Michigan Organic Listserv

March 18, 2014

Center for Regional Food Systems

News U Can Use-Serving organic farmers in Michigan State University

Comments and questions: Send to Vicki Morrone ([log in to unmask])

 

Organic Agriculture Production News

 

Five Farm Bill Facts and update for the 2014 Farm Bill (#5)

1.    The Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP, began in 1996.

 

2.    EQIP provides funding for a variety of different conservation practices that help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners make improvements to their land, benefiting both their agricultural operations and the environment.

 

3. The objectives that were part of the former Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program were folded into EQIP in the 2014 Farm Bill, continuing opportunities to address wildlife habitat development.

 

4. Conservation Innovation Grants, or CIG, are funded through EQIP.

5. The 2014 Farm Bill continues to provide funding for EQIP but includes some changes, such as increased payments to veterans, socially disadvantaged or beginning farmers or ranchers. 

To participate in any of the programs offered through the Farm Bill visit your local conservation district office and register your farm. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/features/?cid=stelprdb1241401

 

Inflatable dancers scare off birds –Before they eat your profits  http://fruitgrowersnews.com/index.php/magazine/article/inflatable-dancers-scare-off-birds (to read complete story)

If there’s one thing that can get under the skin of any farmer, it’s a flock of birds swooping down to damage crops. According to the latest statistics, bird damage is responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in lost income to orchards and vineyards.

 

As Organic Rules Shift for Fire Blight Control, The Organic Center Releases Essential Suggestions for Apple and Pear Growers

Organic-Approved Antibiotics Sunsetting – Report Aims to Help Growers Keep Certification

WASHINGTON, DC (March 4, 2014) – With approved antibiotics for fire blight control expiring for organic apple and pear growers this fall, The Organic Center has released an essential report featuring existing practices and emerging research to help growers control fire blight while maintaining organic certification.      

“Grower Lessons and Emerging Research for Developing an Integrated Non-Antibiotic Fire Blight Control Program in Organic Fruit” – available here – collects critical knowledge from U.S. apple and pear growers who already practice fire blight prevention without the commonly-used antibiotic oxytetracycline that the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will begin sunsetting in Oct. 2014.

Funded by The Organic Center, the 28-page report arrives as up to 70 percent of growers in a surveyed region said they may transition from organic to conventional management in face of NOSB’s changes if proven alternative organic fire blight control methods are not available.

Organic Growers Exposed, Supply at Risk as Standards Phase Out Antibiotics

Unlike some fruit pathogens, fire blight doesn’t just damage or destroy a season’s fruit – it can kill the entire tree under severe conditions. It is caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora, spreads easily among trees and orchards, and can infect at different points in the growing season.

For decades, the primary control of fire blight in U.S. organic production has been the antibiotics streptomycin and oxytetracycline. But, NOSB has approved a proposal for phasing out their use beginning this Oct. Dr. Ken Johnson, Oregon State University, is leading a three-state USDA-OREI project on non-antibiotic control of fire blight in organic orchards to be completed in 2015.

“The interim year between approved antibiotics sunsetting and release of the OREI project findings leaves growers with minimal guidance and experience for non-antibiotic fire blight control,” said Dr. Jessica Shade, Director of Science Programs for The Organic Center. “It’s unfortunate timing, as organic apple and pear demand are at all-time highs. If U.S. production declines, organic apple and pear prices could spike, or imports from South America – where the disease is not present – could greatly increase.” 

Organic Center Encourages Testing Alternatives Now

“Grower Lessons and Emerging Research” encourages organic apple and pear growers to begin testing alternatives now with integrated non-antibiotic fire blight control options that have proven successful for some organic growers.

The report is based on field experiences from organic growers who have already developed various approaches to non-antibiotic fire blight control – particularly exporters to Europe, which does not allow antibiotics – along with preliminary results from a range of research trials on new materials and strategies.

The study suggests successful non-antibiotic fire blight control combines orchard management practices with an integrated systems approach for prevention. The report features suggestions for fungal control, insect control, bloom thinning, spray coverage, tree training, soil and foliar nutrients, and cultivar and root stock selection. And, it provides detailed considerations for each stage of apple and pear production. Some of the research is now validating the grower practices, such as the fire blight control from lime sulfur blossom thinning sprays.

Shade added once Oregon State’s findings are available in 2015, growers can combine the university’s recommendations with The Organic Center’s report to give them the benefit of the latest research as well as field-proven strategies.

The study’s co-authors are Harold Ostenson, a Washington-based tree fruit consultant, and David Granatstein, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist for the Washington State University Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources.

About The Organic Center

Established in 2002 and based in Washington DC, The Organic Center is a nonprofit organization that is a trusted source of information for scientific research about organic food and farming.  We cover up-to-date studies on sustainable agriculture and health, and collaborate with academic and governmental institutions to fill gaps in our knowledge.

 

Are you writing a grant or report??

Below are two links to the 2012 census data that was just released today.  The first is the full report of preliminary U.S. and state data and the second is a 4-page report with highlights. It always good to have numbers to support your problem, question or proposal. You can sort numbers from USDA census by state, county, population type and even farm type.

 

http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2012/Preliminary_Report/Full_Report.pdf

 

http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2012/Preliminary_Report/Highlights.pdf

 

 Shared by: Mary Dunckel

Michigan State University Extension

 

 

Webinars on Small Organic Orchards

Offered by The University of Illinois Small Farms Team

 

Archived and you can listen at your convenience

The recorded webinar entitled “Small Orchard:  Insects” can be accessed at:  https://sas.elluminate.com/p.jnlp?psid=2014-03-06.1130.M.435D9A2377223A7CCB1BB7E2D005CD.vcr&sid=407

 

To access all the archives of previous webinars, go to our website:  http://web.extension.illinois.edu/hkmw/cat88_3926.html

 

Webinar on Greenhouse Crop Pollination in Canada and Latin America

Friday, March 21, 2014 @ 11 am EST

 https://pollination.clickwebinar.com/Greenhouse_Crop_Pollination ClickWebinar Meeting ID #: 819-684-588

 

Learn about current practices related to crop pollination in both Canadian and Latin American greenhouse systems, our general state of knowledge, and areas for future research through a series of presentations, and participate in the on-line discussions. Participation in this one-hour webinar is free of charge but pre-registration is encouraged: https://pollination.clickwebinar.com/Greenhouse_Crop_Pollination/.

 

Speakers:

Dr. Les Shipp is a Senior Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Harrow, Ontario, Canada.  His area of research is greenhouse pollination and pest management with the emphasis on biological control.

 

Dr. Carlos H. Vergera is a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences at the Universidad de las Américas-Puebla, in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico. He has an extensive background in the area of honeybees, particularly Africanized bees, as well as in greenhouse pollination.

 

Dr. Patrícia Nunes-Silva is a postdoctoral researcher with the Department of Biodiversity and Zoology of the Pontifícia Universida de Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Brazil. Her area of research is pollination of crops and stingless bee biology and management.

 

How to Participate:

It is easy to participate in this webinar: all you need is a computer with a high-speed internet connection and speakers.  There is no special software to install - it is all done through your web browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).   Please join the webinar at https://pollination.clickwebinar.com/Greenhouse_Crop_Pollination/ a few minutes prior to its start time to fill out the brief registration form and to ensure the room loads ok; you can also pre-register at that same link.

 

Want to use your Apple iPad, iPhone, Android, Galaxy Tab, or Blackberry Playbook to participate in the webinar?  Download the relevant app in advance from your favorite app store (see below), then open it up, enter the meeting ID number (819-684-588), your name and e-mail address, and continue with the registration to join.

 

Apple App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clickmeeting-online-meetings/id503160300?ls=1&mt=8

Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.implix.clickmeetingmobile

Blackberry App: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/90207/?lang=EN

 

Don't have high-speed internet or can't play audio over your computer?  You can call in and listen over a telephone line using one of the phone numbers below (note: you may incur long distance charges depending on

your telephone company and the number called).

 

To listen using a telephone only:

Philadelphia: +1 (267) 279-9000

New York: +1 (917) 338-1451

Chicago: +1 (312) 702-1380

When prompted provide the following participant pin code followed by the pound (#) key: 614368#

 

For More Information:

 

Growing Produce Publication Seeking Your Input on Biological Chemicals for Fruit and Vegetable Systems

Fruit and vegetable growers are always on the lookout for new crop protection materials and rotation options for their pest control programs. Biological pest control is an increasingly common topic of discussion, but adoption of these products and techniques has been limited.

The editors of American Fruit Grower and American Vegetable Grower want to know your opinions about biological pest controls. 

 

Please follow this link and take just a moment to let us know your thoughts on the effectiveness and potential of these tools to help you and your production. The deadline for the survey is March 24, so share your feedback today!

 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RTJZHWG

 

Have you heard about the Food Safety Modernization Act??

Many farmers who grow and sell fresh produce are very aware of the forthcoming regulations that will be imposed on them due to this act, known commonly as FSMA. It’s all about food safety but the trick is (or hopefully the science is) figuring out how to reduce the risk to consumers while not hurting farmers and their farm businesses that produce food. Thousands of comments were submitted over the last 6 months to the FDA about the suggested regulations for the FSMA and hopefully some of the letters and comments came from you. Now the FDA teams are wading through comments and science trying to figure out how to implement these regulations in a fair and productive way.  FDA will hold a public meeting on April 4 to discuss the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement for the produce safety proposed rule and is extending the public scoping period to April 18, 2014.

Get more information on this and other public meetings at FSMA Meetings, Hearings, & Workshops.

  

For more information on FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act, visit http://www.fda.gov/fsma.

 

Launch of the Michigan Farm to Institution Network  There are only three weeks left!  Register today! Join us at the launch of the Michigan Farm to Institution Network on April 3! The event will take place in Lansing on Thursday, April 3 from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm, with a Farm to Institution Marketplace Reception immediately following.  The fee for the launch event is $25 and includes admission to the reception. The fee is $10 to attend only the reception. Come celebrate Michigan's rich history of Farm to Institution programs to date and contribute to developing strategic solutions to the challenges that remain! Register now!   Event Details: The day will begin with a general session with exciting speakers before we enjoy a delicious lunch of local food. The afternoon will consist of two breakout sessions: the first session will focus on further developing Farm to Institution relationships, for both beginners and experienced practitioners and advocates; and the second session will help people from specific regions around the state connect and brainstorm food systems problem-solving in their areas. We will also unveil Cultivate Michigan, a local food purchasing initiative to help institutions ramp up local food purchases to meet the 20% by 2020 goal. After the sessions close, regional conversations, as well as larger statewide discussions, can continue at the Michigan Farm to Institution Marketplace Reception from 4:30 – 6:30 pm. The reception will featured great tastes of Michigan (both food and drink) and will provide attendees a space to network with fellow chefs, food service directors and buyers, farmers, distributors and community organizations interested in supporting Farm to Institution efforts. Separate registration is available for those who wish to only attend the reception. Guest rooms are available at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West for the nights of April 2-3 through a Michigan Farm to Institution Network block. For more information and to register for the event, please visit: http://bit.ly/mfinlaunch. If you have questions, please contact Alyson Oslin at [log in to unmask] or (734) 369-9273.  We look forward to seeing you on April 3!  Hillary Bisnett and Colleen Matts Michigan Farm to Institution Network. Farm Transitions Toolkit On this topic of transitioning farmland to a new generation -- take a look at the Farm Transitions Toolkit, http://www.misa.umn.edu/Publications/FarmTransitions/index.htm.   This publication was a collaborative effort of the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Land Stewardship Project, National Center for Appropriate Technology, and Farmers' Legal Action Group; with partial funding from a USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant.

Employment Opportunities

 

Lansing Roots Program Manager

Overview

The Greater Lansing Food Bank (GLFB) seeks a full-time Program Manager for Lansing Roots to start ASAP. The Lansing Roots Program Manager will be responsible for management of the Lansing Roots program, including managing the farm site, managing staff, grant and funding reporting, and ensuring the long term success of the program. This position is both hands-on in the field and in the office supporting individuals starting their own farm businesses. The GLFB is looking for an energetic and outgoing person to help grow our new program.

Lansing Roots is consistent with the GLFB’s long term (30+ years) support of community gardening through the Garden Project program and as such, fits into a larger component of fresh food and self-sufficiency programming.

 

Program Description

The GLFB has secured funding from the USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, private foundations and community support to kickstart a new program, Lansing Roots. Lansing Roots is a farm business incubator that assists low-income, historically underserved, and/or beginning farmers in starting their own small-scale farm business. We lease approximately 10 acres of agricultural land and provided space to 8 different farms our first year. We expect to support around 12 farms this season, while launching a multi-producer CSA to help sell our farmers goods. Lansing Roots farm also keeps a demonstration farm space that can be used for production to ensure fresh produce to those in need through more traditional food bank channels. Please visit greaterlansingfoodbank.org for more information on Lansing Roots, including our FAQ’s.

Duties and Responsibilities

•          Continue development and management of Lansing Roots program; including farm management, marketing and education

•          Assist incubator farmers in Lansing Roots Growing Farmers initiative in creating successful small scale farm enterprises

•          Manage a small team (3-5) of Lansing Roots staff, including Americorps members, interns and GLFB employees

•          Organize, schedule or lead (as appropriate) a series of classes and workshops targeted at the technical aspects of growing/farming for Lansing Roots cohort

•          Assist the Lansing Roots cohort of training farmers in day to day production

•          Work with Lansing Roots staff and GLFB warehouse staff to ensure the delivery and distribution of fresh produce grown in the Demonstration farm space to those in need

•          Manage program budget and finances

•          Follow all reporting and guidelines as required by funding sources

•          Continue to build outreach and education capacity through direct contact with community members

 

Qualifications

·         Significant experience in small scale farming or agriculture (2+ years preferred)

·         Education/instruction experience in agriculture preferred, including business management

·         Demonstrated leadership skills

·         Strong record keeping, organization and computer skills

·         Experience with and comfortable interacting with individuals from diverse cultural, income and ethnic backgrounds

·         Experience in a management or supervisory role with volunteers or staff

·         Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and lift up to 40 pounds

·         Ability to work independently or in a group

·         Project or grant management experience

·         Outgoing and personable with excellent oral and written communication skills

·         Passion for localizing agriculture

·         Patient and tactful

·         Team Player willing to take on additional tasks in the busiest parts of the year

 

Additional Qualifications

·         Accounting or business skills training

·         Valid drivers license and ability to acquire Chauffeur’s license

·         Conflict resolution or facilitation experience

·         Proficiency in all MS office applications

·         Experience or education in marketing, business, agriculture or community development

·         Willingness to learn new things and problem-solve creatively

·         Grant or other fundraising experience

·         Flexible schedule

·         Self-motivation will increase possibilities of position

 

Compensation

The position is through a federal USDA grant and salary is expected in the mid-$30K range. It is the intent to continue the position and program past the term of the grant. Full benefits including health, dental, vacation and sick time.

 

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until March 28th. It is the intent to fill the position ASAP. Please send cover letter and resume to Alex Bryan at [log in to unmask] with Lansing Roots Program Manager in the subject line. Preference for .pdf files. Pertinent questions or clarifications welcomed.

 

Alex Bryan | garden project manager

greater lansing food bank

mailing: p.o. box 16224 | lansing, mi 48901

office: 919 filley | lansing, mi 48906

p: 517.853.7809 f: 517.853.7817 | www.greaterlansingfoodbank.org

 

********************************

 

MSU Extension

Greening Michigan Institute; Program Instructor - Farm Management - Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center - Chatham, MI    

 

FTE: 100% Position Overview

Provides leadership and oversight of the incubator farm program at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) located in Chatham, MI as part of the Greening Michigan Institute; oversees and ensures program/project development, promotion and expansion activities; assists with data gathering for impact evaluation efforts; and works in conjunction with supervisor, program participants and community partners to attain both short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Through supervisor, works in concert with the appropriate MSUE Institute and/or work team(s) to ensure alignment of programs with overall goals of work team, Institute and organization. 

 

Qualifications

      Bachelor's degree in a related field such as agriculture, horticulture or plant/soil science; two years experience in horticulture, farming or farm management specific to cold climate sustainable vegetable production, season extension with high tunnels, and organic farming certification requirements; experience in developing and administering educational programs; ability to travel within local and surrounding communities to meet the responsibilities or this position; proficient computer operation skills (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.); and effective oral and written communication skills. Carrying and movement of equipment, materials, etc. up to 35lbs is a regular part of this position.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates should visit the Michigan State University jobs page at www.jobs.msu.edu  to apply for posting number 9198 under the MSU Extension postings.  Applicants are asked to submit an up-to-date resume/CV and a cover letter. Review of applicants will begin on March 25th.

 

Gina Flores, SPHR

HR Coordinator

Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture

446 West Circle, Suite 160

East Lansing, MI 48824-1039

Phone: 517-353-9251

Fax: 517-432-4986

 

Research Associate – Ginseng

Simcoe, Ontario

The Ontario Ginseng Growers Association (OGGA) is a non-profit organization which represents 120 producers of the world’s highest quality North American Ginseng, primarily grown in Ontario’s Norfolk, Oxford and Brant counties. The association is responsible for addressing the marketing and research needs of member ginseng growers.

OGGA is currently recruiting for the position of Research Associate - Ginseng based at the University of Guelph Simcoe Research Station, Simcoe, Ontario (Norfolk County). The successful candidate will conduct and oversee research activities on plant protection priorities identified by Ontario’s ginseng industry.

* This position is dependent on approval of research funding.

Job Details

Job Title: Research Associate

Job Term: Full time contract up to 4 years with the possibility of extension

Salary: To be negotiated - based on a 40 hour work week

Location: University of Guelph Simcoe Research Station, Simcoe, Norfolk County ON (45 minutes southwest of Hamilton near the north shore of Lake Erie)

Responsibilities

 _Plan, set up and conduct experiments on disease and nematode management in commercial ginseng fields, research gardens and potentially in controlled environments

 _Apply pest control products in research trials

 _Supervise seasonal employees

 _Contact growers and industry representatives and conduct grower surveys

 _Perform extensive literature reviews

 _Organize and analyze research data using spreadsheets and statistical software

 _Write research reports and prepare grant proposals

 _Communicate research findings to growers and industry

 _Collaborate with researchers and government personnel

 _Participate in workshops and educational events for growers and industry

 

Education and Experience

 _M.Sc. in Plant Pathology, Agriculture or Plant Biology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required

 _Field and/or lab experience in plant pathology preferred

 _Experience in set-up and conducting field research trials is required _Must be able to work independently and as part of a team

 _Critical thinking skills and ability to formulate research hypotheses

 _Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with growers, industry representatives and researchers

 _Leadership skills and ability to supervise seasonal employees

 _Attention to detail, record keeping and good observational and organizational skills

 _Experience with various computer applications to create reports, spreadsheets, and presentations and perform statistical analysis

 _Ability to track expenses and adhere to a budget

 _Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions

 _Ability to travel independently to research sites

 _Must have access to a vehicle - mileage will be reimbursed

 _Must have a valid Ontario G Driver’s License

 _Valid Grower Pesticide Safety Course Certificate or the ability to obtain this certificate upon commencement of the position

 _Willingness to work extended hours or on weekends if necessary

 _Agricultural background, experience with farm machinery and working knowledge of laboratory techniques in plant pathology are assets but not required

 

To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter electronically in one file in Word or PDF formats via email to Kathie Vysick at [log in to unmask] or drop them off in person to:

Kathie Vysick

Administrative Assistant

Ontario Ginseng Growers Association

1283 Blueline Road

Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K3

Email: [log in to unmask]   Phone: (519) 426-7046

Closing Date: Monday, March 31, 2014.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

 

Job Opportunity at Organic Market

I have a couple of positions at Nourish Organic Market in Grand Rapids that I'd like to post to the organic community.  I've attached them in case it's easiest to do it yourself, or if you could direct me to instructions for tech dummies that would be great.

 

Thanks so much for your help!

 

Warmest regards,

Sheri Rop

 

Nourish Organic Market & Deli

634 Wealthy St. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

 

School Garden Baseline Research and Implementation Plan Research Intern –

Position Location and Logistics:

 _Office location will be in Jackson County, 1715 Lansing Ave. Jackson MI

 _Personal transportation/mobility necessary.

 _The work is tentatively planned for sixteen 25 hour weeks (400 hours total) beginning in May 2014 and running through August 2014; some flexibility may exist.

 _Salary $11.25 per hour

 

Position Functions:

 _Assist Extension Educator, other organization’s staff and community volunteers in creating survey instruments and research parameters

 _Conduct significant research on current usage of school gardens as teaching tools and

 _Draw conclusions based on data collected and develop an implementation strategy from it.

 _Assist with the development and delivery of presentations

 _Assist with outreach activities conducted by Extension Educators, community professionals and volunteers

 

Desirable Skills and/or Experience:

 _Exceptional research skills

 _Excellent organizational skills

 _Excellent written and verbal communication skills

 _Demonstrated ability to effectively use computer software programs.

 _Ability to effectively interact with both community residents and professionals

 _Ability to manage the demands of multiple project segments and deadlines

 _Ability to work independently

 

Position Background: Municipalities and County Governments are increasingly looking to innovative programs to improve health outcomes community wide. One such innovative program is introducing school gardening curricula to improve health and wellbeing throughout the community. School gardens have been shown to improve nutritional and physical activity outcomes as well as create a greater awareness of where the food we eat comes from. MSU Extension in Jackson County is seeking an intern to create a baseline evaluation of adoption of school gardens in Jackson County. The intern will quantify current school garden programs, determine the extent to which each program penetrates school curriculum, assess those teachers who are interested, but lack the tools or expertise, then develop an implementation strategy based on the findings. If the intern wishes, they may observe or participate in delivery of one garden program currently established as part of their internship.

Please send Resume and Cover letter to:

Ms. Jonglim Han Yoo

URP Advisor

School of Planning, Design and Construction

Michigan State University

102BHuman Ecology

East Lansing, MI 48824-1323

Phone: 517-432-3393

Fax: 517-432-3772

EMAIL: [log in to unmask]

For Specific Information about this Internship Contact:

Phil Tocco

Extension Educator for Food Safety

[log in to unmask]

 

Operations Manager 

 

The primary responsibility of this role is to assist the Production Manager in the successful operation of the Community Supported Agriculture program sponsored by the Enright Ridge Urban Eco-village Farm Project.

 

Specific duties to this end are:

 

• Recruit and evaluate interns and work-share holders and assist the Farm Manager in supervising them;

 

• Assist the Production Manager in training Farm Project workers including: volunteers, work-share holders, and interns to accomplish the tasks of the CSA. This involves planning and scheduling orientations, workshops, activities related to specific requirements of intern programs, and student work group activities under the direction of the Production Manager.

 

• Communicate with Work Team Leaders to ensure a desirable distribution of our workforce, including scheduling work share members, evaluating the number of people required for tasks on each team for any given week, and making adjustments as necessary.

 

• Work with the Production Manager to grow and harvest crops by physically participating in production and harvest yourself and by working with and delegating tasks to interns, work-share holders, work team leaders, and student volunteers, under the direction of the Production Manager.

 

• Communicate on an ongoing basis with the Production Manager to discuss things like “staffing” needs, scheduling, weekly crop overages or shortcomings, and other details pertaining to production.

 

• Assist the Production Manager in running any necessary errands for supplies, etc.

 

• Organize and support distribution of excess crops, through outlets such as plant sales, Farm Project store, and farmers markets. 

 

• Evaluate crop overages and communicate with the Media and Grocer teams to spread the word to members and the public about produce availability in our storefront

 

• Act as a knowledgable resource for patrons at CSA plant sales by writing and otherwise communicating descriptions of plants for sale, including care and planting guidelines, growing habits, flavor or use, when applicable.

 

• Communicate any concerns, issues, needs, or incidents to the Farm Project Committee Liaison on an ongoing basis. Meet with the Farm Project Committee Liaison for periodic evaluations.

 

• Organize, schedule, and facilitate CSA Core meetings, membership meetings, and attend CSA social events.

 

• Perform other duties, as needed, by the Farm Project Committee and the Eco-village board related to the CSA.

 

Check out enright-csa.org

 

Interested in applying, contact Suellyn Shupe   [log in to unmask]

 

Seeking to buy Certified ORGANIC Black Turtle Beans – Contract 2014

 

I will offer firm contracts for twenty (20) loads of organic black turtles x 44,000 lbs each in totes.  See DRAFT wording below.

 

The certifying organic agency for the commodity on this contract is _­_O E F F A__­ (copy of organic certificate is required prior to movement of product)

Product:         beans, black turtle, whole, certified organic              

Crop year:     2 0 1 4

Quantity:        up to twenty (20) semi-loads x 44,000 lbs each = 880,000 lbs

Price:              $ 0.82 cents lb on the cleaned wt paid to the grower

F O B:             Caro, MI (Harvest Ridge Processing)

Packaging:     cleaned and in new totes.  Organic Vision will pay for the cleaning.

Movement:     October 2014 thru May 15, 2015 – same or similar delivery time frame

              Payment:        Net 30 from date of individual shipment from processor

 

I WILL OFFER THREE (3) YEAR CONTRACTS OR EVEN TWO (2) CONTRACTS FOR FIRM ACRES OR PRODUCTION.

            SAME PRICING FOR THE LENGTH OF THE CONTRACT.                 Certified organic only.

 

 

Seeking to Buy Transitional Black Turtle Beans – Contract 2014

 

Organic Vision can buy just as many transitional as organic.

 

My offer to you on the cleaned wt basis@:

 

58 cents/ lb on the cleaned wt, cleaned and in totes.  Organic Vision will pay the cleaning.

 

            FOB Caro, MI  (Harvest Ridge Processing)

 

Delivery time frame October 2014 thru 15 May 2015.

 

Organic Vision

Attn:  Mike Pratt

432 Carrington Drive

Boiling Springs, SC  29316  USA

Tel / Fax:  864-278-0249

Cell:    734-780-6700

    Certified NOP Organic by OEFFA