Organic farming conference returns Jan. 10 to Worcester State

Organic farming conference returns Jan. 10 to Worcester State
By Eric Stanway CORRESPONDENT

A vendor sells bumper stickers at last year'sNortheast Organic Farming Association conference at Worcester State University. (T&G File Photo/PAUL CONNORS)

 WORCESTER — Over the last few decades, many people have begun to turn more to organic foods, and, particularly, locally sourced produce. On Jan. 10, this trend will be celebrated at Worcester State University, where the Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter will hold its 28th annual Winter Conference.

The conference draws about 1,000 attendees from Massachusetts and neighboring states, including farmers, urban homesteaders, backyard gardeners, food activists and others. The conference features workshops, exhibits, and an all-day seminar and keynote by Greg Judy, rotational grazier and carbon sequestration advocate.

"We've been doing this in Worcester for the last 10 years," said Nicole Belanger, NOFA/Mass Public Relations Director. "This is a Saturday all-day event, with workshops on organic food, as well as addressing issues of transportation and what cultural issues are raised because of that. There will also be a number of seminars for farmers about how to rotate crops and associated issues. Greg Judy will talk about rotational grazing, with the idea that, if you move cows from place to place, it's actually beneficial, not only to the livestock, but also for the land that you're managing."

In his seminar, "Using Livestock to Build a Healthy, Profitable Farm," Judy will discuss each step involved in setting up a profitable, managed grazing operation from scratch. Based in Missouri, Judy runs a grazing operation on 1,580 acres of leased and owned land. Seven years ago, Judy and his wife switched from Management Intensive Grazing to Holistic High Density Grazing, using frequently moved electric fences to control grazing patterns, affecting the ability of grass to regenerate naturally. Contrary to most grazing operations throughout the United States, the Judy family uses no lime, no fertilizer, no seeding, no chemicals, and no equipment.

"It's a pretty wide-ranging conference," Ms. Belanger said. "I think that having it in Worcester is actually preferential, as it's an epicenter of sorts, where there are a lot of different cultures in play."

Ms. Belanger sees organic food as being the wave of the future, as it addresses a number of pertinent issues, from the ecological to the dietary.

"I absolutely think that, not only from an ecological standpoint, it's important for people to prioritize, and grow organically," she said. "It also takes into account the very real issue of global warming and other environmental issues. Also, the fact that people will be getting their food locally will help foster the farms in their own community."

"More and more people are looking to do something that makes a positive impact in their community," said Conference Coordinator Cathleen O'Keefe. "People understand that growing and purchasing food organically, on a large or small scale, can improve the health of ourselves, our environment and our communities. For over 30 years, NOFA/Mass has been committed to building this network of farmers and consumers, and we are excited about the possibilities regenerative agriculture has to offer."

At the conference, presenters will share their expertise in 70 workshops on topics such as crop production, farm management, health, homesteading, livestock, beekeeping, policy, skill building, infrastructure, soil, urban/backyard gardening and organic land care. Parents are encouraged to bring their young ones to the children's conference, for ages 3-12. A variety of exhibitors will also provide information, services, local food and merchandise.

And that's not all. Author and educator Ellen Sousa of Spencer will present a workshop, "Landscaping to Support Pollinator & Other Beneficial Insects in Backyards, Schoolyards and Farms."

"The Winter Conference is a highlight of the winter season for anybody with an interest in the land -- a day crammed with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and inspiration," Ms. Sousa said. "I look forward to sharing how and why we all, not just farmers, need to appreciate and protect pollinators and other beneficial insects that are so vital to ecosystem health."

The Worcester Regional Environmental Council's YouthGROW program will discuss gentrification and segregation in the food system. Participants will discuss strategies for making access to growing space and healthy foods more inclusive and welcoming.

"The youth in our program offer a unique perspective on urban farming and local food that we are excited to share," said YouthGROW Coordinator Grace Sliwoski. "Attending and presenting is a great opportunity for Central Massachusetts programs like YouthGROW to learn and grow our networks but also to share our expertise."

In short, Ms. Belanger sees the conference as a wide-ranging educational opportunity that will benefit Worcester's community as a whole.

"I think that a lot of people coming in will be offering a lot of expertise," she said. "It will grow each year, as the organic movement gains more traction. What we're all about is making sure that organic food has a local component to it. This isn't about what's turned out by corporations. It's actually something that addresses basic lifestyles and having communities taking power, affecting what their lives will actually be like in the future."

For more information, visit www.nofamass.org/events/wc, email nicole@nofamass.org">nicole@nofamass.org or call (508) 450-2441.