NOFA-NH'S CRAFT Program
Celebrating "The CRAFT* of Farming" Events
for Farmers and Eaters!
Thank You Brookford Farm, Work Song Farm, and Kearsarge Gore Farm!
These three certified organic farms graciously opened their gates to fellow farmers and eaters at on-farm events during this the first year of NOFA-NH’s CRAFT Program (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farm Training). Participants in these 3 afternoon events enjoyed unique opportunities for first-hand learning regarding the practices of these visionary local organic growers - the Mahoney, Kilrain and Bower families. A formal, soil health roundtable discussion featuring Julie Davenson of Stonewall Farm, Gene Jonas of Hungry Bear Farm, and Sam Bower of Kearsarge Gore Farm was an added highlight to the final tour of the season. All of these farmers exemplify the hardworking organic champions who are providing New Hampshire with healthy, local, nutrient-dense food. They’re actively protecting water supplies, air quality, and biodiversity - even as they keep alive our beautiful, traditional ways of living.
We’re grateful to both Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement and Farm Aid for generously funding this significant initiative. We believe that such programs help to build sustainable farming knowledge & skills, as well as consumers' (co-producers') commitment to NH's local organic food systems.
What is CRAFT? CRAFT stands for Collaborative Regional Alliances for Farmer Training. It is a national program of small, independent regional alliances focused on training for farmers, farm workers, interns and apprentices. CRAFT expands training beyond the individual farm by bringing farmers and farm workers together at educational on-farm events within their regional collaborative to meet colleagues and learn new skills.
Resources for Farmers:
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A Regional, Farmer-Driven Approach to Labor Issues: Vital Communities SARE Project Description & Project Report
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Legal guidelines for on-farm labor and learning: Tufts SARE Project Description & Project Report
Thank You, Sponsors!
