Newsletter
Welcome to the NOFA/Mass newsletter series
Each week we publish original articles on the topics we care about most.
Read about the latest policy issues affecting Massachusetts farmers and consumers in our “Policy and Advocacy” newsletter, get insider farming and gardening tips from expert growers in our “Be a Better Grower” newsletter, learn to do it yourself, from food preservation to building fences, in our “Practical Skills for a Changing Climate” newsletter and see how our community is working to improve the food system in our “Food Justice” newsletter.
We are currently seeking sponsors for our newsletter series.
2025 April
Designing a Permaculture Lawn
Liz Hamm2025-05-09T20:52:50-04:00May 9th, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2025, Be a Better Grower, gardening, Homesteading, Landcare, Permaculture|
Designing a Permaculture Lawn Discover how to transform your Massachusetts lawn into a sustainable, permaculture paradise with this guide tailored for organic farmers and home gardeners. Learn to map zones, choose hardy plants, [...]
Crop Diversification: A Heartfelt Guide for Organic Farmers
Liz Hamm2025-04-23T21:12:52-04:00April 23rd, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2025, Farming, Practical Self Sufficiency|
Practical Skills for a Changing Climate Hey, Guess What: Today you will learn how crop diversification—a time-tested strategy using polyculture, heirloom seeds, and rotations—can increase your farm’s resilience while nurturing the soil. The Real Talk: It is [...]
2025 March
Tapley Youth Growers @ Our Winter Conference
Liz Hamm2025-04-23T19:37:47-04:00April 23rd, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Access, Food Justice, gardening, March 2025, Tapley, Urban Growing, Vegetables|
Food Justice Newsletter The Youth Agricultural Scientists share heartwarming stories and lessons from the Tapley Garden, reflecting on community, growth, and the joy of gardening at the NOFA/Mass Winter Conference in February. By [...]
Human Urine As a Fertilizer
Liz Hamm2025-04-22T21:54:33-04:00April 3rd, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Farming, March 2025, Organic Farming|
Hey, Guess What: You will learn how something as simple as human urine—an old-time fertilizer complete with good nutrients—is making crops happier and helping our planet. The Real Talk: It is not all easy—there are some tricky [...]
Climate-Smart Limbo: Farmers Face Funding Uncertainty
Liz Hamm2025-04-02T19:07:17-04:00April 2nd, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Climate Smart, Farmers, March 2025, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Policy & Advocacy Newsletter Learn how the Trump administration's funding freeze disrupts the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, leaving NOFA/Mass and organic farmers in flux. By Najee Quashie Reporting from Massachusetts Funding Freeze [...]
2025 February
Worms at Work: Your Guide to Indoor Composting 🪱
Liz Hamm2025-03-28T21:52:54-04:00March 28th, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: compost, Farming, February 2025, gardening, Practical Self Sufficiency, Soil Health|
Practical Skills for a Changing Climate Transform your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich black gold with this beginner-friendly guide to indoor worm composting, packed with expert tips to reduce waste and boost your plants—straight [...]
Honoring Black Farmers: A Black History Month Celebration 👨🏿🌾
Liz Hamm2025-03-17T16:53:13-04:00March 17th, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farmers, February 2025, Food Access, Food Justice|
Food Justice Newsletter This month, we celebrate the rich history, resilience, and stories of excellence amongst Black farmers. By Najee Quashie Reporting from Massachusetts Slavery As the Driver of Agricultural & Economic [...]
How Technology is Helping—Not Replacing—Organic Farmers
Liz Hamm2025-03-17T14:30:32-04:00March 17th, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Farming, February 2025, Organic Farming|
How Technology is Helping—Not Replacing—Organic Farmers Learn how modern technology, like smart soil sensors, artificial intelligence-powered pest detection, and wearable devices for farmworker health, enhances organic farming practices. These innovations help farmers boost [...]
What the Bird Flu Outbreak Means for You
NOFA Mass2025-03-11T21:46:20-04:00March 11th, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farming, February 2025, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, Raw Milk|
Policy & Advocacy Newsletter By Najee Quashie Reporting from Massachusetts Learn how the latest bird flu outbreak impacts poultry, dairy, and raw milk safety and what steps you can take to protect yourself. [...]
2025 January
The Trump Administration’s Plan for Farmers
NOFA Mass2025-03-17T16:04:50-04:00February 4th, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farming, January 2025, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Policy & Advocacy Newsletter By: Najee Quashie Reporting from Massachusetts As Donald Trump takes office on January 20th, we examine his proposed policies for farmers, their impact on agriculture, and how [...]
Perfectly Roasted Vegetables: Grow Your Own—Organically!
NOFA Mass2025-03-11T21:51:27-04:00February 4th, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Health and Nutrition, January 2025, Vegetables|
Be a Better Grower Newsletter As winter sets in, enjoy perfectly roasted vegetables grown organically. Whether from your garden or local farms, this guide helps you grow, store, and roast sustainably. By Najee [...]
How the America First Agenda Undermines DEI Initiatives
NOFA Mass2025-03-11T21:51:15-04:00February 4th, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Access, Food Justice, January 2025|
Food Justice Newsletter The America First agenda under President Trump has reignited debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, with critics arguing they undermine meritocracy and supporters emphasizing their importance in addressing [...]
How to Make Sauerkraut and Kimchi at Home
NOFA Mass2025-03-11T21:51:01-04:00February 4th, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Fermentation, Health and Nutrition, January 2025, Practical Self Sufficiency|
Practical Skills for a Changing Climate Fermentation has come full circle: from an age-old method of food preservation, it has emerged as a pathway to sustainability, cultural heritage, and food sovereignty. Beyond adding [...]
2024 December
Winter Treats with Local Ingredients
NOFA Mass2025-03-11T21:54:37-04:00January 3rd, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: December 2024, Food Access, Food Justice, Health and Nutrition|
Food Justice Newsletter Happy Holidays from the NOFA/Mass family! Reflecting on 2024, we celebrate the resilience and dedication of organic farmers and the agricultural community. This year, we’ve seen growth in sustainable farming [...]
Adapting Crops to Extreme Weather
NOFA Mass2025-03-11T21:54:17-04:00January 2nd, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: December 2024, Practical Self Sufficiency|
Practical Skills for a Changing Climate By: Donnie Weiss Donnie Weiss, a volunteer with NOFA/Mass, looks at how climate change affects global food systems. He explains the dangers of growing just one crop [...]
Massachusetts Winter Market Trends for Growers
NOFA Mass2025-03-11T21:53:54-04:00January 2nd, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, December 2024|
Massachusetts Winter Market Trends for Growers By: Najee Quashie As winter sets in across Massachusetts, the state’s agricultural landscape continues to evolve, with shifting consumer preferences creating challenges and opportunities for local growers. [...]
Will Congress Pass the Farm Bill Before 2025?
NOFA Mass2025-03-11T21:53:41-04:00January 1st, 2025|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: December 2024, Farm Bill, Policy & Advocacy|
Policy & Advocacy Newsletter Najee Quashie, Interim Communications Director & Project Manager at NOFA/Mass, discusses the need for Congressional action on the Farm Bill before the year is up. Happy Holidays from [...]
2024 November
Meet Max: BIPOC Farm Owner
NOFA Mass2024-12-02T19:22:35-05:00December 2nd, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farming, Food Access, Food Justice, Health and Nutrition, November 2024, Vegetables|
Food Justice Newsletter Najee Quashie, Project Manager at NOFA/Mass, interviews Max Traunstein, co-owner of Kitchen Garden Farm. Max shares his journey from entry-level worker to co-owner, discussing the challenges and triumphs of farming as a [...]
Turn Thanksgiving Scraps Into Indoor Compost Gold
NOFA Mass2024-12-02T16:31:33-05:00December 2nd, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Composting, Farming, Homesteading, November 2024, Practical Self Sufficiency|
Practical Skills for a Changing Climate Thanksgiving brings family, feasting, and—inevitably—leftovers. But did you know that many kitchen scraps can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost for indoor plants or gardens? Even if you [...]
Mr. Pumpkins Bedtime Story 🥧
NOFA Mass2024-12-02T15:57:38-05:00December 2nd, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Health and Nutrition, Homesteading, November 2024|
Be a Better Grower Once upon a time, a baker named Najee Quashie took a tiny pumpkin and, with gentle care, turned it into a warm, spiced puree while a buttery crust chilled, waiting for [...]
2024 October
Grants for Farmers 🤑
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:49:03-05:00October 8th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farm Business, Farmers, Grants, October 2024, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Policy & Advocacy In this Policy & Advocacy newsletter edition, we dive into valuable grant opportunities designed to support and enhance your farming endeavors! Don't miss out on discovering funding that could transform your agricultural [...]
Día de los muertos and the Significance of Cempasúchil (in Nahuatl), also known as Marigolds
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:48:06-05:00November 1st, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: October 2024|
Hello everyone, my name is Ulum Pixan and I am the former Education Director and now the Equity and Inclusion Director of NOFA Mass. I am a farmer and also a Curandera. I feel [...]
Grow Fresh Microgreens Indoors in Seven Simple Steps
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:47:40-05:00November 4th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farmers, Health and Nutrition, Homesteading, October 2024, Practical Self Sufficiency, Vegetables|
Practical Skills for a Changing Climate In this edition of the Practical Skills for a Changing Climate newsletter, our volunteer, Donnie Weisse, teaches you how to grow microgreens indoors. By: Donnie Weisse Microgreens [...]
Central High’s Young Scientists Learn Soil Health 🧑🏽🌾
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:47:17-05:00November 4th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Access, Food Justice, October 2024, Soil Health, Urban Gardening, Urban Growing|
Food Justice Newsletter In this edition of the Food Justice newsletter, we look at the collaboration between the NOFA/Mass Food Access team and the students attending Central High School's 9th and 10th-grade science [...]
Julie & Anna On the Transition to Organic Partnership Program
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:47:04-05:00November 5th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Farming, October 2024, Organic Certification, Organic Farming, Soil Health, topp|
Julie & Anna On the Transition to Organic Partnership Program In this spooky edition of the Be a Better Grower newsletter, Najee interviews Julie Rawson (mentor) and Anna Kelchlin (mentee) on their experience with the [...]
2024 September
Aerial Spraying
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:56:02-05:00September 9th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: MAPN, Pesticides, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, September 2024, Statehouse Update|
As of late August, Massachusetts health officials reported two cases of the eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, with similar numbers in other New England states. While rare, there is no vaccine for it, and those who contract it [...]
Soil Microbes: Vital for Soil Health & Environmental Sustainability 🦠
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:51:15-05:00September 30th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Beginning Farmers Programming, Farming, microbes, September 2024, Soil Health|
Be a Better Grower Newsletter In this edition of the Be a Better Grower newsletter, we explore the critical role of soil microbes in maintaining soil health, promoting plant growth, and supporting environmental [...]
DIY Natural Biocontrol: Garlic, Hot Peppers, and Alcohol for Pest Management ♻️
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:50:19-05:00September 30th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Biocontrol, DIY, Farmers, Practical Self Sufficiency, September 2024|
Practical Skills for a Changing Climate In this edition of the Practical Skills for a Changing Climate newsletter, we teach you how to create an all-natural pest spray with garlic, hot peppers, [...]
Sofrito & Family: Coming Together at Christina’s House 👩🏾🍳
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:49:24-05:00October 3rd, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farming, Food Access, Food Justice, gardening, Health and Nutrition, September 2024|
Food Justice Newsletter In this edition of the Food Justice newsletter, we unite through sofrito-making and storytelling. Fall is here, the leaves are changing, and students are back in school. Meanwhile, community members [...]
2024 August
How and Why to Save Seeds
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:58:40-05:00August 30th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: August 2024, Homesteading, Practical Self Sufficiency, Seed Saving, Vegetables|
In this edition of Practical Skills for a Changing Climate, we share how-tos on saving seeds from your garden. This practice supports an independent and local food system and allows one to enjoy delicious, home-grown fruits [...]
Tapley Youth Cultivate Food Security Through Soil
NOFA Mass2024-11-18T19:56:50-05:00September 9th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: August 2024, Food Access, Food Justice, microBIOMETER, Soil Health, Tapley Garden|
By: Shanyah Taylor & Anna Gilbert-Muhammed For the Tapley Garden Youth Agricultural Scientists, this summer was filled with learning, growing (both in knowledge and pounds of food), and working with the community. In [...]
5 Trees & Shrubs to Add to Your Crop Plan
Liz Hamm2024-08-14T14:16:47-04:00August 14th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Agroforestry, August 2024, Be a Better Grower, Big River Chestnuts, Farming, Regenerative Design Group|
This edition of Be a Better Grower discusses ways to build climate resilience into a farm or garden through agroforestry. We’re excited to share advice from the Regenerative Design Group, a farming and landscape design [...]
Summer updates from the statehouse
Liz Hamm2024-08-05T13:52:34-04:00August 5th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: August 2024, MAPN, Mass Pollinator Network, Pesticides, PFAS, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, Statehouse Update|
In this edition of the Policy newsletter, we share updates from the most recent meeting of the Agriculture in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century Commission, and track our priority bills in the state [...]
2024 July
A different kind of potato farming?
Liz Hamm2024-07-18T17:49:39-04:00July 18th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Farming, July 2024, microbes, Soil Health|
By: Rubén Parrilla, Education & Technical Assistance Director Potatoes are an extremely versatile food – they’re delicious fried, mashed, roasted, boiled, even soaked in water with leaf mold for 48 hours! Ok, sure [...]
Make summer last longer with these preservation recipes
Liz Hamm2024-07-16T19:41:51-04:00July 16th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: gardening, Health and Nutrition, Homesteading, July 2024, Practical Self Sufficiency|
In this edition of Practical Skills for a Changing Climate, we’re sharing some of our favorite recipes for preserving the bounty of summer harvests for months - or years! - to come. Bring the [...]
How NOFA rates the 2024 Farm Bill
Liz Hamm2024-07-15T12:37:16-04:00July 15th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farmers, Farming, July 2024, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, The Farm Bill|
While farmers and gardeners have been busy tending their crops and livestock this season, Congress has been busy working on the next farm bill. Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a farm bill framework from the Senate [...]
2024 June
Youth Teaching Youth: Tapley Youth Agricultural Scientists Work with Sullivan
Liz Hamm2024-06-28T12:28:48-04:00June 28th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Access, Food Justice, gardening, June 2024, Tapley Garden, Urban Gardening|
By: Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, Food Access Director As the summer approaches and school comes to an end, the youth from Tapley Garden found time in the last few weeks to bond with the Garden [...]
Plant your winter gardens now!
Liz Hamm2024-06-28T12:12:09-04:00June 28th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Farmers, Farming, gardening, Health and Nutrition, Homesteading, June 2024, Landcare|
Planning your fall garden starts now! Having a bountiful fall harvest isn’t hard, but it does require planning that begins right now. In this edition of Be a Better Grower, Richard Robinson of Hopestill Farm [...]
What is “Climate-Smart” Agriculture?
Liz Hamm2024-06-26T21:11:12-04:00June 26th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Climate Smart, June 2024, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
In this edition of the Policy newsletter, we break down the USDA's "Climate-Smart Agriculture" program, and explain how NOFA/Mass is involved. The Climate-Smart Commodities Program came in response to President Biden’s January 2021 [...]
2024 May
Why Richard, Anna, and Julie Signed up for Organic Mentoring
Liz Hamm2024-06-10T19:01:59-04:00June 10th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farmers, Farming, May 2024, Organic Certification, Organic Farming, topp|
By: Annie Sholar Are you interested in learning more about organic certification, but feel intimidated by the process? Or, do you have experience as an organic producer, and want to share what you’ve learned about certified organic [...]
Food Justice News
Liz Hamm2024-05-24T22:01:53-04:00May 24th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: AgriOrganics, CSA, Farmshare Program, Food Access, Food Justice, May 2024|
By: Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, Food Access Director Information & events for a more just food system in Massachusetts & beyond. In this edition of the Food Justice newsletter, we profile one of the farms [...]
Why You Should Use Compost Tea this Spring
Liz Hamm2024-05-24T20:01:56-04:00May 24th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Compost Tea, Farmers, Farming, Landcare, May 2024, microbes, Soil Health|
By: Rubén Parrilla, Education & Technical Assistance Director In this edition of Be a Better Grower, we’re talking about compost tea & why you should add it to your growing plan this year! It’s no secret that here [...]
Pollinator-friendly plants for your containers and gardens
Liz Hamm2024-05-17T13:05:44-04:00May 17th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: gardening, Landcare, MAPN, May 2024, Pollinators, Practical Self Sufficiency|
By Annie Sholar Information, tips and tricks for growers and eaters working to feed themselves and their communities. We’re renaming our Practical Self-Sufficiency newsletter. We’ll still be bringing you the same helpful, practical tips [...]
Inside the Statehouse: Ag Days 2024
Liz Hamm2024-05-11T18:15:59-04:00May 11th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Ag Day, Farming, Mass Pollinator Network, May 2024, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
by Annie Sholar Early last month, NOFA/Mass had the opportunity to spend a day inside the Statehouse, connecting with legislators and staff about bills and issues facing organic farmers and growers throughout the state. [...]
2024 April
Food Access in Action: What’s new at the Tapley Gardens in 2024
Liz Hamm2024-05-11T17:24:43-04:00May 11th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2024, CSA, Farming, Food Access, Food Justice, gardening, Soil Health, Tapley Garden, Urban Gardening|
by Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammed The first few weeks of spring bring some showers, changes in temperatures (going upward, thankfully!) and activity in the gardens. For NOFA/Mass’s Food Access Team, that means community gardens are [...]
Action Alert: Prevent Congress from making a huge mistake in The Farm Bill
Liz Hamm2024-04-24T16:08:49-04:00April 24th, 2024|Categories: Action Alert, Newsletters|Tags: April 2024, Policy & Advocacy, The Farm Bill|
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, of which NOFA/Mass is a coalition member, is holding its “Farm Bill For All Farmers Week of Action: Conservation Not Consolidation.” We are urging all of our members to join [...]
Tips from 10 Years of Garlic Research
Liz Hamm2024-04-24T15:33:39-04:00April 24th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2024, Be a Better Grower, Farming, Garlic|
In this edition of Be a Better Grower, we’re excited to present an article that first appeared in the Fall 2023 edition of the Natural Farmer, where Crystal Stewart Courtens presented a detailed, two-part overview of [...]
How & Why to Host a Seed Swap this Spring
Liz Hamm2024-04-16T23:08:42-04:00April 16th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2024, Farming, Practical Self Sufficiency, Seedling Sale|
Did you know that well over half of all seeds sold globally are controlled by just four companies? And consolidation in the seed industry is only getting worse. This infographic shows how seed companies have [...]
NOFA/Mass’s Beginning Farmer Programs
Liz Hamm2024-04-16T22:14:45-04:00April 16th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2024, Beginning Farmers Programming, Farming, Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust, Policy & Advocacy, Soil Health|
By: Sara Riegler and Annie Sholar In this edition of the NOFA/Mass Policy & Advocacy Newsletter, we take a look at how the USDA's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) supports new farmers [...]
2024 March
Revisiting the History of Agricultural Education
Liz Hamm2024-04-05T20:56:23-04:00April 5th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Agricultural Education, Cooperative, Farming, Food Access, Food Justice, March 2024|
By: Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, NOFA/Mass Food Equity Director Thomas Monroe Campbell: Cooperative Extension Innovator The Cooperative Extension System, as we know it today, had its beginnings at Tuskegee University in Alabama. The Cooperative [...]
4 Common Mistakes by 1st Time Organic Growers
NOFA Mass2024-03-29T12:37:17-04:00March 29th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Farm Business, Farming, Landcare, March 2024, Soil Health|
by Laura Davis and Annie Sholar In this edition of Be a Better Grower, Laura Davis, NOFA/Mass Certification Technical Assistance Provider, shares the four most common mistakes that she sees new organic farmers [...]
A preview from our 2024 NOFA Symposium speaker
Liz Hamm2024-03-28T14:30:59-04:00March 28th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farmers, Farming, gardening, Homesteading, March 2024, Practical Self Sufficiency, Seeds of Solidarity|
By: Annie Sholar On March 29th and 30th, the NOFA Virtual Symposium will bring together featured keynote speakers from across the Northeast to talk about important topics in agriculture and our food system. Find the schedule, [...]
A look at Healthy Soils policy wins since 2018
Liz Hamm2024-03-19T17:21:51-04:00March 19th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: March 2024, National Healthy Soils Policy Network, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, Soil Health|
By: Renée Scott In this edition of NOFA/Mass Policy News, we’re thrilled to share the National Healthy Soils Policy Network’s 5 Year Impact Report! The National Healthy Soils Policy Network is a farmer-forward community of grassroots [...]
2024 February
Getting Started with Soil Blocks
Liz Hamm2024-02-28T10:20:36-05:00February 28th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Farmers, Farming, February 2024, gardening|
By: Richard Robinson In this month’s Be a Better Grower newsletter, Richard Robinson, NOFA/Mass Board Member and farmer at Hopestill Farm, shares tips for making the switch to soil blocks, and shares his homemade [...]
Tools of the Trade
Liz Hamm2024-02-26T13:13:04-05:00February 26th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farmers, Farming, February 2024, Practical Self Sufficiency, Tools|
By: David Durstewitz and Annie Sholar As we move closer and closer to the start of Spring, it’s a great time to start thinking about the tools you’ll be using this growing season! [...]
The latest on NOFA/Mass’s priority bills
Liz Hamm2024-02-15T23:21:30-05:00February 15th, 2024|Categories: Mass Pollinators, Newsletters|Tags: February 2024, Policy & Advocacy|
By Renée Scott, Mass Pollinator Network Coordinator February 7th, was the last day for bills to be moved through committees for the 2023/2024 legislative session. We’re proud to share that two of our priority bills [...]
See How Youth are Leading the Way for Food Justice in MA
Liz Hamm2024-02-14T21:09:10-05:00February 14th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: February 2024, Food Access, Food Justice, Winter Conference|
Youth Leadership on Display at the 2024 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference By: Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, NOFA/Mass Food Equity Director The 2024 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference, held earlier in January, was organized around the theme of Building Community [...]
2024 January
Be A Better Grower with NOFA/Mass’s Annual Bulk Order
Liz Hamm2024-01-29T18:24:16-05:00January 29th, 2024|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Bulk Order, Farming, January 2024|
By Rubén Parrilla In this month’s Be a Better Grower newsletter, our Soil Health Team walks you through the benefits of one of their favorite products in the 2024 Tri-State Bulk Order. The Bulk Order is open now through January 31st, [...]
2023 December
Mass. Pollinator Network Call to Action on Pesticides Reform
Liz Hamm2024-01-16T16:26:07-05:00January 16th, 2024|Categories: Action Alert, Mass Pollinators, Newsletters|Tags: December 2023, MAPN, Mass Pollinator Network, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, Renee Scott|
By Renée Scott, Massachusetts Pollinator Network Coordinator Use this form to send a quick message to your legislators Use the link above to send a quick message to your legislator asking them to [...]
Register for the NOFA/Mass Winter Conference and Celebrate our BIPOC Presenters!
Liz Hamm2023-12-27T17:09:17-05:00December 27th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: December 2023, Winter Conference|
More Information & Registration Let's grow our perspectives, cultivate our knowledge and flourish in all our diversity at the NOFA/Mass Winter Conference's BIPOC-led Workshops! Celebrate our power with our diverse perspectives [...]
Member News
Liz Hamm2023-12-27T15:20:06-05:00December 27th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: December 2023, Member News|
2023 has been a year of growth, major milestones, and new programming at NOFA/Mass, supported by huge strides in our internal systems, impactful increases in funding, expanded networking through regional partnerships, and a remarkable [...]
2023 November
Special sneak-peek of some NOFA/Mass Winter Conference Presenters!
Liz Hamm2023-12-01T20:49:05-05:00December 1st, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: November 2023, Winter Conference|
More Information & Registration As we reflect on what we're thankful for this year, NOFA/Mass is thankful for all of you who support our conferences and make our work possible! In [...]
Action Alert
Liz Hamm2023-12-01T19:36:22-05:00December 1st, 2023|Categories: Action Alert, Mass Pollinators|Tags: Action Alert, MAPN, Massachusetts Pollinators Network, November 2023, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Special Policy Alert Take Action Now! The Mass. State legislature is considering several bills which would move our Commonwealth away from reliance on toxic biocides (life-killing chemicals) like glyphosate and toward [...]
Nurturing a Vision of Sustainable Agriculture with Mushroom Substrate
Liz Hamm2023-12-01T11:14:58-05:00December 1st, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, November 2023, Ruben Parilla, Soil Health|
By: Ruben Parrilla, NOFA/Mass Education and Technical Assistance Director Welcome to the latest edition of the Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass) Be a Better Grower newsletter. Established in 1982, NOFA/Mass [...]
Action Alert
Liz Hamm2023-11-29T16:35:54-05:00November 29th, 2023|Categories: Action Alert, Mass Pollinators|Tags: Action Alert, MAPN, Massachusetts Pollinators Network, November 2023, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Special Policy Alert Sharing this important message and action from our friends at the Association to Preserve Cape Cod. *** Say NO to Taking Away State & Local Authority to Restrict Pesticides! [...]
Updates from the 21st Century Ag Commission, NOSB Meeting, Film Premiere Event, and more!
Liz Hamm2023-11-14T23:34:57-05:00November 14th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: 21st Century Ag Commission, Animal Welfare, Annie Sholar, Common Ground Film, Hannah McDonald, John Duke, National Organic Standards Board Meeting, November 2023, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, Ruben Parrilla|
21st Century Ag Commission Update By NOFA/Mass Board Member John Duke Earlier this year, NOFA/Mass was invited to appoint a representative to the Special Commission on Agriculture in the Commonwealth in the [...]
2023 October
State and Federal Efforts on Pesticides and Pollinators Continue
Liz Hamm2023-10-20T13:36:01-04:00October 13th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Advocacy, Dago Driggs, Farming, Jim McGovern, Legislation, Mike Rice, National Organic Coalition, October 2023, Pesticides, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, Pollinators, Soil Health|
By Mike Rice, NOFA/Mass Interim Policy Director & Dago Driggs, NOFA/Mass Senior Policy Advisor Note: Deadline Extended in Search for Next NOFA/Mass Policy Director Please help us find the [...]
Farm Share Events and Family Gatherings: Highlights of the First Year of the Farm Share Program
Liz Hamm2023-10-20T12:55:08-04:00October 20th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Beth Ward, Finca Luna Buho, Food Access, Food Justice, Health and Nutrition, Homesteading, October 2023, Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, Urban Growing, Vegetables, Woven Roots|
By: Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, NOFA/Mass Food Equity Director As Fall approaches, gardens begin to slow down. NOFA/Mass’s Farm Share Program is reflecting on the community building efforts and work of the Farm Share [...]
Build Your Organic Veggie Vault: Expert Insights for Vegetable Storage
Liz Hamm2023-10-13T14:12:58-04:00October 13th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Farming, gardening, Homesteading, October 2023, Pam Dawling, Paul Figueroa, Sustainable Market Farming, Twin Oaks Community|
Build Your Organic Veggie Vault: Exclusive Insights for Fall and Winter Storage for Your Garden Harvest: An Interview with Pam Dawling By: Paul Figueroa, NOFA/Mass Communications Director Pam Dawling has [...]
2023 September
Soil Health, Food Security and Youth Empowerment: A Different Way of Conservation
Liz Hamm2023-09-29T10:01:06-04:00September 29th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farmers, Farming, Food Access, Food Justice, Landcare, September 2023, Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, Soil Health, Tapley Garden|
By: Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, NOFA/Mass Food Equity Director The end of July going into August always brings the excitement of the garden harvest. For the youth of Tapley Garden, the harvest is larger [...]
A Farm, a Compaction Study and a Fist Full of Soil
Liz Hamm2023-09-22T12:07:46-04:00September 22nd, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Farmers, Farming, Just Roots, Landcare, Meryl LaTronica, Practical Self Sufficiency, September 2023, Soil Health|
By: Meryl LaTronica, Farmer at Just Roots In my farm fantasy, I am the kind of farmer who can walk over to a freshly prepared field and plunge my arm into the soil, [...]
Got Garlic? Six Fall Tips for Planting Garlic
Liz Hamm2023-09-18T13:31:23-04:00September 18th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Farmers, Farming, Richard Robinson, September 2023, Vegetables|
By : Richard Robinson Fall is the right time to plant garlic. Like other bulbs, the goal is to have the plant establish strong roots with little to no top growth before winter sets [...]
Action Alert
Liz Hamm2023-09-18T12:58:06-04:00September 18th, 2023|Categories: Action Alert, Mass Pollinators|Tags: Action Alert, MAPN, Massachusetts Pollinators Network, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, September 2023|
Special Policy Alert Dear friend, First, I want to share some good news: the Environment and Natural Resources Committee reported bill H.825/S.487 "An Act Relative to Pesticides" favorably to the House Ways and [...]
News from the NOFA/Mass Policy Department
Liz Hamm2023-09-11T22:50:12-04:00September 7th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Advocacy, Dago Driggs, Farming, Food Justice, Jim McGovern, Laura Davis, Long Life Farm, Mike Rice, Policy, Policy & Advocacy, September 2023, Soil Health, The Farm Bill|
By Mike Rice, NOFA/Mass Interim Policy Director & Dago Driggs, NOFA/Mass Senior Policy Advisor Hi friends. You might have seen the job posting for a new Policy Director and have questions about what I'm [...]
2023 August
Transform Your Lawn: Advice for Creating Beautiful Native Plant Meadows: An Interview with Owen Wormser
Liz Hamm2023-09-07T22:39:06-04:00September 5th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: 2023 Summer Conferene, August 2023, Be a Better Grower, Owen Wormser, Paul Figueroa|
By: Paul Figueroa, Communications Director at NOFA/Mass Owen Wormser is the principal at Abound Design, which provides design and installation services with a focus on creating sustainability, regeneration, and beauty. Owen has [...]
Cracking Up Over Agroforestry at the Holyoke Farmer’s Market: A Special Edition Newsletter
Liz Hamm2023-08-29T16:03:51-04:00August 29th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Agroforestry, August 2023, Ed Events|
By: Hannah McDonald, NOFA/Mass Education Events Coordinator On a warm sunny Saturday in August, Gregory from Forestopia and I made our way to the Holyoke Farmers Market as a part of a series of events [...]
Food Access Minute – Update from The Farm Share Program
Liz Hamm2023-08-29T15:29:36-04:00August 2nd, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: August 2023, farm share, Food Access, Food Justice, Health and Nutrition|
By: Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, NOFA/Mass Food Equity Director NOFA/Mass’s Farm Share program, going into its fourth week, is reaching families across the state. From the Berkshires (Finca Luna Buho) to Boston (The Dorchester Coop, the [...]
Farm Share Program Highlight: Working Cheerfully with the Indian Orchard Citizen’s Council
Liz Hamm2023-08-29T15:20:53-04:00August 29th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: August 2023, Food Access, Food Justice, Sister Anna|
By : Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, NOFA/Mass Food Equity Director Orchard Citizen’s Council sets up the multi-purpose room at the Indian Orchard Citizen’s Council. The setup is to receive farm fresh produce delivered every week [...]
Harvesting Beauty and Flavor: Expert Tips for Cultivating Delicious Edible Landscapes: An Interview with Dani Baker
Liz Hamm2023-08-17T18:37:03-04:00August 17th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: August 2023, Practical Self Sufficiency|
By: Paul Figueroa, Communications Director at NOFA/Mass Author and farmer Dani Baker presented a workshop at NOFA’s Summer Conference in Worcester titled “Native Perennial Food Plants for Your Edible Landscape”. NOFA/Mass’s Communications Director, [...]
2023 July
Questions about Organic Certification? The NOFA Summer Conference has some answers!
Liz Hamm2023-09-15T21:18:22-04:00September 15th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Hannah McDonald, July 2023, Organic Certification, Organic Farming, Paul Figueroa, Summer Conference, topp|
By: Paul Figueroa & Hannah McDonald This month’s newsletter features Hannah McDonald, Regenerative Food System Coordinator here at NOFA/Mass’s Technical Assistance Program where we discuss ways NOFA/Mass can support farmers looking to become [...]
2023 March
Can Mushroom Production Help Your Soil and Vegetable Production?
NOFA Mass2025-03-17T12:42:03-04:00March 9th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Fungi, March 2023, Mushrooms, Soil Health, USDA|
Can Mushroom Production Help Your Soil and Vegetable Production? By: Christine Manuck, NOFA/Mass Assistant Development Director Ruben and Brittany Overshiner of Upswing Farm mix together the SMS and compost amendment piles [...]
Healthy Soils Action Plan Released – Farm Bill for the Climate!
Marty Dagoberto2023-08-02T11:56:54-04:00March 3rd, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Climate, March 2023, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Healthy Soils Action Plan Released ☀ Farm Bill for the Climate! RELEASED - An Action Plan for Healthy Soils In Mass. - Now let’s fund it! By Marty Dagoberto Driggs, NOFA/Mass Policy Director [...]
2023 February
Homemade Baby Food and Smoothie Tips for Treats the Whole Family Can Enjoy
NOFA Mass2023-08-02T11:54:42-04:00February 17th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: February 2023, Practical Self Sufficiency|
Homemade Baby Food and Smoothie Tips for Treats the Whole Family Can Enjoy By: Lisa Gilardi, NOFA/Mass Graphic Designer I had a baby 14 months ago, and after following guidelines for how to [...]
The Real History of the CSA – Part II: Wisdom from Dr. Booker T. Whatley
NOFA Mass2023-08-02T11:52:38-04:00February 24th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: February 2023|
The Real History of the CSA – Part II: Wisdom From Dr. Booker T. Whatley By: Anna Gilbert-Muhammed, NOFA/Mass Food Equity Director Dr. Booker T. Whatley was named “The Guru” by many farmers [...]
Action Continues, Climate Farmer Rally and Soil Symposium
NOFA Mass2023-02-27T18:24:19-05:00February 3rd, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: February 2023, Food Justice, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Action Continues, Climate Farmer Rally and Soil Symposium By: Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director In this issue: Keep emailing legislators for pesticide reform bills Are you on the bus?... Rally for Resilience in [...]
NOFA/Mass Seedling and Soil Health Services Offer Healthy Solutions for all Growers
NOFA Mass2023-02-14T09:20:53-05:00February 14th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: February 2023|
NOFA/Mass Seedling and Soil Health Services Offer Healthy Solutions for all Growers By: Laura Davis, NOFA/Mass Soil Health Technical Advisor & Certification Coordinator Seedling Sales Now Open for Growers Are you mesmerized by [...]
2023 January
New Opportunities for Progress
NOFA Mass2023-02-27T17:47:53-05:00January 5th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: January 2023, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
New Year, New Governor, New Session, New Opportunities for Progress By: Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director Happy 2023! With a new legislative session started two days ago and our new Governor Maura Healey [...]
A Brief History of the CSA
NOFA Mass2023-01-31T11:48:21-05:00January 31st, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Justice, January 2023|
Where Did the CSA Start? A Brief History of the CSA By: Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad, NOFA/Mass Food Access Director Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has drastically increased over the last few years, with the [...]
2023 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference Offered a Vision for a More Cooperative Future
NOFA Mass2023-01-23T11:18:24-05:00January 23rd, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Bulk Order, January 2023, Practical Self Sufficiency|
2023 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference Offered a Vision for a More Cooperative Future By: Paul Figueroa, NOFA/Mass Communications Director NOFA/Mass celebrated its 36th Annual Winter Conference last weekend. This year’s conference, titled “Cooperative Foodways: [...]
Bulk Order Has Something for Every Grower
NOFA Mass2023-01-12T10:52:28-05:00January 12th, 2023|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, Bulk Order, January 2023|
From Alfalfa Meal to Zeolites, the Bulk Order Has Something for Every Grower By: Richard Robinson, National Association of Science Writers I love the NOFA bulk order, both for its one-stop shopping convenience, [...]
2022 December
Kwanzaa – First Fruits
NOFA Mass2022-12-30T06:47:37-05:00December 30th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: December 2022, Food Justice|
By Anna Gilbert-Muhammad, NOFA/Mass Equity Co-Director Kwanzaa, a Swahili term derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza", is a week-long celebration that takes place during the last week of December each year (December 26th [...]
From Honey to Mead
NOFA Mass2022-12-22T10:11:30-05:00December 22nd, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: December 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
By Christy Bassett, NOFA/Mass Communications Director Making mead can be as simple or as complex as you'd like to make it. One of the oldest ways to preserve food is through fermentation. [...]
Your First Hoophouse: Design choices and building tips
NOFA Mass2022-12-16T12:34:45-05:00December 16th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, December 2022|
Photo courtesy Richard Robinson By Richard Robinson, Farmer at Hopestill Farm A hoophouse represents a major capital investment for the market gardener, and one that can pay for itself quickly and many [...]
Eco-Champion in the Corner Office
NOFA Mass2022-12-09T08:47:03-05:00December 9th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: December 2022, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Governor-Elect Maura Healey seeks input on her priorities By Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director As Attorney General, Maura Healey proved herself to be an ally of NOFA/Mass in our common endeavors to reduce the [...]
2022 November
Open Pantry and Tapley Garden Seasonal Wrap up and Updates
NOFA Mass2022-11-29T14:42:14-05:00November 30th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Justice, November 2022|
By Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad, NOFA/Mass Food Access Director Marc, a youth leader from Roca, shows off a large head of bok choy harvested from the Open Pantry Garden The 2022 growing season for [...]
Lard and Butter Pie Crust
NOFA Mass2022-11-28T15:35:20-05:00November 24th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: November 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
By Christy Bassett, Homesteader at Barefoot All Natural Farm Making a pie is a special occasion for me, since we don’t typically eat a lot of refined flour or sweets. But once in a [...]
How to Minimize Irrigation Even in the Hottest of Summers
NOFA Mass2022-11-09T15:45:57-05:00November 9th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, November 2022|
By Christine R. Nelson, NOFA/Mass Intern Photo credit: Many Hands Organic Farm The height of the 2022 growing season will be remembered for the undesirable combination of heat and drought, with all areas [...]
Vote Climate, Vote Justice
NOFA Mass2022-11-03T14:56:15-04:00November 3rd, 2022|Categories: Action Alert, Newsletters|Tags: November 2022, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
By Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director The following is an excerpt from our 2022 NOFA/Mass Climate Action Challenge educational content which is especially relevant as we approach election and voting day next week. To read [...]
2022 October
Bringing Together Farming Knowledge From Around the World with All Farmers
NOFA Mass2022-10-27T16:35:27-04:00October 27th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Justice, October 2022|
By Anna Gilbert-Muhammad, NOFA/Mass Food Access Director Farmers learn to assess the health of their soil using a variety of observation techniques. All Farmers, an organization that supports refugee and immigrant farmers [...]
Growing Vegetables in a Perennial Clover Living Mulch: Part 2
NOFA Mass2022-10-12T19:56:31-04:00October 12th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, October 2022|
Sawyer Farm's Tillage Reduction Journey By Lincoln Fishman, Farmer at Sawyer Farm Lincoln Fishman headed to the fields. Photo credit: Akos Szilvasi. In the spring of 2020, we decided to do a small [...]
The Future of Solar in Massachusetts
NOFA Mass2022-10-07T11:51:30-04:00October 7th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: October 2022, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Policy Update October 2022 Farmers (and everyone): please weigh in on the future of solar in Massachusetts, letter to the next Governor Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director Hopefully everyone reading this is aware that we [...]
2022 September
Growing Vegetables in a Perennial Clover Living Mulch: Part 1
NOFA Mass2022-10-12T19:58:24-04:00September 29th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, September 2022|
Sawyer Farm's Tillage Reduction Journey By Lincoln Fishman, Farmer at Sawyer Farm Lincoln Fishman at Sawyer Farm. Photo credit: Akos Szilvasi. Sawyer Farm is located in the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts. We've [...]
Soil Health and Herbal Medicine at Tapley Garden
NOFA Mass2022-09-22T14:42:26-04:00September 22nd, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Access, Food Justice, September 2022|
By Sis. Anna Muhammad, NOFA/Mass Food Access Director Left to right: Ruben Parrilla, Agnes Frias, Sis. Dora Miller, Sis. Anna Gilbert-Muhammad at Soil Health Day at Tapley Garden, August 30, 2022. In August [...]
Kombucha Brewing Part III: The Second Fermentation
NOFA Mass2022-09-16T14:22:52-04:00September 16th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Practical Self Sufficiency, September 2022|
By Ophelia Jackson, NOFA/Mass Intern Ingredients, left to right: ginger/kombucha puree, raspberry hibiscus preserves, spicy honey, Tazo lemon strawberry tea, Celestial Peppermint and Raspberry Zinger teas. Photo credit: Ophelia Jackson At once [...]
MA Legislative Recap
NOFA Mass2022-09-09T15:19:02-04:00September 9th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Policy, Policy & Advocacy, September 2022|
MA Legislative Recap: Progress toward Ecological Integrity and Justice By Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director The 2021-22 Massachusetts formal legislative session ended over the summer. While many of our priority policies will need to [...]
2022 August
Kombucha Brewing Part II: The First Fermentation
NOFA Mass2022-09-16T14:25:12-04:00August 18th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: August 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
By Ophelia Jackson, NOFA/Mass Intern To the uninitiated, a SCOBY can certainly look a little strange—unappetizing, alien, grotesque even, belonging more in a Hogwarts classroom than their own home kitchen. Despite its appearance, though, [...]
Sharing the Pursuit of Biological Soil
NOFA Mass2022-08-11T17:39:44-04:00August 11th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: August 2022, Be a Better Grower|
By Christine R. Nelson, NOFA/Mass Intern SEMAP's July 2022 event at Weatherlow Farms. Photo credit Christine R. Nelson. Growers interested in learning more about soil health converged at the beautiful Weatherlow Farms [...]
2022 Formal Session Ends
NOFA Mass2022-08-04T13:23:57-04:00August 4th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: August 2022, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
August 2022 Policy Update By Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director Formal session ends, hope remains for “non-controversial” priority bills As we head to Summer Conference, we’re still waiting for the proverbial dust to settle [...]
2022 July
Kombucha, a Love Story
NOFA Mass2022-09-16T14:37:05-04:00July 14th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: July 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
By Ophelia Jackson Listen to a recording of this article by the author Since I started brewing kombucha over three years ago, what began as a simple project in my mom’s [...]
Microbes, Microscopes, Soil Health and Food Access
NOFA Mass2022-07-29T14:58:02-04:00July 29th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Access, Food Justice, July 2022|
Youth Agricultural Scientists Bridge Soil Science with Food Security John Duke speaks to a crowd of youth agricultural scientists in Springfield, MA in July, 2022. By Anna Gilbert-Muhammad, NOFA/Mass Food Access Director [...]
Indigo as a Dyecrop in the Northeast
NOFA Mass2022-07-21T15:36:04-04:00July 21st, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, July 2022|
By Ophelia Jackson Yoko Takemura with fresh indigo plants. Photo credit: Assawaga Farm Indigo is the blue of Picasso’s Beggar and Child—of dreams, jeans, a peacock’s cheek—the blue of a black-furred creature [...]
3 weeks left to prioritize living landscapes and food justice: Call your Legislators!
NOFA Mass2022-07-07T13:55:10-04:00July 7th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: July 2022, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
By Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director Watch a personal video message from Policy Director Marty Dagoberto regarding this month's policy newsletter article. Dear NOFA/Mass friends, It’s been quite a summer/year/decade so [...]
2022 June
Cooking With Mari: Making Sofrito with Tapley Court Apartments Resident Chef
NOFA Mass2022-06-30T17:57:35-04:00June 30th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Justice, June 2022|
By Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad, NOFA/Mass Food Access Director The Summer season for the Youth Agricultural Scientists at Tapley Garden started with a cooking demonstration from local chef Marylis. Marylis is a resident of the [...]
Late Season Cilantro
NOFA Mass2022-06-17T06:39:47-04:00June 17th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: June 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
By Ophelia Jackson, Gardener and NOFA/Mass Intern Listen to a recording of this article by the author Flowering cilantro Summer in the garden is a heady season, a season [...]
Practical Nitrogen Management on the Vegetable Farm
NOFA Mass2022-06-08T18:29:15-04:00June 8th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, June 2022|
By Noah Courser-Kellerman, Farmer at Alprilla Farm First published in the July 2019 edition of the NOFA/Mass newsletter. Reprinted with the author's permission June 2022. Roller crimper, then coulter with an old fertilizer [...]
Promoting Racial Equity in Agriculture Through Policy
NOFA Mass2022-06-01T18:27:02-04:00June 1st, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: June 2022, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
By Nichole Catsos From the land theft and genocide of Indigenous peoples, through the enslavement of Black people, to the current labor exploitation of migrant workers in the United States, our food system has [...]
2022 May
Simple Edible Spring Flower Recipes
NOFA Mass2022-06-14T18:32:58-04:00May 20th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: May 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
By Christy Bassett, Homesteader Listen to this article read by the author here: The arrival of warm weather in May brings out blooms in full force. If you’re just waking [...]
Reflections on the Recent Tragedy in Buffalo, NY
NOFA Mass2022-05-27T14:50:52-04:00May 27th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Justice, May 2022|
NOFA/Mass stands in solidarity with the families of the people affected by the recent hate crimes. We also recognize and support the work of the front line organizers holding their communities and experiencing the [...]
How Do Plants Get Their Nutrition?
NOFA Mass2022-05-11T15:15:40-04:00May 11th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, May 2022|
By Ruben Parrilla, NOFA/Mass Soil Technical Coordinator Plants, when considering their “diet”, are our counterpart foodies. They like to have a diverse range of nutrition choices depending on their stage of growth and the [...]
Earth Day Reflection, Call to Action
NOFA Mass2022-05-05T13:49:09-04:00May 5th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: May 2022, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
May 2022 Policy & Advocacy update By Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director *Before you read our feature article below, “Earth Day Reflections, Call to Action,” here are a few brief updates Time to start [...]
2022 April
A Simple, Strong, Convenient Pea Trellis
NOFA Mass2025-05-05T18:57:03-04:00April 14th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2022, Be a Better Grower|
Snap peas growing against a remesh trellis By Richard Robinson, Farmer at Hopestill Farm Peas need to climb, and do best with a sturdy trellis they can cling to. There are several [...]
Working with Stinging Nettles and Wild Violets
NOFA Mass2022-04-29T14:36:41-04:00April 29th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2022, Food Justice|
Kitchen Medicine with the Youth Leaders of Home City Housing, Part 2 By Anna Gilbert-Muhammad, NOFA/Mass Food Access Director Youth wild harvesting nettle and wild violets in Springfield, MA, April 2022. Nathalie [...]
The Misnomer of the Commons (Part 2)
NOFA Mass2022-04-29T14:18:13-04:00April 29th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2022, Food Justice|
The History of Common Land in the Commonwealth By Grayce Rose, recent graduate of the Farm and Food Systems program at Greenfield Community College and NOFA/Mass Intern. Land that had been seized for use as [...]
Thoughts On Mending
NOFA Mass2022-04-20T21:46:54-04:00April 20th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
By Andrea R. Caluori, Artist & Farmer Photo credit: Andrea Caluori I grew up in the Bronx, New York on Bainbridge Avenue, in a small neighborhood closeby to a vibrant street full [...]
Budget Season! Help Shape the Future of our Food System
NOFA Mass2022-04-13T15:28:32-04:00April 6th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: April 2022, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
Briefing for food system advocates on April 11, 2022 The state legislature has been focused on the state’s operating budget (FY23) and the House Ways and Means Committee is expected to release its version [...]
2022 March
Your Pantry as Your Medicine Cabinet
NOFA Mass2022-03-30T16:26:03-04:00March 30th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Justice, March 2022|
Kitchen medicine with the youth and residents of the Bay Street Neighborhood Council By Anna Gilbert-Muhammad, NOFA/Mass Food Access Director Nathalie Fischer-Rodríguez of the People’s Medicine Project speaks to the youth leaders of [...]
Simple Steps to Sprout Mung Beans
NOFA Mass2022-03-23T18:08:10-04:00March 23rd, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: March 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
Rice pasta with caramelized onions, chickpeas, curry, cultured vegetables, sprouted mung beans, served on a bed of arugula. Photo credit: Priscila Espinosa. by Priscila Espinosa @mysproutchange Why I Love Sprouted Mung Beans [...]
Caring for Your Soil: Understanding Soil Aggregation and Compaction
NOFA Mass2022-03-16T16:26:50-04:00March 16th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, March 2022|
By Christine Manuck, NOFA/Mass Soil Health Projects Manager Ruben Parilla, NOFA/Mass Soil Tech Coordinator, evaluating soil aggregation at Assawaga Farm (CT). Photo credit: Monique Bosch I’m frequently telling my kids, “you get what [...]
Will our Commonwealth support protections against Chemical Trespass?
Marty Dagoberto2022-03-10T13:46:54-05:00March 10th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: March 2022, Policy & Advocacy|
By Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director Last month, we reported with excitement and gratitude that the state’s legislative committee on the Environment and Agriculture approved several pesticide reform measures. We’d like to focus this [...]
2022 February
February Policy Newsletter – Priority bills advance, Healthy Soils as Infrastructure, and more
Marty Dagoberto2022-05-02T15:41:00-04:00February 9th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: February 2022, Policy & Advocacy|
By Marty Dagoberto, NOFA/Mass Policy Director In this month’s NOFA/Mass Policy Newsletter… NOFA/Mass Priority Bills Advance from Committee! Several pieces of NOFA/Mass priority legislation were advanced in the Massachusetts Legislature ahead of the February [...]
Book Review: Urban Ecosystem Justice by Scott Kellogg
NOFA Mass2022-02-24T13:09:14-05:00February 24th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: February 2022, Food Justice|
By Mike Rice, NOFA/Mass Development Director. A decade ago Mike interned with the Radix Center, where he first met Scott Kellogg and spent many mornings hauling food scraps for Radix’s Community Compost Initiative in [...]
Sugarin’ on the Homestead
NOFA Mass2022-02-16T14:58:03-05:00February 16th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: February 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
Sugarin’ on the Homestead* *Originally written and shared in the February 2012 issue of the NOFA/Mass newsletter. Revised and reprinted February 2022. Artwork by Jocelyn Langer By Sharon Gensler, Homesteader The optimist [...]
Planning Your Garden
NOFA Mass2022-02-02T19:45:04-05:00February 2nd, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, February 2022, gardening|
By Richard Robinson, Farmer at Hopestill Farm, Sherborn, MA Now is the time to plan what will go where No matter what size your garden is, it is helpful to have a plan for what [...]
2022 January
Herbs for Seasonal Affective Disorder
NOFA Mass2022-01-27T15:42:49-05:00January 19th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: January 2022, Practical Self Sufficiency|
St. Johnswort flowers. Photo credit: Hannah Jacobson-Hardy By Hannah Jacobson-Hardy, Herbalist at Sweet Birch Herbals *Reprinted with permission from sweetbirchherbals.com The winter is long in New England and many people suffer from [...]
The Misnomer of the Commons: The History of Common Land in the Commonwealth
NOFA Mass2022-01-27T08:09:08-05:00January 27th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Food Justice, January 2022|
By Grayce Rose, recent graduate of the Farm and Food Systems program at Greenfield Community College and NOFA/Mass Intern. Amidst the modern functions of life in present day Massachusetts, there are symbolic structural and [...]
Strategies for Increasing Production Resiliency
NOFA Mass2022-01-13T11:12:37-05:00January 12th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Be a Better Grower, January 2022, Winter Conference|
Winter Conference Workshops for Growers By Christine Manuck, NOFA/Mass Soil Health Projects Manager Given the increased frequency of climate-related severe weather events and pandemic-related food chain and supply issues, we believe the need for [...]
The Farmer’s Voice in the Climate Crisis
NOFA Mass2022-01-05T16:49:40-05:00January 5th, 2022|Categories: Newsletters|Tags: Climate, Farming, January 2022, Policy, Policy & Advocacy|
How Climate Challenges Expose the Need for Regenerative Agricultural Practices By Kathleen Ernsting, Farmer and NOFA/Mass Journalism Intern It goes without saying that agriculture in the Northeast is being affected by climate change, and Massachusetts [...]