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/.

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