November 2011

Potluck News
A monthly digest of food and agriculture news compiled

as a service of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group

 

 
+ JOBS
 
1.) Maine Rep Chellie Pingee to keynote "It Takes a Region"
Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree to keynote "It Takes a Region" conference on Friday, Nov 11. Rep. Pingree sponsored the "Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act" (HR-3286) in the House of Representatives. She has demonstrated leadership, courage and keen understanding of what's needed for farmers and communities to develop local and regional food systems. We are honored to have Rep. Pingree talk about the bill and food system issues at the Friday evening conference banquet. REGISTER NOW

2.) Congressional Super Committee changes the Farm Bill game
From Community Food Security Coalition press release, Nov 1, 2011
In an October 14 letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, the Chairs and Ranking Members of both agriculture committees promised a “complete legislative package” to achieve $23 billion in deficit reduction by November 1. Although there has been much speculation about the proposed cuts, no details are yet public, and reports indicate that the recommendations will be delayed until the end of the week. “Many people inside and outside the Beltway are concerned about the lack of transparency, accountability, and public engagement in this process,” said CFSC Policy Director Kathy Mulvey. “Public interest in food and farm policy is at an all-time high—this is no time to be negotiating the Farm Bill on a fast track behind closed doors,” Mulvey concluded. Read more...
 
 
 
3.) Do you support the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act?
The Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act has been introduced in both the Senate (S-1773) and House (HR-3286). This bill will improve federal farm bill programs that support local and regional farm and food systems.  It will help farmers and ranchers engaged in local and regional agriculture by addressing production, aggregation, processing, marketing, and distribution needs, and will also assist consumers by improving access to healthy food and direct and retail markets. Now is the time to voice your opinion.  Send action alerts, make calls, spread the word!

Ohio Sen. Brown's press release

Maine Rep. Pingree's press release

 
4.) Beginning Farmer bill introduced in Congress
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition press release, Oct 25, 2011
The Beginning Farmer Rancher Opportunity Act is a bipartisan and bicameral bill introduced in the House by Representatives Tim Walz (D-MN) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), and an identical companion bill will be introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and other members of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the Senate. The bill includes provisions that cut across six titles of the Farm Bill, including proposals that address conservation program set asides and incentives, access to credit, rural development, research and extension, and access to crop insurance and risk management. Read more...
 
 
5.) Innovating policy for Chesapeake Bay restoration
Choices, The Magazine of Food, Farm, and Resource Issues, October 2011
The Chesapeake Bay watershed, the largest estuary in North America, includes central New York State and Pennsylvania, eastern West Virginia, most of Maryland and Delaware, and all of northeastern Virginia. Insufficient progress in achieving water quality goals for the Chesapeake Bay has led to demands for more effective measures for addressing agricultural pollution. The responses by federal and state agencies call for ramping up existing programs. This set of five papers highlights opportunities for improving policy outcomes through new approaches. Read more..
 
 
6.) Report says fracking in England caused minor earth quakes
Fracking tests near Blackpool 'likely cause' of tremors
From the BBC online, November 2, 2011
It is "highly probable" that shale gas test drilling triggered earth tremors in Lancashire, a study has found. But the report, commissioned by energy firm Cuadrilla, also said the quakes were due to an "unusual combination of geology at the well site". It said conditions which caused the minor earthquakes were "unlikely to occur again". Read more...
 
 
7.) Are more supermarkets the best solution for food deserts?
Walmart Can’t Lead Us Out of the Food Desert
by Joseph Jung, Colorlines.com, October 27 2011
A recent study that tracked over 5,000 people in several cities over 15 years found that greater access to supermarkets “was generally unrelated to diet quality.” Low income levels, abundant fast food restaurants and race, on the other hand, were much more reliable predictors of poor diet and health than the number of supermarkets. Read more...
 
 
8.) Maryland launches model food system map and data resources
Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, October 2011
The Center for a Livable Future has developed a food system mapping tool to examine the current landscape of Maryland's food system from farm to plate, and to help make that system stronger. The tool locates and provides in-depth detail on the state's farms, food processors and distributors, retail food outlets and institutions, like schools and hospitals. This information will help viewers understand our local food system and how it works. It will also assist research and policy initiatives to improve our local food system for consumers and producers, including the creation of new markets for local farmers. The map is multi-dimensional. It utilizes the latest GIS technology to enable layered displays of geographically linked data, and integrates a wide variety of database resources. Read more...

Launch the map

 

9.) Will the real anti-immigration extremists please stand up
Prioritization of National Security, Public Safety Threats Attacked in Congressional Hearings
from National Immigration Forum Policy Update for October 21, 2011
According to this policy update, conservatives, liberterians, Tea Party supporters, business, agriculture, and urban communities all oppose immigration restriction policies currently being proposed at the state and federal level. So who supports them?

 
 
Excerpt on national security:
When the government’s immigration function was placed in the Department of Homeland Security shortly after the terrorist attacks of 2001, immigration restrictionists in Congress were pleased to have immigration viewed through the lens of national security. Now that the Department is focusing in more on this priority, these same members of Congress have become the biggest whiners. Read more...
 
 
Excerpt on E-Verify:
On September 21, the House Judiciary Committee passed the Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 2885), sponsored by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX). The bill would expand the E-Verify electronic workers verification system to make it nationwide and mandatory for all employers...It has been the subject of strong opposition from conservatives and libertarians, who view the legislation as creating a de facto national I.D. system. Read more...
 
 
Excerpt on Alabama:
The President of the Associated General Contractors of Alabama estimates that a quarter of the state’s commercial building work force has left the state, and farm workers have also departed, leaving crops to rot in the fields. One University of Alabama economist conservatively estimates that the state’s economy will contract by $40 million if the law succeeds in driving out 10,000 undocumented immigrants. Read more...
 
 
10.) Hunky boy band parody video promotes dairy farming
New dairy music video rocks the web
by Megan Pierce, Associate Editor, dairyherd.com, October 12, 2011
An advertisement for Yeo Valley Organic in England has quickly become an Internet sensation. "Forever" by boy band The Churned has hit more than 215,000 views since its release. Watch the video...
 
 
 
+ JOBS
 
 
Data Specialist
Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
Baltimore, MD
The Maryland Food System GIS Mapping Project is looking for someone with a background in food systems, geography, agriculture and land use research to help us collect and map data about environmental impacts of agriculture in Maryland, processing and distribution of local food, and to help expand a new interactive mapping website. Full-time position. Masters degree preferred. You can find the complete job listing on CLF's website:
http://www.jhsph.edu/clf/about_clf_new/job_opportunities/staff_position.html.
 
 

NOFA Summer Conference Publications and Graphics Coordinator
Northeast Organic Farming Association
New England area
The Publications and Graphics Coordinator is responsible for formatting and producing all of the NOFA Summer Conference print publications and for managing the use of graphics including the logo, maps, signs, and t-shirts. REQUIREMENTS: Computer, desktop publishing software (like Quark XPress plus Acrobat Pro, or InDesign), email access, phone, desktop publishing experience. HELPFUL: Scanner, printer, editing skills. COMPENSATION: The pay for this position is a stipend, budgeted for 175 Hours of work, with a pay rate starting at $13 per hour ($2,275), or higher depending on an individual’s NOFA/Mass accrued hourly rate. Contact Ben Grosscup, NOFA Summer Conference Coordinator, ben.grosscup@nofamass.org or (413) 658-5374. 

 
 
Full-time Cook
Journeyman Restaurant
Union Square, Somerville, MA
We are focused on bringing the best out of local, seasonal, and carefully sourced ingredients, including whole-animal meats. We serve 3, 5 and 7 course tasting menus consisting of both modern and traditional preparations, and also have an extensive charcuterie list. We are expanding the kitchen team to support the addition of a new bar room and bar menu to the existing 36 seat restaurant, and are seeking an experienced cook with exemplary attention to detail and commitment to getting things right. To apply send a resume and cover letter to info@journeymanrestaurant.com.
 
 
Youth Programs Manager
Cultivating Community 
Portland, ME
Our youth grow and distribute food, learn about sustainable
agriculture and food systems, and work together to solve problems and
strengthen their own communities. We are also a farmer training
project. We connect Maine's newest Americans—primarily immigrants from East Africa and Central America—with the land, skills, and resources needed to start farm-based enterprises. The Youth Programs Manager is a year-round, full-time position managing all of Cultivating Community's programs for people ages 5-22. Background in delivering and managing food justice-based youth programming required. Background in either 1) low-income and/or immigrant and refugee communities, 2) education or 3) sustainable agriculture required; background in all is preferred. Bachelor’s degree or three to five years of relevant experience. Driving record and background check. Pay commensurate with experience. Submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for at least three references by November 18 to craig@cultivatingcommunity.org with “Youth Programs Director” in the subject line. 
 
 
Community Nutrition Manager
Food Bank of South Jersey
Pennsauken, NJ
The Food Bank of South Jersey sees raising nutrition awareness as a major goal and is looking hire a nutritionist to develop and execute a plan for expansion of nutrition awareness in 4 counties. Minimum Qualifications: Community health or Registered Dietitian plus a minimum of three years experience in project management. This position requires being in the field 70% of the time and working in an office setting 30% of the time.  While in the field, frequent lifting, moving, or carrying supplies up to 50 pounds, including use of stairs, is required.  General office duties include: computer work, filing, phone communication, copying. Applicants should send cover letter, salary requirements, and resume to Ujwala Samant, Director of Programs and Services, at usamant@foodbanksj.org.
 
 

Spring Internships
Slow Food USA
Brooklyn, NY
Slow Food USA is now accepting applications for spring internships at our national headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. Our spring internship is open to current college students and recent graduates. Spring interns work from mid-January through May and can apply until November 15. Internships require a minimum 15 hours per week for five months for the spring. Program areas for spring internships are on our website:
http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/about_us/details/employment_and_internships/  Please send a short cover letter stating your top two program choices and resume to Emily Stephenson at internships@slowfoodusa.org. 

 
 
Program Director     
West Side Campaign Against Hunger 
263 West 86 Street
New York, NY
Bilingual English/Spanish essential for this community-based emergency food program and social service agency. Through a customer-cooperative, supermarket style food pantry, WSCAH alleviates hunger and creates a culture that promotes self reliance and works for change. The Program Director manages the organization’s social service counseling, wellness, and customer service component of the emergency food pantry. Requirements: Advanced degree in social work, public administration or related field, and 5-10 years senior management experience in not for profit program. Salary is competitive and commensurate with relevant experience. Excellent benefits and work environment. Send cover letter, resume, salary history and three references to Human Resources at hr@wscah.org. 
 
 
Director of Development 
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Washington, DC
The Director of Development, working with the Executive Director and other staff members, will raise NSAC’s annual budget from a variety of sources to enable staff to advance the coalition’s federal policy priorities. Bachelor’s degree or higher with significant class or degree work in relevant field. Minimum 5 years fundraising experience. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Excellent employer-paid benefits package and a lively and collaborative work environment. Please send cover letter, resume, writing sample, salary history, and the names of three references to Susan Prolman at sprolman@sustainableagriculture.net.
 
 

Garden-based Educator
Rochester Roots, Inc. 
Rochester, NY
Non-profit Urban Agriculture Education and Research Project. We are looking for an experienced certified teacher with a working knowledge of library science (real and virtual) to lead the education component of a NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets supported New Healthy Urban Food System Model. Our innovative garden-based K-8 and community education program is synergistic with classroom-based teaching, and in partnership, we are responsible for achieving four categories of youth outcomes: experiential learning, academic achievement, social relationship building, and decision-making for wellbeing. This person is responsible for hands-on teaching and developing curriculum, learning centers, and professional development workshops that result in measureable youth achievement in all five national core learning standards.Compensation: $44,625. Paid vacation and holidays. $1,500 health insurance allowance. Start Date: November 28, 2011. Resumes and three references accepted through November 11, 2011. E-mail to: jan.roch.roots@frontiernet.net

 
 

Beginning Farmer Program Manager
Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ)
New Jersey
Newly created, grant-funded  position will work with NOFA-NJ's partners to launch a comprehensive Beginning Farmer program in New Jersey. Develop and implement all aspects of this program, including the development of tools, creating an application process for participants, coordinating learning opportunities and launching an incubator location for beginning farmers at Duke Farms Foundation's property in Somerset County, NJ.  For a full description and how to apply, visit http://www.nofanj.org/getinvolved_careers.htm

 
 
Farmer 
Eastern Massachusetts 
Historic farm property 26 miles west of Boston with 6 acres crop and pastureland, fantastic barn with re-use potential, outbuildings and 4BR renovated farmhouse. Fifteen additional acres available. Owners seek farmer with vision, experience and commitment to bring this locally significant farm back to life. Owners wish to collaborate in an operating LLC, with farmer responsible for operations. Many enterprise options. Owners will contribute to start-up costs and infrastructure improvements. Favorable 5-year renewable lease with opportunity to build equity. Potential for purchase option or long-term lease. Contact Kathy@landforgood.org for open house and application information.
 
 
General Manager
Wild Oats Market
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Seeking a new general manager for our co-op, a financially successful, flourishing community-owned business selling quality
natural foods and other products to northern Berkshire County and southern Vermont since 1982. The store has sales of $3.6 million, over 40 employees, 1200 members, and 4100 square feet of retail space. To learn more about Wild Oats and for a complete job summary, please visit our website www.wildoats.coop/employment.html. To apply please send cover letter and resume to board@wildoats.coop.
 
 
Part-time Executive Director 
Berkshire Pioneer Resource Conservation and Development Area Inc.
Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts Resource Conservation and Development non-profit organization seeks qualified and highly motivated part-time Executive Director, with potential for future full-time position. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership skills developed through several years in senior management positions. Experience in start-up organizations, farming, forestry, natural resource management, community development, conservation or planning is highly desirable. Required qualifications include excellent written and oral communication skills, understanding of non-profit agencies, and experience managing staff and complex budgets. Individuals with experience managing non-profit agencies and/or program development through state and federal grants will be given preference. Starting half-time salary $25,000 to $35,000 with benefits, depending on qualifications and experience. Submit cover letter, resume, and three references by November 18th, 2011 to Megan Couture, Office Manager, Berkshire-Pioneer Resource Conservation and Development (BPRC&D) atinfo@berkshirepioneerrcd.org. http://www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/i/about_5_1967029360.pdf
 
 
Apprentices
The Seed Farm
Lehigh County, PA
The Seed Farm is a new farmer training program and agricultural business incubator project supported by the County of Lehigh in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The mission of the Seed Farm is to start and grow new sustainable farms and farmers in the Lehigh Valley and to support the growth of our local food system. The Seed Farm apprenticeship program trains new farmers in all aspects of managing a diversified vegetable farm. Graduates of the apprenticeship are eligible to farm at the Seed Farm, leasing land and equipment at reduced rates and receiving additional mentorship. For program details go to our website at www.theseedfarm.org. Application Deadline: November 15, 2011

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