Upcoming Events

TOPP/NOFA-NY Workshop:
Dry Matter Intake Explained

Friday, January 5 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm
@ CCE Madison County

This will kick off the 2024 TOPP sponsored series of technical assistance workshops. Participants will learn more about organic pasture and feed auditing requirements and how to document them for organic certification. Bring your DMI forms with you!

Register today

NOFA-NY’s 42nd Annual Winter Conference

Saturday, January 20 – Sunday, January 21
@ Marriott Syracuse Downtown

For more than four decades, the NOFA-NY Winter Conference has convened farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, researchers, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about building a better food system. Mutual support and the generous exchange of knowledge is a hallmark of the NOFA-NY community as we remain true to our vision of a just and resilient farming system grounded in a diverse community now and for future generations. We hope to see you there!

Learn more and register today

NOFA Virtual Symposium

Online Friday, March 29 – Saturday, March 30

The chapters of the Northeast Organic Farming Association are excited to offer a new virtual experience this winter. Join all of us online to hear from speakers on important topics in agriculture and our food system. This is a unique opportunity to connect as a region with other organic advocates, farmers, home growers, non-profit professionals, and more.

When you register for the Winter Conference, you will receive an Access Code to attend the NOFA Virtual Symposium in March – for free!

If you would like to attend the NOFA Virtual Symposium only, you can register here.

Past 2023 Events

Webinar Hosted by the Milk Quality Improvement Program at Cornell University
Thermoduric bacteria, or bacteria that are able to survive temperatures considerably above their optimum growth temperature, are frequently used as an indicator of organic raw milk quality. Thermoduric bacteria are measured using the laboratory pasteurization count (LPC), and are often considered an indicator of improper equipment hygiene at the farm. In this webinar we will explore new data from the Milk Quality Improvement Program at Cornell University on the LPC test in organic raw milk, and the types of thermoduric bacteria surviving this test.

Farm Fest ‘23 was held on October 1 at Arrowood Farms in Accord, NY. The event featured nearly 30 vendors including local farms, service providers, and artisans, plus great food, craft beer, live music from Collateral Jammage and The Tom Prettys, activities for all ages, and more! More than 300 people were in attendance to show support for their local farmers!

This event was sponsored by GreenSpark Solar, NRCS, NYSAMP, and Stone House Grain.

We met at Philia Farm to tour research plots to examine various tillage and no-till strategies supplemented by tarp usage for weed control and nitrogen retention. Early plots with rye were planted to cabbage, and later plots with rye and vetch were planted to winter squash. We also saw how tarps are being used on the small-scale (one-acre) garden level to prepare multiple beds for weed-free direct seeding of crops, and a field being prepared for vegetable crops with no-till drilled cover crop successions.

Matt Olson of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) was also be there to speak on relevant programs and practices.

This event was sponsored by the NY Farm Viability Institute and NRCS.

NOFA-NY, East End Food Institute, and Walter Gaipa from Marion Gardens, Organic Herbs hosted a Certified Organic Greenhouse Tour and Potluck.

Walter discussed the ins and outs of running an organic greenhouse on the North Fork. We also toured the operation while he explained his practices which include various methods of propagation, seeding, potting, greenhouse ventilation, irrigation, logistics, and transportation.

Marion Gardens, Organic Herbs is a USDA Certified Organic wholesale grower based in East Marion, NY. They started their business in 1987 and in 2007 received their organic certification. They supply garden centers with over 300 varieties of organic herb and vegetable plants and grow in 44,000 square feet of greenhouse space.

NOFA-NY and Early Girl Farm’s Founder, Patty Gentry, hosted a meet and greet at the farm. Patty led a tour of the operation while explaining her practices which include composting, vermi composting, mulching, soil testing, proper irrigation, and no-till methods.

There was a microscope on-site as well as information available to help farmers understand their soil tests and the importance of maintaining and promoting healthy soil.

Patty has been working in the food industry for over 30 years. Before becoming a farmer she worked as a professional chef alongside some of the most prestigious chefs and restaurateurs in the industry including Sohui Kim, Ann Rosenzweig, Rebecca Charles, Lidia Shire, and Missy Robbins. She partnered with Gary and Isabel MacGurn to open and run The Hampton Chutney Company in NYC and has worked as a private chef. Patty traded her apron for a pitchfork in 2006 when she apprenticed and rented land at Ecco Farm. Her beloved Early Girl Farm sprouted in 2010.

Doug Weishaar of GreenSpark Solar discussed the economic and environmental benefits of going solar for farms and businesses. Attendees learned about available incentives and tax benefits, new funding for the REAP program included in the Inflation Reduction Act aka Climate Bill, different ways to structure projects, regional examples of farms who have made the switch, and more. 

GreenSpark Solar, an independent local company and Certified B Corp, has been a leader in renewable energy for more than 20 years. GreenSpark is a proud member-owner of the Amicus Solar Cooperative and has been named a NYSERDA Quality Installer, Top Contractor, Fastest Growing Company, and Top Workplace for several years running.

GreenSpark Solar provides free consultations! If you are interested, please contact Mary Nicholas, Senior Product Marketing Manager, at mary.nicholas@greensparksolar.com.