Join the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH) at Brookford Farm for an evening dedicated to community, connection, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing!
As the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) comes to a close, we are gathering at Brookford Farm to highlight the success of organic agriculture across New Hampshire. While organic farm numbers have declined nationally and statewide supports for organic have dwindled, local farmer-to-farmer mentorship through TOPP has proven that collaborative knowledge sharing builds real, lasting resilience.
This educational event is designed to highlight successful approaches to organic transition. The program features keynote speaker Scott Chaskey—author, poet, and pioneer organic farmer—who will reflect on lessons learned throughout his career and share excerpts from his book, Soil and Spirit: Cultivation and Kinship in the Web of Life. TOPP farmer mentors and mentees will also share key strategies and practical insights for supporting and growing organic farming across the state. This event is open to the public, especially farmers, gardeners and people who care about eating and supporting organic food and community.
Schedule & Event Highlights
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Arrival & Potluck Mingling
Arrive early, grab a plate, and settle in with local growers, community members, and agricultural partners. Scott Chaskey book signing, farm social, and informal networking.
4:30 PM | Welcome & Program Opening
Opening remarks from NOFA-NH Executive Director Julie Davenson and welcoming words from our hosts at Brookford Farm.
4:35 PM | TOPP Lessons Learned & Bright Spot Methodology
Julie Davenson and Teresa Downey present key insights from TOPP, using Bright Spots in NH methods to showcase how targeted mentorship drives success despite broader regional challenges. (This work will form the basis of an upcoming issue brief on organic transition strategies!)
4:45 PM | Farmer Mentor & Mentee "Bright Spot" Stories (case studies)
Listen to stories from three TOPP mentor–mentee pairs representing diverse agricultural enterprises (such as livestock, vegetable, and processed products). They will share practical agronomic shifts and lessons learned during transitions.
5:15 PM | Keynote Address & Book Reading
Introduced by NOFA NH Board President James Stever, featured keynote speaker, organic farmer, and author Scott Chaskey will speak and read from his book and share reflections summarizing a lifetime of farming experience and the importance of cultivating strong farmer networks.
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM | Looking Ahead & Open Q&A
An interactive community discussion on "What's Next?" and how to maintain peer support and momentum for transitioning farms as grant funding wraps up.
Acknowledgments & Resource Table
Scott Chaskey Books: Available for purchase and signing at the registration table.
Special Thanks: Brookford Farm, our TOPP mentors and mentees, the Department of Agriculture, NH Food Alliance, federal partners, and all supporters of local organic agriculture.