Potluck News
A monthly digest of food and agriculture news compiled as
a service of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group

1.) Two upcoming webinars offer Northeast perspective on 2012 Farm Bill
2.) "It Takes a Region" conference drew 325 from Northeast
3.) Healthy Corner Stores: a best practices brief
4.) Windowfarms homegrown hydroponics made in the USA
5.) The risks and inequities in federal crop insurance programs
6.) The true cost of privatizing school food programs
7.) Farm Bill Hackathon designs simplify complex issues
8.) Connecticut launches new poultry slaughter inspection program
9.) Restaurant diners' guide rates working conditions
10.) In New England 20% of fishing vessels make 80% of the money
11.) Help for new farmers challenged by the lack of support
Get weekly news updates at nefood.org.

+ JOBS


1.)  Two upcoming webinars offer Northeast perspective on 2012 Farm Bill
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG), American Farmland Trust, Wholesome Wave, and New England Farmers Union are hosting two webinars to help Northeast farm, food, and conservation advocates better understand the 2012 Farm Bill reauthorization process. You’ll learn what’s at stake for USDA programs that protect farmland, address environmental challenges, improve food access, and revitalize local and regional food systems in the Northeast.

Save the dates and register now for these two FREE webinars:
    • Conservation: Fri, Dec 16, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
    • Local & Regional Food Systems: Mon, Dec 19, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

The first webinar will focus specifically on the Conservation Title of the farm bill. The second webinar will focus on USDA programs that support local and regional food system development, improve local food access, and help farmers expand production and markets. Webinar speakers will include Congressional staff, staff of national and regional farm, food, and conservation organizations, and state government officials. A detailed agenda will be available before the webinar. Both webinars will address these key questions:
    • What is the likely timetable for farm bill consideration?
    • What are the issues driving this farm bill, and what directional changes in programs and funding might result?
    • What are some of the farm bill priorities that have been identified by members of Congress from the Northeast, and state agencies and organizations?


2.) "It Takes a Region" conference drew 325 from Northeast 
Maine Representative Chellie Pingree, originator of the Local Food, Farms & Jobs Act, was the keynote speaker at this year's conference, pictured here with two conference participants from Boston. NESAWG's 19th annual meeting was attended by 325 people from our 12-state region. Look for familiar faces in the conference slide show on our home page.


3.) Healthy Corner Stores: a best practices brief
Ohio State University Center for Farmland Policy Innovation (CFFPI) research project, "Ohio Neighborhood Harvest: Demonstration of, and Best Practices for, Creating Fruit and Vegetable Oases in Food Deserts." Project brief by Nick Benson and Jill Clark entitled Healthy Corner Stores: a best practices brief, November 29, 2011, shares information gleaned from interviews regarding best practices for establishing and operating healthy corner store initiatives.


4.) Windowfarms home grown hydroponics made in the USA
Windowfarms Raises $223K+ on Kickstarter to Manufacture New System Locally
By Danielle Gould, foodandtechconnect.com, December 7, 2011
To make growing your own food easier and more accessible, founder [of Brooklyn, NY-based Windowfarms] Britta Riley invited top industrial designers and engineers to design beautiful and easy to use systems made from environmentally friendly materials. According to Riley, if built in Vietnam, Thailand, or Korea, production would cost $50,000. In the United States production would cost $200,000, two to four times as much as Asia. “Buy local should not apply only to food. We would help a lot of our current environmental and economic issues if we started looking for MADE IN THE USA label again, too,” wrote Riley. Thanks to crowdfunding, Riley and the Windowfarms team have been able to raise their production investment through the “preorder” model. As Riley puts it, “It’s like a CSA, but for products.” Watch the video


5.) The hidden risks and inequities in federal crop insurance programs
A Risky Proposition: Crop Insurance in the Face of Climate Change
By Jim Kleinschmit & Julia Olmstead, Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy, Nov 15, 2011
The Federal Crop Insurance program offers several types of policies to protect farmers from losses caused by drought, flooding, hail or other natural disasters, as well as against low prices. Coverage levels, types and premium costs vary between policies (for example, a farmer can choose a policy that protects against either yield loss or revenue loss, or a combination of the two, and can choose levels of coverage ranging from 50–85 percent). Federal subsidies pay for at least 60 percent of policy premiums... Most farmers enroll.

Crop insurance outlays have been steadily increasing since 1998 due to policy changes that encouraged farmers to switch from yield insurance to the more expensive—and more heavily subsidized—revenue insurance, as well as to increases in crop prices. Projections into the next decade indicate that outlays will outstrip entirely the cost of current commodity program subsidies, due to rising acreage enrollment and increases in extreme weather. In other words, even if the status quo is maintained and recently proposed insurance expansions not adopted, taxpayers would likely spend more on crop insurance over the next decade than on all other forms of commodity subsidies. If the federal government chooses to add another layer of insurance programs, these costs will rise even higher. Read more...


6.) The true cost of privatizing school food programs
How the Food Industry Eats Your Kid’s Lunch
By Lucy Komisar, Nytimes.com, December 3, 2011
An increasingly cozy alliance between companies that manufacture processed foods and companies that serve the meals is making students — a captive market — fat and sick while pulling in hundreds of millions of dollars in profits. At a time of fiscal austerity, these companies are seducing school administrators with promises to cut costs through privatization. Parents who want healthier meals, meanwhile, are outgunned.

There are economic and nutritional consequences to privatization. School kitchen workers are generally unionized, with benefits; they are also typically local residents who have children in public schools and care about their well-being. Laid-off school workers become an economic drain instead of a positive force. And the rebate deals with national food manufacturers cut out local farmers and small producers like bakers, who could offer fresh, healthy food and help the local economy. Read more...


7.) Farm Bill Hackathon designs simplify complex issues









"Hacking the Food System" is a project of Food+Tech Connect to create graphic design and presentations to help you simplify complex issues like the farm bill and school food. On December 3, 2011, Food+Tech Connect and Gojee brought together tech designers, journalists, food policy experts, and data specialists to “hack” one of the most important pieces of legislation in the US – the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill Hackathon first place prize went to “FARM BILL of Health” a series of clean, simple visualizations about the difference in support for fruit and vegetable crops versus commodities in the bill (example shown here). Designed by Jamie Leo, Henry Lau, Illya Bomash, Peter Krohmer and Trey Shelton.


8.) Connecticut launches new poultry slaughter inspection program
from Connecticut Department of Agriculture press release, November 16, 2011
Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky announced today that two farms have been approved by the state Department of Agriculture through its new Poultry Slaughter Inspection Program, making more Connecticut Grown poultry available to consumers, restaurants, hotels, and boarding houses this holiday season. Read more...


9.) Restaurant diners' guide rates working conditions
By Jordan Calmes in "the salt" NPR's Food Blog, December 3, 2011
Move over Zagat and Yelp. There's a new diners' guide in town, designed to help consumers choose restaurants based on what's happening behind the kitchen door. But this isn't about what's on the plate; it's a rare survey of the working conditions and employment practices of restaurants. The guide, compiled by the Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United, a food service workers advocacy group, evaluates the 150 highest-grossing restaurants in the United States, plus others that have been working with ROC United to do better by their employees. Read more...


10.) In New England 20% of fishing vessels make 80% of the money
By Niaz Dorry, Coordinating Director, Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, November 28, 2011
According to a recent report by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA), "In 2010, 20% of vessels accounted for about 80% of the gross nominal revenues from groundfish sales." Hmm… this sounds awfully like the rest of our economic structure the Occupy movement is bringing to our attention. Management policies implemented last year were designed to consolidate the fishing industry. This means making sure fewer boats get to catch whatever amount of fish scientists consider to be safe to catch. In response, fishermen have begun to speak up against the rapid consolidation happening in the New England fisheries and calling for fleet diversity. Read more...


11.) Help for new farmers challenged by the lack of support
Young Farmers Find Huge Obstacles to Getting Started
By Isolde Raftery, Nytimes.com, November 12, 2011
At Quincy Farm in upstate New York, Luke Deikis and Cara Fraver say they are living their dream, harvesting cabbage, sweet potatoes and carrots on a 49-acre property on the Hudson River. Still, even after three years of farming, Ms. Fraver, 30, waits tables, and Mr. Deikis, 31, moonlights as an engineer in the film industry, occasionally driving three and a half hours to Manhattan to pay the bills.

Similar stories prompted the National Young Farmers’ Coalition, a new group that has grown out of the Hudson Valley in New York, to survey more than 1,000 young farmers nationwide in an effort to identify the pitfalls that are keeping a new generation of Americans from going into agriculture.

“Everyone wants young farmers to succeed — we all know that,” said Lindsey Lusher Shute, who oversaw the survey. “But no one was addressing this big elephant in the room, which was capital and land access.” Read more...

From the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition on USDA support for beginning farmers:

Beginning Farmer Land Contract Program to launch in 2012. On Thursday, December 1st, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) issued the final rule for the Land Contract Guarantee Program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill. This program was first authorized as a pilot program under the 2002 Farm Bill, but was expanded to be made permanent and offered nationwide in the last farm bill.  It will now be available nationwide starting January 3, 2012.  Interested parties should contact their local FSA office.  Read more...

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act (BFROA) of 2011 has been introduced in Congress, and it’s our chance to break down the barriers to entry that impede new agriculture entrepreneurs from starting a farming business.  Your representative’s support is absolutely crucial to helping us build momentum for this important bill. Read more...


+ JOBS

Urban Grower (full-time)
Common Good City Farm
Washington, DC
The Urban Grower is responsible for planning, organizing and managing all the activities of the half-acre Farm. The Farm produces food using sustainable agriculture and permaculture ethics and practices. For full description and to apply, visit http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/getinvolved/jobs

Workshop Coordinator (part-time)
Common Good City Farm
Washington, DC
The coordinator is responsible for overseeing the programming, promotion, and logistics of our series of educational workshops on the farm. For full description and to apply, visit http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/getinvolved/jobs

Mobile Market School Educator
Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture
Washington, DC
Like kids, local food, food justice, and child nutrition?  This could be the job for you! Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture is hiring a part-time Mobile Market School Educator to lead educational programming on Arcadia's traveling farmers' market bus, and coordinate local food taste tests in DC cafeterias.  Full application information at http://bit.ly/ArcadiaMMJob.

Assistant CSA Manager
Farmer Dave's
Dracut, MA
Full-time position. Application details can be found here:
http://www.farmerdaves.net/contactvisit/employment-opportunities

Intern
Fair Food Fund
Boston area
The Fair Food Fund to invests in enterprises that connect New England family farms with the growing demand for local/regional, sustainably-produced food. In doing so, our goal is to enhance the financial viability of small- and medium-sized New England farms. Fair Food Fund is seeking an intern to help develop the Fund’s business plan. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Alex Linkow, Fair Food Fund Program Director, at alinkow@fairfoodnetwork.org. This is a part-time contract position, with compensation of $15/hr, paid monthly, 5-10 hours of work per week for 12-15 weeks with the possibility of extension. Application deadline: December 16, 2011

Public Relations/Communications Intern 2011-2012
NOFA/Mass
Interns are expected to contribute between 5-10 hours per week for publicity tasks. To apply, please send letter of inquiry, resume, and 3 references to Mindy Harris, PR Coordinator – mindy@nofamass.org, or call 781-209-1233.

Culinary Class & Special Events Intern
Ger-Nis Culinary & Herb Center
Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY
Full or Part Time Flexible/Nights/Weekends. $10 per hour. Contact: employment@ger-nis.com, www.ger-nis.com/culinaryherbcenter

Lead Gardens Educator
Gardens Coordinator
Groundwork Somerville
Somerville, MA
Lead Gardens Educator to begin January 2nd 2012 to manage and run Groundwork Somerville’s nature and garden-based elementary after school programming. The Lead Gardens Educator will support our Gardens Coordinator with our additional winter and spring programming including: The Somerville Maple Syrup Project, April Vacation Week Camp, and Gardens Consulting.

Gardens Coordinator to start March 26th.  The Gardens Coordinator will supervise and/or run all “healthy EDUCATION” programming.  It is our hope that this will be a stepped process with the Lead Gardens Educator transitioning into the role of Gardens Coordinator to ease into management of such a multifaceted position in our vibrant community-based environmental non-profit organization.

Both positions are contingent on continued funding. As a core program, Schoolyard Gardens is a primary priority for the organization. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.groundworksomerville.org/about/job-opening/

VISTA Position
Sustainability and Nutritional Program Utilization Coordinator
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Afterschool /Youth Development Network, in collaboration the Afterschool Alliance, seeks a AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer to serve as the Sustainability and Nutritional Program Utilization Coordinator from February 1, 2012- January 31, 2013. Fifty percent (50%) of the member’s time will be devoted to  working state-wide and specifically in five targeted 21st Century Learning Center Program /communities in the south central and southeastern regions of the state  to develop systems that promote and support the provision of afterschool and summer enrichment program meals and snacks. The VISTA candidate must be identified by December 14. If you are interested or have any questions, please  contact Kacy Conley at kconley@csc.csiu.org or call 717-763-1661 ext 210.

Director of Food Services
Cambridge Public Schools
Cambridge, MA
The Cambridge Public Schools seeks applications from dynamic and innovative food service professionals to manage and develop the food service program for an urban school district with 13 schools and more than 6000 students. The Food Service Director oversees a budget of $2.5M, one Assistant Director and all full and part time Food Service staff district wide. In addition, the Director is responsible for supervising district-sponsored programs such as: the school breakfast program, the school lunch program, the afterschool snack program and the fruit and vegetable snack program. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of the changing landscape of child nutrition programs and be committed to change and improvement. More information and application instructions at: https://www.astihosted.com/cambridge/JAMNew/Posting/Pos_DetailView.asp?PositionID=QPT31222229111112&jobtype=A  Wait a few seconds for the Cambridge Public Schools Human Resources page to come up and then  look under Administrative Job Postings.

Apprentices and Interns
Poughkeepsie Farm Project's Farming for the City Program
Poughkeepsie, NY
Apprentices and interns work with PFP staff and members to grow mixed vegetables on 14 acres, operate a CSA, run a farmers market, teach children and teenagers about food and farming, and lead outreach efforts to increase food access and awareness of food in the CIty of Poughkeepsie.  They also have the opportunity to participate in two Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs. Interested candidates are requested to apply by December 15 (apprentices) or February 15 (interns), however, positions will remain open until filled. For more information and an application, visit our website at http://farmproject.org/content/work-opportunities

Youth Programs Coordinator
Community Cooking Educator
Nutrition Center of Maine
Lewiston, ME
The Nutrition Center of Maine (NC) was founded by St. Mary’s Health System to promote community healthy through organizing, advocacy and education. Located in the heart of downtown, the Nutrition Center serves as a healthy food hub in the midst of Lewiston’s most diverse and economically challenged neighborhoods. These are full-time positions eligible for benefits. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. To learn more information about the positions, contact the Nutrition Center Director: Kirsten Walter at kwalter@stmarysmaine.com or (207) 513-3845. To apply visit: http://www.stmarysmaine.com/Job-Finder.html and search under "service".