2008 Fall Gathering
“It’s very inspiring and hopeful to see so many people optimistic about the future of farming in our area, and so willing to work on rebuilding our local food system,” said Andrea Cumpson, president of Local 316, of the National Farmers Union, at the NFU’s New Farm Project Fall Gathering, November 29, 2008.
About 100 people, interested in being part of the four-year project, met to learn more about the the project and to give ideas for its development.
“The Fall Gathering was very successful in meeting our goals for the day,” said project co-ordinator, Ian Stutt. “We aimed to fill the hall with people who want to participate in the project, to present the project opportunities, to gather input from the participants, and to set a direction for the upcoming year that will most effectively build farm capacity and farm community.”
As well as describing aspects of the project to the participants, the NFU Project Committee sought suggestions for workshops that could be offered to meet the needs of aspiring farmers and existing farmers who want to adopt more sustainable methods. “There was a lot of interest in attending workshops on all aspects of farming, from learinng about soil, to raising livestock, to farm business planning,” reported Ian.
A major part of the project is working to establish a Kingston area branch of CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training), with the goal of having eight apprentices matched with farmer-mentors for the 2009 growing season, and up to 40 apprentices involved over the four years of the project. “So far, we have eight to ten farmers interested in being CRAFT farms, and between five and ten people interested in interning,” Ian said. Heather Lekx, from CRAFT Ontario, and intern Carl Leslie were present to help explain how CRAFT works.
The evaluation forms submitted by attendees contained many enthusiastic and hopeful comments. “Many people enjoyed the chance to meet other farmers or those interested in farming,” said Ian. “They are motivated by feeling connected to others in similar situations — wanting to develop their farming capacity or wanting to start farming. There were many requests to be kept informed and up-to-date with project details and events, with lots of enthusiasm for the workshops.”
The people of all ages who attended came from Prince Edward County to the west, Gananoque to the east, and Lanark to the north, and many places in between. At the day-long meeting held in Inverary United Church hall, NFU organizers highlighted the local ingredients in the food that was served.
