October 2011
Potluck News
A monthly digest of food and agriculture news compiled as
a service of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
1.) Three big things happening in federal farm and food policy
2.) Conservatives and progressives build consensus on food system change
3.) Shape the future of food in the Northeast at "It Takes A Region"
4.) Help save a seed company with historic roots in Africa
5.) Land grab — 560 million acres purchased by international investors
6.) Doing the math on bees and butterflies
7.) Vermont farmers not getting the kind of USDA help they need
8.) NY Apple Country website promotes 2011 bumper crop
9.) For school food, better nutrition means higher prices
10.) Penn State eliminates 130 jobs in agriculture sciences
+ JOBS
1.) Three big things happening in federal farm and food policy
- Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, 2012 Request For Applications is posted. This is an $18 million competitive grants program. For those interested in applying the deadline to submit an application is November 22. Learn more...
Land grabs and role of the U.S. government
Land and Power: The growing scandal surrounding the new wave of investments in land
A report by Oxfam America, September 2011
A monthly digest of food and agriculture news compiled as
a service of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
1.) Three big things happening in federal farm and food policy
2.) Conservatives and progressives build consensus on food system change
3.) Shape the future of food in the Northeast at "It Takes A Region"
4.) Help save a seed company with historic roots in Africa
5.) Land grab — 560 million acres purchased by international investors
6.) Doing the math on bees and butterflies
7.) Vermont farmers not getting the kind of USDA help they need
8.) NY Apple Country website promotes 2011 bumper crop
9.) For school food, better nutrition means higher prices
10.) Penn State eliminates 130 jobs in agriculture sciences
+ JOBS
1.) Three big things happening in federal farm and food policy
- The Super Committee is tasked with cutting at least $1.2 trillion from the federal budget over the next decade. Budget cuts could reinforce the status quo in agriculture and deepen negative trends while starving out positive programs. Or they could be could be fashioned to make our nation’s agriculture policy better. Because the Super Committee has unprecedented power, it’s crucial your Senators and Representative hear from you. Get their contact information. Two important points to make:
- Farm conservation and environmental programs have already been cut deeply and should not be cut any further.
- Farm commodity, insurance, and disaster program reform is long overdue. Reform should be done in a way that reduces spending, maintains a smaller more targeted farm safety net, and reinvests in job-creating rural economic development, local and regional food systems, and young and beginning farmers. Learn more...
- Beginning Farmer Bill
The "Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011" will be introduced in the House and the Senate on a bipartisan basis in early October. You can help generate momentum for the bill by urging your two Senators and your Representative to be original sponsors of the bill. Learn more...
Two organizations poll Americans:
In July, the David & Lucile Packard Foundation commissioned the Benenson Strategy Group and Voter Consumer Research to conduct a survey of 1,200 phone interviews to assess American attitudes on issues related to agriculture, the environment, and the federal budget. In August, the newly formed U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance conducted two polls by Ketchum Global Research Network and Braun Research, of 2417 consumers and, separately, 1,002 farmer and ranchers. The research of both organizations turned up consistent findings about consumer preferences for safe, clean, fair food. Read more...
Two organizations often opposed on the issues, agree on federal spending cuts:
The National Tax Payers Union, America’s independent non-partisan advocate for over burdened tax payers, and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG), Standing up to powerful interests — have collaborated to identify $1 trillion in budget cuts they both support. The report, Toward Common Ground, recommends "$214.9 billion in savings from eliminating wasteful subsidies to agribusiness and other corporations."
It Takes A Region 2011 is a working conference to build our Northeast food system, November 11-12, 2011, with pre-conference workshops on November 10, at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Albany, NY. Register TODAY. Early registration ends Oct. 19! Together we'll learn about and build on exciting efforts underway in our region in production, distribution logistics, research, messaging, food access and nutrition, policy advocacy and more. Whatever your part of the Northeast food system, this conference is for you! We welcome new participants – especially emerging food system leaders and community activists. We'll address pressing issues such as food system worker equity, food production and diet, and climate, energy and agriculture. We'll tackle our region's agenda for the 2012 Farm Bill. And we’ll continue to explore scale, geography, and partnerships.
Living on Earth, Public Radio International, Air Date: Week of September 23, 2011
The Landreth Seed Company was founded in Philadelphia, PA, in 1784. Every president from George Washington to FDR ordered from Landeth’s seed catalogue. D. Landreth Seed is the fifth oldest U.S. company in continuous operation. It was the leading seed house throughout much of the 1800s, when that industry developed in this country. In 1798, it introduced America to the zinnia — one of its most beloved flowers. 1811, the white fleshed potato. 1820, it was the first time that tomato seeds were sold commercially in this country. In 1826, they introduced a product called "Bloomsdale spinach," which is the spinach that we eat today. But the company’s deep roots may not be enough to save them from deep financial problems. Host Bruce Gellerman speaks with Landreth Seed’s CEO Barbara Melera. Read transcript or listen...
According to Meredith Taylor, Director, Food and Environment at Isles, Inc., in Trenton, NJ, "Landreth has the largest inventory of seed varieties brought to this continent by African slaves. The company has worked with academics and cultural historians to catalog and record the stories of these plants. In last year’s catalog, they put together a special collection of seeds that were cultivated by Africans brought to America. The catalog was beautiful and well written. I purchased two (one as a keepsake and one to share with the students in my gardening program). It was a perfect opportunity to introduce them to the history behind many of the foods that are associated with African-American culture."
By David Andrews, Senior representative at Food and Water Watch, in the National Catholic Reporter, September 27, 2011
Most of the world’s work is agricultural work. Most of that is done by smallholder farmers and most of those are women. Increasingly these farmers are finding their livelihoods at risk by the encroachment of foreign investors seeking to reap rewards for their own countries. Read more...
Land and Power: The growing scandal surrounding the new wave of investments in land
A report by Oxfam America, September 2011
In developing countries as many as 560 million acres of land, an area greater than the size of California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming combined, have been sold, leased or licensed in large-scale land deals since 2001, mostly by international investors. The report warns that a modern day land rush follows a drive to produce enough food for people overseas, meet damaging biofuels targets or speculate on land to make an easy profit. This is likely to get worse as the increasing demand for food, the gathering pace of climate change, water scarcity and non-food crops like biofuels compete for land. Oxfam’s report profiles the devastating effect land grabs in Uganda, South Sudan, Indonesia, Honduras and Guatemala are having on vulnerable communities. Read the report...
Dipping tongues allow bees to drink the sweetest nectar
By Leila Battison, BBC online, September 28, 2011
U.S. mathematicians have worked out why the flowers pollinated by bees have sweeter nectar than those visited by butterflies. Mathematical models combined with laboratory observations found that the ideal sugar concentration for bees who dip their tongue into nectar was 50-60%, whereas for butterflies it was much less, around 30-40%. This pattern matches closely with the observed sugar concentration of the flowers visited by bees and butterflies in the wild - around 35% and 20-25% respectively. Read more...
7.) Vermont farmers not getting the kind of USDA help they need
Farmers say USDA regulations not Vermont-sized
By Susan Smallheer, RutlandHerald.com, September 28, 2011
Peter Barrett had 100 acres of field corn along the Connecticut River flooded up to its ears — literally — but he may not be able to collect a dime on his crop insurance. Barrett, who runs one of the largest dairy farms in Windham County, milking close to 800 cows in Putney, said federal regulations say farmers can only make a claim if they lose 35 percent of their crop. U.S. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan toured three southern Vermont farms Monday in Wilmington, Westminster and Brattleboro, and she urged dairy and vegetable farmers to brave the paperwork and seek federal help. Read more...
Farmers say USDA regulations not Vermont-sized
By Susan Smallheer, RutlandHerald.com, September 28, 2011
The weather this year has been ideal for apples with the crop estimated to be 30 million apples in New York State alone. The New York Apple Association and apple farmers have collaborated to produce a website, nyapplecountry.com, with everything you need to know about apple varieties, harvest dates, recipes, nutrition, education, and pick-your-own operations.
Public Schools Face the Rising Costs of Serving Lunch
By Fernanda Santos, NYtimes.com, September 19, 2011
Under a little-noticed provision of the child nutrition bill signed by President Obama in December, which brought more fresh produce and less whole milk to cafeterias nationwide, school districts are required to start bringing their prices in line with what it costs to prepare the meals, eventually charging an average of $2.46 for the lunches they serve. The new pricing requirement, which comes amid school budget cuts and a lingering recession, is the first time the federal government has gotten into the business of cafeteria prices since its school lunch program was established in 1946. Under the roughly $10 billion program, families with incomes up to 130 percent of the poverty level— $28,665 a year for a family of four — are eligible for free meals. Read more...
College of Ag Sciences eliminates positions, refocuses for future
Penn State University press release, September 12, 2011
The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences will eliminate about 130 positions -- more than half through early retirements -- as it refocuses its programs and reorganizes in the wake of state budget cuts of 19 percent for fiscal year 2011-12, which began July 1. The job losses will occur at Penn State Extension offices across the state and in academic and support units at the University Park campus. As a result, several programs will be reduced or eliminated, including statewide extension education programs such as family financial management, adult leadership development, tourism, organizational strategic planning and emergency preparedness. Cuts will enable Extension to reallocate resources to high-priority programs with critical needs, largely related to production agriculture. Read more...
Spanish-speaking registered dietitians
Division of General Pediatrics
NYU School of Medicine
Bellevue Hospital Center
New York, NY
The Division of General Pediatrics at NYU School of Medicine-Bellevue Hospital Center is currently recruiting Spanish-speaking registered dietitians (RDs) to perform individual and group nutritional counseling for pregnant women and mothers of infants. This is part of a large randomized control trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of an early childhood obesity prevention intervention beginning during pregnancy and continuing throughout the child’s first three years of life. The study will be conducted in a hospital clinic setting, serving primarily low-income immigrant Latino families. Spanish-speaking RDs ONLY, please contact michelle.gross@nyumc.org with resume, cover letter and references. Thank you.
Project Manager
Sustainability Management & Reporting Tool
Sodexo
Gaithersburg, MD / Boston, MA
Sodexo's Office of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility has an immediate need for a Project Manager to lead cross-market implementation of its sustainability performance dashboard to 4000+ sites over the next three years. The Project Manager will provide oversight and relationship management for high-visibility sustainability management software deployment throughout North America. This role requires the coordination of multiple parties including client representatives, Sodexo site operators, Sodexo internal departments, and program developers. Candidates will have experience in successfully managing a complex long-term project, while communicating project status updates to internal and external audiences. The Project Manager is also expected to become fully conversant in Sodexo's global sustainability strategy. To apply, please visit the Sodexo Career Center: https://external-careers-sodexo.icims.com/jobs/11242/job
Farmer
Wassaic Community Farm
Wassaic, NY
Fourth year food justice project looking for a second full time farmer to join our team for the 2012 season starting in February or March until November. We are located in the Harlem Valley adjacent to the last stop on the Metro-North train to NYC, a bicycle path and miles of woodland and state park. We have a 20 member vegetable CSA program on an acre and a half with room to expand. We have been running stands at four farmer’s markets locally and in the South Bronx with our medicinal herbs. We are looking for folks with a passion for farming, food justice, herbal medicine and at least one year of CSA farming experience, Spanish speaker a plus. We are offering a free sunny room in our fully renovated art barn, shared kitchen and bathroom space with five food justice activists. It includes a swimming pond and a small fruit orchard. All food needs are covered by the farm food budget and the farm income after expenses will be split with the other full time farmer as a stipend. Check us out at wassaiccommunityfarm.com. Contact Ben at 866-823-2584.
EBT Coordinator Intern
Farmers Market
Cambridge/Somerville, MA
Work directly with farmers and vendors, market managers, community organizations, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamp) recipients implementing SNAP and credit card transactions at both the Central Square Farmers Market on Mondays and Davis Square Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 11:30am-6:30pm. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to: drew@massfarmersmarkets.org.
Cheese Distributor
Cricket Creek Farm, Williamstown, MA
Distributing in Brooklyn, NY
We milk a herd of Brown Swiss and Jersey cows year round from which we make four award-winning artisanal farmstead cheeses. This winter we are bringing our cheese CSA to Brooklyn to be distributed at one or more wine shops. Possible neighborhoods include: Bed-Stuy, Park Slope, and Williamsburg. The distribution will last 19 weeks, beginning in November. We are in need of a motivated individual who can spend 15 to 30 hours a week receiving mailed shipments of cheese from the farm and distributing the cheese shares at 3 to 6 separate pick-up times throughout the week. This position requires good communication skills, the ability to lift 60 lb. boxes, a car to transport lots of cheese in all weather, and space in your home for an additional refrigerator for cheese storage. The starting wage will be $10/hour. Please respond to: info@cricketcreekfarm.com and include a resume.
Berkshire County Network Capacity Coordinator
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
As a member of the Food Bank's Programs Team, you will play a vital role in strengthening the emergency food network by encouraging participation in food access projects and by building the capacity of member agencies and other partners to work together to increase food security. If you are interested, please visit www.foodbankwma.org . You may also email your resume and cover letter to jobs@foodbankwma.org.
Upstate Director
Hunger Action Network
Upstate NY
The position will coordinate upstate grassroots mobilization and outreach efforts in support of policy agenda at the state and national level; help represent the organization in the media and the state legislature; conduct research and do policy development as needed; and, represent Hunger Action in various coalition efforts. Issues will include food justice, hunger, poverty, welfare reform, job creation, and economic justice. At least two years of organizing / public policy advocacy experience. Strong writing, computer and oral communication skills. Contact Hunger Action Network, 275 State St., Albany NY 12210. Email dunleamark@aol.com.
Greenhouse Gardener
Summer Winter Restaurant
Burlington, MA
Garden-to-table restaurant hiring a greenhouse gardener for the on-site greenhouse and container garden. Help to pioneer the "garden to table" philosophy, nationally recognized chefs Clark Frasier and Mark Gaier have created Summer Winter Restaurant in the tradition of their award winning dining destinations. Featuring an on-site greenhouse and garden, the full-time gardener is responsible for supplying fresh ingredients to be infused into the modern American cuisine. Requirements: Horticultural degree or 4 years of gardening experience. Contact: summerwintergardener@gmail.com. To Apply: Go to: www.greatjobs.marriott.com. Click on: “United States and Territories (except Puerto Rico) - Non-Management”. Enter zip code: 01803. Under “BOSTON MARRIOTT BURLINGTON,” click on: View Open Positions and Apply to BOSTON MARRIOTT BURLINGTON. Under job function, select: “Landscaping/Grounds”. Select: "Gardener" (note: job description on website differs from actual gardening position)
Associate Deputy Administrator
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Washington, DC
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Transportation & Marketing Program has recently announced a vacancy for an Associate Deputy Administrator position that will fully share, with the Deputy Administrator, the overall responsibility for overseeing the development, formulation, administration and coordination of its program activities and policies. Specific program areas include: research on and development of wholesale and alternative market facilities; research on and development of farmers markets and direct marketing; the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program; the Farmers Market Promotion Program, and the Department's agricultural transportation program. Please visit USAjobs.gov and search for Job Announcement Number: 24TM-2011-0004.
Regional Organizer
Cooperative Food Empowerment
3 East Coast positions
CoFed worked with 14 schools to begin organizing food co-ops this summer, and now we're continuing the vital work of supporting these teams by hiring new Regional Organizers and Lead Trainers to support regional networks of student teams. Regional Organizers are recent graduates who are tasked with spreading our model across the nation and inspiring students to join us. They'll recruit student teams for annual retreats, equip them with the skills they need to start a co-op, then support them over the next year as they make progress towards opening their doors. The ROs will be expected to have excellent communication skills, as they will be often working with multiple groups long-distance. They’ll facilitate our regional caucuses, which is how students elect members to serve on our Board. The ROs will also document best practices to upload to the CoFed Academy, our new online learning portal, and will mentor succeeding ROs during the summer of 2013. CoFed is hiring 6 Regional Organizers: 3 based in major cities on the West Coast, and 3 on the East Coast. Specific locations are still being decided upon and will be discussed with prospective organizers. Monthly Stipend: $500. Dates: January 2012 to August 2013. Hours: Part-time with full-time work around retreats, campus site visits and conferences. Depending on funding, a full-time stipend and hours may be available. To apply send us a resume and cover letter to jobs@cofed.org by November 1st; earlier applications preferred.
Part-Time Project Coordinator
The Boston Tree Party
Boston, MA area
The Boston Tree Party (www.bostontreeparty.org) is an urban agriculture project. Compensation: $20/hour, ~15 hours/week. Please send cover letter and resume to Lisa Gross, Boston Tree Party founder and director, Lisa@bostontreeparty.org
The Boston Tree Party (www.bostontreeparty.org) is an urban agriculture project. Compensation: $20/hour, ~15 hours/week. Please send cover letter and resume to Lisa Gross, Boston Tree Party founder and director, Lisa@bostontreeparty.org
Program Director
School Food FOCUS
School Food FOCUS seeks a dynamic, organized team leader to direct its core program implementation and development. The selected candidate will oversee four staff as well as various consultants in three program areas: School Food Learning Lab, Policy, and Knowledge & Communications. For more information: http://www.schoolfoodfocus.org/?p=1308. To apply for this position, visit www.healthsolutions.org. ; We accept online applications only.
Customer Advocate
Farmigo
East Coast (work from home office, preferably based in NYC)
Farmigo is a small start-up with a very big dream of improving our food system. Currently, our customers are farms located in the USA. The ideal candidate will manage customer configurations as well as interact directly with farms over the phone to answer their questions. Help us assess whether Farmigo is a good fit for your aspirations. Give an example of a time when you gave exceptional service. Our mission is a key component of our culture. What inspires you about Farmigo? List any experiences you may have that are consistent with Farmigo's mission. Submit your resume and answers to the above question to jobs@farmigo.com. Please write "Customer Advocate" position in the subject line of the email. http://www.farmigo.com/
Customer Support Manager
Farmigo
East Coast (work from home office, preferably based in NYC)
The Director of Customer Support is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, quality and output of our customer support operation; both consumers (online community building) and farmers (technical support). Must have prior experience supporting a powerful consumer/technology brand known for their customer centric approach; 5+ years successful experience managing service center operations with demonstrate progressively increasing responsibility; Proven customer service mentality and experience dealing with customers on product/technical issues; BA/BS degree (MBA/MA preferred); Work weekends and holidays as business needs require. Submit your resume and answer the question "Why do you want to work at Farmigo?" to jobs@farmigo.com. Please write "Customer Support Manager" in the subject line of your email. http://www.farmigo.com/
Refugee Farmer Specialist
New American Sustainable Agriculture Project
Portland, ME
The Refugee Farmer Specialist will coordinate program enrollment and participation, focus on providing marketing, production, and farm management trainings, ongoing technical assistance in the field, assistance with business plan development, general marketing support, and assist in managing the incubator farm site. Experience working with diverse populations, participatory adult education, and substantial hands-on experience with diversified agricultural systems are highly desired. Full position description, qualifications, and instructions for applying are available at http://www.cultivatingcommunity.org/about/jobs.html.
Policy Coordinator
New England Farmers Union (NEFU)
New England Farmers Union (NEFU)
Washington, DC area
Serve as NEFU's liaison to Congressional offices in DC; participate in NEFU Policy Committee discussions; lead workshops on federal agriculture policy throughout New England; and support mailings and fundraising efforts to support policy development. Knowledge of federal farm policy is necessary. Good communications skills (writing, electronic media, speaking) are a must. Position is contractual, part-time, and available immediately. Search will be closed when position is filled. Send resume and cover letter to info@newenglandfarmersunion.org or to PO Box 226, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370.
Serve as NEFU's liaison to Congressional offices in DC; participate in NEFU Policy Committee discussions; lead workshops on federal agriculture policy throughout New England; and support mailings and fundraising efforts to support policy development. Knowledge of federal farm policy is necessary. Good communications skills (writing, electronic media, speaking) are a must. Position is contractual, part-time, and available immediately. Search will be closed when position is filled. Send resume and cover letter to info@newenglandfarmersunion.org or to PO Box 226, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370.
Orchard Manager
Community Harvest Project
Brimfield, MA
Brimfield, MA
The Community Harvest Project (CHP) Orchard Manager will have general responsibility for operating part of Cheney Orchards in the town of Brimfield in western Massachusetts. Currently, the orchard designated for CHP use is approximately 3 acres and consists of approximately 2,000 apple trees. Expansion to additional acreage is possible and highly likely over the next few years. This is a hands-on management position where you will work primarily by yourself and have responsibility for pruning, fertilizing, spraying, and mowing of the orchard. During harvest, the Orchard Manager will oversee volunteer groups. The Orchard Owner will work with you as needed, depending on level of experience. Knowledge of overall orchard operations and specific tasks; Experience driving tractors, comfort using heavy machinery; Comfort with leading volunteer groups 2-4 weeks/year; 30-40 hours/week, 9-12 months/year; $30,000 - $35,000 based on qualifications. Send a cover letter and resume to kristin@community-harvest.org.
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20th Annual Conference
Save the date! NESAWG 2012
"It Takes a Region" Conference
Pre-Conference Trainings, Sun, Oct 28. Conference, Mon-Tues, Oct 29-30. New venue: Saratoga Conference Center, Saratoga, NY.
Words at Work
Looking for helpful information on farm labor issues, regionalism, food system advocacy, the Northeast agenda for the Farm Bill, or food safety? Check out our Resources.
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