Join NOFA-VT, along with NOFA-Mass, CISA, and others, for a regional gathering of agroforestry farmers seeking to dive deeply into relationship-building, regional connectivity, and food systems transformation.
Over two days and multiple shared meals, agroforesters from across the Northeast will come together to learn from one another, build connections and relationships across state lines, and collectively visualize a regional agroforestry transformation. Together, we’ll learn from innovative farms thinking outside the box to develop the regional capacity for viable tree crop economies and explore the potential these systems have to transform our agricultural landscapes and our food system, all while supporting organic practices and boosting the health of the soil and of native pollinators.
Our first afternoon will be held at Yellowbud Farm in Northfield, MA, where we will explore how the farm is reimagining the landscape of tree crop genetics and planting stock across the Northeast. The following morning, we’ll reconvene for collaborative working sessions that focus on intentionally strengthening our regional agroforestry network.
In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Big River Chestnuts in Sunderland, MA, and Meadow Fed Lamb in Hadley, MA, where we will learn how these farmers are building functional value chains and ecological economies for specialty tree crops and are considering how to strategically build out the processing capacity, genetic resources, and equitable markets needed to move this movement forward.
This event is an opportunity for experienced tree-crop farmers and agroforestry practitioners to broaden and deepen their regional relationships, acknowledge challenges, dive deeply into collaborative problem-solving, and exercise collective visioning around a regional food system transformation.
At this gathering, we will:
- Tour farms reimagining tree crop genetics, marketing, and processing in Western MA
- Connect with other agroforestry producers from across the Northeast
- Engage in collaborative working sessions geared toward strengthening regional connections and shared learning
- Learn about opportunities for expanding organic production and enhancing biodiversity health
- Contribute to the long-term vision for a robust regional tree crop economy
Date, Time, & Location:
Tuesday, 6/23, from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm (including dinner) - Yellowbud Farm
Wednesday, 6/24, from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (including dinner) - Carr’s Ciderhouse, Meadowfed Lamb, Big River Chestnuts
Presenters:
- Jesse Marksohn - Yellowbud Farm
- Jono Neiger - Big River Chestnuts
- Matt Kaminsky - Meadow Fed Lamb / Preservation Orchards
- Jonathan Carr and Nicole Blum - Carr’s Ciderhouse
- Keynote speakers - TBA
Registration details:
Attending the farm tours and working sessions is free for farmers, thanks to the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program. Registration fees for farmers listed below contribute to the cost of the food. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to [email protected]
Cost:
Both Days- Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24
$50 for farmers
$125 non-farmers
Free for BIPOC
Single Day- Tuesday, June 23
$25 for farmers
$50 for non-farmers
Free for BIPOC
Single Day- Wednesday, June 24
$25 for farmers
$75 for non-farmers
Free for BIPOC
Please note that transportation and lodging are not provided or included in the registration fee.
Attendees are welcome to join us for the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, or both! This event is generously funded by the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program and the One Hive Foundation.
