Workshops by Level

Ending racism in the food system is linked to ending racism in the prison system. We will uncover the links between food & prisons. We will highlight food justice organizations... Read More

Learn the basics of a whole foods, plant-based diet and how to make quick and easy recipes everyone will enjoy. Questions such as where to get protein, calcium and iron,... Read More

The deep principles and innovative practices of biodynamic agriculture can be used by anyone wanting to enhance the health and vitality of their soil, seeds and food. We will explore... Read More

A description of my recent Farmer 2 Farmer work in Kenya as a project consultant. Sweet N Dried is a brand developed in Chuka Kenya featuring 100% dried fruit, dried... Read More

Learn about how soap is made. Explore different carrier oils, essential oils, and other soap ingredients, along with safety guidelines for working with lye and the value of using natural... Read More

As major contributors of greenhouse gases, industrial food production and distribution play significant roles in climate change. This multimedia workshop will discuss those roles and how organic regenerative practices can... Read More

This workshop provides an overview of solar energy options for Massachusetts farms. We will focus on the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, which regulates incentives associated with new solar... Read More

See and taste the product possibilities of using frozen and vacuum packed local foods to create Freezer Meal Kits and HEAT&EAT products that address the farm challenges and health needs... Read More

Learn how to make your own fermented sodas using only raw honey, water, and herbs and fruit! This method is an easy and effective way to preserve summer bounty using... Read More

As one of the oldest and largest farms at a liberal-arts college, the Hampshire College Farm is a leader in the campus farm movement. We’ll tour the fields and facilities... Read More

From material that is questionably labeled as compost to the high standards required to be met for the National Organics Program, come learn about the different types of compost, the... Read More

Ancient and heirloom grains varieties are making a welcome comeback, but how do we incorporate them gracefully into our daily breakfast lunch and dinner? Learn about the history of these... Read More

Basics of keeping sheep organically in the northeast. We will cover the fundamentals of caring, feeding, housing, parasite and predator control using organic methods. Kim Mastrianni: Raising sheep organically in... Read More

Join in making a batch of soap, using the traditional cold process method. Continue working with carrier oils, lye and other ingredients prepared during Part 1. Learn about blending, pouring,... Read More

In this workshop participants will develop a basic understanding of the incarceration system in the United States, the logistics of running a food production program in a jail, the structures... Read More

At this summer’s Free Open Meeting,  NOFA’s Domestic Fair Trade Committee, invites activists from the Northeast Region who are engaged in projects and organizing efforts that come under the broad heading of Domestic Fair Trade to come together to share our work and ideas and to discuss possible collaboration for the immediate future.

Join us for a conversation of how food co-ops foster and support farmers and food security. Hear stories of how food co-ops in the Northeast have used economic organizing for... Read More

Kaitiaki Farm is an exemplar permaculture farm outside Whanganui, New Zealand. The worn out former horse property prone to erosion and slips is being transformed into a resilient, productive organic... Read More

Reparations are a practice of healing; a movement in solidarity to build a more just and beautiful world. Using the “Reparations Map for Black-Indigenous Farmers” (Soul Fire Farm), participants will... Read More

We will go out to the Hampshire Farm to view our breeding herd of Gloucestershire Old Spots. We’ll talk about my student project to develop this program, my nutritional research... Read More

Espaliers provide high yields of high quality fruit while making a decorative and edible covering for a fence or a wall — even creating the fence itself! Learn which fruit plants... Read More

Everything the prospective beekeeper needs to know about the process of becoming a beekeeper through an honest discussion of the state of beekeeping today. In the face of perils such... Read More

Food is our most powerful medicine. The Tetzkatlipoka Tradition in Mexico has analyzed the effects of nutrition on individuals and communities for the past 9,000 years. They developed a practical... Read More

As the National Organic Program sinks into a mire of weak enforcement and standards, organic farmers have begun an effort to create a new organic label. We will look into... Read More

Major issues impacting organic integrity include inadequate standards enforcement; hydroponics promotion; Standards Board takeover threats and withdrawing the animal welfare rule — along with major rollbacks of our social justice,... Read More

Learn how to dress and butcher hoofed animals! We’ll take apart a local (pre-slaughtered) sheep, covering butchering, charcuterie and anatomy. All parts will be used, including organ meats, bones and... Read More

Warm season crops such as melons and tomatoes are prone to many soil-borne diseases and environmental stress that reduces yields. Vegetative grafting can increase plant vigor and reduce problems with... Read More

Compliance with FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) food safety regulations presents a new challenge for small-scale and exempt farmers, value added producers, and farmer co-ops involved in aggregation and distribution.... Read More

Members of the Food Justice Committee of CATA will talk about their experiences as workers and why they decided to grow their own food at a local community garden. They... Read More

The Seeds of Renewal Project has recovered, propagated and repatriated over fifty ancestral Wabanaki-area Native American corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, Jerusalem artichokes and ground cherry cultivars to Indigenous communities of... Read More

Through the Hort’s GreenHouse Program on Rikers Island, participants select and grow culturally significant crops in collaboration with horticultural therapists and instructors. Participants can exercise a level of food autonomy... Read More

Gardens are smaller these days, but a small garden is no impediment to fruit growing. Lowbush blueberries, currants, gooseberries, and super dwarf apples are among the fruits that visually and proportionally fit... Read More

Would you eat meat cultured in a lab if it was guaranteed safe? Lab-grown meat is the new kid on the block when it comes to engineered food. We’ll consider... Read More

This workshop will cover livestock options for integrating into your vegetable operation, and the pros and cons of each type. We will also discuss the strategies we use at Freedom... Read More

Learn how to design your land with the insights and techniques of permaculture. Integrating fruits, nuts, fuel wood, medicinal crops and berries into wildlife corridors. Gravity fed rain water; silvopasture;... Read More

With the rise in visibility, some argue that organic has “lost its soul”. We’ll discuss the evolution of organic farming as an alternative to the agri-industrial model, focusing on NOFA’s... Read More

Since 1977, Michael Merner has been perfecting his compost production methods at Earth Care Farm. Mike’s daughter Jayne will talk about the production methods as well as transitioning a family... Read More

To build awareness AND a movement to end mass incarceration. By analyzing general principles and specific projects at the intersection of transformative justice and food justice, we’ll discuss ways of... Read More

Everyone wants to avoid Lyme while living life outdoors! Learn best practices that really work. We’ll demo how to make an immune-supportive Astragalus tincture at home and discuss Buhner-researched tick... Read More

Farming in the city takes more than good growing conditions and techniques. Urban farms are subject to regulatory and community pressures that require a higher level of design and planning... Read More

This workshop details the Seeds of Renewal Project’s research concerning ancestral Wabanaki geo-intensive agricultural engineering and bio-intensive permaculture systems and crop nurture through sophisticated fertilizing and ritual systems. We also... Read More

Our ancestors ate fermented foods every day so our gut biome is used to these foods. Come and learn how to make some simple and quick ferments that provide us... Read More

Hear stories from Building Co-operative Power of the history and concept of worker co-operation. Past and present stories of worker co-operatives, co-op collaboration in and across sectors, conversions, education and... Read More

Why choose a town resolution approach as a tool for supporting pollinator populations? Come learn about how everyday folks can work with their neighbors and town officials to limit the... Read More

There are vital roles that both plant and animal foods play in creating balance, preventing disease and maintaining good health and energy. Learn how to utilize food and supplements according... Read More

Symbiosis in nature created healthy landscapes providing fresh water and rich soils for human communities. Indigenous peoples have protected many of these biodiverse lands and are working to restore others.... Read More

Healing from Lyme requires more than killing pathogens. Learn tools to help modulate your immune system, balance your nervous system, and chelate glyphosate. We’ll discuss herbs for Lyme and co-infections,... Read More

We will introduce participants to the work of The New Garden Society and present the context of why horticultural vocational education and horticultural therapy in correctional facilities is important and... Read More

Presentation about plants that provide nectar and pollen to honeybees and pollinators. Emphasis is on plants that provide quality food for bees and honey production, and on providing a diverse... Read More

Thinking about taking the leap into no-till farming? In this class we will cover the tools, management strategies and systems we have put in place during our transition into no-till.... Read More

Introduce several of the common medicinal mushrooms used in supplements and health products now, including their history, active compounds, and potential effects. Explore the different kinds of medicinal products offered... Read More

Starting a business can be overwhelming! Entrepreneur Jessie Banhazl of Green City Growers will discuss the steps she took to grow GCG from infancy to a fully grown company with... Read More

The workshop will demonstrate how to grow ALL you salad greens indoors with NO lights, no special equipment. The freshest salads ever. Peter Burke: Avid gardener, author of Year-Round Indoor... Read More

How do farms create models for food assistance that support the dignity of people in need? What does it mean to be guided by the principle of justice rather than... Read More

Silvopasture is a system that combines trees and forage design with livestock management. Such a system not only offers the promise of ecological regeneration of the land, but also an... Read More

Participants will learn about the farmer in the classroom program that has evolved over 5 years. This program uses stories, taste testing, trivia, cultural information and more to engage students... Read More

Come and join author, Celeste Longacre, for a Power Point presentation on preserving the harvest. She will show you with over 100 slides how to can, freeze, dry, ferment and... Read More

Lean is a systematic approach that seeks to minimize waste on your farm. Applying lean principles to your farm systems will increase the efficiency of your operations and grow your... Read More

How do you plan a profitable cow/calf business using a 100% grass diet? We will discuss how genetic choices, breeding, management techniques to optimize calf growth and extending the grazing... Read More

Using all-local photography, this slideshow class presents the amazing world of mushroom hunting and the rules for how to do it safely; then it gives the audience a tour of... Read More

For 300 years, immigration to the United States was dominated by European ethnicities. Over the past 40 years, the majority of immigrants are now from tropical and sub-tropical regions. This... Read More

This workshop presents experience with garden scale production of food and fiber crops wheat, flax (linen), field corn, dry beans and rice. The challenges include not only growing but also... Read More

We’ll sing for climate and food justice, and we’ll generate inspiration for living out values of solidarity and ecology. I’ll aurally teach songs with rousing choruses or full stanzas in... Read More

This presentation will discuss basic processes that effect nutrient availability, such as nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. Learn about ideal nutrient ratios to improve plant uptake, the concept of the most... Read More

You’ve learned about lean principles, now how can you apply them on your own farm? Topics include: product flow, employee management, record keeping, and identifying waste in your systems. Come... Read More

How can we improve the resiliency of riparian areas in the face of climate change while also producing food and salable crops for communities? This workshop outlines the concept of... Read More

In this course we will go over soil management strategies for a no-till permanent raised bed system. Topic covered will included cover cropping, mulches, tarps, fertility, intensive cropping, weed management... Read More

This workshop will characterize a variety of common and uncommon small fruits grown in a diverse permaculture-based edible forest setting. We will discuss the preferred habitat, growth habit, fruit quality,... Read More

Join the creators of The Mushroom Hunting Foundation for a first-hand mushroom hunting experience, seeking local spring mushrooms in their natural habitats. Learn about the equipment and techniques for identifying,... Read More

A description of my recent Farmer 2 Farmer work in Kenya as a project consultant. Sweet N Dried is a brand developed in Chuka Kenya featuring 100% dried fruit, dried... Read More

Join for a discussion on the research of community food system impact metrics and a platform for sharing stories, making capturing and sharing impact easier. Daniel Ross: Community food systems... Read More

There is a great need to adapt and create plant varieties for organic agriculture in the Northeast. A movement is growing for farmers to reclaim their roles as participants in... Read More

Learn the secrets of a chef’s garden, what to plant, how to make the most of limited space, and how to prepare your soil for maximum production. This class will... Read More

A framework of considerations necessary to address when planning on starting a goat dairy. Some pros and cons and how to apply decision trees to gain success at goat dairying.... Read More

Beyond the basics. Understand what horses can do for your farm. Learn harness varieties, proper fit, other equipment, hitching and safety concerns. Participants will have an opportunity to harness and... Read More

With the goal of keeping soil covered as much as possible while raising the highest quality produce, we will look at vegetable families and discuss what we do at MHOF... Read More

Attendees will learn how to conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis on their existing or a potentially new farming operation. Attendees will also see what types of governmental... Read More

By regenerating ecosystem processes, farms and landscapes can be designed for resilience in the face of climate change. We will explore ecological design principles and solutions for climate adaptation on... Read More

This workshop focuses on the role of fungi in soil health and will share: the results of a SARE research grant comparing different soil fungal inoculants on the yield of... Read More

Come learn about managing healthy soils using the latest scientific research. In the last decade, scientists have been delving deep into our understanding of soil as a living substance. We’ll... Read More

Learn how to site, prep, plant and nourish apple trees using holistic organic methods. My bias is on low maintenance techniques and heirloom varieties. Also, will cover how to convert... Read More

Carbon farming systems can store significant atmospheric carbon in soil and perennial plants and help to mitigate climate change. We will overview current climate change and carbon farming science, explore... Read More

Optimal productivity requires a solid understanding of the basics. Topics covered include: garden organization, seedling care, transplanting, fertility, season extension, crop selection and crop sequencing. In 2016 thru 2017 our... Read More

Learn how small scale grain production at Alprilla Farm contributes to our crop rotation, soil health, annual work-flow, cash-flow and marketing. We will discuss the agronomy of small grains, corn... Read More

Optimal productivity requires a solid understanding of the basics. Topics covered include: garden organization, seedling care, transplanting, fertility, season extension, crop selection and crop sequencing. In 2016 thru 2017 our... Read More

Foliar application can be very beneficial to the overall health of crops, and therefore yields and profit. We will cover the basics of various materials, their preparation, identifying which materials... Read More

Join Professor Hashemi outside for an introduction to a new static-aerated composting system. After a short introductory lecture he will show, step by step, how to assemble the two composting... Read More

Mushroom and humans have been interacting with each other for millions of years. This workshop will explore how mushrooms may have shaped human evolution, the stories we tell and cultures... Read More

Cover cropping is a best practice for soil health. Does scientific research prove the benefits of multi-species cover crop mixtures? What kind of challenges do they present? How can we... Read More

Learn the essentials of bed prep in a no-till, permanent bed system for both direct seeded crops and transplants. Dive deeper into our comprehensive system for successive crop production of... Read More

This session will cover all aspects of grazing, including paddock design, a solar-powered water system, lane design, forage species, season extension, grazing cover crops, fly control, outwintering, etc. Francis Thicke,... Read More

Learn how to use homeopathic remedies to help relieve pain, strengthen the immune system and speed the healing of sunburns, garden strains, diaper rashes, summer colds and coughs, bug bites,... Read More

This workshop promotes faba bean as a new multi-purpose vegetable crop for the Northeast and how it can be used to extend growing season when it is double cropped with... Read More

Icelandic sheep are an important breed for small and sustainable farms. This workshop provides an overview of the breed and shares stories from 13 years of working with Icelandics. Topics... Read More

Soils in urban spaces can benefit from the same practice used on larger farms such as cover cropping, micro-nutrients, soil amendments and maintenance of healthy soil biology. Come hear about... Read More

This talk seeks to help growers make beneficial fertilization decisions and thus raise abundant, healthful crops. It will present concepts on how to select appropriate fertilization methods and when to... Read More

The Milk with Dignity Program ensures the rights of dairy farmworkers through worker-driven social responsibility model. Last fall, community-based organization Migrant Justice signed an historic agreement with Ben & Jerry’s... Read More

If you’d like to generate a more robust cut flower operation within your diversified farm operation, join in this workshop to discuss effective management for such. We’ll cover suggested planting... Read More

The transition from garden to farm was a major shift in land use for the people of the Americas. Widely considered the first environmentalists, how does today’s organic farming movement... Read More

Learn the secrets of a chef’s garden, what to plant, how to make the most of limited space, and how to prepare your soil for maximum production. This class will... Read More

A framework of considerations necessary to address when planning on starting a goat dairy. Some pros and cons and how to apply decision trees to gain success at goat dairying.... Read More

This workshop will explore how the principles of regenerative agriculture can be applied to artistic design in farm settings. The group will have an opportunity to discuss the cultural and... Read More

Explore the design of an integrative program—Jail-to-Farm-to-College and Employment at the Franklin County Jail—as a food justice/prison justice case study. Learn about leveraging institutional partnerships and building community support for... Read More

By regenerating ecosystem processes, farms and landscapes can be designed for resilience in the face of climate change. We will explore ecological design principles and solutions for climate adaptation on... Read More

Behind every seed there lies a story. Some stories lie buried like the seed in the earth. Others come to light like the plant that emerges from the germinated seed.... Read More

Help build the shared society we design based on agroecological principles. Bring your vital voice to form a food justice presence in our state chapters & locally, aligning our social... Read More

Learn how to site, prep, plant and nourish apple trees using holistic organic methods. My bias is on low maintenance techniques and heirloom varieties. Also, will cover how to convert... Read More

Carbon farming systems can store significant atmospheric carbon in soil and perennial plants and help to mitigate climate change. We will overview current climate change and carbon farming science, explore... Read More

farmOS is a web-based software application for farm planning, management, and recordkeeping. It is developed by a community of volunteers and the code is available for free. This workshop will... Read More

Optimal productivity requires a solid understanding of the basics. Topics covered include: garden organization, seedling care, transplanting, fertility, season extension, crop selection and crop sequencing. In 2016 thru 2017 our... Read More

We’ll look at selection criteria for several biennials, including hands-on practice, and discuss practical challenges and possible solutions in growing biennials for seed such as winter storage and vernalization. This... Read More

For those with limited experience and lots of interest! Get hands on time, up close and personal with these amazing animals. Learn handling, care, keeping and the basics of how... Read More

Optimal productivity requires a solid understanding of the basics. Topics covered include: garden organization, seedling care, transplanting, fertility, season extension, crop selection and crop sequencing. In 2016 thru 2017 our... Read More

Disagreements are bound to arise on the farm. Resolving conflicts is essential to maintaining a balanced workplace so you can get back farm responsibilities. In this workshop we will explore... Read More

Foliar application can be very beneficial to the overall health of crops, and therefore yields and profit. We will cover the basics of various materials, their preparation, identifying which materials... Read More

This session provides an overview of three farm animal welfare certification programs–Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership. The ASPCA and local welfare-certified farmers will discuss the benefits... Read More

Join Professor Hashemi outside for an introduction to a new static-aerated composting system. After a short introductory lecture he will show, step by step, how to assemble the two composting... Read More

For several years Just Roots has worked with the Franklin County Jail and Greenfield Community College to provide internship opportunities to incarcerated men at our production farm. Join Andy Grant... Read More

Homesteaders live in direct relationship with the natural systems that support our lives. In this case study, learn how we’ve used the permaculture design process to establish a vibrant homestead... Read More

We will discuss the basics of leasing farmland, including what is possible in a lease, negotiating a good lease agreement, how to protect your interests under a lease, and what... Read More

Until a few centuries ago, we held and managed the vast majority of resources in common: defined groups of people formed evolving agreements about how to share and manage specific... Read More

Using all-local photography, this slideshow class presents the amazing world of mushroom hunting and the rules for how to do it safely; then it gives the audience a tour of... Read More

Learn how to use homeopathic remedies to help relieve pain, strengthen the immune system and speed the healing of sunburns, garden strains, diaper rashes, summer colds and coughs, bug bites,... Read More

This workshop promotes faba bean as a new multi-purpose vegetable crop for the Northeast and how it can be used to extend growing season when it is double cropped with... Read More

Icelandic sheep are an important breed for small and sustainable farms. This workshop provides an overview of the breed and shares stories from 13 years of working with Icelandics. Topics... Read More

“Garden Time-To-Work” is a new garden-based vocational training program piloted at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutions. While acquiring expertise in horticulture, agriculture, and landscaping, students in the program will... Read More

This talk seeks to help growers make beneficial fertilization decisions and thus raise abundant, healthful crops. It will present concepts on how to select appropriate fertilization methods and when to... Read More

Join the creators of The Mushroom Hunting Foundation for a first-hand mushroom hunting experience, seeking local spring mushrooms in their natural habitats. Learn about the equipment and techniques for identifying,... Read More