Fresh Produce Safety Farmer Listening Session
Thursday, March 11, 2010 7:30 pm
Agriculture Building Auditorium in Pittsboro, NC
Please RSVP for this event by calling Jane Tripp at 919-542-8202 just so we can get a headcount for refreshments.
Fruit and vegetable farmers: What do you think about on-farm fruit and vegetable food safety issues? We want to know.
Please join us for a farmer listening session in Pittsboro on Thursday March 11, 2010 at 7:30 pm. The listening session will be hosted by the Chatham County Center of NC Cooperative Extension in the Agriculture Building Auditorium.
For more than a year, food safety legislation has been pending in the U.S. Congress. This past summer, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation (HR 2749) and a bill awaits action in the U.S. Senate (S510).
In addition, the Food & Drug Administration and USDA have announced that they are working together to develop rules and regulations for on-farm production of fruits and vegetables in the area of food safety.
North Carolina Farm Bureau and the NC Fresh Produce Safety Task Force would like to hear what you think. Regulations will be coming. It is our understanding that the intent is to regulate all fruit and vegetable production on the farm. Based on the bills that have passed and been introduced, a number of areas that will be regulated have been identified:
Please join us to talk about potential on-farm food safety regulation and what will and will not work for you. Your comments will be presented to the FDA and USDA now, before regulations are written.
Who should attend? Fruit and vegetable producers. Small producers with production of less than 100 acres are especially welcome. Wholesale growers, retail/farm stand growers, growers with CSAs or who sell at farmers' markets. While we realize this topic may be of interest to non-producers, this meeting is for producers only.
Bring your ideas and we look forward to seeing you March 11 in Pittsboro. * Please RSVP for this event by calling Jane Tripp at 919-542-8202 just so we can get a headcount for refreshments.
Directions to the Agriculture Building in Pittsboro: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/workshopdirections.html
For those of you outside the Triangle, listening sessions are also scheduled in several other counties (details are still being worked out): March 8Stanley County BreakfastUnion County Dinner March 9Watauga County BreakfastLincoln County Lunch March 12Brunswick County Lunch March 16 Gaston/Cleveland/Rutherford Counties timing to be determined March 18Harnett County, Ag Center, Lillington lunch, 12:30 p.m. March 26Duplin County/Wayne County timing to be determined For more information on the specific details of the meetings outside Pittsboro, contact Debbie Hamrick: Debbie HamrickDirector Specialty CropsNC Farm Bureau FederationPO Box 27766Raleigh, NC 27611-7766(919) 334-2977Cell: (919) 302-9538debbie.hamrick@ncfb.org
Showing posts with label Pittsboro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsboro. Show all posts
11/09/2009
FACEBOOK FOR FARMERS!
November 16 Workshop: Facebook for Farmers: a Great Marketing and Educational Tool 7:00-9:00 pmAgriculture Building Auditorium Pittsboro, NC Register for this FREE workshop on-line at
http://ceres.cals.ncsu.edu/surveybuilder/Form.cfm?testID=8964 (Note: The workshop is NOT on-line, but the registration is!)
The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension will offer a workshop entitled Facebook for Farmers: a Great Marketing and Educational Tool as part of its Enhancing Sustainability Series on Monday, November 16, 2009 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the auditorium of the Agriculture Building in Pittsboro. Directions: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/workshopdirections.html
Facebook can be a great tool for farmers who rely on direct marketing. Millions of folks are creating personal profiles on Facebook - did you know it can also be used to set up a business profile? No special software or expertise is required. All you need is access to a computer and the Internet! You can use Facebook to announce a new crop at the farmers' market, announce an event, post photos of things happening on the farm, communicate with your CSA and/or farmers' market customers, and so much more. Farmers' markets and agribusinesses can also use Facebook to communicate with customers! Facebook can be beneficial even to farmers who already have a farm website because Facebook pages are easy to maintain and allow for direct interaction with customers.
One local farmer who has a Facebook page reports that it has really helped with promoting on-farm events, noting that they start receiving reservations within minutes after posting an update. In this workshop we will discuss the many ways you can use Facebook to educate customers, strengthen relationships, and increase sales. Participants will become more familiar with social networking terminology and learn how to use these tools to enhance the sustainability of their business. During the workshop, we will actually create a business profile for a local farm so participants will see all of the steps involved (and how easy it is!).
The workshop will be taught by Neha Shah, Director of Travel and Tourism for the Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent for the Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Neha won an Innovation in Tourism Award from the Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina for an earlier version of this workshop and her innovative use of Facebook and Twitter for marketing.
This workshop is free and open to farmers, farmers' market vendors/managers, and agribusiness owners. Register for this FREE workshop on-line at
http://ceres.cals.ncsu.edu/surveybuilder/Form.cfm?testID=8964
I am also collecting examples of NC farms that have Facebook pages so if you know of a good one, please let me know! Debbie
Debbie RoosAgricultural Extension Agent Chatham County CenterNorth Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.eduwww.growingsmallfarms.org
twitter.com/GrowSmallFarms
http://ceres.cals.ncsu.edu/surveybuilder/Form.cfm?testID=8964 (Note: The workshop is NOT on-line, but the registration is!)
The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension will offer a workshop entitled Facebook for Farmers: a Great Marketing and Educational Tool as part of its Enhancing Sustainability Series on Monday, November 16, 2009 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the auditorium of the Agriculture Building in Pittsboro. Directions: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/workshopdirections.html
Facebook can be a great tool for farmers who rely on direct marketing. Millions of folks are creating personal profiles on Facebook - did you know it can also be used to set up a business profile? No special software or expertise is required. All you need is access to a computer and the Internet! You can use Facebook to announce a new crop at the farmers' market, announce an event, post photos of things happening on the farm, communicate with your CSA and/or farmers' market customers, and so much more. Farmers' markets and agribusinesses can also use Facebook to communicate with customers! Facebook can be beneficial even to farmers who already have a farm website because Facebook pages are easy to maintain and allow for direct interaction with customers.
One local farmer who has a Facebook page reports that it has really helped with promoting on-farm events, noting that they start receiving reservations within minutes after posting an update. In this workshop we will discuss the many ways you can use Facebook to educate customers, strengthen relationships, and increase sales. Participants will become more familiar with social networking terminology and learn how to use these tools to enhance the sustainability of their business. During the workshop, we will actually create a business profile for a local farm so participants will see all of the steps involved (and how easy it is!).
The workshop will be taught by Neha Shah, Director of Travel and Tourism for the Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent for the Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Neha won an Innovation in Tourism Award from the Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina for an earlier version of this workshop and her innovative use of Facebook and Twitter for marketing.
This workshop is free and open to farmers, farmers' market vendors/managers, and agribusiness owners. Register for this FREE workshop on-line at
http://ceres.cals.ncsu.edu/surveybuilder/Form.cfm?testID=8964
I am also collecting examples of NC farms that have Facebook pages so if you know of a good one, please let me know! Debbie
Debbie RoosAgricultural Extension Agent Chatham County CenterNorth Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.eduwww.growingsmallfarms.org
twitter.com/GrowSmallFarms
11/08/2009
SS Sustainability Lecture, Nov. 10, SCC
Sustainable Sandhills - Moore County
Sandhills CC, Dempsey Student Center, Clement Dining Room
Tuesday, November 10th, 6:30-8:00pm
Lyle Estill is a founder of Piedmont Biofuels, which anchors an eco-industrial park in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Since launching into his quest for sustainable biodiesel, he has found himself deploying solar technologies, green building strategies, and is currently immersed in everything from sustainable farming to vermiculture digestion to alternative boiler fuels. He is the author of Biodiesel Power (New Society 2005) and Small is Possible (New Society 2008), and the winner of various awards.
We will also include updates on community events and projects.
Please help us spread the word! Together we can make a difference!
Sandhills CC, Dempsey Student Center, Clement Dining Room
Tuesday, November 10th, 6:30-8:00pm
Lyle Estill is a founder of Piedmont Biofuels, which anchors an eco-industrial park in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Since launching into his quest for sustainable biodiesel, he has found himself deploying solar technologies, green building strategies, and is currently immersed in everything from sustainable farming to vermiculture digestion to alternative boiler fuels. He is the author of Biodiesel Power (New Society 2005) and Small is Possible (New Society 2008), and the winner of various awards.
We will also include updates on community events and projects.
Please help us spread the word! Together we can make a difference!
10/15/2009
10/03/2009
8/07/2009
Pollinator Workshop, Tour, Aug. 31
August 31: Pollinator Conservation Workshop and Garden Tour, 6:00-8:00 pm
Chatham County Cooperative Extension building on the traffic circle in downtown Pittsboro; will probably include a tour of the garden at Chatham Mills in front of Chatham Marketplace, Pittsboro.
Presenter: Debbie Roos (North Carolina Cooperative Extension)
For more information: 919.542.8202; debbie_roos@ncsu.edu; www.growingsmallfarms.org
Chatham County Cooperative Extension building on the traffic circle in downtown Pittsboro; will probably include a tour of the garden at Chatham Mills in front of Chatham Marketplace, Pittsboro.
Presenter: Debbie Roos (North Carolina Cooperative Extension)
For more information: 919.542.8202; debbie_roos@ncsu.edu; www.growingsmallfarms.org
6/24/2009
Grants for Improved Animal Husbandry
Animal Welfare Approved Announces 2009 Good Husbandry Grants
Animal Welfare Approved is pleased to offer Good Husbandry Grants for 2009.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded for the sole purpose of improving farm animal welfare, with a concentration on three areas: increased outdoor access, improved genetics and improved slaughter facilities. Current Animal Welfare Approved farmers and those who have applied to join the program are eligible, and farmers may apply for certification and for a grant simultaneously.
Examples of projects funded in the 2008 cycle include mobile housing, a mobile processing unit, infrastructure to facilitate humane handling and equipment to improve nutrient availability for pastured sows. Farmers may submit a proposal for one project, for a total maximum grant of $5,000.
Grants will be awarded based on the project's potential to deliver the greatest benefit to farm animals. In order to receive a grant, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit an application and a budget by October 1, 2009. Eligible costs include design fees, contractor costs, materials, and project-appropriate equipment.
Grants applications must be postmarked by the deadline date and will not be accepted via e-mail. Guidelines and an application form are available at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org.
Questions may be directed to Emily Lancaster at (919) 428-1641 or Emily@AnimalWelfareApproved.org.
http://twitter.com/AWAapproved and become a fan on http://www.facebook.com!
Choose the one independent food label that means healthy, safe, environmentally responsible and humanely raised. Join our email list today.
Emily Lancaster, Farmer and Market Outreach, Animal Welfare Approved
1000 Jay Shambley Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312
919.428.1641
www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org
Animal Welfare Approved is pleased to offer Good Husbandry Grants for 2009.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded for the sole purpose of improving farm animal welfare, with a concentration on three areas: increased outdoor access, improved genetics and improved slaughter facilities. Current Animal Welfare Approved farmers and those who have applied to join the program are eligible, and farmers may apply for certification and for a grant simultaneously.
Examples of projects funded in the 2008 cycle include mobile housing, a mobile processing unit, infrastructure to facilitate humane handling and equipment to improve nutrient availability for pastured sows. Farmers may submit a proposal for one project, for a total maximum grant of $5,000.
Grants will be awarded based on the project's potential to deliver the greatest benefit to farm animals. In order to receive a grant, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit an application and a budget by October 1, 2009. Eligible costs include design fees, contractor costs, materials, and project-appropriate equipment.
Grants applications must be postmarked by the deadline date and will not be accepted via e-mail. Guidelines and an application form are available at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org.
Questions may be directed to Emily Lancaster at (919) 428-1641 or Emily@AnimalWelfareApproved.org.
http://twitter.com/AWAapproved and become a fan on http://www.facebook.com!
Choose the one independent food label that means healthy, safe, environmentally responsible and humanely raised. Join our email list today.
Emily Lancaster, Farmer and Market Outreach, Animal Welfare Approved
1000 Jay Shambley Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312
919.428.1641
www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org
6/14/2009
Pollinator Week, June 27, Pittsboro
Come join the Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the Chatham County Beekeepers’ Association for the third annual celebration of National Pollinator Week on Saturday, June 27, from 10:00 am til 2:00 pm on The Lawn at Chatham Mills in Pittsboro, NC.
The purpose of National Pollinator Week is to teach pollinator-friendly practices and raise public awareness of the importance of the bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, birds, and bats that are needed to produce 80 percent of our flowering plants and one third of our human food crops. The National Academy of Sciences has reported that there is direct evidence of the decline of some pollinator species in North America. And, recently, Colony Collapse Disorder of honey bees has alarmed the agricultural industry.
We have a great program planned for folks of all ages at our local event here in Pittsboro:
You can hear presentations about beekeeping – how to get started, equipment needs, management tips – from local beekeepers.
Tour Cooperative Extension’s new Pollinator Garden at Chatham Mills and learn how to attract and protect pollinators.
Watch expert beekeepers work an actual hive inside a bee cage (bees inside, participants outside!), see honey bees up close and personal, and get your burning beekeeping questions answered.
Participate in a pollinator-themed Scavenger Hunt for kids!
Watch “Bee TV” - park yourself in front of an observation hive and watch the worker bees attending the queen. It’s mesmerizing!
Meet our local Chatham County beekeepers and learn all about what it takes to produce the nutritious and delicious local honey available at Chatham Marketplace. We will have beekeeping equipment and products from the hive for “show and tell”.
Visit Chatham Marketplace to learn which products depend on bees for pollination (hint: look for the bee signs!).
Pick up some educational literature to further your knowledge about honey bees, beekeeping, pollinators, and pollinator conservation.
Learn about the Chatham County Beekeepers’ Association and how you can get involved with this fabulously friendly group through monthly meetings and field days and even an email listserv – we welcome members of all skill levels: from never-tried-it (but always wanted to) to beginner to experienced!
Enjoy a pollinator-friendly local lunch at Chatham Marketplace during the program! (Did you know that worldwide, approximately 1,000 plants grown for food, beverages, spices, fiber, and medicine require pollination by animals?)
All Pollinator Week Events are free and open to the public. This event will be held rain or shine. For directions, go to http://www.chathammarketplace.coop/about/directions.shtml
This event is sponsored by Chatham Mills Development Corporation (see http://www.chathammills.com/) and hosted by Chatham Marketplace (http://www.chathammarketplace.coop/).
For more information about pollinator conservation, visit Cooperative Extension’s website at http://www.protectpollinators.org.
Visit the Chatham Beekeepers’ Association website at http://www.chathambeekeepers.org.
For more information about this event, contact Debbie Roos at 919-542-8202 or debbie_roos@ncsu.edu.
I hope to see you there!
Debbie Roos
Agricultural Extension Agent
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
The purpose of National Pollinator Week is to teach pollinator-friendly practices and raise public awareness of the importance of the bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, birds, and bats that are needed to produce 80 percent of our flowering plants and one third of our human food crops. The National Academy of Sciences has reported that there is direct evidence of the decline of some pollinator species in North America. And, recently, Colony Collapse Disorder of honey bees has alarmed the agricultural industry.
We have a great program planned for folks of all ages at our local event here in Pittsboro:
You can hear presentations about beekeeping – how to get started, equipment needs, management tips – from local beekeepers.
Tour Cooperative Extension’s new Pollinator Garden at Chatham Mills and learn how to attract and protect pollinators.
Watch expert beekeepers work an actual hive inside a bee cage (bees inside, participants outside!), see honey bees up close and personal, and get your burning beekeeping questions answered.
Participate in a pollinator-themed Scavenger Hunt for kids!
Watch “Bee TV” - park yourself in front of an observation hive and watch the worker bees attending the queen. It’s mesmerizing!
Meet our local Chatham County beekeepers and learn all about what it takes to produce the nutritious and delicious local honey available at Chatham Marketplace. We will have beekeeping equipment and products from the hive for “show and tell”.
Visit Chatham Marketplace to learn which products depend on bees for pollination (hint: look for the bee signs!).
Pick up some educational literature to further your knowledge about honey bees, beekeeping, pollinators, and pollinator conservation.
Learn about the Chatham County Beekeepers’ Association and how you can get involved with this fabulously friendly group through monthly meetings and field days and even an email listserv – we welcome members of all skill levels: from never-tried-it (but always wanted to) to beginner to experienced!
Enjoy a pollinator-friendly local lunch at Chatham Marketplace during the program! (Did you know that worldwide, approximately 1,000 plants grown for food, beverages, spices, fiber, and medicine require pollination by animals?)
All Pollinator Week Events are free and open to the public. This event will be held rain or shine. For directions, go to http://www.chathammarketplace.coop/about/directions.shtml
This event is sponsored by Chatham Mills Development Corporation (see http://www.chathammills.com/) and hosted by Chatham Marketplace (http://www.chathammarketplace.coop/).
For more information about pollinator conservation, visit Cooperative Extension’s website at http://www.protectpollinators.org.
Visit the Chatham Beekeepers’ Association website at http://www.chathambeekeepers.org.
For more information about this event, contact Debbie Roos at 919-542-8202 or debbie_roos@ncsu.edu.
I hope to see you there!
Debbie Roos
Agricultural Extension Agent
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
5/20/2009
Potluck in the Pasture, CCCC, Jun 7
“Potluck in the Pasture” celebrates Chatham’s agricultural and artistic heritage
PITTSBORO – Art and food lovers take note: ChathamArts celebrates the county’s unique agricultural and artistic heritage at the annual Potluck in the Pasture on Sunday June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Carolina Community College’s (CCCC) two-acre Student Farm in Pittsboro (764 West Street). You’ll have a unique chance to see what’s growing at America’s first two-year sustainable farming program, share a potluck picnic of locally produced food, and meet local artists and musicians. You may also purchase farm fresh food and make a donation to ChathamArts, the nonprofit arts council. For more information: contact ChathamArts at www.chathamarts.org or 919.542.0934 or call Katy McReynolds, Potluck Coordinator, at 919.444.1900.
“This is our way to pay tribute to our farmers and artists who inspire and nurture us,” said Daryl Walker, director of the potluck project. “We hope the Potluck encourages more people to buy locally produced food and art and become more aware of the farmers and artists who contribute to our community and our economy.”
Two of the artists who will display their work are also working farmers: Mixed media painter Kristy Church is co-owner of Winfield Farm and portrait/landscape artist Tim Tron is co-owner of Grandview Farms. Other artists include: Cindy Bainbridge, Roger Dinger, Michele Mosca, Rita Spina and Diane Swan. Live music will be performed by Breadfoot (a.k.a. Stephan Meyers) and singer/songwriters Chris Kelley and Mike Slaton.
Visitors are asked to bring a potluck dish to share with at least one locally grown ingredient (and the recipe noting origin of local items), as well as a beverage, lawn chair or blanket, and a donation to ChathamArts, which supports diverse arts through gallery sales, and cultural programs in the schools and community.
Local food ingredients for your potluck dish are easy to come by in Chatham. They might come from your own garden or neighboring farms; from local farmers’ markets at the Chatham County Fairgrounds in Pittsboro or Southern Village (Thursdays), Fearrington Village (Tuesdays), or Pittsboro, Siler City, Carrboro and Sanford (Saturdays); or from Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro, or Weaver Street in Southern Village and Carrboro.
CCCC’s Sustainable Agriculture Program was the first of its kind in the nation. Its two-year associate’s degree and certificate programs provide hands-on training in every aspect of sustainable, chemical-free farming, including vegetable and fruit production, animal husbandry, financing, management and marketing. It’s part of an array of innovative programs at CCCC encouraging sustainable energy, food, technology, building practices and public policies, earning the campus the new moniker “Green Central.”
Debbie Roos
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
PITTSBORO – Art and food lovers take note: ChathamArts celebrates the county’s unique agricultural and artistic heritage at the annual Potluck in the Pasture on Sunday June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Carolina Community College’s (CCCC) two-acre Student Farm in Pittsboro (764 West Street). You’ll have a unique chance to see what’s growing at America’s first two-year sustainable farming program, share a potluck picnic of locally produced food, and meet local artists and musicians. You may also purchase farm fresh food and make a donation to ChathamArts, the nonprofit arts council. For more information: contact ChathamArts at www.chathamarts.org or 919.542.0934 or call Katy McReynolds, Potluck Coordinator, at 919.444.1900.
“This is our way to pay tribute to our farmers and artists who inspire and nurture us,” said Daryl Walker, director of the potluck project. “We hope the Potluck encourages more people to buy locally produced food and art and become more aware of the farmers and artists who contribute to our community and our economy.”
Two of the artists who will display their work are also working farmers: Mixed media painter Kristy Church is co-owner of Winfield Farm and portrait/landscape artist Tim Tron is co-owner of Grandview Farms. Other artists include: Cindy Bainbridge, Roger Dinger, Michele Mosca, Rita Spina and Diane Swan. Live music will be performed by Breadfoot (a.k.a. Stephan Meyers) and singer/songwriters Chris Kelley and Mike Slaton.
Visitors are asked to bring a potluck dish to share with at least one locally grown ingredient (and the recipe noting origin of local items), as well as a beverage, lawn chair or blanket, and a donation to ChathamArts, which supports diverse arts through gallery sales, and cultural programs in the schools and community.
Local food ingredients for your potluck dish are easy to come by in Chatham. They might come from your own garden or neighboring farms; from local farmers’ markets at the Chatham County Fairgrounds in Pittsboro or Southern Village (Thursdays), Fearrington Village (Tuesdays), or Pittsboro, Siler City, Carrboro and Sanford (Saturdays); or from Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro, or Weaver Street in Southern Village and Carrboro.
CCCC’s Sustainable Agriculture Program was the first of its kind in the nation. Its two-year associate’s degree and certificate programs provide hands-on training in every aspect of sustainable, chemical-free farming, including vegetable and fruit production, animal husbandry, financing, management and marketing. It’s part of an array of innovative programs at CCCC encouraging sustainable energy, food, technology, building practices and public policies, earning the campus the new moniker “Green Central.”
Debbie Roos
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
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