National Farmers Union New Farm Project Builds Farm Capacity and Farm Community at Fall Gathering

“Put your principles on paper, and use them in your decision-making.”

“Create a brand for your farm enterprise, and be diverse.”

“Try to mimic nature — combine animals and plants on your farm.”

“Listen to the ecology of your farm.”

“Try to be less stressed about the weather — what is bad weather for one crop is likely to be good for another.”

These were some of the recommendations from a panel of local farmers, talking about balancing ecology, economics and quality of life on the family farm at the Fall Gathering last month in Harrowsmith.  Panel members included: Emily Dowling, of Root Radical Community Shared Agriculture, Howe Island; Oliver Haan, Haanover View Farms, Marysville; Titia Posthuma, Ravensfield, Maberly; and John Wise, Wiseacres, Centreville.

The occasion was the second annual National Farmers Union New Farm Project Fall Gathering — a chance to let people know what the project has to offer in support to farmers wanting to sell to the local market.  About 100 enthusiastic people filled a local hall, to talk about building their farm capacity while producing food for local markets

A second panel, discussing local food trends and marketing innovations, included: Wendy Banks, of Wendy’s Mobile Market, Lyndhurst; Pat Dawson, of Desert Lake Gardens and the Mill Street Cafe, Sydenham; Clark Day, a Kingston restaurateur and chef; and Dave and Kim Perry of Perry Maine Anjou Farms, Yarker, and the Local Family Farms store in Verona.

Farmers and restaurateurs agreed that timely distribution (pickup, transportation and delivery) is a critical link in the food system.  As well, restaurants and retailers are looking for farmers who can find ways to extend their growing season and who effectively communicate what they have to offer (for instance, responding quickly to telephone messages and/or using a website).

“It was very exciting to have so much optimism and enthusiam for strengthening the local food system,” said Andrea Cumpson, NFU Local 316 president and a member of the project’s steering committee.  “The project’s goal is to build farm capacity and farm community in this area, and you can certainly see community building here today.”

Attendees enjoy a delicious local food lunch

“We are working to increase the supply of local food,” said Cumpson, ”but we also have to continue to build the demand, so that the two are in balance.”  Planning is underway to offer workshops in 2010 on farm business management, crop production economics, cedar rail fence building, seed saving, scything and marketing and distributing local food.

The NFU New Farm Project co-ordinates CRAFT Kingston, an eastern Ontario branch of CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training), a program that matches farm interns with mentor farmers for work experience and training throughout the growing season.  The project goal of having eight interns in 2009 was exceeded, with 18 interns on 10 farms this year.

As well, the project organizes workshops on subjects suggested by participants — for instance, in 2009, topics included small flock sheep husbandry, beekeeping, running a CSA, soil fertility and cheesemaking.  Participants can also apply for bursaries to attend farming conferences and workshops organized by other groups.

Titia & Kaitlin introduce the "Local Food - Local Chefs" project

The NFU New Farm Project has its major funding from Heifer International, a nonprofit organization that works to end hunger and poverty while maintaining the sustainability of the earth.  An important aspect of Heifer International projects is the idea of “passing on the gift” — that is, people who have received support through the project contribute to the farm community, including supporting a neighbour with a gift of similar value or assisting the project in some way (eg. organizing a workshop or teaching skills to others).