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Future Harvest - Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture
 

Future Harvest A Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (Future Harvest CASA) is a network of farmers, agricultural professionals, landowners and consumers living and working in the Chesapeake region, which includes Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington DC. Future Harvest CASA promotes profitable, environmentally sound and socially acceptable food and farming systems that work to sustain communities. Read more about Who We Are.

Future Harvest CASA Events

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  • June 13 Field Day and Workshop - Increase Your Farmers Market Revenue with WIC FVC and FMNP (Takoma Park, MD)
  • June 13 Beginner Farmer Training Urban Workshop Series - Small Plot Intensive Farming (SPIN)/Alternative Growing Systems (Baltimore, MD)
  • June 27 Field Day - On-farm Small Flock Seminar (Monkton, MD)
  • June 28 Field Day - Starting an Organic Fruit Tree Orchard (Fairfield, PA)
  • August 20 Field Day - Farmscaping & Pollinators (Dickerson, MD)
  • January 18-19, 2013 - 14th Annual "Farming for Profit and Stewardship" Conference (Lansdowne, VA)
 
Farmer Resources

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PROGRAMS

Beginner Farmer Training Program - Future Harvest CASA initiated its Beginner Farmer Training Program (BFTP) in 2012, in partnership with Maryland Agricultural Resource Council (MARC). The program is focused on training Chesapeake-region farmers on managing a sustainable family farm operation.

CASA Notes - An archive of our bimonthly email newsletter.

Eat Fresh Maryland Farmers Market Network - In 2012, Future Harvest CASA and the Crossroads Community Food Network will work to support the establishment of six new EBT programs at Maryland farmers markets in food deserts, as well as to strengthen collaboration and joint marketing efforts among Maryland farmers markets accepting federal nutrition benefits.

Educational Events - Field days, workshops, Annual Conference and other events hosted by Future Harvest CASA on sustainable agriculture and farm-to-consumer topics. 

Job/Land Bulletin Board - A place for Future Harvest CASA members to post help wanted, for sale, and other farm-related announcements.

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Maryland Grazers Network - The Maryland Grazers Network is a mentorship program that pairs experienced livestock, dairy, sheep and poultry producers with farmers who want to learn new grazing skills. Visit the page to find mentor contact info, newsletters and other information for grass-based farmers.

Topic of Interest Groups - Google groups set up to foster the exchange of peer-to-peer information on specific areas of sustainable agriculture practice, i.e., small ruminants, organic vegetable production, orchard fruits, etc. Participation is free.


INFORMATION

Web Links - Links to information on a variety of topics from technical information on sustainable agriculture practices, to farm business planning and marketing, issues and advocacy.

 

 
News

Looking for a farm internship or job? Check out our Job/Land Bulletin Board!


Ag Marketing News Update - May 2012: Licenses and Regulation Updates for Farmers Marketing Value-Added Products Directly to Consumers


June 1 Deadline for NRCS Organic Initiative

Since FY 2009, NRCS has provided $450,000 in financial assistance to Maryland certified organic producers, those who want to make the transition to organic production, and producers who sell less than $5,000 in organic products annually. Approximately $50 million is available nationwide in FY 2012. Applications for the final ranking period of 2012 are due at NRCS offices by close of business on June 1, 2012. Read the full release to find out how to apply.


Conference Keynote and Call for Proposals Announced

Amish organic dairy farmer David Kline will deliver the keynote address at the 14th Annual "Farming for Profit and Stewardship" Conference, presented by Future Harvest CASA on January 18-19, 2013 at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, Virginia. Read the full release.


Path to the 2012 Farm Bill

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition » National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Supporting economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities

See more from NSAC on our Policy and Issues Page.

 
Consumer Resources

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Amazing Grazing Directory Searchable Online 

The Amazing Grazing directory of grass-based farms that sell meat, poultry, dairy and eggs direct to consumers is now available in a searchable database. Find farms by name, product, or location, or download the pdf.

Resources to Find Sustainably Grown Food or Grow Your Own 

Future Harvest CASA has put together a list of online resources about sustainable agriculture and production practices, and directories for locating farms, retailers and other sources for sustainably grown food. Also check out our online bookstore featuring books about sustainable agriculture, gardening and living from Chelsea Green Publishing!

Meet Your Farmers

Check out our profiles of some local farmers and active members of Future Harvest CASA.

Michael Heller, Clagett Farm

Nick Maravell, Nick's Organic Farm

Jeffrey Martyn

Jeffrey Martyn, Greenbranch Organic Farm

Denzel Mitchell

Denzel Mitchell, Five Seeds Farm

Rob Moutoux

Rob Moutoux, Moutoux Orchard