NOFA Celebrates 40 Years of Organic Farming with Birthday Bash
Online auction starting October 1 will benefit NOFA-VT Farmer Emergency Fund.
40 years ago in Putney, Vermont, a small group of farmers gathered to talk about how to market their crops, be better farmers, and develop techniques that would not erode the soil and would produce wholesome, healthy food. That was the beginning of the Natural Organic Farmers Association, which evolved into the Northeast Organic Farming Association, with seven chapters throughout New England. Since 1971, the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) has facilitated the extraordinary growth in local and organic farms and food production through educational programs, establishment of farmers’ markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) systems, farmer apprenticeships, and development of organic certification programs.
On Saturday, October 1, NOFA will celebrate its farmers, the communities that support them, and its work over the past 40 years at High Meadows Farm in Westminster West, near the site of NOFA’s birthplace. There will be a local foods feast, farm Olympics, live music, and great company - including NOFA founder Samuel Kaymen and long-time organic farmers. “We look forward to getting many of the founders back together, along with all our current members and friends, near the site where the original scheming took place,” said Enid Wonnacott, NOFA-VT Executive Director. “We want to celebrate that vision and the learning community that was spawned and has grown for over 40 years.”
Attendees will also be able to participate in the launch of an online auction to support NOFA-VT’s Farmer Emergency Fund to provide grants and zero-interest loans to farmers affected by the flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. In addition, the birthday celebration is an opportunity for communities to learn about NOFA-VT’s Taking Root Capital Campaign, to raise $325,000 in funding for the purchase of a new home in Richmond. NOFA-VT is for the first time taking root with the purchase a historical building to serve as an office space and networking hub. This will further the essential work of spreading awareness of organic farming, providing education and technical assistance to growers, and getting the community involved in the movement to support local and regional markets.
40th Birthday Celebration Details:
When: October 1, 2011, 5 – 10 p.m.
Where: High Meadows Farm, Westminster West, VT
Who: NOFA members, farmers, and friends
How much: $25 for adults, $10 for ages 13 and under, kids 5 and under free – FREE for flood-impacted farmers, thanks to generous sponsorship from Stonyfield Farm.
RSVP due by September 23: info@nofavt.org • 802-434-4122 • https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/nofa40th
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