Upcoming Events

This summer, we will host a series of on-farm field days and webinars. This fall, we are planning some wonderful farm tours and regional events! We hope to see you soon at an event near you.

photo credit: Marion Gardens, Organic Herbs

Organic Greenhouse Tour and Potluck

Tuesday, June 6 from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
@ Marion Gardens, Organic Herbs
540 Rocky Point Rd, East Marion, NY 11939

Register today

Join NOFA-NY, East End Food Institute, and Walter Gaipa from Marion Gardens, Organic Herbs for a Certified Organic Greenhouse Tour and Potluck. Please feel free to cook a dish and bring it along to share with everyone!

At 4:30, Walter will discuss the ins and outs of running an organic greenhouse on the North Fork. At 5:00, we will tour the operation while he explains 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.

Past Events

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.