1. Prison Farms Arrestees on Trial

Mon-Tues. Jan 16-177, 9 AM to 4 PM

Ontario Provincial Courthouse, 297 Wellington St.

Please come out at 9am to support the arrestees

All are welcome to an After Court Evening

Mon. Jan 16, 7 to 9 PM

Memorial Hall, Kingston City Hall

Speakers Include:

• Bob Lovelace, Queen’s Indigenous Studies Prof, uranium mine activist
• Sr. Pauline Lally, Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul
• Terry Hudson, Prison farm arrestee

Come for local food snacks, drinks, and live music at the After Court Evening.

Revist the future of the prison farms, peaceful civil disobedience, and related issues with the arrestees and others.

2. Homeopathy: Introductory Course

Date: Saturday February 11^th, 10 AM – 3:30 PM

Location: Sonset Farms, 4403 Latimer Road (West of Inverary)

Lunch included, $5 donation requested to cover costs.

Instructor: Rosemary Taylor, Certified Homeopath from Ottawa

Come out to learn about:

• Six remedies will be covered, with clear details around dosage
• Books for follow up will be recommended

Register online at http://www.newfarmproject.ca/farming-training/ or call Ian Stutt at 613-353-622, limit of 20 participants.

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. 4th ANNUAL FALL GATHERING REMINDER

2. Action Alert! Come to Ottawa, November 15, 2011

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

3. Local Food – Making it Work – Tuesday, Nov 22, 7:15 pm

4. The Great Waterway Farmer to Chef Meet & Greet!

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NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. REMINDER: FALL GATHERING 2011 – Dec. 10th, 2011

Just a quick note to remind you to pre-register by Dec. 1st to book your spot and help us out with event planning and food preparation. Online registration is quick and easy and can be done by going to http://www.newfarmproject.ca/fall-gathering/ and clicking on the “Click here to register” button, or by calling Ian Stutt at 613-353-6622. Registration will continue right to the event, space permitting.

Also, if you have any promotional material (business cards, brochures, etc), please bring them to display on the networking tables that will be set up.

2. Action Alert! Come to Ottawa, November 15, 2011

Dear NFU members and friends in Ontario,

The Stephen Harper government is pushing forward with a plan to destroy the Canadian Wheat Board, and they are pushing fast. If we are to save the CWB, and if we are to save supply management, our seed regulations, and any vestige of a citizen-controlled food system inCanada, we must act quickly, effectively, and visibly.

Please, if you can, go to Ottawa on Tuesday, November 15, 10:00 AM and gather on Parliament Hill. Please call your friends and neighbours and ask them to come too. The details are as follows:

What: A farmer demonstration in support of the Canadian Wheat Board, in support of agriculture policies that put farm families first, and in support of Canadian agriculture and food systems controlled by Canadians, for the benefit of Canadians

When: Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 10:00 AM

Where: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario

The Stephen Harper government is acting illegally. Section 47.1 of the CWB Act requires that farmers must vote in favour of major changes to their wheat and barley marketer. The government is ignoring that law and refusing to hold a vote. Also, the government is ramming its legislation through parliament in record time, using closure to limit debate, refusing to let the Agriculture Committee examine the bill, and instead setting up an ad hoc committee to review the bill, but limiting that committee to just 5 minutes per section. Prime Minister Harper has announced he will “walk over” the farmer majority that support the CWB, and he has called his drive to dismantle the CWB a “train barreling down a Prairie track.” Our federal government is sneering at democracy, evading due process, and bending the law to the breaking point. If these antidemocratic tactics are not challenged, they will be repeated.

Come out, challenge this government, and take a strong stand for democracy, proper procedure, fairness, rule of law, and a Canadian agriculture policy that respects and supports farm families.

***

For more information, contact:

Darrin Qualman, (Acting) Organizer, National Farmers Union: (306) 652-9465

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

3. Local Food – Making it Work – Tuesday, Nov 22, 7:15 pm

GrassRoots Growers present Cam Mather on CSA: Community Supported Agriculture

and WWOOFers: Willing Workers on Organic Farms

• Tamworth Public Library – 1 Ottawa Street
• Everyone welcome. No charge.
• Followed by Free Seed Exchange and refreshments.
• Bring along your packaged and labelled seed, bulbs, or plants for exchange.
• Local author and organic gardening expert Cam Mather can answer your questions.
• GrassRoots Growers is an affiliate of Tamworth/Erinsville Community Development Committee

CSA: You purchase a share of a local farmer’s harvest, ensuring the farmer a steady income and you a steady stream of produce in the growing season.

WWOOFers: The worker gets gardening experience and you get extra hands in the garden.

Details: Colleen 613-379-5959

4. The Great Waterway Farmer to Chef Meet & Greet!

Monday, November 21, 2011 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (ET)

Kingston, Ontario

The Great Waterway, in partnership with the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA) invites you to attend the 2011 Farmer to Chef Meet & Greet!

The first of its kind in the area, this event brings together farmers, producers, chefs, and artisans across the area to forge new business relationships, cement old ones, and create a better, more sustainable food system for the region.

Held in beautiful, historic Kingston, the 2011 Meet & Greet is proud to welcome Janet Campbell of Mrs. McGarrigle’s Mustard as our keynote speaker!

Let’s get together, grow our businesses, share our stories, and discover what’s on The Great Waterway’s table!

http://waterwaymeetgreet.eventbrite.com/?ref=enivtefor&invite=MTQyMDA3MC9kb3dsaW5nQGtvcy5uZXQvMA%3D%3D&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformal&utm_term=eventpage

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. 4th ANNUAL FALL GATHERING INVITATION

2. BOOKKEEPING SEMINAR FOR SMALL FARM BUSINESSES

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

3. Biodynamics- Nourishing the Earth and Ourselves

4. Just Food (Ottawa) is looking for an Organic Vegetable Farmer/Farm Team

5. Registration is now open for the Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference on December 1, 2011 at University of Guelph Kemptville Campus.

6. STEP UP Mentorship Program – Are you ready to STEP UP?

–

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. 4th ANNUAL FALL GATHERING INVITATION

Dear friends of the NFU New Farm Project,

Below you will find the press release/invitation for the upcoming 4th annual Fall Gathering on Saturday December 10th, 2011 at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith. A copy of the Fall Gathering poster is available on our website at http://www.newfarmproject.ca/fall-gathering/.

Pre-registration is requested by Dec. 1st to assist in planning for the event (space permitting – we recommend registering earlier!). To register online, go to http://www.newfarmproject.ca/fall-gathering/ or call Ian Stutt at 613-353-6622.

The Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith is wheelchair accessible. All ages are welcome, however, there is not a separate room for kids to play during the program sessions.

Hope to see you there!

************************************************************************

YOUR FOOD SYSTEM: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – AT FOURTH ANNUAL NFU FALL GATHERING

Kingston — After another successful year of supporting farmers and our local food system, the National Farmers Union New Farm Project will hold its fourth annual Fall Gathering, Saturday December 10th. The event will be a day to celebrate and reflect on the past year in our community, as well as to look at the bigger picture of where we have come from, where we are now, and where we would like to go.

“The Fall Gathering is an event people look forward to each year,” said Dianne Dowling, president of National Farmers Union Local 316. “Our aim in the NFU New Farm Project is to build farm capacity and farm community, and the Fall Gathering accomplishes both. People who attend learn from each other, and form networks based on common interests in farming and based on the friendships and connections they make. And the local food we serve is amazing!”

The project is looking to the future this year as they have entered the 4th and final year of their funding from Heifer International. In preparation for applying for second round funding, the NFU New Farm Project has undertaken the Plan to Grow action research project to engage our community regarding the state of our local food system including exciting initiatives, barriers, and opportunities for growth. “Demand for local food is huge, growing a lot more of it isn’t going to be easy. Plan to Grow has brought important stakeholders together to set an innovative course for the training and support of our farmers into the future.” said Harris Ivens, one of the Plan to Grow co-ordinators.

The initial results of the research will be presented at this year’s Fall Gathering in the morning session following a presentation on the history of our food system from Brian Osborne. The morning sessions will serve as a springboard for the afternoon’s discussion regarding directions the project and the community as a whole can take as we strive to scale up local food production in Kingston and countryside.

The day’s program will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, with the morning presentations followed by the local food lunch and networking and focused group discussion on the future of our food system. There is no registration fee, but organizers suggest participants donate between $2 and $20 or contribute some baking to the potluck dessert. Besides farmers, people involved in all parts of the food system are invited to attend. Pre-registration is requested by Dec. 1st, to assist in planning for the event. To register or get more information, go to www.nfu.newfarmproject.ca or call Ian Stutt at 613-353-6622.

About 120 people attended the 2010 Fall Gathering, a celebration of the halfway marker for the project. From the EMC article by Hollie Pratt-Campbell covering last year’s event:

“The Fall Gatherings have been amazing,” said Ian Stutt. “It’s great to see how much interest there is and how many people are coming out.” Sunday’s gathering included a panel presentation on the spirit of farming, food, and community. Panelists Bob Lovelace, Tibrata Gillies, and Wendy Luella Perkins discussed, respectively, the importance of respecting how bio-regions should, in a healthy society, affect food culture, food as a life source at all levels of production, preparation, and consumption, and be aware of the places our food comes from.

The NFU New Farm Project, which aims to build farm capacity and farm community, runs from 2008 until 2012 and is funded by Heifer International, a non-profit organization whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance, sustainability and environmental responsibility. Initiated by NFU Local 316 (Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Counties and Kingston), the project reaches beyond those boundaries into neighbouring counties.

Since their inception they have continued to build farm capacity through training and financial support for new and revisioning farmers, the CRAFT internship program, and equipment sharing co-ops. The wide range of workshop topics covered in the last year have included Green Manure & Cover Crops, Raising Goats, Lacto-Fermentation, and Heritage Ironwork & Welding, and much more.

-xxx-

Media requests: contact Dianne Dowling, 613-546-0869, or dowling@kos.net

Ian Stutt, 613-353-6622, or ianstutt@newfarmproject.ca

2. BOOKKEEPING SEMINAR FOR SMALL FARM BUSINESSES

Monday November 14th, 1 – 4 PM

This seminar will explore ways to organize your bookkeeping system that will serve your business management needs and enable you to file your tax returns more easily. Participants should come prepared to share what works for them and to describe the challenges they have with keeping up with their paperwork.

During her professional career as a Certified General Accountant, Linda Van Hal has helped many new businesses set up their bookkeeping systems and for 36 years has been “keeping the books” for her husband’s automotive and farm equipment repair business on Wolfe Island.

Directions:

The seminar will be held at the CFDC boardroom at 4917 HWY 38 in Harrowsmith (the building with green awnings at the main intersection in town). Max 15 participants.

To register for this workshop, please visit http://www.newfarmproject.ca/farming-training/.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

3. Biodynamics- Nourishing the Earth and Ourselves

Guest Speaker: Titia Posthuma

When: Thursday November 3, 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Where: Mulberry Waldorf School, 25 Markland Street

Titia will discuss:

• • The relationship between Biodynamic farming and Waldorf education
• • The importance of biodynamics in food and nutrition
• • Nourishing our bodies so we can attain our full potential

Titia Posthuma has been a student of science and the philosophy of agriculture, land  stewardship and environmental issues for many years. She works with apprentices and has led many workshops and lectures focussing on the Biodynamic concept of the farm as one organism. Titia bought her 200 acre property, Ravensfield in 1981. It is a young, pioneer farm one hour north of Kingston, situated on the Canadian Shield, a rough, rocky patch with thin soil and lots of trees.The core activity of the farm is a one acre intensive market garden worked largely with hand tools and some help from horses.

Suggested donation of $5 to $10

• 25 Markland Street, Kingston
• Mulberry Waldorf School
• 613-542-0669
• www.mulberrywaldorfschool.ca

4. Just Food (Ottawa) is looking for an Organic Vegetable Farmer/Farm Team

Just Food (Ottawa) is looking for an Organic Vegetable Farmer/Farm Team to run a longer-term business from our new Farm site – planned to start Spring 2012.

Request for Expressions of Interest

Just Food, in collaboration with its many partners, is establishing a multipurpose, community food and sustainable agriculture hub. It is located in the eastern part of the Ottawa NCC Greenbelt, and well served by Highway 417, public transit and bike paths. As headquarters for Just Food, planned features of the Hub include viable (ecologically and financially) farm enterprise demonstration, a farmer incubation training program (in partnership with FarmStart, Guelph), partner-based entrepreneurial sites (e.g. permaculture, youth enterprise, Food Bank gardens, apiary), farmer training and supports, community garden demonstration/training sites and a community seek bank. We aspire to add infrastructure to support food distribution and storage capacity for a broader group of local producers, a commercial-standard kitchen to support value-added enterprises and skills-based school/community food and gardening programs (workshops, courses, after-school programs, etc.)

As one component of the hub, we are seeking an enterprise farm (whether that be an individual, couple, or partner-based operation) that would sub-lease an acreage of land at market rates and conduct a viable, organic vegetable+ business. We are seeking a farm business plan that includes a Community Shared Agriculture component, endeavouring to attract clientele from within the adjacent Blackburn Hamlet community predominately. This would serve to publicly model and inspire visitors to the farm and reacquaint them with their food system, while also encouraging new and transitioning farmers, including those on the incubator farm plots, to adapt to the urban market using green technologies and sustainable farming techniques.

We are interested in speaking with farmer/farm teams that are interested in running their own business within a broader vibrant, community setting.

The best fit will be a farm team who:

• -follows organic management practices
• -is internally-driven to keep their enterprise in top shape as a cornerstone of a public site
• -is interested in working cooperatively with Just Food and other enterprises on the farm based on agreements to ensure safe and effective use of the farm
• -is interested in educating the community (this work would be outside of your farm business and contracted through Just Food)
• -wants to manage farm internships in their business each year.

A property-management contract with Just Food for the overall site is a possibility and could provide supplemental income. There is a potential to reside on or near the farm property in the future, however presently the farm team would need to have their own residence.

Interested and want to learn more?

Please send an email with a few brief paragraphs outlining your farming experience, what you would hope to achieve within the next five years of business at this site, what attracts you to this opportunity, and any other pieces you’d like us to know. We will then contact those interested to set up a time to discuss the project in greater detail.

If you want to view the property and are in the vicinity, please visit anytime – 2389 Pepin Court, Ottawa.

The deadline to submit expressions of interest is November 4th, 2011 to moe@justfood.ca.

5. Registration is now open for the Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference on December 1, 2011 at University of Guelph Kemptville Campus.

This event is a bilingual conference designed to build stronger collaborative relationships among Eastern Ontario local food organizations and to provide technical information on key topics needed to build the sector.

Details and Registration Information are available at: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/events

6. STEP UP Mentorship Program – Are you ready to STEP UP?

The Canadian Farm Business Management Council, Canadian 4-H Council, Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum, and Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program, have joined forces to unveil the all new STEP UP mentorship program.

STEP UP is an on-farm learning placement that matches those planning or considering a farming career with an experienced farm manager so that they can learn critical aspects of farm business management in a hands-on setting.

We are accepting applications for Mentors and Mentees now! http://www.farmcentre.com/Features/TheNewFarmer/Resources/StepUp/ Farmers are looking to connect with a Mentee, the sooner you apply the better!

The mentors available:

Maplane Beef Farms

Mentor: Keith McConnell

Location: Owen Sound, Ontario

Maplane Beef Farms is a third generation family-owned and operated agricultural business which has been in existence since 1925. Maplane Beef Farms includes a 500 head back grounding operation of Charlais steers, as well as grain and hay production, with fine tuned specialization in top quality horse and dairy hay. Visit ww.maplane.com, to learn more. At Maplane Beef Farms, a Mentee will have the opportunity to learn about equipment, crops, and cattle. A Mentee matched with Keith will also be able to learn about bookkeeping, budgeting, human resource issues, marketing, and purchasing decisions.

H and L Koelen Farms Ltd.

Mentors: Harry & Leony Koelen

Location: Paisley, Ontario

Sow Farrowing operation and recipients of the 2007 Outstanding Young Farmers Award of Canada!

A Mentee at H and L Koelen Farms Ltd. will have the opportunity to learn about cost of production, sow productivity, and new technology.

Ferme Rêveuse

Mentors: Kornel & Olga Schneider

Location: Curran, Ontario

Dairy / Crop Farm

Bilingual

A Mentee at Ferme Rêveuse will have the opportunity to learn about a low cost production business strategy, grass management, organization, and troubleshooting.

Glad Crest Farm

Mentors: Chris & Jeannie Judd

Location: Shawville, Quebec

Dairy / Crop Farm

Bilingual

A Mentee at Glad Crest Farm will have the opportunity to learn about cost of production, teamwork, human resources, as well as crop and breeding management.

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. Lacto Fermentation Workshop – Sunday October 2nd

2. Bookkeeping Seminar for Small Farm Businesses – Monday November 14th

3. Fall Gathering 2011 – Save the Date – Saturday December 10th

4. Equipment Sharing Co-ops – Funding Available!

5. FARMER SURVEY for Kingston Frontenac Area – From the NFU New Farm Project – Plan To Grow Project – $300 value draw prize!

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

6. OMAFRA’s Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference: Scaling up our regional food system

7. Water Well Informational Talk – Hearthmakers – Sept 28

8. Biodynamic Study Group

9. Leading the Way Towards A Third Industrial Revolution – Jeremy Rifkin Talk on September 29th

–

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. LACTO FERMENTATION – PRESERVING VEGETABLES WITH SALT

Sunday October 2nd, from 10 am to 3 pm at Elm Tree Farm

Using Salt brines to ferment vegetables and fruits as a preservation technique is done all over the world.  Come explore the unique and diverse flavors created by fermenting your own food.  In the first part of class we will discuss the basic principles of lacto fermentation.  There will be a variety of ferments to taste and add to your own bag lunch.  Then we will each make a vegetable ferment of choice.  A variety of freshly harvested vegetables grown at Elm Tree Farm will be available to choose from. All other materials will be provided.  There is a fee of $15 to cover food and material costs.

Workshop size is limited to 12 people.

To register for this workshop, please visit http://www.newfarmproject.ca/farming-training/.

2. BOOKKEEPING SEMINAR FOR SMALL FARM BUSINESSES

Monday November 14th, 1 – 4 PM

This seminar will explore ways to organize your bookkeeping system that will serve your business management needs and enable you to file your tax returns more easily.  Participants should come prepared to share what works for them and to describe the challenges they have with keeping up with their paperwork.

During her professional career as a Certified General Accountant, Linda Van Hal has helped many new businesses set up their bookkeeping systems and for 36 years has been “keeping the books” for her husband’s automotive and farm equipment repair business on Wolfe Island.

Directions: The seminar will be held at the CFDC boardroom at 4917 HWY 38 in Harrowsmith (the building with green awnings at the main intersection in town). Max 15 participants.

To register for this workshop, please visit http://www.newfarmproject.ca/farming-training/.

3. FALL GATHERING – SAVE THE DATE – SATURDAY DECEMBER 10TH

This year’s 4th annual NFU Fall Gathering will be held on Saturday December 10th at the Harrowsmith Golden Links Hall – please mark the date on your calendars! More information and registration instructions coming in the next month. In the meantime, if you are interesting in volunteering at the event to help with setup, decorating, or in the kitchen, please let us know!

4. EQUIPMENT SHARING CO-OPS – FUNDING AVAILABLE!

You can start your own Equipment Sharing Co-op with nearby farmers by identifying a piece of farm equipment would be useful to the group and then submitting a proposal to the NFP Coordinator listing the co-op members and a plan for sharing the ownership, use, maintenance, transportation and storage of the equipment. If the proposal is approved, the NFU New Farm Project will reimburse up to $1000 of the cost upon submission of a receipt and a signed Passing on the Gift agreement to the NFP coordinator. Please visit http://www.newfarmproject.ca/equipment-sharing-coops/ or contact us for more information.

5. FARMER SURVEY fOR KINGSTON FRONTENAC AREA – From the NFU New Farm Project – Plan To Grow Project – $300 value draw prize!

Help shape the future of farmer training and supports in the Kingston Region. We want to hear from you!  This is a quick survey about keys to success for sustainable local farm businesses.  Results will become the focus of future farmer training programs in the Kingston region and beyond.

Join in:  http://tinyurl.com/3mwnq3x

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

6. SAVE THE DATE: EASTERN ONTARIO LOCAL FOOD CONFERENCE: Scaling up our regional food system

December 1, 2011

University of Guelph Kemptville Campus

A bilingual conference designed to facilitate stronger relationships among local food groups, as well as provide technical information on key topics.

Keynote Speaker:

Tom Stearns, president of Center for an Agricultural Economy and High Mowing Seeds in Vermont will discuss key elements of success that Vermont has built upon to foster agricultural

economic development.

Panel of Eastern Ontario Initiatives:

An interactive session focused on various approaches to scaling up the regional food system

Other presentations include:

• Market Research 101
• Product Aggregation through New Generation Coops
• Local Food in a Planning Context
• Provincial Meat Inspection System
• Local Food Lessons from Quebec
• Understanding the Local Food Consumer
• And more…

Details and a full agenda will be forthcoming over the next few months. We look forward to your presence and participation!

For more information: Telephone: 1-613-258-8371, E-mail: katie.nolan@ontario.ca

7. WATER WELL INFORMATIONAL TALK – HEARTHMAKERS – SEPT 28

On Wednesday, September 28th, 2011, Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative is hosting a free informational talk on water wells, well safety and ground water protection. The speaker will be Angela Gulley, a certified and experienced Water Guide with the Well Aware Program.  Angela will discuss the Well Aware program and how it helps protect our ground water sources. Topics covered will also include well maintenance, examples of “good” and “bad” wells and much more!

• When: Wednesday, September 28th, 2011, 7PM
• Where: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area Outdoor Centre (click here for map)
• Admission: FREE

Please RSVP by Monday, September 26th 2011 by calling 613-547-8122 or emailing Liz Cooper at csr@hearthmakers.org .

8. BIODYNAMIC STUDY GROUP

Awakening Our Capacity For BioSynergy:  The Spiritual Foundations of Biodynamic Agriculture

A Book-Study-Learning Group

Sunday Mornings, 8:30 – 11:30 AM

October 23, November 20, December 18, 2011; January 15, February 12, March 4, April 15, 2012, May 13, 2012.    (8 sessions)

@ Anam Cara Spiritual Centre in Bellrock Ontario

Facilitator:  Karen Holmes, B.Ed. Spiritual Director

This book-study-learning group will awaken our capacities to perceive the spirit at work in matter by exploring:

1)  (through literature) The Foundations of the Biodynamic World-View (aka, anthroposophy); Contemporary Agricultural and Earth-Science that contributes to a spiritual-awareness of the Earth and Creation.

2)  (through practice) The Spiritual and Meditative Practices proposed by Steiner and Plant Spirit Medicine practitioners & shamans to awaken our capacity for bio-synergy and clairvoyance (‘clear-seeing’).

The avenues for exploration are endless so we will focus our energies this time on creating a conscious-connection with the plant-world.   In late April into early-summer 2012, we will make the biodynamic compost-preparations that contribute to soil-fertility.

Who is this for?

For anyone who

• has studied introductory biodynamics;
• has a firm commitment/intent to work with biodynamics either as a farmer or home-gardener;
• who is interested in developing their intuition, super-sensible capacities and relationship with the natural world.

Cost:

$80 – $240 for the seven months; or $12 – $32/session (it is strongly recommended that you commit to attend all sessions).

NFU-members: Free  (or Good-Will Donation).

Registration Deadline:  Friday, October 14, 2011   Contact:  Karen Holmes, (613) 374-1303 spiritway@sympatico.ca

9. LEADING THE WAY TOWARDS A THIRD INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION – Jeremy Rifkin Talk on September 29th

Join other sustainably-minded folks and come out to hear Jeremy Rifkin present a vision for how smart technologies and global communication networks can come together to reconfigure power grids, decentralize energy use and form the foundation of the Third Industrial Revolution. Jeremy Rifkin has served as advisor to the world’s Presidents, Chancellors and Prime Ministers, and on September 29th, he will bring his insights to Kingston Ontario.

Here is a link for the student coupon posted online: http://www.sustainablekingston.ca/news-events

More information about the event can be found at: http://kingstontechnology.net/events/jeremy-rifkin-lecture

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. Bookkeeping Seminar for Small Farm Businesses

2. Fall Gathering 2011 – Save the Date – Saturday December 10th

3. Passing on the Gift – Send us your updates!

4. Open Farms 2011 – press release – Who’s Your Farmer?

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

5. Biodynamic Study Group

6. Step Up Mentorship Program

–

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. BOOKKEEPING SEMINAR FOR SMALL FARM BUSINESSES

Monday November 14th, 1 – 4 PM

This seminar will explore ways to organize your bookkeeping system that will serve your business management needs and enable you to file your tax returns more easily.  Participants should come prepared to share what works for them and to describe the challenges they have with keeping up with their paperwork.

During her professional career as a Certified General Accountant, Linda Van Hal has helped many new businesses set up their bookkeeping systems and for 36 years has been “keeping the books” for her husband’s automotive and farm equipment repair business on Wolfe Island.

Directions: The seminar will be held at the CFDC boardroom at 4917 HWY 38 in Harrowsmith (the building with green awnings at the main intersection in town). Max 15 participants.

To register for this workshop, please visit http://www.newfarmproject.ca/farming-training/.

2. FALL GATHERING – SAVE THE DATE – SATURDAY DECEMBER 10TH

This year’s 4th annual NFU Fall Gathering will be held on Saturday December 10th at the Harrowsmith Golden Links Hall – please mark the date on your calendars! More information and registration instructions coming in the next month. In the meantime, if you are interesting in volunteering at the event to help with setup, decorating, or in the kitchen, please let us know!

3. PASSING ON THE GIFT – SEND US YOUR UPDATES!

This fall we will be sending out the 2nd annual Passing on the Gift update letting folks know what gift giving has been happening in the community. If you have received a gift from the project and have passed on all or part of it as part of your agreement, please let us know by Friday September 16th by sending a short note to Ian Stutt at ianstutt@newfarmproject.ca.

4. OPEN FARMS 2011 – PRESS RELEASE – WHO’S YOUR FARMER?

You know your doctor, your dentist, your lawyer and your accountant.  But whose growing your food?  The National Farmers Union thinks it’s time to get to know your farmer and has organized a tour of 16 farms in the region.   The second annual Open Farms tour is all about making connections with growers of meat, vegetables and fruit and dairy producers.  “Food is something we take for granted,” says tour organizer Sharon Freeman.    “Most of us don’t give much thought to what we put into our mouths.  But, the consequences for our health, the economy and our communities can be huge.  Getting to know our local producers and choosing their products benefits us all.”  The farms are in and around the Kingston area and span between Tamworth to the west and Lyndhurst to the east.

Much like the popular art studio tours, the public can choose which farms they wish to visit and take a leisurely drive while they enjoy the fall colours.  “The tour really is a feast for the senses at this most bountiful time of year,” says Freeman.   Each farm is unique in what it grows and what it will have to show.  Some will demonstrate equipment.  Some will have animals to view and others will have products for sale and may offer samples.  “This is the perfect opportunity to educate our children about where food comes from and to take advantage of the height of the harvest by purchasing freshly picked produce right at farmgate,”  says Freeman.  To download a map of the tour, got to www.openfarms.ca.

For more information, contact Sharon Freeman at 613-353-6889.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

5. BIODYNAMIC STUDY GROUP

Awakening Our Capacity For BioSynergy:  The Spiritual Foundations of Biodynamic Agriculture

• Sunday Mornings, 8:30 – 11 AM
• October 23, November 20, December 18, 2011; January 15, February 12, March 4, April 15, 2012  (7 sessions)
• @ Anam Cara Spiritual Centre in Bellrock Ontario
• Facilitator:  Karen Holmes, B.Ed. Spiritual Director

This book-study-learning group will awaken our capacities to perceive the spirit at work in matter by exploring:

1. (through literature) The Foundations of the Biodynamic World-View (aka, anthroposophy); Contemporary Agricultural and Earth-Science that contributes to a spiritual-awareness of the Earth and Creation.
2. (through practice) The Spiritual and Meditative Practices proposed by Steiner and Plant Spirit Medicine practitioners & shamans to awaken our capacity for bio-synergy and clairvoyance (‘clear-seeing’).

The avenues for exploration are endless so we will focus our energies this time on creating a conscious-connection with the plant-world.   In late April into early-summer 2012, we will make the biodynamic compost-preparations that contribute to soil-fertility.

Who is this for? Anyone who:

• has studied introductory biodynamics; or
• has a firm commitment/intent to work with biodynamics either as a farmer or home-gardener; or
• who is interested in developing their intuition, super-sensible capacities and relationship with the natural world.

Cost:

• $80 – $240 for the seven months; or $12 – $32/session (it is strongly recommended that you commit to attend all sessions).
• NFU-members: Free  (or Good-Will Donation).

Registration Deadline:  Friday, October 14, 2011   Contact:  Karen Holmes, (613) 374-1303 spiritway@sympatico.ca

6. STEP UP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

09/6/11 – OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Farm Business Management Council, Canadian 4-H Council, Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum, and Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program have joined forces to unveil the all new STEP UP mentorship program.

STEP UP is an on-farm learning placement that matches those planning or considering a farming career with an experienced farm manager so that they can learn critical aspects of farm business management in a hands-on setting.

For Mentees, STEP UP is a great opportunity to:

• Learn while you earn – You can cultivate new skills and abilities by learning from the best…and potentially earn a wage at the same time!
• Build a wide network of contacts and increase your confidence and motivation.
• Broaden your horizons and experience.

Participating in the STEP UP program as a Mentor also has its benefits since you can:

• Share your passion and knowledge thereby allowing you to make a significant and enduring impact on an up and coming farmer’s career.
• Gain a fresh perspective.
• Receive a $2,000 honorarium.

Interested in getting involved?

You can be a Mentee, if you are: 18 years of age or older, interested in owning and operating your own farm someday, willing to travel within Canada and possibly outside of your province, able to commit at least 8 continuous weeks to your Mentor, and are eager to learn and share your own ideas and experience.

Farm managers, experienced in any type of farming are encouraged to become Mentors. To be a Mentor requires: time, patience, an open mind, and an interest in passing on the best of your farm business management knowledge.

To apply visit the STEP UP webpage at www.farmcentre.com, and don’t delay! Mentees and Mentors are ready to get their hands dirty!

For more information contact: Jennifer Hardy-Parr, STEP UP Program Coordinator, PH: 1-888-232-3262 ext. 0, Email: stepup@cfbmc.com

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. NEW: POULTRY PROCESSING WORKSHOP – October 23rd, 2-4 pm at Wiseacres Farm

2. REMINDER: BIODYNAMIC WORKSHOP AT ELM TREE FARM – This Sunday!

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

3. LEDGECROFT FARM BIOGAS TOUR  (Seeley’s Bay, Ontario) – Monday, August 29, 2011 from 1-3 pm

4. NFU FARM THEME CHEQUES

5. “MAKING BIODIESEL FUEL AT HOME” AT ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE

6. ONTARIOFRESH REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

7. SWITCH SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AWARDS 2011 – New awards program to include Rural Initiatives Award

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NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. POULTRY PROCESSING WORKSHOP – Sunday October 23rd, 2-4 pm at Wiseacres Farm

Join us for this hands-on workshop with John Wise where we’ll learn how to process poultry on farm with simple equipment. As each participant with process one chicken, there will be a small cost to each participant as they will need to pay for the cost of the chicken in order to process it (and then will take it home at the end of the day). Pay at the workshop. Limited space available. To register, please visit http://www.newfarmproject.ca/farming-training/.

2. REMINDER: BIODYNAMIC WORKSHOP AT ELM TREE FARM

Sunday August 28th, 10 – 4 pm. For complete descriptions and to register for anyof the workshops, please visit http://www.newfarmproject.ca/farming-training/.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

3. LEDGECROFT FARM BIOGAS TOUR  (Seeley’s Bay, Ontario) – Monday, August 29, 2011 from 1-3 pm

Learn how you can use your farm outputs to generate electricity, earn a profit, and benefit the environment. Ontario’s biogas association, the Agrienergy Producers’ Association of Ontario, invites you to tour a working biogas operation. Learn about the technology, economics, regulations and logistics, coop options, and learn from farmers that have real experience generating clean, green electricity from their farm waste.

To register for this free tour please visit:  http://www.apao.ca/apaoExp/index.php/main_2010/pages/tours_and_workshops

4. NFU FARM THEME CHEQUES

There’s a brand-new NFU farm theme “Support Our Farmers and Local Food” available for your cheques. Next time you need to order cheques for your personal or business accounts, you don’t have to do it through your bank. It’s legal and cheaper to order from authorized printers. One with great prices and service also has the NFU theme “support : ASAP Cheques www.asap-cheques.com or 888-324-3783

5. “MAKING BIODIESEL FUEL AT HOME” AT ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE

St. Lawrence College is offering a course on “Making Biodiesel Fuel at Home” on Saturday, Oct. 22, 9:30am-12:30 pm.  Cost $80  GENI 600 870. Course descriptions at www.stlawrencecollege.ca/parttime

6. ONTARIOFRESH REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Registration is now open for Ontariofresh.ca, the new free website and online community that is being created to expand the market for buyers and sellers of local Ontario food. Our aim is to make connections across the food service value chain, linking bulk buyers, chefs, restaurants, caterers and distributors as well as growers and producers. Register for a profile today, and let Ontariofresh.ca help get your business connected.

Throughout the spring and summer, information will be collected and profiles built to prepare for the full Ontariofresh.ca launch in September. You can register your business’ profile at Ontariofresh.ca or by calling 1-888-249-9399 or 647-426-8420.

7. SWITCH SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AWARDS 2011 – New awards program to include Rural Initiatives Award

SWITCH is pleased to announce  the new SWITCH Sustainable Energy Awards. The annual awards will recognize the efforts and successes of individuals, organizations and institutions in southeastern Ontario that contribute to the transition to sustainable energy production and use, and that help to position the region as a leading centre for sustainable energy. Awards will be given in the following categories: Sustainable Energy Innovation Award; Community Leadership Award; Rural Initiatives Award; Urban Initiatives Award and the Kingston Hydro Conservation Award.

(Nominations are due by 5 pm, September 9th, 2011 , and can be made by members of SWITCH only. For award information, criteria and nomination process please visit: http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103380029390-46/SWITCH+Sustainable+Energy+Awards+2011+-+Call+For+Nominations.pdf)

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. Get your farm featured in our FDTR Farmer Profiles!

2. REMINDER: 2 New Workshops this August – Spaces still open!

3. FARMER SURVEY from Plan To Grow Project – Prizes up for grabs!

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4. Prize for Inspiring Innovation in the Development of Regional Food Economics

5. Tomato Field Trials – Invitation to farmers and chefs

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NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. GET YOUR FARM FEATURED IN OUR PROFILES!

We are pulling together profiles of new and revisionary farmers from the Kingston area to include in the Food Down the Road website – at no cost to you! Taking a few minutes to answer these questions can:

• Raise the profile of your farm in the community
• Help potential farmers learn about the realities of farm life
• Give you a chance to reflect on your experiences

To participate, simply download the Farmer Profile Questionnaire, and email it to miguelhahn.nfp@gmail.com.

2. REMINDER: 2 New Workshops this August – Spaces still open!

• FRUIT FARM TOUR DOUBLEHEADER – Sunday August 21, 1 – 4:30 pm
• BIODYNAMIC WORKSHOP AT ELM TREE FARM - Sunday August 28th, 10 – 4 pm

For complete descriptions and to register for anyof the workshops, please visit http://www.newfarmproject.ca/farming-training/.

3. FARMER SURVEY from Plan To Grow Project – Prizes!

Help shape the future of farming in the Kingston area – We want to hear from you! This is a quick survey about keys to success for sustainable local farm businesses.  Results will become the focus of future farmer

training programs in the Kingston region. Join in:  http://tinyurl.com/3mwnq3x

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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

4. PRIZE FOR INSPIRING INNOVATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL FOOD ECONOMICS

$500.00 Innovation Prize for best, innovative, low cost solution to planting, managing, harvesting, post harvest handling, or processing of food grown on your small Canadian organic urban or rural farm.

The prize encourages organic farmers, to share creative ways, to build their farms balance sheet as well as the soil. Experimenters, innovators, and risk takers on and off farms are developing ways of adding value to support the local food movement thus creating regional food economies. For more information please visit the Carrot Cache website, as well as to view the 2010 winners! http://carrotcache.com/html/innovations/index.htm

5. TOMATO FIELD TRIALS – INVITATION TO FARMERS AND CHEFS

Come and check out 300 different varieties of open pollinated tomatoes. We planted 2 plants of each 300 kind of tomatoes we have. They were planted in the field in mid-June with plastic/underlay between thr rows, no irrigation, no staking. You will be able to walk around and compare tomatoes and taste them too. We will provide you with plans over the field with names and space for comments. Description of most of them will be in our seed catalog

RSVP by 10 pm the day before so we can prepare enough sheets for everybody

• Monday August 22. between 2 and 7
• Wednesday August 31. between 2 and 7
• Possibility for a date in mid-September
• Heirloom tomatoes for sale Fridays 3-6 at the farm

Greta Kryger, Greta’s Organic Gardens, 399 River road, Ottawa, www.seeds-organic.com

NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. REMINDER: 3 New Workshops this August – Spaces still open!

2. NFU OPEN FARMS 2011 INVITATION

3. BE A PART OF LOCAL FOOD HISTORY RESEARCH IN KINGSTON

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

4. NEW PROJECTS FROM COG (CANADIAN ORGANIC GROWERS)

5. EFO SUMMER CROP AND LIVESTOCK TOUR

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NFU NEW FARM PROJECT NEWS

1. REMINDER: 3 New Workshops this August – Spaces still open!

• SMALL SCALE GRAIN WORKSHOP AT IRONWOOD GARDENS - Sunday August 7, 1-4:30 pm
• FRUIT FARM TOUR DOUBLEHEADER - Sunday August 21, 1 – 4:30 pm
• BIODYNAMIC WORKSHOP AT ELM TREE FARM - Sunday August 28th, 10 – 4 pm

For complete descriptions and to register for anyof the workshops, please visit http://www.newfarmproject.ca/farming-training/.

2. NFU OPEN FARMS 2011 INVITATION

Friends, please find attached the NFU Open Farms Invitation and Participation Form for this year’s NFU Open Farms Event taking place Sunday, September 18th.  We hope that you’ll join us for this wonderful opportunity to promote local food.  Please note that we need a confirmation of your participation by August 5th.   Feel free to pass this information on to others who may be interested.  Sharon Freeman

3. BE A PART OF LOCAL FOOD HISTORY RESEARCH IN KINGSTON

Students and faculty at Queen’s University are looking for opportunities to collaborate with regional farmers and community members to create several local food history projects. They are calling for particular points of interest and research questions to be identified by community members themselves. What sorts of questions do you have for food historians or historical geographers of agriculture? Do you know of any important oral histories to be told, or family farm histories to be written? What questions do you have about the history of Kingston’s rural and urban food systems? Any range of curiosities are welcomed! Please do not hesitate to contact Sinead Earley with questions or general expressions of interest at sinead.earley@queensu.ca or 613 876 6755.

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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

4. NEW PROJECTS FROM COG (CANADIAN ORGANIC GROWERS)

With support from the Organic Council of Ontario, Ecological Farmers of Ontario and the Agricultural Management Institute (AMI)*, Canadian Organic Growers Perth-Waterloo-Wellington (COG PWW) is creating new tools and programs to strengthen the organic farming sector in Ontario.

Organic Produce Price Tracker Live July 18th

Starting July 18th and continuing throughout the year, you will be able to visit www.OrganicPriceTracker.ca to search for farmers’ market and wholesale/bulk prices for certified organic produce in your region of sale or from all across the province.

The project is still looking for farms to participate by providing their prices, particularly wholesale or bulk prices. Your farm will not be identified and you will be supporting a project that benefits the organic farming community as a whole, especially new farmers. Please contact Tegan Renner at COG PWW if you would like to get involved: outreach@cogwaterloo.ca or 226-251-3012.

Certified Organic Seed Database Set for November Release

An online searchable database will feature certified organic seed varieties for produce and field crops, making the annual, labour-intensive task of sourcing organic seed easier for farmers. COG PWW is seeking to form a bit of a farm advisory group to review this tool as it develops. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tegan Renner at COG PWW: outreach@cogwaterloo.ca or 226-251-3012.

Transition to Organic Advisor Program

You’ll be able to start referring people to this certification support service by the end of this month.

COG PWW piloted this program in 2010 and is not only continuing to offer the service free of charge for 2011-12, but also expanding the coverage area to all of Ontario. Learn more about the program on their website.

*The AMI is part of the Best Practices Suite of programs for Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

5. EFO SUMMER CROP AND LIVESTOCK TOUR

Two days. Four innovative farms in Southwest Ontario and Michigan State (the four farms are Zubler Farms, Gelro Farms, Organic Bean and Grain, and Findlay Farm). Join us to see some exciting examples of scaled-up organic production, co-operative marketing, & value-added processing in the Great Lakes Region!  Come for one or both days!

• When: Wednesday August 17th & Thursday August 18th.
• Where: Ridgetown, ON and Caro, Michigan, USA.
• Cost: For the complete 2-day tour, the cost is $90 per individual or $150 per farm (separate from the cost of meals, accomodation, and travel – see below). For three new farmers, EFO will subsidize the cost of attending the tour (including travel, accomodation and meals).  If you’re a beginning farmer who would like join us, please contact Karen in the office for more details….we’d love to have you along!
• Travel/Transportation: Participants will be responsible for their own transportation, but if there is an interest in carpooling, EFO staff will help coordinate this! Participants attending the second leg of the tour will make their own way across the border to Port Huron, MI (approx. 2 hour drive from Ridgetown) to stay overnight at the Comfort Inn. Please note that crossing the border requires a valid Canadian passport or enhanced Ontario drivers’ license.
• Accomodation: We have a block of standard rooms (2 queen beds in each) reserved at the Comfort Inn in Port Huron at a group rate of $71 USD for the Wednesday night (which includes a free continental breakfast Thursday morning). With tax, the accomodation will be just under $80 USD. The rooms are newly renovated in a smoke-free hotel.
• Meals: Participants are responsible for making their own meal arrangements over the course of the tour, outside of breakfast Thursday morning. Please plan on bringing food from home for Wednesday’s dinner, or eating somewhere in or between Ridgetown and Port Huron. For lunch on Thursday, we are investigating having a simple meal arranged for us (to be confirmed shortly!). If not, plan on bringing food from home, or picking up a portable lunch in Port Huron to take to Caro.

For more information and to register (required): Call 519-822-8606, or email info@efao.ca.

Participants will receive an information package following their registration and before the tour, with the complete itinerary, directions/maps to the farms and other important details.