Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Augusta Civic Center
Each year at Maine's Agricultural Trades Show, MOFGA offers a series of presentations and discussion groups covering a wide range of sustainable agriculture subjects. All presentations are free and open to the public. MOFGA has an information exhibit during all three days of the Trades Show. Staff and Committee members are available to answer questions about MOFGA's ongoing programs. There is no pre-registration for the day's events.
MOFGA members are encouraged to attend the Association's Annual Meeting, which will be held at 1:30pm in the Piscataquis/Sagadahoc Rooms.
9:10 am Organic Certification Information Session (Cumberland)
If you market and sell products as ORGANIC, chances are good you need to need to be certified by a USDA-accredited certifier to comply with USDA regulations. MOFGA Certification Services Staff will provide an overview of organic production practices, including processing. Information on how to become certified organic will also be presented. Organic product labels collected from stores will be available for demonstration and discussion. Mary Yurlina, MOFGA Certification Services Director
9:10 am Apples for the Home (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc)
Join David Buchanan, author of Taste, Memory: Forgotten Foods, Lost Flavors, and Why They Matter, as he explains his explorations for varieties suitable for the backyard, while building a home collection of apples for fresh eating, winter storage and apple cider.
10:10 am Adventures in Marketing (Cumberland)
A chance to sit down with your peers and discuss what worked this year, what didn’t, and share ideas and ask questions as you refine your marketing plan for 2013. Roundtable discussion facilitated by MOFGA Organic Marketing Coordinator Melissa White Pillsbury.
10:10 am *Crop Rotation (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc)
One of the challenges faced by new farmers or those transitioning older land into organic production is setting up crop rotations and using cover crops effectively. Yet, incorporating these soil health-building practices is essential to successful organic farming in the long-term. Join MOFGA's Agricultural Services Staff for a presentation on strategies for bringing old land into production and creating a crop rotation that cycles cropland out of vegetable production and into green manures.
11:10 am Farming and Ergonomics: Make simple changes in the way you work and stay injury- and pain-free (Cumberland) AgrAbility Specialist, Goodwill Workforce Solutions, Ellen Gibson
11:10 am Farm Labor: What you Need to Know (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc)
Farm labor management is a crucial but undervalued part of any intensive agricultural operation, and a potential stumbling block for successfully increasing your scale. Presenter Lisa Turner of Laughing Stock Farm in Freeport has 15 years of experience managing all sorts of farm labor, from employees to apprentices. She’ll provide a broad overview of the many important issues involved in being a boss and a mentor – from legal, tax, and insurance considerations to effective recruitment strategies; to interpersonal relationships and communication.
1:30 PM MOFGA Annual Meeting (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc)
Hear from MOFGA Staff, Board Members and Committee Chairs regarding the organization’s activities and accomplishments over the past year. Elect MOFGA’s Board of Directors for the coming year and network with members.
3:00 pm Organic Sheep and Goat Production Producers Roundtable (Cumberland)
Join us for a session with Certified Organic producers to learn about organic certification, opportunities to transition to organic with NRCS and join in a discussion about how MOFGA’s technical services can help you with production challenges.
3:00 pm *Season Recap (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc) Winters are not as cold as they used to be. Springs are wetter than they once were. Summers are drier than in the past. Whatever the reason, 2012 sure had some serious pest problems. Come see pictures and discuss preparation and possible solutions for next season discussion led by MOFGA’s Organic Crop Specialist, Eric Sideman.
* These sessions qualify for one pesticide recertification credit. Questions? Contact Gary Fish, Maine Board of Pesticides Control by calling 207-287-7545.