Archives: Resources

Orchard Materials

Thinking of using grafting wax or compounds on organic fruit trees? Know the NOP rules and, if in doubt, check with your certifier first. English photo By C.J. Walke Over the winter I have been talking with MOFGA Certification Services (MCS) about materials used in organic orchards and fruit tree propagation. As more farmers and

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Tillage Trials

By Ben Hoffman Minimal tillage is essential for healthy, productive soils. In a seven-year study at the University of Western Australia, total organic carbon in the top 4 inches of soil increased by 1.7 tons/acre with no-till and 1 ton under conservation tillage but decreased by 0.2 tons under rotary tillage. (“Tillage, microbial biomass and

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Solar Electric Backup System

Two 150 watt solar panels mounted on hinges allow easy seasonal adjustment of their angle to the sun. They are surprisingly responsive even to low light. Mounting at ground level means easy snow removal. The frame is hinged to large landscape timbers and can slide up the side of the house in case of frost

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Energy efficient Structures for Agriculture

This energy efficient Quonset-style building in Waldoboro currently houses black soldier fly larvae, which break down organic byproducts. Bins holding organic materials and maggots are on the left; bins on the right hold waste from food processors. Chris Heinig of Acadia Harvest says, “My goal is to see this operation take in waste and have

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Economic Opportunities for Agroforestry

Heather, Tyler and Atom Omand resting a few feet away from happy cows at a Cornell agroforestry training at Angus Glenn Farm in Watkins Glen, New York. Black angus cattle eagerly grazing after being released into a fresh paddock in a black locust/black walnut silvopasture system at Angus Glen Farm, Watkins Glen, New York. Photo

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Vaults Banks Guilds and More

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. Photo by Miksu on Wikipedia Hundreds of community members exchange seeds and scionwood at MOFGA each April. English photo The beginning of MOFGA’s new seed library. English photo By Will Bonsall The whole topic of biodiversity and, in particular, our horticultural genetic heritage – heirloom seeds – has

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Seedling Production

A concrete center aisle in a greenhouse is easy to clean but less expensive than an entire floor made of concrete. Photo by Stephanie Burnett Unit heaters are less expensive than boilers but can require more maintenance. Photo by Stephanie Burnett The 2018 Spring Growth Conference at MOFGA addressed seedling production – setting up production

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Miracles from Mals to New England

At the 2018 Maine Agricultural Trades Show, Philip Ackerman-Leist spoke about Mals, Italy, which banned synthetic pesticides. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Green Philip Ackerman-Leist Speaks in Maine By Stowell P. Watters There is a place in Northern Italy, right at the top of the boot, where farmers who raise fruits and vegetables, grain and hay,

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Maine State Prison Farm

A day’s harvest from the gardens in the summer of 2017. Tomatoes growing in pots in the heated greenhouse. Compost being windrowed at the Maine State Prison complex. One of the beehives at the Maine State Prison. By Polly Shyka Photos by the Maine State Prison staff Maine’s maximum security prison in Warren has quite the bustling

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Lincolnville Bulletin Board

Emilia Carbone, Jed Beach (not shown) and their three adorable bugs are connected to the Lincolnville community through their farm and the Lincolnville Bulletin Board. Photo by Jed Beach By Diane Roesing O’Brien POST: Come join us for a traditional breakfast at King David’s Lodge on Howe Point Road  Sunday April 1st from 7-9 AM Eggs,

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