MOFGA Annual Meeting and Sponsored Programs at the 2005 Maine Agricultural Trades Show
9:00am
A) Pest Management: A Review of the Wet 2004 Season Be careful what you wish for. The recent droughty years had people wishing for more water and most got it last season. Many crops did very well, but so did some damp dwelling molds and crawling critters. Join Eric Sideman, MOFGA's crop specialist, and learn the names of some unwanted visitors and how to deter them next time with cultural practices and some new materials.
B) MOFGA's El Salvador Connection. Learn about the MOFGA farmer delegation's upcoming trip to El Salvador, and how the issues farmers in El Salvador face are similar to the ones that farmers in Maine are working to solve.
10:00am
A) Organic Certification Issues Update Are you considering becoming certified organic? Are you mystified by the new USDA regulations? Come hear Mary Yurlina, MOFGA's Certification Services Coordinator, discuss and answer questions about the basic requirements for organic certification and the application and inspection process. Application packets for 2005 will also be available.
B) Insurance Issues for Farmers Every farmer eventually faces the issue of how to provide insurance for the farm, for people who work on or visit the farm, and for the products that are produced there. Learn some of the basic concerns about insurance coverage from people who know farm insurance.
11:00am
MOFGA's Annual Meeting Hear from Executive Director Russell Libby and from committee chairs about MOFGA's activities and accomplishments in 2004 and our plans for the future. Participate in elections for MOFGA's board of directors, vote on bylaws changes, and network with MOFGA staff, members, and certified growers.
1:30pm
A) The Grains in Maine Growing and processing grain in Maine makes sense in many ways: as a rotation strategy, to reduce feed costs, as an alternative, renewable energy source, and to keep dollars circulating locally. But considerable barriers exist to increasing local grain production, including the lack of storage and processing infrastructure and the need for expensive, specialized equipment. Come participate in what is sure to be a lively discussion on this topic.
B) Farmers Markets: Tricks of the Trade Drop in for some words of wisdom and practical tips about making your FM presence dynamic and profitable from Jan Goranson of Goranson Farm in Dresden. Topics to be covered include product selection & pricing, presentation and stand layout, signage, and transaction efficiency.
2:30pm
A) Alternative Energy Systems for the Farm As the price of fossil fuel continues to climb, some Maine farmers are getting creative about the sources of the energy they need to run their operations. Ralph Turner from Laughing Stock farm in Freeport will present some of the solutions that are being explored and adopted in the state, and talk about his own farm's use of waste vegetable oil as fuel.
B) "Slow Food:" a Report from Terra Madre The Slow Food movement, which promotes an antidote to fast food culture by supporting small-scale, local, artisanal, culturally-specific food production, recently held a huge gathering in Turin, Italy. Megan Gerritsen and Angie Wooten from WoodPrairie Farm in Bridgewater were there and will regale us with slides and stories from this inspiring event.
3:30pm
A) MOFGA's New Farmer Training Programs
Interested in pursuing organic farming as a career? Want to pass on your farming wisdom to the next generation? Andrew Marshall and Rosey Guest will talk and answer questions about MOFGA's Apprenticeship and Journeyperson programs for farmers and prospective students who are interested in participating.
B) Success with a CSA
Community Supported Agriculture is one of the fastest-growing marketing strategies among small Maine farmers, and for good reason. But CSA is certainly not the simplest way to manage your farm - it demands careful relationship-building, planning, and record-keeping. This session can help you improve your own CSA or decide whether to start one.