January February 2010.pdf - PASA

Conference ReviewParticipants in the Green Living for High School Students Pre-conference Track included twelvestudents from Bradford County, who were sponsored by regional supporters to attend the conference.Scholarships Help Many Attend the ConferenceBy Kristin HoyThe Arias M. BrownbackScholarship FundArias M. Brownback was raised on hisfamily’s farm in western Perry Countyand from an early age expressed an interestin farming. He attended his firstPASA conference at the age of 18. Seeingfellow farmers dedicated to sustainablepractices was a great inspiration to Arias.In his honor, PASA has established theArias M. Brownback Memorial ScholarshipFund. Formed in 2001, this memorialfund is intended to aid young and/ordeveloping farmers in reaching their fullpotential by helping them attend theFarming for the Future conference. Thescholarship expresses PASA’s commitmentto providing educational opportunitiesfor those wishing to learnsustainable agriculture techniques andmethods regardless of financial circumstances.PASA would like to thank allwho have contributed to the Fund, furtheringthis vision and dream. Throughthe generosity of our members and conferenceattendees, the Brownback ScholarshipFund passed $50,000. This year,the scholarship fund awarded full or partialconference fees to 56 individuals.Additional ConferenceFunding OpportunitiesTargeted towards Southeast PA farmers,the Southeast PA Agriculture IndustryPartnership, an initiative of theChester County Workforce InvestmentBoard and the Chester County EconomicDevelopment Council (CCEDC),with grant funds received from the PennsylvaniaDepartment of Labor and Industry,offset costs to attend the Farming forthe Future Conference. This fund supported112 individuals and PASA wouldlike to thank the CCEDC for helping tobring more farmers and food activists tothe conference.A collaborative effort by landownersfrom the Northern Tier region of Pennsylvaniabrought 17 high school studentsand three chaperones to the conference.The group participated in several of thePre-conference Tracks, including GreenLiving for High School Students.Penn State University, with fundingfrom Northeast SARE, supported 8 peoplefrom cooperative extension and 6graduate students to attend the PASAconference. Support covered registration,meals, travel, and lodging valued atapproximately $4,000.An finally, the Lancaster CountyWorkforce Investment Board providedsupport to three individuals to attend theconference. ■This year the Arias M. Brownback Fund allowed 56 individuals to attend the conference with eithera full or partial scholarship. Kristen and Nate Johanson of Wolf Lake Farm in New Alexandria, PAaddress the crowd at the Friday Night Awards Banquet to let everyone know how the scholarshiphelped them attend, and encouraged others to consider contributing to this fund to allow more folksto participate in the conference.4

Conference ReviewAnnual Lifetime Member &Permanent Business Partner Breakfast ReceptionPASA offered our Second Annual Lifetime Member & Permanent Business Partner BreakfastReception during the annual conference on Friday. These dedicated members, including (fromleft to right) Jim Crawford; Don, Anne & Becky Kretschmann, enjoy meeting and networkingwith one another.Conference Volunteers& WorkShare ParticipantsPASA staff and board would like tothank our dedicated volunteers whohelped make our recent conference a success.Volunteers fuel Farming for theFuture. The Conference Committee startsplanning in May by volunteering theirtime to come up with the conferencetheme, program and speakers. Then theconference staff kicks in to pull all of thepieces together. We appreciate the manyvolunteers that are needed in the weeksbefore and after the conference, as well asat the conference center during the event.As part of our dedication to makingthe conference accessible to everyone,regardless of financial situation, PASAonce again offered the WorkShare Programas a way to reduce conference costs.We thank all our volunteers!FRIENDS OF THE CONFERENCEThe Farming for the Future Conference is an extremely important event for the PASAmembership. Those who donated $100 to become a Friend of the Conference were contributingto ensure everyone can participate by keeping registration fees affordable.Thanks to all of these generous folks for being a Friend!Michael Akey • Kat Alden & Bill Torretti • Bob Anderson • Susan Anderson • MaryBarbercheck • Missy & David Barnhart • Amy Batchman • Nancy & Bob Bernhardt •Amanda Birk & Chris Lent • Jerry Brunetti • Andrew Buckwalter • Sabine & Tom Carey •Moie & Jim Crawford • Lisa & Duane Diefenbach • Melanie & Mark Dietrich CochranFamily • Patricia Eagon & James Stafford • Eva Edelstein • Farmers Pride • Steve Frey •Meg Gleason • Kathy & Wes Gordon • Jenn Halpin • Todd & John Hopkins Family • CarlHursh • Sukey & John Jamison • Wendy Johnson • Keswick Creamery • Arthur Keys • BarbKline & Rhanda Shannon • Becky & Don Kretschmann • David Lembeck • Grethchen Ludders• Beth & Ken Marshall • Tracy & Jeff Mattocks • Maryann & Dennis Mawhinney •Milky Way Dairy • Dianne & Kim Miller • Sandra Miller • Susan Miller • Jamie Moore •Elizabeth Murphy & Kevin Brown • Patty Neiner & Lyn Garling • Martha Noble & JeffDemerest • Joan & Drew Norman • Northern Tier Sustainable Meat Coop • Mary Ann &William Oyler • Rita Resick & Rick Stafford • Melissa & Thomas Reynolds • Susan Richards& Rob Amsterdam Family • Carolyn Sachs • Susan & Don Sauter • Louise Schorn Smith •Shary & Gary Skoloff • Lauren & Ian Smith • Paula & Brian Snyder • Alan Stangl • Sandie& John Walker • Deb & Jeff WardenMany volunteers fuel the conference, and one ofthe staff-favorites is Effie Zuck, who has a passionfor PASA fundraising. She tops the ticket sellersannually at the Bag Auction!ADVERTISEMENTConference CDs & DVDs are available!Farming for the Future Keynotes and Workshopsare audio recorded courtesy of Cocalico AudioOrder form for Cds & DVDs is available at www.pasafarming.orgCocalico Audio • 187 East Church Street • Stevens, PA 17578 • Phone: (717) 336-41795

Director’s CornerThe Promiseof SustainabilityBy Brian Snyder,Executive DirectorEditor’s Note: This is a shortenedversion of Brian Snyder’s address deliveredat the 2010 conference.The past year at PASA was greatlyaffected by a single, still unfoldingseries of events involving the commontheme of Food Safety. It all started justbefore last year’s conference, with thegreat peanut scare of 2009, and reallyheated up in March and April as legislationbegan to take shape in WashingtonD.C.To make a very long story short,PASA jumped into the Food Safety fraywith both feet, and we were responsiblefor scheduling what was to be the veryfirst meeting of sustainable and organicleaders with the committee staff actuallywriting the final bill in the House of Representatives.Since then, we’ve had some big successesas well as distinct disappointmentsin the ongoing food safety saga, and thebattle now rages in the Senate. But Ilearned a couple things along the way inthis process about how the sustainableagriculture movement is perceived that Iwant to share.First, I’ve learned that whenever yougo to Washington on agricultural businessand utter a single fateful word —“small” — you get immediately pigeonholedand tossed aside as a probable relicof the past. That word is generally used inreference to farms, but extends to becominga less-than-favorable characterizationof everything we do. I’ve tried hard toerase if from my vocabulary, with varyingsuccess. I only know that we must getpast it if we are to achieve success inaffecting positive policy change.I’ll tell you one thing, there is nothing“small” about what any member of PASAis doing with respect to our food system,whether as a producer, processor or consumer,and regardless of any volumespecifications. People like to hear aboutlots of acres, or large numbers of animalsand bushels of corn/acre measured inhundreds. But models of farming thatcan gross $50 — 100K on a single acre,or Community Supported Agricultureprograms that, in some cases and on relativelysmall acreage, are able to counttheir customers in the thousands andbank $1M or more in the spring beforeeven planting a seed, are anything butsmall.There are many other ways to measurethe bigness of our farms and our dreams,including the magic that occurs whenany one of us is able for the first time tosay what most farmers today cannot, thatthe majority of what we eat comes immediatelyfrom the fruits of our own labor— or better yet, that most of what ourneighbors eat comes from local farms inour own community.This leads me to the second thing I’velearned. Inevitability, anyone going toour nation’s capitol to advocate for sustainablefarming will likely run into thesupposedly incontrovertible truth that“we cannot feed the world this way.”This is said to be our “Achilles heel,” ultimatelyrelegating everything we stand forto the dustbin of sentimentality and frivoloushope.Sure, industrial food systems are ableto “feed the world” in one sort of way,which we are reminded of every time anatural disaster occurs somewhere in theworld and we airlift more shipments ofheavily subsidized grain and processedfood products out of the country. I don’twant to make light of anyone’s hunger orsuffering, but there are two rules I feel weneed to follow if we are to effectively feedthe world: 1) We must encourage everyone,wherever they are and as a priority,to eat food produced as near to their ownhomes as possible, and 2) Feed thy neighboras thyself. From this perspective,local food not only can feed the world, itmay be the only way to ever feed theworld in a healthy and just manner.But there are those who insist otherwise,thinking quite differently than wedo, which brings me to the subject of amuch publicized speech delivered inSeattle in January by president of theAmerican Farm Bureau Federation, BobStallman. In his address, entitled “Passageto Success,” he seemed to be givingtwo messages at once, asserting on theone hand that “Farm Bureau reflects allagriculture,” and then drawing a linebetween what he called “our polite andrespectful engagement with consumersand the way we must aggressivelyrespond to extremists who want to dragagriculture back to the days of 40 acresand a mule,” on the other. You can certainlyhear the familiar disparagement ofsmall farms contained in that statement.Stallman went on to assail what hecalls the “misguided, activist-driven regulationon labor and environment beingproposed in Washington,” speaking primarilyabout climate change legislationnow being debated in Congress…andthen he quoted, of all people, GeneralGeorge Patton, encouraging his membersrather ominously in what he called “timesof war” saying, “Make your plans to fitthe circumstances.”In a section deliberately aimed at ourcommunity and the things we care about,Stallman said something I’ve heardcountless times in meetings I go to. Hesaid “We hear much about ‘sustainability,’which in my book is the most overusedand ill-defined word in the policyarena today,” then asserted that “the firstsustainability for agriculture has to beeconomic sustainability.” It’s quite clearhe doesn’t really understand how sustainabilityrather specifically refers to agriculturethat is economically viable, but isalso accomplished in concert with environmentalhealth and the wellbeing ofour society broadly defined.I completely agree that the term “sustainability”is overused and often confusedfor something it’s not by those whotry to use it. But since this is the case, perhapsMr. Stallman and his counterpartsat several large agribusiness corporationscontinued on page 246

PASA Board PerspectiveA View from theGreen MountainsBy Brian Moyer,PASA board memberBack in June 2009, I was offered a jobto be the director of an organizationcalled Rural Vermont. Rural Vermont isa farm advocacy organization that worksto bring economic justice and viability toVermont’s farmers.With a few months of working andliving in Vermont under my belt, Ithought I would share some early observationsabout farming in Vermont.Vermont is still a dairy state. 75% ofthe farm economy is driven by dairy. So,it is no surprise that the dairy crisis isheadline news as the number of dairyfarms will drop below 1000. With it goessome of the infrastructure that supportsnot only dairies, but all farms in a statethat is agruably viewed as a leader in thelocal food movement.Reflecting the national trend, Vermonthas seen an increase in large andsmall farms. The number of small farms(farms under 150 acres) has increasedannually by 10%. Over 15% of the dairyfarms are milking 10 cows or fewer. Over90% of the hogs produced are on farmsraising 25 pigs or less. Vermont’s localfood purchases still hover around 3%.Numbers like these suggest that thereis a fair amount of underground raw milkproducts and pork being sold.I view Vermont’s local food system asan hourglass. At the top of the hourglassyou have farmers working hard, growingfood, hoping to enter their local marketplace. At the bottom of the hourglass youhave consumers who are increasinglyengaged in supporting their local farmsand want to eat closer to home and buildsustainable communities. In the middleof the hourglass is that very narrow partwhere the food is slowly but surely movingfrom the farmers at the top of theglass to the consumers at the bottom andthat middle part is where the problemslay. Those problems are mainly regulatoryand infrastructure.If you want to sell raw milk, you are inluck. In 2009, Rural Vermont successfullyadvocated for the Unpasteurized(Raw) Milk Bill, which allows farmers todeliver (to prepaid customers at theirhomes) and to sell up to 40 gallons perday. The new law established a tiered regulatorystructure and some basic standardsthat apply to all farmers selling rawmilk. But, you still can’t make butter,yogurt, cheese, etc. Let’s say you raisepastured poultry. Thanks to a law in2007, you can sell your birds at farmersmarkets and restaurants. However, youmust sell less then 1000 birds per yearand you can’t sell through CSA’s orwholesale. Also, there are very few poultryprocessors here. Which brings us tothe infrastructure problem. There is astate mobile processing unit that willcome to your farm and do your chickensbut in some cases it is cost prohibitive. Ifyou are doing any kind of value addedproducts it is difficult to know if youneed to talk to the Agency of Agricultureor the Department of Health. Chancesare you will get a different answer everytime you call. If you are raising livestockor if you are thinking of raising livestock,book your processing dates now. Meatprocessors are booking 6 months to ayear ahead because of demand and thelow number of processors.So while there may be a great consumerdemand and awareness, farmersare slowly, painfully, trying to get to themarket place to meet it, before the everfickle and short attention span of thepublic change their minds and give up onthe farmer who has the business model oftrying to be everything to everyone. Thatis, the farmer produces the raw material,creates a product, does the packaging, themarketing, and has to be an expert on allregulatory barriers.Vermont might be able to do more forits farmers but there is a fear of comingup against the federal regulatory authority.Vermont did pass a law making itlegal to grow hemp however it is still afederal crime so no hemp is grown inVermont. The legislature also passed anon-farm meat slaughter bill that wouldhelp farmers with that bottleneck in processingby allowing slaughtering to takeplace on the farm under a model similarto a CSA. But, the agency of agriculturegave a ruling saying the slaughteringmust be done in an approved facility otherwise,Vermont might loose its’ “equalto” status with the USDA and loose thereUSDA inspection if the state law is not“equal to” the federal law.These issues are not necessarily uniqueto Vermont. These are common problems.But one would think that a state sovested in its working landscape (97% ofVermonters say that the working landscapeis the states greatest resource)would have a better infrastructure for itscitizens who work that landscape.The Northeast is seriously looking atits ability to feed it self. 95% of Vermont’smilk leaves the state and 70% ofthe money from that milk goes to DeanFoods in Texas. We are now seeing justhow unsustainable that system is. Weneed organizations working together creatinga tiered food system that goes fromlocal, to state, to regional. This willrequire a shift in our regulatory system.We are moving from having a “local foodmovement” to building a “local food system”.I am optimistic that we will buildthat system the same as we have built ourlocal food movement and it will take theefforts of all organizations like PASA andRural Vermont to lead the way.When I took this position at RuralVermont, folks would say to me “so,you’ve given up on farming.” I say, no, Ihaven’t given up on farming. I do THISwork now so I can go back to farminglater. Farming is hard work. It doesn’tneed to be made impossible. Lack ofinfrastructure and regulatory barriersmake farming and selling direct to consumersalmost impossible. Organizationslike PASA and Rural Vermont need toexists so farming can simply be just hardwork and NOT impossible. ■7

Eden View Organics returned tothe Farmers’ Market Café withhealthy grab-n-go snacks &light meals. Thanks to anothervendor, Webster’s Café of StateCollege, for the free “bottomlesscup of coffee” that kept appreciativeattendees alert!Again this year at the conference we offered a Cheese Tastingevent Thursday evening. This was an opportunity for artisancheesemakers to showcase their dairy delights and for attendeesto take some home.Opening Keynote speakerMichael Reynolds movedthe audience with lessonson Earthship Biotecture,and its transformationof everyday trash intouseful and sustainablebuilding materialsClosing Keynoter andphoto journalist Lisa M.Hamilton shared stories ofinspiration and passionwith a backdrop of stirringphotographs.For a fourth year running, beautiful farmland art was displayed andsold by the ten Farmland Preservation Artists, one of whom was KarlLeitzel, pictured here. This amazing collection of art, incorporating variousmediums, offered conference goers a ‘fresh view’ of our beautifulfarms and farmland. A percentage of the sale benefited PASA. 8PASA is proud to offer a Future Farmers Youth Programthat runs concurrently with adult programming.Here, a young Kids Program participant workson creating name badges. Other activities includedgames and other environmental lessons with a sustainablefocus.

A rapt audience listenedto Janie Quinn of EssentialEating Sprouted Foods, asshe shared the benefits ofconsuming sproutedgrains, which are moreeasily digested as wellas more nutritiousfor our bodies.The 4-piece Philadelphia based “Hoots” band blendedroots of American music in a fiery alchemy. Soulful 3-partharmonies mingled with acoustic guitar, mandolin,upright bass and foot stomping that got the crowdstomping THEIR feet after the Thursday night picnic.Liam Goble of HalfAcre Farm showssome of the hivestructures in histwo-part BeginningBeekeepingworkshop.Bruce McPheron, Dean of Penn State’s College of AgriculturalSciences addresses PASA conference-goers. McPheron summarizedsome of the sustainable and organic agriculture research,teaching, and extension activities in the College and told thecrowd that he considers PASA an important stakeholder and partnerof the college.71 of the 87 Conference Sponsors takepart in the TradeShow, and many newand valuable connections are madewhile doing so. Organic Valley, whohas sponsored the PASA conference forseven years, was one of 12 PlatinumLevel Sponsors. Their booth in DeansHall looked great!A track attendee evaluatesone of several materials in apre-conference track dedicatedto composting, offered incooperation with the ProfessionalRecyclers of PA (PROP) andPenn State’s OrganicMaterials Processingand Education Center.

Miles McEvoy, DeputyAdministrator of the USDANational Organic Program,expressed his appreciationof PASA’s work and ourmembers when he spokeduring the Thursday NightWinter Picnic and theAll Organic MattersPre-Conference Track.PASA Board member Jenn Halpin (left) and Rusty Ornerof Quiet Creek, find a moment to catch up at the QuietCreek Herb Farm booth in the Marketplace.Participants in the Storingthe Land’s Abundance Tracktasted last year’s harvestand learned several methodsof how to preserve thefruits of the garden.Chef Ken Stout carvedthe grass-fed Steamship Rounds of beefat the Thursday WinterPicnic. The beef wasdonated by Bakewelland enjoyedvery much.Thought provokingquotes are submittedthroughout the year bythe membership, and thisyear we enjoyed 42inspirational posters.The wonderful meals and receptions featuring regional foods are a conferencehighlight. Two chefs dedicated to local food are Chef Willie Benedetto (left) ofthe Penn Stater, and Chef Mike Ditchfield, of Penn College of Technology —who brought twelve students to participate with food prep. Thank you chefs!10The dynamic duo of Brian Snyder (left) and Brian Magaro rally biddersto pay outrageous sums for a jar of Roasted Peppers. Theseweren’t just any peppers though — these peppers were donated bySpiral Path Farm to raise funds for the Brownback Scholarship Fund.

The full Board of Directorsis present for the AnnualMeeting.The PASA Annual Meetingis also part of conferenceactivities each year. Picturedhere, PASA board presidentKim Seeley presents infomationon the organization.Grace Lefever of Sonnewald Natural Foods (left)and Faye Burtch of Wild Plants for Food and Medicineshared their wisdom and expertise of using plantsand herbs to ward off winter misery colds and flu.Over 60 children ages, 18 months to 12 years old, participatedin the Future Farmers’ Program. PASA thanks Jill Shankel ofMunnell Run Farm and the Penn State Sustainable Agricultureclub for their efforts to offer engaging programming.At the conference, PASA announced the formation of a coalition amongrepresentatives of White Dog Community Enterprises, Pennsylvania CertifiedOrganic, FoodRoutes Network and The Rodale Institute to help promotelocal, organic and sustainable food and farming systems in Pennsylvania.We hope to connect through this alliance with thousands of people whounderstand the value of high quality, nutritious food coming from sustainablefarms, produced and served in the convenience of their own communities.Pictured left to right: Brian Snyder, PASA; Andrew Altman, White DogCommunity Enterprises; Tim Schlitzer, FoodRoutes; Leslie Zuck, PennsylvaniaCertified Organic; and Judy Wicks, White Dog Community Enterprises.New PennsylvaniaSecretary of AgricultureRussell Redding addressesthe main plenary sessionon Friday morning. Hethanked PASA for helpingto change Pennsylvaniaagriculture for the better.Secretary Redding wasconfirmed by the PennsylvaniaSenate in Decemberof last year.A favorite game of chance at the conference is the amazing Bag Auction,which had over 90 70 fantastic gifts to choose from. Placing a purchasedticket in the bag of yor choice might make you a winner!PASA Mercantile was packed withcustom goodies for folks to purchaseand show their support. The new locationof this gift-extravaganza made iteasy for folks to shop while enjoyingthe continentals 11and receptions.

Organic Pioneer Ardath RodalePasses on at 81By Dan SullivanArdath (Ardie) Harter Rodale, cochairof the nonprofit Rodale Instituteeducation and research farm andformer chair and CEO of the Rodale Inc.publishing empire, passed away amongfamily in her Emmaus, Pennsylvaniahome December 18. She was 81.Ardie was the wife of the late RobertRodale and mother to Maria Rodale (currentCEO and chairman of Rodale Inc.),Heather Rodale, Heidi Rodale, AnthonyRodale and the late David Rodale. She isalso survived by two siblings, Joy Robinsonand James Harter, and eleven grandchildren.“We are very sad to say goodbye to anamazing woman, and more importantly,to our mother and the grandmother toour children,” Maria Rodale said in acompany press release. “She will be verymissed.”Ardie served as a beacon for sustainableagriculture and organic farmingworldwide and close to home, generouslysupporting the efforts and mission of thePennsylvania Association for SustainableAgriculture (PASA) and other organizationsand research efforts focused onenvironmentally friendly farming. Herinterest in and support for Native Americanculture remains evident in the artworkadorning the halls of Rodale Inc.and in the lives of the numerous NativeAmerican students she helped send tocamp, school and college.She began working at Rodale in 1956,overseeing development and renovationsat Rodale’s headquarters in Emmaus.Instead of tearing down existing buildings,she chose to restore and renovatethem and implement energy-savingdesigns wherever possible, a testamentthat she fit in lockstep with the pioneeringspirit and forward-thinking familyshe had joined by marriage.Ardie served as an inspiration andfriend to many in the workplace andthroughout the community. She becamea leading AIDS education and awarenessactivist following the death of her sonDavid Rodale in 1985. Five years later,after the death of her husband Robert ina car accident in the former SovietUnion, she took over leadership of thecompany. Under her tenure, Rodale Inc.expanded its book and magazine empire— based on healthy, active living —nationally and internationally. Sheremained CEO until 2002 and chairmanuntil 2007, when she created a new roleArdath Rodalefor herself within the company as “chiefinspiration officer. Rodale’s flagship magazine,Organic Gardening, was first publishedin 1942 by Bob’s father, JeromeErving (J.I.) Rodale; Ardie’s image gracedthe cover and pages over the years ofmany of Rodale’s classic gardeningrelatedbooks and magazines (daughterHeather said at a memorial service thather mother never wore gardening glovesbecause she loved to touch the soil).A celebration of Ardie’s life andaccomplishments took place at theZoeller Arts Center in Bethlehem, MondayDecember 28, as friends, familymember and coworkers recalled her as agenerous soul, someone who set a profoundexample by her generosity andspirit of showing gratitude for each newday and as an inspiration to so many.Several who spoke at the packedmemorial service chose their own favoritequotations from inspirational books andcolumns authored by this small-instaturebut strong-in-spirit woman whohad weathered the death of a son toAIDS, lost a husbandto an automobile accidentand battled cancerthree times overthe final 20 years ofher life. One suchquote, from her bookGifts of the Spirit(Rodale, 1997), wasreferenced by her sonAnthony Rodale:“Energy neverdies. It becomes a starburst when it changesdirection, and itglows with a brighterlight of understandingwhen it comes downto touch all of us whoare still here to carryon.”Ardie helpedfound the 333-acrePCO-certified RodaleInstitute organicresearch farm outsideof Kutztown, Pennsylvania,(she wasactually the one whofound the land) whenfarming experimentsoutgrew the boundariesof the family’s original farm inEmmaus. Before her passing, she askedthat any donations in her memory bemade to the Institute. Contributions maybe made online at www.rodaleinstitute.org/donate or sent to Rodale Institute,611 Siegfriedale Road, Kutztown PA,19530. ■This article was contributed by PennsylvaniaCertified Organic and appeared inthe PCO newsletter Organic Matters.12

Fundraising UpdateFundraising UpdateIllustration courtesy of Warren LeitzelWe Did It!We Did It!that eating local and in season becomesBy Christopher Lent, Fundraising Committee Member mostly speaks to the power even of the more PASA imperative message. It in tells a me tough that peopleecon-understand and care omy. about what It shows PASA is that doing with for our a purpose foodshed asEarly in a By New Christopher Year, it easy Lent, to Fundraising have all eyes looking Committee ahead. Member Especiallyas we anxiously anticipated the conference, and now look forward and our world. It tells me that people know that eating local and in seasonvegetable becomes even cratesEarly to in the a bustle New of Year, farm it related is easy activity to have that will Passages soon be Farm ours. It’s — only thestrong and meaningful as PASA’s, we canmore imperative in a tough economy. It shows thatall eyes right looking to look ahead. forward Especially — but we also as need we to overflowed take a look back with and our rec-harvestognize anticipated our fantastic the achievement conference, of and exceeding tance the Annual of raising Fund this goal money common for an goal organ-we put our minds minds to.now look that forward was set for to 2009. the We bustle did of it! We farmet and ization exceeded like our PASA goal and is as important So, thanks goes as aout to the So, organizers thanks goes and participants out to the of organizers all ourwith a The purpose impor-achieve any common goal we put ouras strong and meaningful as PASA’s, we can achieve anyanxiouslyrelated activity raised $251,218 that will towards soon PASA’s be ours. education It’s and good advocacy harvest programs. on any Itfarm.2009 fundraising events. and We participants thank all those of who all gave our both 2009 time fundraisingnow events. time to look We ahead thank again, all those and even who while gaveandonly right has to been look a great forward year on — our but Passages we also Farm — the This vegetable success crates speaks overflowedwith our harvest! The importance of raising this money for an enjoying our past achievement, start working for a successful 2010. Weto money the to dedication the cause. It isneed to take a look back and recognize of our staff, our board, our leadership both time and money to the cause. It isorganization like PASA is as important as a good harvest on any farm. are on sound footing to start the year and I know everyone will beour fantastic achievement of exceeding and the generosity of our membership. now time to look ahead again, and evenThis success speaks to the dedication of our staff, our board, our working hard to ensure PASA’s continued success.the Annual Fund goal that was set for Though, I think, it mostly speaks to the while enjoying our past achievement,leadership and the generosity of our membership. Though, I think, it2009. We did it! We met and exceeded power of the PASA message. It tells me start working for a successful 2010. Weour goal and raised $251,218 towards that people understand and care about are on sound footing to start the year andPASA’s education and advocacy programs.what PASA is doing for our foodshed and I know everyone will be working hard toIt has been a great year on our our world. It tells me that people know ensure PASA’s continuedsuccess.$251,218December 31— $250,000————— $200,000——$176,007— October 31—— $150,000————— $100,000— $90,603August 30—$74,327— June 30—$55,908— April 30—— $30,901Feb. 28——SAVE THE DATE!Illustration courtesy of Warren LeitzelPASA hatched a new fundraiser last year and the idea took off like rocket lettuce!The PASA Summer FARM START held in May 2009 launched the farm seasonin delicious style, was a great success and enjoyed by over 300 guests. We likedthe idea so much that we are hosting a trio of FARM STARTS this coming May (seecalendar page 30).The goal of the FARM START is three-fold. First, the event is designed to giveus an opportunity to announce the kick-off of farm season. Second, the event’s menus are designed specifically around what foodis coming off our local farms at this time, so the meal becomes a 13 celebration and appreciation of the early summer bounty. Andlastly, the event is designed as a fundraiser, so sponsorship support and ticket sales are key.Staff organizers are currently working with our regional farmer members to ascertain what crops and products we can incorporateinto the seasonal menus and the chefs are dreaming up creative dishes to be premiered! Stay tuned for more details!13

Blackberry Production Optionsfor Cold AreasKathy Demchak and Tim Elkner,Penn State UniversityFumiomi Takeda, USDA-ARS-AFRSBlackberries are a tasty treat and enjoya strong market. U.S. Census ofAgriculture Reports from 1997 and 2007showed that blackberry acreage across theU.S. increased from 8,300 acres to10,717 acres, a 29% increase. In theNortheast, while acreage is comparativelylow, the upward trend is much moremarked. In the Mid-Atlantic region (PA,NJ, MD, WV, and DE) acreageincreased from 120 to 276 acres duringthis same time period, a 130% increase.Unfortunately, because most availablecultivated varieties are not very coldhardy,production can be variable fromyear-to-year with canes dying to theground in some years. However, optionsdo exist that could allow more reliableproduction and some of them could beused in combination to make consistentblackberry production possible.The first option often consideredwhen looking for cold-tolerance in blackberriesis variety selection. It has generallybeen assumed that varieties that producea summer crop reliably are truly morecold-hardy. It’s also has been stated thatthorny cultivars are generally more coldhardythan thornless ones. Both statements,however, are over-simplificationsof what is actually taking place. Somecultivars aren’t really more winter-hardy— they just compensate for winter injuryby being able to produce fruit from secondarybuds. In a study conducted insoutheastern PA in 2008 and 2009, primary,secondary and additional buds ofvarious blackberry varieties were examinedfor winter injury. The cultivar ‘IlliniHardy’, frequently cited for its cold-hardiness,did have a low percentage of canelength completely killed over the winter.However, it also had a noticeable abilityto produce fruit from secondary buds.Secondary buds are typically differentiatedin the spring, after injurious weatherevents have taken place. Thus ‘IlliniHardy’ has the ability to reliably producea crop to a greater extent than other cultivarswhen damage is moderate. Thornycultivars were not always more coldhardy.In fact, the cultivars with the nextlowest winter injury ratings after ‘IlliniHardy’ were in order, Apache (thornless),Chickasaw (thorny), and Chester (thornless).Apache, however, compensated fordamaged primary buds very little.Chester Thornless did better than mostother varieties in compensating and alsoand has the reputation of being the mostcold hardy thornless variety. It appearsthen, that a combination of hardinessand/or ability to compensate for damagedbuds may be the key biological characteristicsfor consistent crop production.So, if you’re looking for the most reliablecultivars, Illini Hardy (thorny) andChester (thornless) are good choices.A second option that allows productionof blackberries in cold areas is theuse of protected cultivation techniques(e.g., greenhouses, high tunnels, and rowcovers, listed from most to least expensive).Research in this area is limited andonly a few cultivars have been trialed intunnels. In central PA on a site whereblackberries typically are killed to theground each winter, ‘Triple Crown’ performedwell in single-bay high tunnelsthat were kept closed for the winter,where they produced the equivalent of28,000 pounds of fruit per acre. Based oncasual observation, there may be differencesin cultivar survival in tunnels, butonly limited blackberry variety trialinghas been conducted in high tunnels todate, so it’s a bit early to make recommendationson other cultivars.Fig. 1. Canes prior to being covered with a row cover in the fall. Photo courtesy of F. Takeda, USDA-ARS.14

Fig. 2. Fruit prior to harvest after canes have been rotated to harvest position. Photo courtesy of F. Takeda, USDA-ARS.Another option for improving wintersurvival is use of the rotating cross-armtrellis. With this system, canes are rotatedto nearly ground level for the winter andthen are protected from low temperatureswith row covers. Briefly described, inMay and June, 3 to 4 new primocanesper plant are trained along a horizontaltrellis wire that is near ground level.These primocanes are tipped when theyreach the nearest plant which causes lateralbuds to break and grow upward. Thelaterals are managed so they grow on aseries of wires as they grow upward. Thewires are connected to 5-foot-long rotatablecross-arms that are oriented at a 60-degree angle relative to the ground. Inlate fall, the cross-arms are rotated tobring the canes down to nearly groundlevel and canes are covered with the rowcover (Fig. 1).In the spring, the row cover isremoved just before budbreak, and afterthe fruiting laterals have broken andstarted to grow upward, the cross-armsare rotated back beyond the original verticalposition so that the fruit hangsdownward where it can be easily picked(Fig. 2). Commercialization of the trellisproduct using fiberglass componentsAnother option for improving wintersurvival is use of the rotating crossarmtrellis.rather than metal is expected to reducethe cost of the trellis considerably(www.trellisgrowingsystems.com/products/RCA-Trellis-System.aspx).Simplycovering upright canes with a row cover— if grown as usual on a T- or I-trellis —appears not to offer any winter protectionbenefit.The final and perhaps most excitingdevelopment is the release of primocanefruitingblackberry cultivars from theUniversity of Arkansas breeding program.Because canes of these plants aremowed to the ground in late winter orearly spring during pruning, the degree ofwinter injury to the canes, which can besignificant, has no bearing on the followingseason’s productivity. The first cultivarsto be released were ‘Prime-Jim®’and ‘Prime-Jan®’. Shortcomings of thesecultivars were relatively low yields, smallfruit, seediness and lateness of harvest.Later advanced selections are muchimproved and the more recent releasePrime-Ark® 45 shows very good potentialin size, sweetness and yields. Harvestis still very late, which brings the abilityof the plants to mature the fruit beforethe end of the growing season into question,especially if the plants are grown inthe field in a cold climate. Thus, theseselections were also grown in high tunnelswhich allowed a large portion of thecrop to mature and resulted in otherimprovements in quality attributed tohigh tunnels such as increased yields,fruit size, and decreased gray mold incidence.While production of blackberries inthe Northeast is still limited, changes inproduction methods and better varietiesshould allow for more consistent productionover time, enabling growers to meetthe consumer demand for this crop. ■15

Membership UpdateComprehensive PASAMember Survey ContinuesMany PASA members received either via email link or hardcopy, our new Comprehensive Member Survey in the last fewmonths. You may have noticed this new survey is much moredetailed than previous years.Over the last year PASA staff has worked to decrease the frequencyin which we send surveys to our membership, ratherelecting to send a more complex survey to collect pertinentinformation PASA needs on a biannual basis.PASA is asking members to provide us with this more comprehensivedata concerning yourself, your operation (if applicable)and your satisfaction with PASA services.Data from this survey will be used to help build our educationalprograms, enhance our membership services, advocate theneeds of our diverse membership better and develop more programfunding opportunities.You may also notice that a few of the production questionsare very similar to those asked in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’sAg Census. Our rationale for doing this is to get a betterhandle on how our PASA membership compares to those onthe state and federal level.Please know that all responses to this survey will be consideredconfidential, only be shared in the aggregate, or with youradvance consent. We encourage all members to take part in thissurvey process so PASA has the best data available to us todescribe the production habits and interests of our membership.Be sure your voice is heard and take the survey today! Hereis the link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/pasasurvey or call PASAHQ to request a paper copy at 814-349-9856.1.PASA MEMBER SURVEYTOP-FIVE LIST OF FACTS SO FAR:Of the more than 350 members who have completedthe survey so far, more than 60% told usthat their membership represented an agricultural operation,and just over 50% answered detailed questionsabout that operation. Over 20% of survey respondentsrepresent ASPIRING farmers!2.Not surprising, the highest rated PASA program isthe Farming for the Future Conference, with twothirdsof survey respondents giving it either a “4” or a “5,”with “5” equating to “Very Valuable.” The next highestrated program area is PASA’s Policy & Advocacy Work, followedclosely by Educational Field Days. And roundingout the list of your five favorites: Regional Events, Meetings& Networking AND Passages, PASA’s bimonthly membernewsletter.3.On the survey, we asked farms to tell us when theywere founded. Answers ranged from as recently aslast year to as long ago as 1730. The average age for operationsresponding to that question is 22 years.4.We asked our producer responders to describewho was involved in day-to-day decision makingin their agricultural operations over the past year. Nearly70% of farms responding had at least two people sharingin the basic task of everyday management, and 20% identifiedthree or more. This group of active managers wasalmost evenly split among the sexes (48% women, 52%men), and more than 97% were identified as white or Caucasian.In a country where the average age of a farmer waslast measured at 57, 50% of reported farm managers onour survey were under age 50. Two-thirds fell between theages of 40 and 69, but 14 were under age 25, including 4who were between the ages of 14 and 17.5.We also asked our producer responders aboutplans they have for the near future. In the nextthree years, 35% hope to make a significant investment ininfrastructure; 44% plan on diversifying their productlines; and 56% look forward to increasing the number ofcustomers served.16

PASA NewsPASA STAFF CHANGESLeah Smith has been promoted to Member Services Manager and is taking onadditional administrative responsibilities in the Western Region office in Pittsburgh.She will continue in her outreach to members as well as assisting in programmingand special events.Michele Gauger has been promoted in her role as Director of Membership.In addition to new supervisory and administrative responsibilities, she will bemore involved in statewide member activities and the Food Alliance certificationprogram.Lisa Diefenbach has been promoted to Human Resources Manager and will betaking on additional management and supervisory tasks in this position.Matt Soccio stepped down as Director of Operations, effective Dec.11, 2009,but continues on a part-time basis as an IT Consultant. We are sorry to see Mattleave the daily activities in the office, but are glad to know that he is only a callaway when we need him.Chris Fullerton’s career goals are leading him away from full-time employmentwith PASA to attend nursing school effective April 15, 2010. Chris will remainas a part-time employee and assist in the online management of our consumer initiatives.Prior to launching our consumer programming as Director of ConsumerOutreach in 2007, Chris served on the PASA board for 6 years. We are fortunateto be able to continue to tap into Chris’ wisdom and guidance as he pursues wellnessand healthy living from another direction.Rachel Schaal has resigned, effective Feb. 17, 2010. In her two years at PASA,Rachel has worked in the Educational Outreach Department, serving mostrecently as Farm Based Education Coordinator. Rachel is moving to Vermont,but will continue to pursue her interest surrounding quality local food products.We wish Rachel the best and thank her for her time with PASA.PASA staff and board would like to thankthe following volunteers as of January 13, 2010.Nitya AkeroydKen BoysenAmanda BirkCheryl BurnsJan CauffmanKatie CollegeTracy CoulterBryce DavisSusan DomsicAlyson EarlAmanda GraceAshlee GreenCarl HurshCindy IbergGordon JonesEli & GearyKocherspergerAmber LairdDan LandisBrittany MacnealTom MaurerErin McKinneyRoger MecumPatti OlenickCaroline OwensStephanie PaludaDan PerrottiDru PetersCathy PomantiAbbey RacanJudi RadelJeri Robinson-LawrenceDavid RuggieroAudrey GayRodgersAnna SantiniAllison ShaugerKate SiglerKevin SpencerScudder StevensBonnie TattersonHolly TysonDiane WiestDavid WrestlerKaren YanakEffie ZuckPASA staff and board would like to welcomethe following new business membersas of January 11, 2010AgChoice Farm CreditMechanicsburg, PAwww.agchoice.comBrushy Mountain Bee FarmNew Columbia, PAwww.brushymountainbeefarm.comCenter for Organic & SustainableAgriculture at Alfred State CollegeAlfred, NYwww.alfredstate.edu/cosa/introductionCleveland Botanical GardenCleveland, OHwww.cbgarden.orgCommunities Alliance forResponsible Eco-farming (CARE)Carlisle, PAThe Foundation forPennsylvania WatershedsAlexandria, PAwww.pawatersheds.orgThe Healthy Living KitchenHummelstown, PAwww.healthylivingkitchen.comHelfter FeedsOsco, ILwww.abcplus.bizLa Prima Espresso CompanyPittsburgh, PAwww.laprima.comLancaster Farm Fresh CooperativeTerre Hill, PAwww.lancasterfarmfresh.comMidwestern Bio-AgPurcellville, VAPA Grazing/Forage LandConservation Coalition (PA GFLCC)Union City, Pawww.pagflcc.orgPennsylvania Natural LivingAssociationTemple, PAwww.panla.orgPennsylvania Resources CouncilPittsburgh, PAwww.prc.orgPenn State University /Veterinary SciencesUniversity Park, PAhttp://vbs.psu.edu/extSheltermouse Solutions LLCNewtown, PAWoman WisdomKennett Square, PAwww.womanwisdom.com17

Regional MarketingWESTERN REGIONBusiness Planning AssistanceAvailable for Livestock Farmers inthe Western RegionBusiness planning is an importantpart of owning and managing a farm, andPASA is currently offering free businessplanning assistance for livestock farmersin the Western region. With fundingfrom Sustainable Agriculture Researchand Education (SARE), and a partnershipwith the University of ScrantonSmall Business Development Center(SBDC) Agribusiness and Food SpecialtyCenter, resources are available to helplivestock farmers develop business planstailored to their needs.Business planning is an on-going,problem-solving process that can identifya farm’s challenges and opportunities anddevelop strategic objectives to move abusiness beyond its current situationtoward a future business vision. One canuse a business plan to make decisions,pursue long-term goals, evaluate productionalternatives, or identify new marketopportunities. A business plan is also anexcellent way to communicate ideaswithin the family or to potential businesspartners, lenders or customers.PASA is partnering with the SBDC toprovide farmers with the professionalexpertise to develop the best plan fortheir businesses, utilizing a simple on-linebusiness planning template called“AgPlan” at www.agplan.umn.edu. Oncea farmer completes his or her plan, a consultantfrom the SBDC will review theplan, provide feedback and assist in thedevelopment of the necessary financialdocuments. PASA has funding to assistup to 20 livestock farmers (and we definelivestock broadly — to include any animal,from bees to dairy cows to buffalo!)in the 19 counties of Western Pennsylvania,and there is still space available fornew participants. Contact Leah Smith atleah@pasafarming.org or call the Westernregion office at 412-977-6514 if youare interested in more information.■ March 20PASA’s Western Region Member MeetingPotluck, Edinboro, PA at WoodenNickel Buffalo Farm. More details will besent to PASA members in this region soon!Contact Leah Smith, leah@pasafarming.org or 412-697-0411.■ May 23PASA Summer FARM START at Eden HallFarm in Richland Twp., PA■ August 8PASA’s Third Annual Grass-fed BeefCook-off, Jamison Farm in WestmorelandCo. More details will be available soon.SOUTHEAST REGION■ MarchMarch is Chester County Ag Month.Learn more at http://dsf.chesco.org/agdev/site/default.asp■ March 13PSU Extension’s Second Saturday GardeningSeries — “Gardening for Butterflies& Hummingbirds.” Visit http://philadelphia.extension.psu.edu■ March 30National Council on Education for theCeramic Arts, pre-conference dinner atNoble American Cookery Restaurant. Aportion of the proceeds benefit Buy FreshBuy Local®. Visit www.downtoearthexhibit.org.■ AprilPASA’s Southeast Advisory Road Showgoes to Lehigh Co. For information onhosting this event contact denise@pasafarming.orgor 610-458-5700 x317.■ April 8–10PA Land Trust Association Conference,Malvern (Chester Co.). Visit http://conserveland.org■ April 10PSU Extension’s Second Saturday GardeningSeries — “Rain Gardening.” Visithttp://philadelphia.extension. psu.edu■ MayFarmers’ Markets begin to open thismonth! Visit www.buylocalpa.org■ May 1Wine & Jazz Festival at Longwood Gardens,12pm–5:30pm. Visit www.longwoodgardens.org■ May 16PASA’s Summer FARM START at HeritageConservancy in Doylestown. Moredetails coming soon on www.pasafarming.org.■ June 16SE Master Class — “Introduction toPermaculture & its Many Definitions.”9am–10:30am, Kimberton Waldorf SchoolGardening Complex. Contact denise@pasafarming.org or 610-458-5700 x317SOUTH CENTRAL REGION■ March 6 & March 13Open Barn — Otterbein Acres located inCumberland Co.8am–4pm10071 Otterbein Church RoadNewburg, PA 17240■ March 277th Annual Local Food Dinner and BuyFresh Buy Local Fundraiser at DickinsonCollegeIndoor Farmers' Market 3–6pmLocal Food Dinner starts at 6pmKeynote speaker, Tim Stark author ofHeirloom: Notes from an Accidental TomatoFarmer. Tim will share with us the trials andsuccesses experienced in the fourteenyears he has spent farming organically.For more information or to purchasetickets, please contact Jenn Halpin athalpinj@dickinson.edu■ April 18Earth Day at Sonnewald Natural FoodsSpring Grove, York Co.■ April 30–May 2May Day Fairie FestivalSpoutwood FarmGlen Rock, York Co.www.fairiefestival.net■ May 21PASA’s Summer FARM STARTMilestone Inn, HarrisburgDetails will be available soon atwww.pasafarming.orgNORTH CENTRAL REGIONThe NorthCentral region will hold amember networking potluck on Tuesday,March 23rd at 6pm at Jeremiah’s(above Bullfrog Brewery) in Williamsport.Details were sent to members inthe region and feel free to invite friends,neighbors and co-workers, these gatheringsare a great introduction to PASA.18

REGIONAL CONTACTS & DISCUSSION GROUP ADDRESSESDiscussion groups are open to PASA members only to join and discuss issues related to sustainable agriculture.To join the group in your region, send an email to the appropriate address provided.WesternPASAWestern-subscribe@yahoogroups.comLeah Smith412-697-0411 • leah@pasafarming.orgSoutheasternPASAsoutheast-subscribe@yahoogroups.comMarilyn Anthony610-458-5700 x305 • marilyn@pasafarming.orgSouthcentralPASAsouthcentral-subscribe@yahoogroups.comJenn Halpin717-243-5996 • halpinj@dickinson.eduNorthCentral/EasternPASAnorthcentralEast-subscribe@yahoogroups.comLeah Tewksbury570-437-2620 • tewks1@aol.comWesternNorthCentral/EasternSouthcentralSoutheastOut of State discussion group addresses:States North and East of PennsylvaniaPASAOutofStateNortheast-subscribe@yahoogroups.comStates South and West of PennsylvaniaPASASouthandWest-subscribe@yahoogroups.comADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTShow your support with aPASA FARM LANE SIGNThese beautiful three-color signs have been createdexclusively for PASA members. They are a bright additionto your farm or business.PASA member signs are available in two sizes. The large “farm lane size”measures 18” X 24”, and the smaller “farm market size,” great to post atany business, measures 10” X 14”. Both are constructed of heavy gaugewhite aluminum, with a bright three-color logo in yellow, purple andgreen. Created in durable nylon, the image will last for many years.Small Sign — $20 / one sided • $32 / two sidedLarge Sign — $45 / one sided • $58 / two sidedShow Special! — Lightweight Poly Sign, 10 x 14 • $14.50To place an order contactPASA Headquarters, 814-349-985619

Consumer OutreachThree Simple Ways to PromoteYour Local Foods Business withBuyLocalPA.orgGet on the Map at BuyLocalPA.org. Thousands of1. eager eaters each month use the map-based search toolson our website to find local foods near them in markets,stores, restaurants and direct from local growers. Shouldn’tthey also find your business there? Even if you have your ownwebsite or internet listings elsewhere, you don’t want to turndown the additional exposure you’ll get through a profile onour site — the online home of the Pennsylvania Buy FreshBuy Local® program. Signing up is quick and easy: visitwww.BuyLocalPA.org/getonthemap.Make sure your business profile is up-to-date. If2. your business is already listed on BuyLocalPA.org,check in to make sure that your information has beenupdated and you’re using all of the available tools. Have youincluded a photo or logo? Does your profile feature a briefdescription? Have you identified a product list so that youcan be found when consumers search for specific items? Haveyou linked to “Trading Partners” so that visitors to your pagecan either find out more about your local food sources ORfind other places where your local foods are featured? Haveyou shared a recipe? All of these options will help your pageget more traffic and attention on the website. If you have anycontinued on page 30PENNSYLVANIA BUY FRESH BUY LOCAL® — How to Plug InThe Pennsylvania Buy Fresh Buy Local® program has been celebrating the abundance found in our Commonwealth since 2002, with the aimof making it easier for Pennsylvania consumers to find, choose and appreciate great local foods…and to support the farmers and landswhich produce them. Currently there are 11 active chapters in Pennsylvania. We create local food guides (both in print and online) andorganize events (such as farms tours or tastings), among other activities. To learn more about what's going on in your region, contact one ofthe local chapter coordinators listed below.■ Chester CountyEvan MillerChapter Coordinatorevan@pasafarming.org484-663-3429■ Fayette CountyBob JunkChapter Coordinatorbobj@faypenn.org724-437-7913 x227(New chapter still in formation)■ Greater Lehigh ValleyLynn PriorChapter Coordinatorlynnprior@verizon.net610-438-3950Serving Berks, Lehigh andNorthampton Counties■ Lancaster CountyJanna WeilChapter Coordinatoroutreach@lancasterbfbl.org717-380-7280orLinda AleciChapter Coordinatorlinda.aleci@fandm.edu717-291-4293■ Northeast RegionElaine TweedyChapter Coordinatorelaine.tweedy@scranton.edu570-941-7588orMaria MontenegroChapter Coordinatormontenegrom1@scranton.edu570-941-7588Serving Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne,Monroe, Pike, Schuylkilland Wayne Counties■ Northern TierNorthern Tier Cultural AllianceChapter Coordinatorinfo@northerntierbfbl.com570-265-7455Serving Bradford, Potter, Sullivan,Susquehanna, Tioga and WyomingCounties■ PhiladelphiaLeticia GarciaChapter CoordinatorFair Foodleticia@fairfoodphilly.org215-386-5211 x106orAnn KarlenChapter Coordinatorann@fairfoodphilly.org215-386-2511 x101■ South Central PACheryl BurnsChapter Coordinatorcherylsburns@gmail.com717-241-4361orSusan RichardsChapter Coordinatorsusan.richards@rcdnet.net717-241-4361Serving Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin,Franklin, Lebanon, Juniata, Perry andYork Counties■ Southeastern PennsylvaniaDenise SheehanChapter Coordinatordenise@pasafarming.org610-458-5700 x317Serving Bucks, Delaware andMontgomery Counties■ Valleys of the Susquehanna(including Centre County’sChapter)Kristin HoyChapter Coordinatorkristin@pasafarming.org814-349-9856 x11Serving Centre, Clinton, Columbia,Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland,Snyder and Union Counties■ Western PennsylvaniaMia FarberChapter Coordinatormia@pasafarming.org412-697-0411Serving Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver,Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette,Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson,Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Venango,Warren, Washington and WestmorelandCountiesComing Soon:New Local Chapter in York County!■ Statewide BFBL CoordinationChris FullertonPASA Consumer Outreachchris@pasafarming.org412-246-0990orShannon Knepperinfo@buylocalpa.orgBuy Fresh Buy Local® chapters inPennsylvania are coordinated by thePennsylvania Association for SustainableAgriculture, on behalf of theirnational partner, FoodRoutes Network.To explore your region's food systemfurther, hear about upcoming eventsand find more ways to get involved,please visit our website — www.buylocapa.org— or contact one of thefolks listed above.For information on Buy Fresh BuyLocal® chapters and activities outsideof PA, visit FoodRoutes.org.20

Business Member ProfileEarth ToolsThe Best Tools on EarthJoel Dufour of Earth Tools Inc, based inOwenton, Kentucky, bales hay with awalk behind tractor.By Gayle MorrowThe good news is there is this wonderful,growing resurgence in the practiceof small-scale (a.k.a. sustainable) farmingand gardening.The bad news is there is only one ofJoel Dufour.Dufour, founder and president ofEarth Tools, is up to his PTO in work,thanks to the afore-mentioned resurgence.The Owneton, Kentucky-basedEarth Tools sells the perfect equipmentfor home gardeners, market growers, andothers who work the land at an intimatelevel — not only the European stylewalk-behind farming equipment that hasmade BCS and Grillo household names,but the implements to customize thatequipment for multiple use and the handtools for when nothing but a well-craftedhoe or spade will do the job.What makes a tool good is a combinationof ergonomics and high-quality,”Dufour says. “Dealing with high-qualityhand tools is a joy to me.”He is also quite pleased to be involvedwith high-quality tools that have engines.“I know the insides of every machine Isell. I know it all intimately,” he notes. “Ifell in love with these machines years agoin Dad’s place.”One of seven siblings, Dufour spenthis childhood in Indiana where his fatherwas a walk-behind tractor dealer withBCS. Growing produce organically andselling it locally was “part of my growingup”, as was the “appreciation of highquality goods at a reasonable price.” Hisfather “wasn’t satisfied to fix” malfunctioningequipment; “he needed to knowwhy it broke.” That led to a personal relationshipwith not only the customer butwith the engineers at BCS, a traditionDufour has continued. His affection forthe machines ultimately led him to takeover the BCS segment of his dad’s business.When he moved to Kentucky (itwas his wife, not a walk-behind tractor,which prompted the change in residence),he found the situation to be a bitdifferent.“People around here didn’t gardenmuch,” he says. “But I could see thattobacco was going out, and there wasdiversification money, so I decided tomarket more to farmers and eventuallyput up a website.“It has grown so exponentially that itis unbelievable. The national demand hasskyrocketed because of the local foodmovement. People don’t have the moneyor the space for large equipment. The21

Business Member ProfileEarth Toolscontinued from page 21walk-behind tractor is just a perfect fit.”He explains that in Europe (in Italyalone there are 18 different brands ofwalk-behind tractors, and the companiesall stay in business) the walk-behinds aresold as farm equipment along with thebig pieces. But here, “if it doesn’t havefour wheels and a seat, it’s a joke.” Thelawn and garden shops end up selling thewalk-behinds; they don’t understandwhat they’ve got as they’re used to sellingsingle-use pieces of equipment.“Walk-behind tractors have becomeINTERVIEW WITH JOEL DUFOURsuch a forgotten part of American agriculture,”he says.So there’s that functional disconnectbetween the retailer and the customer.Then there’s the monetary one as well.“It just amazes me what retailerscharge,” Dufour says. “And we’re all buyingit at the same place. My support (tothe small farm operation) is offeringJoel and his family are proud supporters oforganic and sustainable farming.excellent products at a reasonable price.”Check out Earth Tools at earthtoolsbcs.comor call 502-484-3988. And besure to look at the “help wanted” section.“We really need a person for sales andinventory,” he says as he fields anotherphone call. “Ideally it would be someonewho understands something aboutorganic farming.” ■How has your membership been a benefit to your business?By attending and exhibiting at the Farming for the FutureConference, we are able to meet many new customers andlearn of the newest cutting-edge farming systems/techniquesso that we can create new tools for the equipment wesell to best fit the farmers’ needs. The PASA conference is biggerthan any other show we do in terms of sustainable andorganic shows.What is unique about your business?We are the only dealership in the U.S.A. specializing inwalk-behind farming equipment, and shipping it directly tocustomers in the U.S.A. and Canada.Why did you join PASA?PASA is a great organization, and we support organic andsustainable farming ( I personally have been an organic gardenerfor 32 years). We’ve never seen anything like PASA. Ithas done a great job of promoting the movement.What does the term “sustainable” mean to you and howdo you incorporate that into your business?It means you are doing things in a way that does notdetract from anything, and, in fact, puts back more than istaken. This is easy to envision in working with the soil, whereorganic farming leaves the soil in better condition as theyears progress (more organic matter, more biodiversity, morefertility) , but in business what this means is not trying to getrich. It is setting a reasonable profit margin to make highqualitygoods available to farmers at well below “retail”prices, yet still making enough margin to stay in business. It istreating customers with respect, doing our utomost to makesure that at the end of every business transaction, the customerfeels valued, respected and feels they have receivedvalue worth MORE than what they spent monetarily. It is providingexcellent service and backing up every sale with theknowledgeable in-house service many companies sorely lackthese days, as I’m sure I don’t have to tell you.What do you see as some of the critical issues facing agand ag-related businesses today?Being able to reach all the people out there who are completelylosing touch with where their food comes from, and atwhat REAL cost. Local/organic — the whole idea shouldnever have gone away. We’ve been going down the wrongroad for over 60 years.What do you see as the connection between sustainableag and the consumer?It’s pretty much the same as the answer to the abovequestion. The average consumer in this country needs somuch education and un-brainwashing.22

Demand for New Farmers’ MarketsIncreases in Southeast PennsylvaniaWe couldn’t believe it. We gottwenty-two requests for new farmers’markets,” said Joanna Pernick, Directorof Farmers’ Markets for Farm to City, aPhiladelphia-based business.Sensing that demand was outstrippingsupply of farmers and market planningassistance, Farm to City turned the situationaround by asking those wanting afarmers’ market to demonstrate how seriousthey are about starting one. “Weissued a Request for Qualifications,”explained Bob Pierson, owner of Farm toCity.Pierson issued the Request for Qualifications(RFQ) in late summerof 2009. It askedrespondents to describetheir potential market sites,nearby land use, pedestrianand vehicular traffic counts,and average householdincome in the community.To demonstrate commitmentto the market, theRFQ requested letters ofsupport from the site’slandowner, local civic andbusiness associations, andlocal government officials.Respondents had to providethe results of citizensurveys and petitions as wellas summaries of local lawsthat regulate farmers’ markets.The RFQ asked forthe names and affiliations ofpeople on the local farmers’market committee, when it had met, anddecisions it had made.Respondents also had to indicate thedepth of local knowledge of the buy-localfood movement, possible sources of startupfunds, how they would promote themarket, and good candidates for the marketmanager.Basically, the RFQ is a blueprint forstarting a farmers’ market. We felt theRFQ approach was a tough but fairscreening process,” explained Pierson.“The questions we asked were ones thatcommunities have to answer anyway andwe wanted to identify partners who haveRittenhouse Farmers’ Market, Philadelphia,operated by Farm to City.good organizational skills, resources, andenthusiasm.”The RFQ required some seriousthought and planning by respondents, todemonstrate the breadth and depth of acommunity’s interest and support for afarmers’ market. “Since our clients arefarmers, we had to find a way to identifythose communities who truly understandwhat a farmers’ market is, the hard workneeded to get one started, and the consistentsupport a market needs to be successfulfor the farmers,” said Pernick.“It’s not just a postcard.”Farm to City received six qualificationsstatements from interested communitiesand selected the four best for moredetailed discussions to determine whichcommunities and market sites will generatethe best sales for farmers. Two ofthese communities are in MontgomeryCounty, and one each in DelawareCounty and Philadelphia.Farm to City, started in 2000, andoperated 16 outdoor producer-onlyfarmers’ markets last season. Its on-lineWinter Harvest Buying Club offers over500 items from 40 farms and small foodbusinesses for weekly deliveries to manylocations in the Philadelphia area. Farmto City also assists local farms to findmembers for their CSAs. ■David Fahnestock, Fahnestock Fruit Farm stand, helps a customer and her healthy baby during peach seasonat the Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market, Philadelphia. The market is operated by Farm to City.23

Promise of Sustainabilitycontinued from page 6should STOP using it! It’s really impossibleto overlook the deliberate attempt bysustainable agriculture’s detractors todilute the dream and goals we aspire to,in order that their objective of puttingprofitability above all else does not fail.But I’ll give Stallman this point. Thespecter of increased regulation, at thestate and federal level, is not one we relishvery much either. The questionremains, however, how best to avoid it. Iwould submit that what might be calledthe “Stallman Doctrine” is not the bestalternative for us to consider. You see, theattitude he espoused in his Seattle speechflies in the face of the sentiments ascribedto another Seattle…Chief Seattle that is.Chief Seattle is often credited for inspiringthe modern environmental movementin an eloquent 1854 speech,responding to a government offer to buyIndian land. Though the literal text ofthis famous speech is much in doubt andhas been lost to history, his clear intent,echoed by other great Native Americanleaders over the years, was that the Earthis not ours to dispose of as we please.At the Farm Bureau convention in theCity of Seattle, they were passing out hatswith the phrase “Don’t Cap our Future”on them, with reference to the “Cap andTrade” system being proposed to limitindustrial impacts on the environmentwhile also, among other things, payingfarmers to capture carbon in their soils.To me, the “Don’t Cap our Future” attitudeis nothing but a latter day occurrenceof an older idea called “ManifestDestiny,” wherein we take and use whatwe believe was divinely ordained for us tohave, regardless of the consequences forothers. Perhaps no political philosophy inthe history of humankind has causedmore destruction and death than ManifestDestiny…and it is akin to the moremodern political idea of Free Trade aswell.You see, I believe that every truly sustainablefarmer wakes in the morningwith two thoughts in mind: First, athought of gratitude that the land we areprivileged to own, rent or be paid to cultivate,has been given to us, and we mustgive it back in better shape than how wefound it; Second, we as individual farmersare limited, and essentially dependenton each other to figure out what’s best todo with this land in order to honor it,improve it, make a living from it, and oneday deliver it back to the source fromwhence it came. It’s all about maintaininga “right relationship” with the land,which is analogous to the good relationshipswe hope for in other aspects of ourlives as well.So when we look at the issue of governmentcontrol over our food and farmingsystems, perhaps you can agree withme that regulations are created to servethe unwilling. I am very distressed to hearthe Stallman Doctrine calling for anunwillingness to work as hard as we canto save this beautiful planet of ours, andfor that attitude, I assume we will eventuallybe rewarded with more regulation,not less.In contrast, the Promise of Sustainabilitymeans something quite different.We understand that this world is notcontinued on next pageADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT• Materials reviews• Quarterly Organic Matters Newsletter• Workshops and field daysContact us for a free info pack or to speak toone of our certification specialists.ASSURING the INTEGRITY of ORGANIC PRODUCTS106 School Street, Suite 201 • Spring Mills PA 16875814-422-0251 • pco@paorganic.org • www.paorganic.org24

ADVERTISEMENTPromise of Sustainabilitycontinued from previous pagereally ours to do with as we please, andthat we must work together to make itbetter. From the perspective of thispromise we offer to future generations,here are some of the things that, together,we would choose for ourselves, not needingregulations — or ballot initiatives —to force them upon us:We would do everything possible toprotect the Earth, its water, air and climatesystems, and cherish and protectour great watersheds, including especiallyhere in the Mid-Atlantic region, thatwhich feeds the Chesapeake Bay.We would never lock-up livestock ofany kind for prolonged periods in restrictivecages or crates where they can’t eventurn around or care for their young in anatural manner.We would not treat cows with artificialgrowth hormones, either for profit orthe pride to be gained from seeing howmuch milk we can force them to give.We would also never feed antibiotics toanimals for the sake of speeding theirgrowth, especially in the absence of medicalneed.We would take whatever pre-emptivesteps may be necessary — even if lessthan 100% certain — to protect our beesand other pollinators, and also to promotethe diversity and integrity of seedswe depend on to produce food, avoidingadvanced technological strategies thatmight otherwise undermine or diminishthem.In dealing with our neighbors aroundthe world, we would reject the politicalphilosophy of Free Trade, in favor of FairTrade.We would treat with dignity immigrantand migrant laborers who areneeded to work our fields, care for ouranimals and generally keep our food systemmoving, and welcome them as fullmembers of our communities as theychoose and are able to settle here.We would teach and assist the citizens,communities and countries of ahungry world to feed themselves as wewould wish to be fed.We would build our entire food systemon the concept that fair prices forfarmers will keep wholesome, nutritiousand safe food on our tables without fail.Perhaps I’ve been too hard on BobStallman, and like him, I wish to be discerning…inmy case by recognizing thedifference between an opportunistic messageaimed at influencing current Congressionaldeliberations, and the trueheart of America’s farmers who, on average,are more sustainably inclined thanmany of us are sometimes willing toadmit.But in the doctrine he espouses, ratherthan the practical strategizing of GeneralPatton, I hear the misdirected brashnessof another soldier named George…thatwould be George Armstrong Custer. IfMr. Stallman is not able to hear andunderstand the Promise of Sustainabilitythat has over the past century nurturedeven his own members, with whom Ihave no quarrel, then I’m afraid that thedust cloud out ahead on his trail, and thegathering hoof-beats of history to hisflanks, will soon be garnering his full andundivided attention. ■25

Editor’s CornerThe Grapevine■ The Xerces Society Offers PollinatorConservation Toolkit to OrganicFarmersThe Xerces Society for InvertebrateConservation has developed a PollinatorConservation Toolkit, which includesguidelines on farm practices and pesticidethreats to pollinators.The Toolkit, which was developedwith support from the Organic FarmResearch Foundation and Organic Valley,is a first of its kind educational guideto pollinator conservation in organic productionsystems.Typical organic farming systems offermany benefits to pollinators but despitethis, some common organic-approvedpesticides and practices can still be potentiallyharmful. The Toolkit is to helpgrowers and certifiers learn how to balancethose factors,” says Eric Mader, TheXerces Society’s National Pollinator OutreachCoordinator.Included in the Toolkit is a pollinatortoxicity guide for all major organicapprovedinsecticides. A second Toolkitcomponent includes a guide to pollinator-friendlyorganic farming practices.Both guides are intended to raise awarenessof how various practices can haveunintended consequences to native beepopulations (e.g. how increased tillage inthe absence of conventional herbicidescan affect ground-nesting bees).Other components of the Toolkitinclude an overview of native bee biologyand information on how to access USDAtechnical and financial resources for pollinatorconservation.This information is especially relevantgiven the recent ratification of the NOPBiodiversity Rule by the NationalOrganic Standards Board in May 2009.Native pollinator conservation providesorganic farmers with a mechanism formeeting that requirement while at thesame time enhancing crop production.The new USDA Natural ResourcesConservation Service Organic Initiativealso makes this subject particularlytimely, since several of the practice stan-by Michele Gaugerdards being offered in many states totransitioning growers through the EnvironmentalQuality Incentives Programhave a dual emphasis on pest managementand pollinator conservation.The Toolkit, is available for freethrough the Xerces Society’s website,www.xerces.org/organic-farms■ USDA to Launch High TunnelPilot Study to Increase Availabiityof Locally-Grown Foods3-Year Project To Verify Effectiveness of HighTunnels In Natural Resource ConservationAgriculture Deputy Secretary KathleenMerrigan announced a new pilotproject under the ‘Know Your Farmer,Know Your Food’ initiative for farmersto establish high tunnels — also knownas hoop houses — to increase the availabilityof locally grown produce in a conservation-friendlyway. Merrigan andother Obama administration officialshighlighted opportunities available forproducers in a video posted on USDA’sYouTube channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=07vtMJgp0no, which showshigh tunnels recently installed in theWhite House garden.“There is great potential for high tunnelsto expand the availability of healthy,locally-grown crops — a win for producersand consumers,” said Merrigan. “Thispilot project is going to give us real-worldinformation that farmers all over thecountry can use to decide if they want toadd high tunnels to their operations. Weknow that these fixtures can help producersextend their growing season andhopefully add to their bottom line.”The 3-year, 38-state study will verifyif high tunnels are effective in reducingpesticide use, keeping vital nutrients inthe soil, extending the growing season,increasing yields, and providing otherbenefits to growers.Made of ribs of plastic or metal pipecovered with a layer of plastic sheeting,high tunnels are easy to build, maintainand move. High tunnels are used yearroundin parts of the country, providingsteady income — a significant advantageto owners of small farms, limitedresourcefarmers and organic producers.USDA’s Natural Resources ConservationService (NRCS) will provide financialassistance for the project through theEnvironmental Quality Incentives Program(EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative,and the Agricultural ManagementAssistance program. NRCS will fund onehigh tunnel per farm. High tunnels in thestudy can cover as much as 5 percent of 1acre. Participating states and territoriesare Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California,Connecticut, Delaware, Florida,Georgia, Pacific Islands, Illinois, Iowa,Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi,Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada,New Hampshire, New Mexico, NewYork, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma,Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina,South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,Washington, West Virginia,Wisconsin, and Wyoming.To sign up or learn more about EQIPassistance for high tunnel projects, contactyour local NRCS office.■ Organic Agriculture’s NewNational Resource for Farmersand Ranchers brought to you byeOrganicThis resource, created by the eOrganicCommunity of Practice, is for farmers,ranchers, agricultural professionals, certifiers,researchers and educators seekingreliable information on organic agriculture,published research results, farmerexperiences, and certification. Their currentcontent is focused on general organicagriculture, dairy production, and vegetableproduction. The content is collaborativelyauthored and reviewed by ourcommunity of University researchers andExtension personnel, agricultural professionals,farmers, and certifiers with experienceand expertise in organicagriculture. To learn more visithttp://eorganic.info/.eOrganic’s Tools You Can UseFeature Articles: Their feature articleskeep you up to date in this rapidly emergingindustry and cover everything fromthe nuts and bolts of organic productionfor beginners to the latest informationand technology for advanced producers.26

Ask the Expert: Do you need ananswer to a question but can’t locate theresource online? Then visit eXtension’sAsk the Expert tool. You submit specificquestions, which are then directed toeOrganic’s community of organic agricultureexperts. An expert will reply toyour request via email. Direct access to anorganic expert is one of the many benefitsof visiting eXtension.Videos: Because a picture is worth athousand words, short video segmentshighlighting the practices of organicagriculture are featured throughout theeOrganic content. Watch producersand researchers demonstrate new andinnovative cover cropping, reducedtillage, cultivation, soil management,pest management and marketing strategiesfor crops and livestock.As eXtension, and its Organic Agriculturecommunity eOrganic grows, ourcontent will grow. Look for online shortcourses, webinars, and additional opportunitiesto connect with other organicpractitioners and service providers.If you have experience and expertise inorganic agriculture, contact eXtensionand indicate your interest in joining eOrganic.https://people.extension.org.■ Helping Organic Farmers BringValue-Added to the MixFarm Made: A guide to on-farm processingfor organic producersThe guide presents four value-addedcase studies: sorghum syrup, packagedfresh salad greens, jams, jellies andspreads and table eggs. In each of theseexamples, the basic requirements for productionand processing are addressed andfollowed with specific requirementsneeded to make the enterprise certifiedorganic. The authors consulted withorganic producers and handlers familiarwith the focus enterprises, as well as withuniversity and state professionals and regulatoryagencies, in addition to conductingcomprehensive literature searches. Anextensive resource list is provided.The guide is free and can be downloadedfrom the Kerr Center for SustainableAgriculture website: www.kerrcenter.com/publications/FarmMadeReport09.pdf.■ Organic Survey Data Releasedfrom ATTRA e-newsletterThe nation’s organic farms andranches have higher average sales andhigher average production expenses thanU.S. farms overall, according to results ofthe 2008 Organic Production Surveyreleased by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’sNational Agricultural StatisticsService. “This was USDA’s first widescalesurvey of organic producers, and itwas undertaken in direct response to thegrowing interest in organics among consumers,farmers, businesses, policymakersand others,” said Agriculture DeputySecretary Kathleen Merrigan. Results areavailable at www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Online_Highlights/OrganicsADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT27

Classified Ads/EmploymentDue to space constraints,a full detailed listing of Classified andEmployment Opportunities is availableat www.pasafarming.org.FOR SALEFOR SALE — 3 Jersey heifer calves for sale 4months old. Grass/Hay fed no grain. Contactdove@epix.net.FOR SALE — We have 30 head of Jersey andJersey cross cow, bull and heifer calves for sale,chemical free and pastured. Will sell them individuallyor as a group. They are very friendly.They can be hand or machine milked. ContactMary Hill — mxb23@yahoo.com or 610-562-4912.FOR SALE — 4’ 3pt King Cutter Disc Harrow.Hardly used. $350. 3pt 2 bottom mold boardplow, no coulters, $150. Chester County, 610-827-2014.FOR SALE — Poultryman Rotary Scalder 42 gallons,gas fired, Automatic Temp, AutomaticTimer, 34,000 BTU. Used 2 seasons, in greatshape. Asking $2,600 [Costs $3,050 new]. Poultryman6 Killing Cone Assembly. Asking $700[Costs $935 new]. Photos at www.cornerstonefarm.com/poultryman.htm.Located in RhodeIsland — patspastured@gmail.com.FOR SALE — Cashmere bucks with excellentfleece, body type and genetics ready to go.Healthy, 4 yr and 2 yrs. Also Cashmere x Nubiandoe yearlings available. 717-530-3605. SouthcentralPA.FOR SALE — Surround WP Crop Protectant,organic kaolin clay spray material. 25lb bags,$34.00 each. Can be picked up at our ChesterCounty farm. Please call 610-383-4616, ask forKaren.FOR SALE — 2000 small square bales of secondcut alfalfa mix hay. Located in New Galilee, PAand would like 5$ per bale. Call John, 724-730-5380 or lsjt@comcast.net.FOR SALE — Pro Mulch Layer Model 2133 (max6’ mulch) with Rear Guage Wheel Assembly(model 17451). “Model 2133 is a versatile, highperformance workhorse with all the popularfeatures for large and small growers alike. Hispeedcarriage. Located in Perkasie, BucksCounty. Asking $1800 or best offer. ContactTom, info@bloomingglenfarm.com or 215-257-2566.WANTEDWANTED — Berkshire boar to breed with mypurebred Berkshire sow. She has had two littersso far (8 and 11, and raised 18). We have a smallfarm in Turbotvile PA. I can pick up your boar, orbring Trudy. Call 570-419-1721 or email shullwood@yahoo.com.We also have pastured Berkshirepigs for sale. Custom butchering andsmoking available. Vacuum packed and flashfrozen. Taking orders for late March.WANTED — Side delivery or rotary hay rake.Must be in good, mechanical, condition. CallDave at 570-769-7344 or email atdsmith5@lhup.edu. Clinton County, PA.WANTED — Bee keeping equipment in goodcondition. Call Dave 570-769-7344 or email atdsmith5@lhup.edu. In Clinton County.FARM MANAGER — new organic CSA farm insouth central Pennsylvania serving the Harrisburgand Washington D.C. areas with both CSAand farmer’s markets. Looking for an experiencedfarm worker and/or manager for a fulltime seasonal position starting in mid to lateApril and going into November. Contact MikeNolan, 717-805-7778WANTED FARM MENTORS/PARTNERS —Farm Mentors, Partners/ Purchase or Transition.Send your responses to — blainetewell@yahoo.com.VENDORS WANTED — Dairy producer, processor,or distributor to vend at Eastern Farmer’sMarket in Lancaster City. We will be in operationfrom the last weekend in May to the last weekendin October but also have a few sales opportunitiesover the winter as well. Our market andoffice is located at 308 East King Street, Lancaster,PA 17602. All interested parties pleasecontact Paul Sayko at 717-358-9393 or atpsayko@tabornet.org.EMPLOYMENTAPPRENTICESHIPS — Riverbend Roots Farm isa 10-acre organic vegetable farm, in Alton, IL,ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT28

serving local residents through our membership(CSA) program, local Farmers Markets andrestaurants. Apprentices receive a living stipendand shared housing. Visit (www.riverbendroots.com)or contact kris@riverbendroots.comor 618-444-0567.CSA MANAGER — The Farm of Peace in Warfordsburg,PA. is currently accepting applicantsfor the position of CSA Manager. Contact KGDinning, Farm Manager, 301-788-3632, kgdinning@yahoo.com.FARM MANAGER POSITION — COMMUNITYFARM PROGRAM — Greener Partners(www.greenerpartners.org) is seeking a FarmManager for a full time position to manage our2 sister farms near Wayne, PA. To inquire orapply, please email your resume/bio to:amy.johnson@greenerpartners.orgINTERNSHIP — Millstone Farm (Wilton, CT).Full-Season (April to October): 2 positions available— Application Deadline: March 15. Half-Season (June to August): 1 position available —Application Deadline: April 15. Visitinterns@millstonefarm.org.FARM MANAGER — Eden Village Camp andthe Jewish Farm School seek an experiencedfarmer to design, implement and manage a neworganic and educational farm. This position runsfrom March-October with the possibility of planningwork in February and additional farmingthroughNovember.jobs@jewishfarmschool.orgAPPRENTICES WANTED — Apprenticeshipopportunities at Quiet Creek Farm, certifiedorganic CSA located at the Rodale Institute inKutztown, PA. Full- season (April — October)and summer positions available. Interestedapplicants should submit a letter of interest andresume to Aimee Good at goodfarmers@ptd.netor 610-285-4678.PT SEASONAL HELP — Small farm in CharlesTown, WV seeks part-time, seasonal help. SlayntVie Farm is a small farm just south of CharlesTown, WV. Contact: slayntviefarm@gmail.comFARM PRODUCTION MANAGER – Farm is anestablished forty acre farm comprising ofdiverse vegetables, cut flowers, small fruit andgreenhouses. We sell directly through our busyroad side stand and at 3 weekly farmer’s markets.We are looking for a self-motivated, entrepreneurialperson to manage field productionfrom seed to harvest, coriepierce@gmail.comINTERNS — 3-4 Interns for organic farming @Spiral Path Farm located near Loysville, Perry Co.Visit www.spiralpathfarm.com.ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER — Jack’s Farm.This is a full time year ‘round position in MontgomeryCo. PA. Email resumes tojacksfarm@gmail.com.INTERNSHIPS — We will be looking for twointerns this season (May — October) to work onour very diversified farm in Saylorsburg, PA.Contact: applefrm@ptd.netGARDEN INTERN — Natural Agriculture Program2010. Apply atwww.rodaleinstitute.org/work_with_usINTERNS — Yellow Springs Farm in ChesterSprings, PA is seeking to hire interns to assist onour Farm. The positions begin in March 2010and extends into November 2010. Visitwww.yellowspringsfarm.com or al@yel-lowspringsfarm.com, 610-827-2014.GREEN CORPS YOUTH CREW LEADER — Contact— internships@cbgarden.orgGROWER WANTED — Gravity Hill Farm is lookingfor an experienced grower to manage anestablished 5 acre certified organic vegetableand flower farm in Titusville, NJ (HopewellTownship). www.gravityhillfarm.com.FARM MANAGER — in Mainville, PA. We are asmall, organically managed diverse producefarm with a small flock of grass-fed Icelandicsheep. This is a permanent position for the rightperson. Send resume tomaddogfarms@yahoo.comINTERN — Greenmoore Gardens CSA right outsideof State College, PA. Looking for interns forthe 2010 growing season. Contact123treesp@gmail.comSEASONAL FARM LABOR — We are a diversifiedvegetable farm that produces fresh produce,performs research, and serves aneducational purpose. We need a full-timeworker from March-November that lives in theState College, PA area. Please contactjll1016@psu.edu for more information.APPRENTICESHIPS — Vegetable farm —Fishkill Farms is a diversified farm that consistsof 10 acres of organically raised vegetables, 40acres of fruit trees, 3 acres of berries, 400 layinghens, and a small flock of sheep. Housing andstipend available. Please email Julia at synergy@riseup.net.ADVERTISEMENT29

CalendarMarchThese listing include PASA coordinated or supported events,as well as those we felt would be of interest to our membership.March 11Penn State Extension Buyer/Grower NetworkingEvent at Chatham University inPittsburgh, more details and registrationinformation to come soon. Contact HeatherMikulas, hem12@psu.edu or 412-527-9960.March 13Second Saturday Gardening Series, “Gardeningfor Butterflies & Hummingbirds”. 9am –11am, Horticultural Center in West FairmountPark (Philadelphia). Email philadelphiaExt@psu.edu.March 20PASA’s Western Region Member MeetingPotluck, Edinboro, PA at Wooden Nickel BuffaloFarm. More details will be sent to PASAmembers in this region soon! Contact LeahSmith, leah@pasafarming.org or 412-697-0411.March 25–26Kiwi Fence Training School, brought to youby Kencove Farm Fence Supplies. For thosewho want to learn how to install agriculturalfencing, expand service options or improveskills. Taught by well-known and respectedprofessionals in the industry, the schooloffers the latest installation techniques andbuilding options. The school will be twodays of fast paced hands-on training. We willgo outside to build high-tensile fence,woven wire as well as Hotcote, Kencote andHorserail fences. Contact Bonita Whalen at800-536-2683 ext. 312 for more informationon attending. Kencove Farm Fence — 344Kendall Road Blairsville, PA 15717.March 27Lambing Clinic, 8am–4pm, Owens Farm,Sunbury PA. Condense years of knowledgeinto one day with veterinarian Dr. JoyLenker, a panel of experienced shepherds,and a barnful of lambs. Morning session coversDecision-Making at Lambing and TopTen Tips for Saving Lambs. Then it’s out tothe barn for management practices such asear-tagging, tube feeding, tail docking, nursingdifficulties, and common problems.Potluck lunch in warm building. $45 per personover 10 yrs old, $35 second person fromsame farm. Limited to 25 participants.Info/registration/agenda at www.owensfarm.com570-286-5309info@owensfarm.com.March 30National Council on Education for theCeramic Arts, 7pm. A portion of the proceedsbenefit Buy Fresh Buy Local. Visitwww.downtoearthexhibit.org.AprilApril 8–10PA Land Trust Association Conference, TheDesmond Hotel, Malvern (Chester Co.). Visithttp://conserveland.org.April 22PASA Benefit Dinner hosted by big Burrito atCasbah Restaurant, Pittsburgh, PA. ContactMia Farber, mia@pasafarming.org of 412-697-0411 for details.SAVE THE DATE!PASA SUMMER FARM STARTSMore details will be availableat www.pasafarming.org■ May 16Southeast RegionHeritage Conservancy85 Old Dublin PikeDoylestown, PA 18901■ May 21Milestone Inn2701 North Front StreetHarrisburg, PA 17110■ May 23Western RegionEden Hall Farm6035 Ridge RoadRichland Township, PA 15044-9746Promote Your Local Foods Businesscontinued from page 20questions or need any help with any of the site features, don’t hesitateto contact us through info@buylocalpa.org.Consider participating in our Local Food Reward3. program. If you’ve covered steps 1 & 2 above, think aboutturning your static profile page into something more noticeable.By crafting a special offer for our growing Good Food Neighborhoodcommunity of consumers, you can give potential newcustomers an incentive to try out your business. Each new rewardcreated is communicated via a customized email message that caneasily be targeted to your locality (by limiting delivery to memberswithin a specific geographic area). Dozens of local food providerson BuyLocalPA.org have already used the program, offering discountsor giveaway for new customers, coupons good for certaindays or products, or even special members-only experiences. Ifyou’re interested in this program, please contact Chris Fullertonfor more info: chris@pasafarming.org or 412.246.0990. ■Buy Fresh Buy Local® is a national program of the FoodRoutes Network.A network of local chapters in Pennsylvania is coordinated bythe Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA).CONSUMERS: SHARE YOURGRATITUDE FOR LOCAL FOODS!Hopefully you know that BuyLocalPA.org, PASA’s website for consumers,features more than 1,300 places to find local foods. But didyou also know that, as a consumer, you can post a mini-review on theprofile page of any local foods business listed on the site? Visitors tothe site have used this function to express pleasure, excitement andgratitude for locally grown products they’ve received. Here are a fewexamples:“Your brown eggs where fabulous! Large Brown, rich color. Andeasy to pick up at the barn thank you…” — posted by Robert &Deeana Burke on Walker Farm’s page.“I think this store is great. I love the close-knit community feel tothe place, and I feel much better getting my food and other healthproducts knowing that it comes from an honest source.” — posted byGrace Cameron on the page for Nature’s Way Market.“We love this place and are surprised when a week passes that wehaven’t eaten there. The food is incredible and VERY consistent andthe range of available options is what keeps us going back. It’s makingme hungry just writing about it. This is an overlooked gem.” — postedby Nick Mohler on the Black Gryphon (restaurant) page.If you’ve got kudos, raves or thanks for someone who’s made yourlife richer with local foods, please visit BuyLocalPA.org and share yourcomments today!30

PASA Membership& Contribution FormPlease clip this application and return with payment to:PASA Membership, PO Box 419, Millheim, PA 16854or join online at pasafarming.orgAs a member you will receive these benefits:• A subscription to our bimonthly, Passages newsletter• Discounted admission to our annual conference, field day &intensive learning programs• Invitations to other special events, such as membership potlucks& Harvest Celebration dinners• Free classified ad and discounted display advertising in Passages• Voting privileges for board of director elections & bylaws• Membership networking opportunities regionally & via PASAdiscussion groupsPASA Memberships• Annual membership in the Good Food Neighborhoodprogram for consumers (separate online registration required)• Discounts on Buy Fresh Buy Local® partner fees(coordinated through local chapters)• Assistance with Food Alliance sustainable certification (if applicable)• Act 48 credits are available for educational events• Event promotion via our website & newsletter• The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to sustainagriculture in your regionPlease complete this section, indicating at what level of membershipyou wish to renew for 2010. You can also use this form topurchase gift memberships, lifetime memberships and contributeto the annual fund.Student $15Individual $45Family/Farm Please complete field at right $60Nonprofit Please complete field at right $100Business Please complete field at right $150Membership Renewal Options OnlyRenew for Two and Save Even More!Individual and Family/Farm members who renewfor two years save $10.Individual — Two Year Membership (Save $10) $80Please complete field at rightFamily/Farm — Two Year Membership (Save $10) $110Please complete field at right$Family/Farm or Sustaining Lifetime MembershipPlease list all names for this Family/Farm membership. You may include children between the ages of14–22, and also multiple generations directly involved in the farm.Nonprofit or Business MembershipPlease list up to two additional people associated with your business to receive individual membershipprivileges.DonationsConsider lending extra support to these two PASA funds.The Annual Fund supports PASA’s basicoperations.The Arias M. Brownback ScholarshipFund helps those wishing to learn aboutsustainable agriculture attend the annualconference regardless of financial position.$$PaymentTotal amount dueCard No.$Exp. DateVISA MasterCard DiscoverCheck Payable to PASA Cardholder NameCredit Card Completeat rightSignaturePASA is a registered 501 (C) 3 organization and contributions are tax exempt. The official registration and financial informationof Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department ofState by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.specialextrasGift MembershipIn addition to your own membership, you may give PASA membershipto a good friend, family member, business associate or other worthyrecipient on an annual or lifetime basis…a gift that keeps on giving!Name(s)AddressStudent $15Individual $45Family/Farm $60Sustaining Lifetime Member $1,200SUBTOTAL $Lifetime Membership& Permanent BusinessPartnersContributions for Lifetime Memberships & Permanent Business Partnershipswill be managed with care, sustaining both the ongoingmemberships as well as the long-term future of PASA. There are fewthings a member or business could do to symbolize their lifelong commitmentto sustainability than to place such confidence in the valueand viability of PASA itself.Sustaining Lifetime Member $1,200Please complete the Family/Farm Membership field above leftCityStateZIP+4Permanent Business Partner $3,000Please complete the Nonprofit/Business Membership field above leftTelephoneE-mailSUBTOTAL $31

PO Box 419 • Millheim, PA 16854-0419PennsylvaniaAssociation forSustainable AgricultureNon Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDState College, PAPermit No. 213PASA Thanks All of the 2010 Farming for the Future Conference SponsorsPATRONS OF SUSTAINABILITYPLATINUM KEY SPONSORSGOLD KEY SPONSORSAgri-Dynamics • Albert’s Organics • Animal Welfare Approved • Chatham University • Deep Grass Nursery • Delaware Valley College • Eat’n Park Hospitality Group• Eberly Poultry Farms • FRESHFARM Markets • Green Heron Tools • Harvest Market • Lancaster Ag Products • McGeary Organics Inc • Moyer’s Chicks Inc • NaturalBy Nature • Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) • The Organic Mechanics Soil Company, LLC • Pennsylvania College of Technology,School of Hospitality • Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry (DCNR) • Pennsylvania Independent Consumers and FarmersAssociation (PICFA) • Schafer’s Fisheries Inc • USDA, National Resources Conservation Service • Wild For SalmonSILVER KEY SPONSORSAdvancing Eco-Agriculture • Agri-Service LLC • The Ahimsa Alternative • Alba Advisors LLC • Center For Rural Pennsylvania • Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future(PennFuture) • Earth Tools Inc • eOrganic • Future Harvest CASA • Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery • Johnny’s Selected Seeds • Keystone Development Center• MicroDairy Designs • Midwestern Bio-Ag / Bio-Ag East • National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) • North American Devon Association (NADA) •Organic Unlimited Inc • Paragon Foods • Penn Environment • Pennsylvania Grazing and Forage Land Conservation Coalition • Pennsylvania Resources Council •Seedway LLC • Sheltermouse Solutions LLC • Small Farm Central • Tait Farm Foods • Tierra Farm • Tuscarora Organic Growers Coop. • USDA, National AgriculturalStatistics Service • Weston A. Price FoundationBRONZE KEY SPONSORSAgChoice Farm Credit • AgriEnergy Resources • Artisan Beef LLC • Autrusa Enterprises • BCS America LLC • Brushy Mountain Bee Farm • Chesapeake Bay Foundation• Communities Alliance For Responsible Eco-Farming (CARE) • Dairyland Sales and Service • Environmental Fund for Pennsylvania • Four Season Tools • Greater PittsburghCommunity Food Bank • Harris Seeds • Helfter Feeds • High Mowing Organic Seeds • Jumpstart Cheese Resource • Lakeview Organic Grain • Seeds of Change