HARROWSMITH - Following a busy and successful year of support for farmers and aspiring farmers, the National Farmers Union New Farm Project will hold its second annual Fall Gathering, Sat., Nov. 21.
The Fall Gathering, to be held at the Golden Links Hall, Harrowsmith, will be a farm event that is "a cross between an AGM, a social networking opportunity and a celebration," said Ian Stutt, project co-ordinator. Initiated by NFU Local 316 (Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Counties and Kingston), the project reaches beyond those boundaries into neighbouring counties.
About 110 people attended the 2008 Fall Gathering, when the project was only three months underway. People learned about the scope of the project, and helped develop direction for the 2009 year.
At this year’s Fall Gathering, participants will review the achievements of the first year, and help set program for 2010. Besides farmers and aspiring farmers, people involved in other parts of the food system (for instance, processing, distribution and retailing) are welcome to attend.
"We will be hearing the stories of farmers, interns and other participants in the project," said Andrea Cumpson, NFU Local 316 president. "People are excited to make connections with others in similar situations, to get new ideas and to know they are not alone in their challenges and successes."
"At last year’s Fall Gathering, and throughout the year, it has been very inspiring and hopeful to see so many people optimistic about the future of farming in our area, and so willing to work on rebuilding our local food system," Cumpson said.
The day’s program will run from 9 am to 3:30 pm, with a local food lunch and snacks. There will be a free-will donation jar to help cover costs for the event.
The project, which aims to build farm capacity and farm community, runs from 2008 until 2012 and is funded by Heifer International, a non-profit organization whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance, sustainability and environmental responsibility.
A major accomplishment of the first year was establishing an eastern Ontario chapter of CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training), matching farmers mentors with interns interested in a future in farming. As well, the project organized workshops on specific topics (eg. small flock sheep husbandry, beekeeping, running a Community Supported Agriculture garden, cheesemaking and woodlot management), helped sponsor people wishing to attend farm-related workshops and conferences, and purchased small equipment to be shared among farmers (eg. poultry processing equipment and a trailer).
Registration is required to assist in planning for the event.
For more information or to register, contact Ian Stutt at 613-353-6622 or ianstutt@newfarmproject.ca
Visit www.nfu.newfarmproject.ca to register online and for information about the project overall.
News
November, 2009
Vol. 33, No. 11
NEWS
