Dr. Kris Nichols, Soil Microbiologist, KRIS systems Education and Consulting Services Joins MOFFA Speaker Lineup

I am really looking forward to the MOFFA, the Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association’s 27th Annual Winter Meeting on Saturday February 17, 2018 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Maryland Department of Agriculture Building, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis. The meeting is open to the public. Snow date is Feb. 24, 2018.

Dr. Kris Nichols, Soil Microbiologist, KRIS systems Education and Consulting Services, will speak at the MOFFA 2018 Winter Meeting in Annapolis, MD
Dr. Kris Nichols, Soil Microbiologist, KRIS systems Education and Consulting Services, will speak at the MOFFA 2018 Winter Meeting in Annapolis, MD

Dr. Kris Nichols, Soil Microbiologist, KRIS Systems Education and Consulting Services, will join our great lineup of speakers.

Dr. Kris Nichols is a leader in the movement to regenerate soils for healthy food, people and a planet. She is currently the founder and principle scientist of KRIS (Knowledge for Regeneration In Soils) Systems Education & Consulting Services and a sub-contractor with Soil Health Consulting, Inc. Her current focus is to address current and future agricultural needs by exploring the similarities between the soil and gut microbomes by looking at the carbon key. Kris builds upon a soil health foundation to identify biological methods for agricultural production and tools and practices to reduce pest issues, soil erosion, fossil fuel use, and greenhouse gas emissions. These systems are resilient and adapt to climatic uncertainty by increasing nutrient and water use efficiencies; improving pollinator activity and food security; and providing long-term solutions to agricultural economic viability, food insecurity, and the loss of ecosystem services. Kris continues to develop and evolve methodology and tools farmers, home-owners, and students may use to examine and appreciate their soil. Throughout her career, Kris has given over 250 invited presentations to a wide variety of audiences, authored or co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, been cited or interviewed for more than 50 magazine or newspaper articles, highlighted in five books, and has numerous videos on-line. Dr. Nichols was the Chief Scientist at Rodale Institute from July 7, 2014-January 12, 2018 where she oversaw approximately fifteen research trials on organic agriculture, including the Farming Systems Trial®, the longest-running side-by-side U.S. study comparing conventional chemical agriculture with organic, biologically-based methods and the initiation of the Vegetable Systems Trial. She was also instrumental in obtaining funding for these projects including recently being primarily responsible for the receipt of a ~$6 million, six year project to explore the impacts of agricultural management practices on water quality in the Delaware River Watershed. Prior to joining Rodale Institute, Dr. Nichols was a Research Soil Microbiologist with the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in North Dakota for 11 years and a Biological Laboratory Technician with ARS in Beltsville, MD for 3 years. During her time with USDA, she focused on mycorrhizal fungi and the investigation of glomalin – a substance produced by AM fungi. Glomalin contributes to nutrient cycling by protecting AM hyphae transporting nutrients from the soil to the plant and to soil structure and plant health by helping to form and stabilize soil aggregates. Kris received Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant Biology and in Genetics and Cell Biology from the University of Minnesota in 1995, a Master’s degree in Environmental Microbiology from West Virginia University in 1999, and a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Maryland in 2003. In recognition of her work, Dr. Nichols has received several awards including the 2012 Conservation Research Award from the International Soil and Water Conservation Society.

 Keynote Speaker Ben Friton of Can YA Love & Forested will discuss the History of Agriculture and Going Back to the Fundamentals of Thriving Ecosystems. Friton leads seminars and lectures around the world focusing on restoring ecosystems using biomimicry. He has worked in densely populated communities and has patented vertical garden systems and currently is trying to develop the most ecologically beneficial agricultural systems possible.

Join farmers, consumers, advocates, and researchers at this public meeting and potluck lunch.

MOFFA Board Member, Claudia Raskin said:  “We will have information you can use, dynamic presentations and workshops for farmers, gardeners, and folks who are interested in organic food, food justice, and more. You can learn something new or share your experience. Our organic potluck lunch is Legendary!  Book sale!  Auction!”

Hear from Farmers and Activists:

  • Nick Maravell Facilitator, Public Policy Update – with Mike Tabor, and Alexis Baden-Mayer
  • Susan Frick Payne, from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, will discuss the  Maryland Healthy Soils Consortium.
  • Rachael Childress Nagle, Fermentation – Microbes & How they Impact Our Health
  • Eric Rice, Willow Oaks Craft Cider, Opportunities & Questions – Hard Ciders & Beyond
  • Mike Klein, Simplifying accounting, tax preparation and taxes for the farmer
  • Roger Williams, George Washington Carver Agricultural Institute and New Incubator Farm Training Initiative at Tufts, Are Value-Added Farm Products a Good Choice for You?
  • Erik de Guzman & Meghan Ochal, Dicot Farm, Dominic Hosack, THEARC Farm, Peter Scott, Fields 4 Valor, Panel Discussion: New Voices in Organic Agriculture

 

Learn from University of Maryland Extension Specialists and Scientists:

  • Cerruti RR Hooks, UMD, Can spiders contribute to organic pest management?
  • Alan W. Leslie, UMD, Controlling weeds in organic vegetables with living mulches
  • Andrew G. Ristvey, UMD, Extension, Growing Hops
  • Gerald Brust, UMD Extension, Using plant biostimulants
  • Neith Little, UMD Extension, What is urban agriculture?
  • Galen Dively, UMD, Organic insecticides: what works and what doesn’t

Check the MOFFA events page, marylandorganic.org/events, for he agenda.

Attendees please bring a dish to share for the Potluck Lunch, one of the highlights of the meeting. You are encouraged to donate an item for the Auction to support MOFFA. Members may bring display materials. Table space will be available in exchange for auction item donations.
Registration 1s $20 for non-members and $5 for members. Membership is $25 for one year, $45 for two years and $12 for students. Registration is at the door or online.

More information and Registration at https://marylandorganic.org/events/

You can also RSVP on Facebook or to marylandorganic@gmail.com

Ben Friton of Can YA Love and Forested will be Keynote Speaker at MOFFA 2018 Winter Meeting

Keynote Speaker Ben Friton of Can YA Love & Forested will discuss the History of Agriculture and Going Back to the Fundamentals of Thriving Ecosystems at the Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association 2018 Winter Meeting.Ben Friton of Can YA Love and Forested

Friton leads seminars and lectures around the world focusing on restoring ecosystems using biomimicry. He has worked in densely populated communities and has patented vertical garden systems and currently is trying to develop the most ecologically beneficial agricultural systems possible.

The 27th Annual MOFFA Winter Meeting is on Saturday February 17, 2018 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Maryland Department of Agriculture Building, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis. The meeting is open to the public. Snow date is Feb. 24, 2018.

Join farmers, consumers, advocates, and researchers at this public meeting and potluck lunch. MOFFA Board Member, Claudia Raskin said:

“We will have information you can use,  dynamic presentations and workshops for farmers, gardeners, and folks who are interested in organic food, food justice, and more.  You can learn something new or share your experience.  Our organic potluck lunch is Legendary!  Book sale!  Auction!”

Hear from Farmers and Activists:

  • Nick Maravell Facilitator, Public Policy Update – with Mike Tabor, and Alexis Badenmyer
  • Susan Frick Payne, from the Maryland Department of Agriculture will discuss the  Maryland Healthy Soils Consortium.
  • Rachael Childress Nagle, Fermentation – Microbes & How they Impact Our Health
  • Eric Rice, Willow Oaks Craft Cider, Opportunities & Questions – Hard Ciders & Beyond
  • Mike Klein, Simplifying accounting, tax preparation and taxes for the farmer
  • Roger Williams, George Washington Carver Agricultural Institute and New Incubator Farm Training Initiative at Tufts, Are Value-Added Farm Products a Good Choice for You?
  • Erik de Guzman & Meghan Ochal, Dicot Farm, Dominic Hosack, THEARC Farm, Peter Scott, Fields 4 Valor, Panel Discussion: New Voices in Organic Agriculture

Learn from University of Maryland Extension Specialists and Scientists:

  • Cerruti RR Hooks, UMD, Can spiders contribute to organic pest management?
  • Alan W. Leslie, UMD, Controlling weeds in organic vegetables with living mulches
  • Andrew G. Ristvey, UMD Extension, Growing Hops
  • Gerald Brust, UMD Extension, Using plant biostimulants
  • Neith Little, UMD Extension, What is urban agriculture?
  • Galen Dively, UMD, Organic insecticides: what works and what doesn’t

Check the MOFFA events page, marylandorganic.org/events, for updates on the agenda.

Attendees please bring a dish to share for the Potluck Lunch, one of the highlights of the meeting. You are encouraged to donate an item for the Auction to support MOFFA. Members may bring display materials. Table space will be available in exchange for auction item donations.

Registration is $20 for non-members and $5 for members. Membership is $25 for one year, $45 for two years and $12 for students. Registration is at the door or online.

Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association (MOFFA) was established in 1991 as a non-profit organization. MOFFA strives to build a sustainable network of individuals and organizations that support small farms, family gardens and ecologically sound businesses.

MOFFA WINTER MEETING 2018

moffa-winter-meeting-2017

The Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association Winter Meeting 2018 Will be held on February 17, 2018 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. The Snow Date is February 24.

It will be held at Maryland Dept. of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

We will have information for farmers and gardeners in search of new ideas, techniques, & inspiration, as well as networking opportunities for consumers and distributors looking for good sources of local, organic food.

Presentations, Panels and Workshops Including the latest research by  University Of Maryland Extension and scientists.

Homegrown ‘Eat Local’ Potluck Lunch One of the highlights of the meeting!Bring a dish to share at the best local lunch around!

Silent Auction

Display Tables

Only $5 for members and $20 for non-members

Register Here

To make a secure payment through PayPal, please click the donate link:

Donate Button

More information coming soon!

MOFFA has a Great Variety of Speakers Lined Up for Winter Meeting

MOFFA 2017 WINTER MEETING SPEAKERS

Kirsten S. Traynor, PhD, Flickerwood Apiary– studies how pesticides impact honey bee health for the University of Maryland in the lab of Dr. Dennis vanEngelsdorp and is the editor of Bee World, published by the International Bee Research Association.

Bernie Fowler, Jr., Farming 4 Hunger (F4H) is a non-profit organization formed in 2012 to serve those in need of fresh food in Southern Maryland. The organization grows and distributes over a million pounds of locally grown, fresh food each year. Bernie Fowler Jr., founder, had a vision through his own personal struggles to help people in his hometown gain better access to fresh fruits and vegetables. F4H accomplishes its mission through unique partnerships with 27 local farms, 20+ churches, local businesses and schools, the Maryland Food Bank, the Department of Corrections, and a great network of community volunteers.

Jason King: Unsun.org UNSUNG,  is the app for ending hunger in America, creating everyday superheroes. The “sharing economy” has never been this awesome. A a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Alan Leslie, Postdoctoral Research Associate UMD Department of Entomology Alan Leslie earned his Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland, and is currently a Postdoctoral Associate in the Hooks Lab at UMD. His research focuses on cultural practices such as plant diversification and cover cropping that promote beneficial insects and suppress pests that can be applied to organic farming systems. Alan has also conducted research on aquatic invertebrates in agricultural drainage ditches and insects in restored salt marshes in the Chesapeake Bay. His talk is entitled “Managing cover crops to suppress weeds in organic vegetables”.

Bonnie Raindrop, Chair of Central Maryland Beekeepers Association, Maryland Pesticide Education Network The Central Maryland Beekeepers Association,Strive to educate our members on the best methods and practices for successful beekeeping, and to educate the public on the importance and value of honeybees in our ecosystem.

Cleo Braver:  Cottingham Farm Growers of certified organic heirloom vegetables and herbs on the banks of the Goldsborough Creek in Talbot County, Maryland Bee advocacy and  pesticide policy and legislation in Maryland

Galen Dively, Professor Emeritus and IPM Consultant, UMD.  Dr. Galen P. Dively is an emeritus professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology at Juniata College and doctorate in entomology from Rutgers University. He worked as an Extension Specialist in agricultural IPM for 34 years, providing training and ways to reduce pesticide use in vegetable and field crops. Since his retirement in 2006, he continues to conduct research on transgenic Bt crops, sublethal effects of pesticides, efficacy evaluation of organic insecticides, and studies addressing information gaps in the biology and management of the invasive pests.  His talk is entitled “ How changes in conventional pest management practices are impacting organic farming”.

Mitchelle Stephenson, Fair Farms: Fair Farms Maryland is a movement of environmental and public health groups, businesses, consumers, and farmers committed to a sustainable food system. She will lead a discussion about the Atrazine legislation in Maryland that is being introduces by MD Senator Will Smith.

Justine Beaulieu, GAPs educator with UMD Plant Sciences Department The training will cover the basics of food safety for pre and post harvest.  Attendees will receive a certificate of training from MDA.

Nick Maravell, Nicks Organic Farm, Mike Tabor, Licking Creek Bend Farm, Rick Hood, Summer Creek Farm: Farmer discussion of Organic Issues

Marjory Hudson, Mitchelle Stephenson, Fair Farms, Mike Tabor: Workshop on Mobilizing Community Action. How one community is winning the fight a against concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO).

Deana Baldwin, MDA:  The Maryland Produce Safety Program will provide outreach, education, inspection and enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule.

Beckie Gurley Chesapeake Farm to Table, Veronica Cristo Chesapeake Bounty North Beach Market and Kitchen and Deena Kilmon, Chesapeake Harvest: Food Hub Aggregation

Michael Weese, Michael Weese is a Mycologist and fungal enthusiast in the Mid-Atlantic region.  His work involves being a local teacher, guide, consultant, mushroom cultivator, social sculptor, web administrator, operations manager, photographer, writer, soil engineer, permaculturist, ecologist, environmental steward, conservationist and friend to nearly all he meets. Michael has influenced many people across the globe to forage and cultivate their own mushrooms through sharing his knowledge and experience firsthand online, in the classroom, and field.

Lincoln Smith: Lincoln Smith runs Forested, a 10-acre forest garden in Bowie, MD. He tests forest farming methods, educates aspiring forest farmers, consults on new forest farms and brings forest products to market. He runs a forest garden CSA, designs edible landscapes, and holds forest-to-table events. Creating a Forest Garden Forest gardens produce food and supplies from thriving ecosystems. Learn how to create a layered, polycultural food forest. We’ll discuss forest garden methods, some of the great plants you can grow, and how to take care of them. Learn from Lincoln’s 10 years of forest garden successes and learning experiences.

MOFFA’s 26th Annual Winter Meeting, on Saturday February 11, 2017, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture Building, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis. The meeting is open to the public. Register and get more info at https://marylandorganic.org/events/.

moffa-winter-meeting-2017

Don’t forget our wonderful Potluck Lunch too! Bring a dish to share.

Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association Pollinator Farmer Survey

bee-pollinating-fruit-treeWe all need pollinators on our farms, but the pollinators need our help too.

MOFFA is working with the Smart on Pesticides Coalition to protect Maryland pollinators and we ask that you please take 5 minutes to complete this 5 question survey about your experience on the farm.

Thank you in advance for your timely survey response.

MOFFA WINTER MEETING 2017

Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association to Hold Conference in Annapolis

MOFFA Winter Meeting will be February 11, 2017
The MOFFA Winter Meeting will be February 11, 2017

MOFFA, the Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association, announces its 26th Annual Winter Meeting, on Saturday February 11, 2017, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture Building, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis. The meeting is open to the public.

At this public meeting, you can join farmers, consumers, advocates, and researchers. MOFFA Chairperson Holly Budd said, “Whether you are a consumer or distributor looking for good sources of local organic food, or a farmer or gardener in search of new ideas, techniques and inspiration, the MOFFA Winter Meeting has something for you.” The day will consist of presentations, panels, and workshops, including research talks by  University Of Maryland Extension and scientists.

Attendees:

  • Please bring a dish to share for the Potluck Lunch, one of the highlights of the meeting.
  • You can bring seeds to exchange with the other participants in the MOFFA Seed Swap.
  • You are encouraged to donate an item for the Auction to support MOFFA.
  • Members may bring display materials and table space will be available in exchange for auction item donations.

Registration is $20 for non-members and $5 for members. Membership is $25 for one year, $45 for two years and $12 for students. Registration is at the door or online. For more information or to register online, go to marylandorganic.org or contact Holly Budd at 443-975-4181.

More information coming soon!

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Bring a dish to share at the Potluck Lunch. It’s one of the best parts of the MOFFA Winter Meeting!

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MOFFA Summer Social at Forested

Here is a chance to see a different type of ‘farming’. A chance to see permaculture in action!

MOFFA Summer Social at ForestedJoin us for the MOFFA Summer Social at FORESTED, a 10 acre Forest Garden that advances forest agriculture through permaculture. We’ll take a TOUR (suggested donation $15) and share a POTLUCK Lunch.

Forested
3707 Enterprise Rd.
Bowie, Maryland 20721

Sunday August 7, 2016

10:30 to 1:30

For more information and directions to the site, check out http://www.forested.us/contact/

Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Twilight Meeting Tour

Please join us for an evening of food, fun and informative wagon stops to these and other unknown destinations @ the Sustainable Ag and Organic Twilight Tour
Please join us for an evening of food, fun and informative wagon stops to these and other unknown destinations @ the Sustainable Ag and Organic Twilight Tour

Upper Marlboro Research and Education Center
Rain or Sunshine
Thursday- August 11, 2016
2005 Largo Road
4:30 PM until 8:30 PM

Please join Dr. Cerriti R. R. Hooks, Dept of Entomology, and The University of Maryland Extension Service for an evening of food, fun and informative wagon stops to these and other unknown destinations at the Sustainable Ag and Organic Twilight Tour.

  • See the 3rd field season of a vegetable winter cover crop pest management trial and discuss results from prior years with Peter Coffey.
  • View and discuss with Hanna Kahl her project with Dr. Guihua Chen on: Using red clover to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance pollinators in cucurbits.
  • Dr. A. William Leslie will show and tell his latest creations on how to build an ecologically based weed management program for organic and conventional producers.
  • Hear the latest from Veronica Johnson on how post-harvest practices and environmental factors impact Bt protein degradation in genetically modified corn.
  • Hear farmer(s) discuss their on-farm weed management trials and interests, and take a peek at R 2’s demonstration on growing beans with the sterile seed-bed method.
  • Dr. Jerry Brust and friends will discuss organic cantaloupe production.
  • Guy Kilpatric will have a monologue on “Terp Farm,” a sustainable farming operation.

No payment is necessary, but must RSVP by August 01, so that all attendees can be added to the guest list. Email RSVP is highly recommended and preferred but if that is not possible, call and leave a clear description of each attendee’s name at the number below.

Email V. J. at vjohnso4@umd.edu and in the subject line write “twilight tour”. Be sure to list the name of each attendee in the email message or if you must reserve by phone, leave attendees’ names @ 301-405-4728.

Directions

FARM VISIT DAY AT LICKING CREEK BEND FARM

Sustainably grown vegetables and fruits since 1972
Sustainably grown vegetables and fruits since 1972

Visit Licking Creek Bend Farm for Farm Visit Day on Sunday, May 22, 2016.

Meet the amazing staff, tour the farm, see the farm equipment, plant or pick your Christmas tree, share a veggie pot luck, swim in the creek, and enjoy a day in the country. Bring a snack for the tour, bathing suits and towels.

11:00am sharp TOUR OF FRUIT TREES  Michael Tabor
Explanation of holistic approach (no chemical pesticides) to growing APPLE &  PEARS

11:30am    ORGANIC NO-TILL FARMING  Charmaine Peters/Justin/Kyla
Tour the fields and learn about the radical departure from using plasticulture

12:00noon  TOUR HIGH TUNNEL   Justin Guyer
Or          OUR APPROACH TO CHRISTMAS TREE PRODUCTION   Michael
Plant or Tag your own Christmas Tree (bring a water proof luggage tag)

12:30pm KNOW YOUR EDIBLE WEEDS   Kyla Zapisek

POT LUCK LUNCH
Bring a veggie dish to share, your own dishes, cups & silverware to minimize garbage

  • Update on community opposition to confined Hog operations
  • Outreach to DC Ward 8
  • PASA (PA Association of Sustainable Agriculture) S.O.I.L. Program: advance sustainable agriculture education – Aaron DeLong
  • Making SALVES out of HERBS – Lauren Nazza

Mike Tabor is a longstanding MOFFA member and Tacoma Park Resident.

Contact  for the best directions.  It takes about 2 hours from the DC/MD area.

Address: 928 Donahoe Lane, Needmore, PA 17238. 717 573-4527

Interactive Workshop on Regenerative Agriculture, Climate Change and Food

Building Soil at Double Oak Farm: farming for hunger and community supported agriculture at the American Chestnut Land Trust in Calvert County, Maryland
Building Soil at Double Oak Farm: farming for hunger and community supported agriculture at the American Chestnut Land Trust in Calvert County, Maryland

What: National Press Club event with French Ministry of Agriculture to discuss soil carbon sequestration
When: Wednesday, March 9,  8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Where: The Holeman Lounge at the National Press Club – 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20045

The interactive workshop on regenerative agriculture, climate change, and food security is organized by the Organic Consumers Association and Regeneration International. The workshop will discuss the science and management of the remarkable bio-chemical process called carbon sequestration.  Scientists will explain how it works and climate policy experts will describe initiatives to drive the rapid, large-scale, worldwide adoption of regenerative agriculture techniques that can sequester carbon, improve both quantity and quality of foods produced, and concurrently decrease atmospheric CO2.

Some of the speakers include Catherine Geslain-Laneelle, Kristine Nichols, David Johnson, and Richard Teague.

  • Catherine Geslain-Laneelle is Vice Minister of the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry.  She will present the 4P1000 Initiative to increase soil carbon content around the world, describe its potential benefits, and explain plans for its implementation.
  • Kristine Nichols is Chief Scientist at the Rodale Institute and has worked with North Dakota farmer and rancher Gabe Brown and his regenerative crop and rangeland practices.
  • David Johnson (New Mexico St.) has implemented his Intensive Production system of year-round cropping in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and through it has been able to sequester almost 15 tons of carbon dioxide per acre per year for 5 years.
  • Richard Teague (Texas A&M) has done great work on Sustainable Rangeland Management.

Register for the workshop and also get more information.

Below is a complete list of the workshop speakers:

  1. Catherine Geslain-Laneelle, Vice Minister, French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry
  2. Andre Leu, IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Movements – Organics International)
  3. Richard Teague, Ph.D., Texas A&M (Sustainable Rangeland Management)
  4. Kris Nichols, Ph.D., Rodale Institute, Chief Scientis
  5. David C. Johnson, Ph.D., New Mexico State University (Institute of Sustainable Agricultural Research)
  6. Tim LaSalle, Ph.D., Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (College of Agricultural, Food, & Environmental Science)

Contact Sudheer Shukla of Biodiversity for a Livable Climate  if you would like more information.(301) 236-5387 (phone), (240) 565-2471 (cell)