up. No experience necessary. This dinner is open to Jewish farmers, their friends and family. If you would like to attend, please sign up here!

Saturday Workshops:

Presented by: Christine Hutchinson with Dyanara Alejos, Lyness Martinez, and Peter Oates, of Our Core, Inc.
Our Core youth will discuss how they grow organic veggies in their neighborhoods to feed individuals and food pathways via Our Core’s refrigerated food hub in Newburgh, NY. They will also detail key Our Core initiatives and partnerships with other farms and programs from home and far away. 

Presented by: Elizabeth Henderson of the Agricultural Justice Project and Koi Dem Mendez of 490 Farmers
Too many gardeners have been taught that they must clean up their garden for the winter by removing all crop residues, leaving the soil bare. Would you want to spend a NY winter naked? Soil feels the same way! In this workshop, Koi and Liz will share their combined years of experience – and draw on scientific evidence – to show you why cover-cropping protects your soil over the winter and builds soil health for the crops to come in the spring. They’ll also explore key moments when cover crops can serve your garden beyond the winter season: as living mulch, nutrient scavengers, and ecosystem builders.

Together, Koi and Liz will walk you through the how-and-why of selecting cover crop species, timing your seeding and termination, integrating with your garden plan, and using the results to strengthen resilience and soil vitality. You’ll walk away with your own copy of their new “Cover Crop Guide for Urban Gardens”, a practical tool to keep your soil covered, alive, and ready for the next growing season.

Presented by: Allyson Levy and Scott Serrano of Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The process of selecting the right trees and shrubs for an agroforestry system begins with the producer’s goals. In this presentation, we will focus on some of the best crops for production. Although Hortus is an arboretum, we have been growing these edible plants for close to two decades if not longer, and want to share growing tips on some of the best species out there for cultivating in the northeast including chestnut, black walnut, hazelnut, American persimmon, pawpaw, myoga ginger, and schisandra berry.

Presented by: Carlos Aguilera and Lorena Mendoza of West Haven Farm, Michaela Hayes-Hodge of Rise & Root Farm, and Zaid Kurdieh of Norwich Meadows Farm
This interactive session will dive into the evolving farm labor landscape and the challenges and opportunities it presents for both farmers and farmworkers. A farmer panel will discuss their approaches to labor management and worker protections, sharing what’s changed in recent years. Attendees will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and exchange ideas.

Presented by: Steve Etka of National Organic Coalition and Patty Lovera of Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment
Federal agriculture and environmental policy is shifting fast—and farmers and advocates are navigating a disruptive food policy landscape to try to make a difference. We all need to be part of the conversation. Join policy experts to learn what’s coming in the next session, what it means for our movement, and how you can help push for meaningful change.

Presented by: Walter Gaipa of Marion Gardens, Organic Herbs
Marion Gardens, Organic Herbs is a family-run operation located in East Marion, on eastern Long Island. They grow more than 400 varieties of certified organic herb and vegetable plants in 50,000 square feet of greenhouses. Their plants are sold wholesale, primarily to garden centers across Long Island, with markets also extending into New Jersey and New England. Each spring, they also open for on-site retail sales. They produce 100% of their seed-grown varieties and 95% of their vegetative varieties on site.

In this session, Walter will share the efficient propagation and growing methods they have developed over their 35-year history. Tips to improve production are applicable to both large and small-scale operations. He will also share valuable business practices to help growers maintain profitability.

Presented by: Allyson Levy and Scott Serrano of Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Join us for an introduction to the diversity of berry plants from around the world—from familiar favorites like blackberries and currants to unique varieties such as aronia, honeyberry, chocolate berry, and schisandra. This session will explore their pollination requirements, ideal growing conditions, and how to successfully cultivate both common and uncommon species.

Presented by: Jesse Miller, Taziyah Phillip, and Grace Walsh-Little of Spring Creek Towers Farm
Join us to learn about our educational urban farm in Brooklyn, New York. Our farm, Spring Creek Towers Farm, is part of The Opportunity Hub, a community-based non-profit serving the greater East New York neighborhood. East New York has been classified as a food desert, but the neighborhood also has the highest density of community gardens and urban farms in New York. Our neighborhood is thus uniquely positioned to leverage urban farming to fight food injustice and insecurity.  

Through agronomic data, analysis of community engagement, and multimedia storytelling, we will share a two-year progress report, which will outline our farm infrastructure and expansion, the growth of our educational and community programs, as well as updates about our community impact. This presentation will share our vision for growth and outline our mission to serve as a vibrant hub for learning, connection, and empowerment.

Presented by: Brenda Gonzalez and Chris Nickell of Finca Seremos, Iris Fen Gillingham of Gael Roots Community Farm, and Sea Matias of Serra Vida Farm, Moderated by Elizabeth Henderson of the Agricultural Justice Project
Join us to learn how three agro-ecological and organic farms across New York are advancing food justice and expanding access to fresh, healthy food for marginalized communities.

Through two consecutive sessions, you’ll learn about three unique food access models these farms are using to build a more equitable foodshed for New Yorkers — and explore how you can get involved in this work too!

Hear from Finca Seremos about putting the ‘Community’ back at the center of a SNAP-focused CSA; learn how Serra Vida Farm is getting quality organically grown produce to NYC communities who otherwise wouldn’t have access through mutual aid distribution partnerships; and explore Gael Roots Community Farm’s journey to connect with local schools and build a pay-what-you-can veggie stand model in Sullivan.

This panel will explore the economic implications of each farm’s model as they strive to build sustainable operations that will grow into the future. It also delves into how they fuel (and are fueled by) community-building that generates mutual gain between farmers and the people they feed.

Presented by: Anthony Mecca of the Biodynamic Association
Before industrialization strongly took hold in the 20th century, most farms were diversified, integrating animals, vegetables, medicinals, meadow, forest, waterways, and other wild lands into a healthy whole. Crop rotations, artful work with tools and tillage, and a deep relationship to place and living beings led agricultural work. Finding a path back to this integrated whole is a key to supporting the health of our farms to meet the challenges of pests, weeds, and diseases as well as economic and social issues. How do each of these elements contribute to health? We will explore steps to get started as well as create a harmonious balance that is not just manageable but brings joy to the farm and the farmers.

Presented by: Kristen Barker and Dominique Mailloux of NOFA-NY
Using organic practices and interested in certifying? Join NOFA-NY for a past-paced overview of the organic certification processes and requirements for crops, handling, and livestock. Bring your questions! We’ll discuss how the National Organic Program regulations fit with your operation and future planning.

Presented by: Tanya Moyer of CADE
In this session we will provide an overview of marketing paths available to livestock producers. Session participants will learn about a range of potential options for selling meat, including direct to consumer via farmers markets, community supported agriculture (CSAs), on-farm stores, to small-scale wholesale opportunities such as working with retailers, restaurants, and distributors. Our discussion will outline the benefits and challenges of each model, offering practical insights to help guide farmers on which path(s) align best with their production model and capacity, customer base, long term business goals as well as touching on the overarching impacts of time, lifestyle, and community.

Presented by: K Greene of Hudson Valley Farm Hub
Through tactile hands-on activities, group interactions, and slides, we’ll explore the growing field of Nonbinary Botany. Nonbinary Botany is a creative and critical framework that reimagines how we describe and relate to plants. This program area questions and seeks to reframe the language and approach of the practice of growing plants and seeds. By examining the origins of Western botanical language and taxonomy, Nonbinary Botany offers more contemporary and inclusive ways for farmers, plant breeders, seed savers, and gardeners to engage with plant life across agricultural, horticultural, and ecological contexts. This work is rooted in care, curiosity, and the belief that language has the power to shapes how we tend to land, community, and possibility. Given the current political climate, we feel it’s important to have clear visibility for LGBTQ+ farmers at the conference. This workshop will be led by queer presenters and touches on Queer Ecology, but is designed to be welcoming and accessible for all.

Presented by: Brian Caldwell of Hemlock Grove Farm
Join Brian Caldwell, a seasoned organic farmer with more than 40 years of experience, as he shares his expertise in growing organic apples and chestnuts. Brian will cover key topics including soil fertility, site selection, variety choices, pest control strategies, thinning methods, and harvesting techniques.
Sponsored by TOPP

Presented by: Dani Baker of The Enchanted Edible Forest at Cross Island Farms
Why plant, weed, cultivate and water annual vegetables year after year when you can grow perennials that mimic the annuals, plant them once, and harvest them every year with minimal labor? Attendees will learn about highly nutritious perennial vegetables, herbs, flowers and leaves and become inspired to try their hand at growing these carefree food plants. Growth habit, food value, and aesthetic appeal of each plant will be described.
Sponsored by TOPP

Presented by: Danielle Peláez and Winter Exley of Soul Fire Farm
A legacy of environmental racism has contaminated many of the soils in our neighborhoods with arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, selenium, and petroleum pollution.

From the demolition of buildings containing toxic materials, to atmospheric deposit of air pollution, to industrial waste, the land in our communities bears a disproportionate burden of harmful toxins.

This legacy, however, should not make us fear the earth. It is possible to grow in moderately contaminated areas so long as you follow certain safety precautions. Knowledge is Power! In this presentation geared towards urban growers, we will learn about common contaminants in urban soils (e.g., heavy metals, chemicals, petroleum, lead, asbestos, industrial activities, construction sites, waste disposal, and aging infrastructure); the importance of testing your soil for heavy metals and how to do so; using ancestral technologies and biological methods to interact with contaminated soil (e.g., covering exposed soil, compost, mycoremediation, community organizing for policy change), and learning all about this through the lens of the Soul Fire in the City program, a program that builds raised beds in urban areas while educating about heavy metals in soil.

Presented by: Courtney Buzzard of Arizona State University
This session highlights the impact of each stakeholder in the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). We’ll explore how individual actions and experiences are building local communities, strengthening regional collaboration, and advancing the growth of organic agriculture nationwide.

Followed by a mentorship farmer panel to discuss the TOPP Mentorship program over the last years.

Presented by: Lisa Wheeler Duff of Oak Spring Farm
For over 15 years, Oak Spring Farm has been a profitable Certified Organic farm—despite its small size and single-owner operation. I’m here to challenge that notion that scaling up is the only path to financial sustainability. In this session, I’ll take you through the trials and tribulations I’ve faced as a micro-farmer, sharing the key strategies that have enabled my farm to thrive.

From efficient farm management techniques to building a loyal customer base through CSA memberships and direct sales, this talk will provide a comprehensive look at how Oak Spring Farm operates successfully. I’ll also address the balancing act of farming while maintaining a fulfilling life, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice everything for your business.

This session is designed to inspire and equip small farm owners with actionable insights, demonstrating that profitability and personal well-being are achievable—without scaling up.
Sponsored by TOPP

Presented by: Luke Gianforte of Gianforte Farm, Matthew Glen and Liz Martin of Muddy Fingers Farm, and Michael Glos of New York Soil Health
Michael will share a background on the science and applications of the NY soil health benchmarks, which were created in response to the NYS Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Legislation. Then, organic farmers Luke, Matthew, and Liz will share their “soil health journey” and how they have gotten to where they are.

Presented by: Robert Chang of Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust and Wes Gillingham of NOFA-NY and Wild Roots Agroecology LLC
This workshop will review the current and upcoming landscape of agriculture and environmental policy in New York State. Policy experts will review their policy portfolios and answer questions about the upcoming session. Panelists: Wes Gillingham, farmer, activist, and NOFA-NY Board president, Robert Chang, co-director for policy and advocacy, Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust.

Presented by: Francis Magai of The Radix Ecological Sustainability Center
This presentation will discuss the Radix Center’s work and our approach to improving the social conditions in our local community context – through our agro-ecological education programs, youth employment program, compost processing, and food distribution. We demonstrate a wide array of affordable, accessible food production and compost processing techniques at our one-acre farm in Albany’s South End. These practices range from vegetable gardens to poultry, and from apiculture to fruit and nut trees. In addition to maintaining the living systems at our farm, we endeavor to build neighborhood food sovereignty through supporting community garden initiatives with supplies and know-how, and planting fruiting street trees.

Presented by: Ryan Martens of Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
How do livestock fit into a rich and diverse farm ecosystem? Discussing the strategies utilized at Stone Barns Center this presentation will focus on the utilization of livestock on pasture as a way of building healthy soil, diversifying farm income, and producing high value protein for our communities.

NOFA-NY’s Farmers of the Year:

Lindsey Lusher Shute and Benjamin Shute of Hearty Roots Community Farm

Saturday over Lunch
Lindsey Lusher Shute and Ben Shute are farmers, agricultural advocates, and entrepreneurs deeply engaged in building a more equitable, sustainable food system from the ground up. Together, they co-own and operate Hearty Roots Community Farm, a diversified organic vegetable and livestock farm in the Hudson Valley of New York, where they raise vegetables, eggs, laying hens, sheep, pigs, goats, and other products marketed through a large community-supported agriculture (CSA) network and an onsite farm store.

Ben is the agricultural backbone of Hearty Roots Community Farm, overseeing day-to-day farm operations, crop production, livestock care, and innovative soil stewardship practices. Under his guidance, the farm has grown into a robust organic operation serving hundreds of CSA members across multiple New York communities.

Lindsey and Ben co-founded the National Young Farmers Coalition in 2010—a national nonprofit that organizes, represents, and advocates for young and beginning farmers on issues such as land access, farm policy, and federal support programs. Lindsey served as the Executive Director of the coalition for its first decade and, under her leadership, NYFC expanded into a nationwide network with chapters across the United States and influenced federal farm legislation and policy discussions. She has authored major research reports and public policy pieces on farm viability and land access.

Lindsey is now the CEO and co-founder of Farm Generations Cooperative, the organization behind GrownBy, a cooperative online marketplace and farm tech platform designed to help farmers manage direct sales and build equitable digital infrastructure for local food markets.

Lindsey and Ben have two daughters, Piper and Eleanor, who love to help with the sheep and goats. 

Check out the Rooted in Community Affinity Space schedule here