Farming Off the Farm
Beyond the Fields
Bringing Our Voices to DC - advocating and educating.
Building a Strong Farmer Network - showing up.
Tapping Into Trees at Stockton - growing in the grove.
Winter Work
BRINGING OUR VOICES TO DC:
Earlier this month, I joined NJ Food Democracy Collaborative and traveled to Washington, DC for Lobby Day hosted by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Farmers came in from across the country; we met with members of Congress, Senate and USDA. Together, we amplified farmer voices at the federal level to ensure national policy reflects on-the-ground realities.
Next month, on the local level, the Atlantic County Board of Agriculture is hosting our Annual Legislative Appreciation Dinner. It's a night of good food and networking among South Jersey farmers, industry professionals and our legislators. Sharing our personal stories on issues can make a meaningful impact.
BUILDING A STRONG FARMER NETWORK: collaboration creates opportunities for all of us.
SJ FEAST - South Jersey Food, Equity and Sustainability Team - we are working to expand the production and sales of fresh, locally grown foods for South Jersey farmers while improving access to nutritious, farm-fresh produce in underserved communities.
NJ Agricultural Society - celebrating NJ agriculture, leadership and community - next week is our Annual Gala; we come together to honor the people and places shaping the future of NJ agriculture. I am humbled and I have a lot to learn.
Conventions - we attended winter meetings - the NJ State Agricultural Convention, NJ Vegetable Growers, Northeast Organic Farming Association, and NJ Farm Bureau. Learning, engaging and socializing. Farming can be isolating and stressful; coming together is just as important for our heath as it is for our business.
TAPPING INTO TREES AT STOCKTON:
Stockton Maple Syrup Project. Farmer Ryan is on the project team; he has been working on campus collecting, boiling and processing sap into syrup. Bring on the pancakes!
Thank you for supporting NJ farmers and our local food system. Help promote and enhance small and mid-sized farms like us. Are you a member of our farm? Your membership fuels our farm and work now, and has a lasting impact all year. Join us!
