Future Harvest-CASA

(Please bear with us, this page is under construction - but the info is current. Thank you!)

2010 Upcoming Events:

Future Harvest - CASA events -

Summer Field Days
Dates: TBD, 2010
Locations: Harford and Washington County, other locations to be announced.
Four field days are planned for this growing season in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture. Two will be in Maryland and two will be in Pennsylvania. The Maryland days will feature an Organic Vegetable farm and a Grazing Operation. More details forthcoming.

Other local events -

Grafting Tomatoes for Organic Systems Webinar
Date: February 2, 2010, 2:00 pm EST
Location: Online at http://www.extension.org/article/25443
In this webinar, David Francis of Ohio State University will share research findings and experience from an integrated organic program (IOP) project that has been addressing the use of grafting for organic systems.

Marketing Essentials
Date: Feb ruary 9, 2010, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road Cockeysville, MD The first of the New Farmer Training Program educational series. Topics discussed briefly will include developing a marketing plan, determining the potential of sales opportunities, finding a niche, value added products, starting a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) on your farm, and other opportunities in direct marketing and wholesale. Presenters: Ginger Myers, University of MD Extension Regional Marketing Specialist and Greg Lambrecht, owner of Serpent Ridge Vineyard. For more information, contact Cathy Tipper at crtipper@aol.com.

Soil Fertility and Conservation on the Small Farm
Date: February 17, 2010, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road Cockeysville, MD
The 2nd of the New Farmer Training Program educational series. Topics will include assessing, maintaining and enhancing soil fertility, innovative, low-cost methods for improving soil fertility, and an overview of conservation programs. Presenters: Dr. Ray Weil, Professor of Soil Science at the University of Maryland and Jim Ensor, District Manager, Baltimore County Soil Conservation District. For more information, contact Cathy Tipper at crtipper@aol.com.

EQIP Organic Initiative Webinar
Date: February 23, 2010, time TBD
Location: Online at http://www.extension.org/article/25242
Featuring Jim Riddle, UMN and Ariane Lotti. Two webinars a month, to find out the details, check the website, http://www.extension.org/article/25242

Crop Production: Annual and Perennial
Date: FEbruary 24, 2010, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road Cockeysville, MD The 3rd of the New Farmer Training Program educational series. Topics discussed include suitable cover crops and timing, determining what varieties to grow and when, succession and companion plantings, planting calendars and on-farm decision making. Presenters: Jack Gurley, Calvert's Gift Farm and Eva Delp-Cole, Manager, USDA-Farm Services Agency. For more information, contact Cathy Tipper at crtipper@aol.com.

Organizing Meeting for Slow Food Tri-State Area
Date: March 7, 2010, 7:00 pm
Location: Hagerstown, TBD
Come learn about an opportunity to start a Tri-State area Slow Food USA Chapter. The goal is to provide an opportunity for members to come together for events that could be educational, recreational, beneficial to the community, and hopefully would always involve good food and fun. For more information, contact Ann and Jeff Lucas at 301.393.5616 or jlucas@myactv.net

Past 2010 Events:

Future Harvest - CASA's 2010 Annual Conference!
Rebuilding the Real Economy: Nourshing Local Foods and Farmers
Dates: January 15 & 16, 2010
Location: National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Workshops on grazing, sustainable fruit and vegetable production and disease management, urban homsteading, adding value to your farm through processing and agritourism and much more. Delicious local food! Children's programming!
Check our conference page for more details.

Young Farmers Conference: Reviving the Culture of Agriculture
Date: December 3-4, 2009
Location: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Pocantico Hills, NY
Highlights include: over 30 workshops at beginning and intermediate levels; keynote addresses by Wes Jackson of the Land Institute and Fred Kirschenmann of Stone Barns Center and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture; the opportunity to network with other new and beginning farmers; and more! For more info go to : www.farmbasededucation.org

Small Farm Conference
Date: November 6 & 7, 2009
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Learn about a variety of alternative enterprises, opportunities, and other strategies to increase farm income and sustain small-scale agriculture. For more information, contact Berran Rogers at blrogers@umes.edu or see website.

Environmental Excellence in Health Care
Date: Friday, November 6, 2009, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: University of Maryland School of Nursing.
Topics will include purchasing environmentally preferable materials, taking action to reduce the impact of climate change, developing and implementing an integrated waste management program, and purchasing and promoting sustainable foods. 2 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER - see website.

Beginning Farmer Get Together
Date: November 1 at 2:00 pm
Location: Meadowview Morgans Farm, Upper Marlboro, MD
A potluck to share dreams, exchange ideas, and make plans for future farming. To RSVP or find out more contact Kristin at Vivala@mutualaid.org or 202.744.0373

MD Grazers Network Field Day -
Date: October 12, 2009
Location: Waffle Hill Farms, Churchville, Harford County, Maryland
Contact: Elmer Dengler, elmer.dengler@md.usda.gov

National Farmers Market Week
Dates: August 2-8, 2009
Each year, more Americans in more communities get more of their food from farmers markets. In August, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported 4,685 farmers markets operating in the United States. The 2007 Census of Agriculture reported a remarkable $1.2 billion in food sold directly from farmers to consumers. Help communicate the importance of markets in your community! For more information and to get involved see: www.farmersmarketcoalition.org/membership/

PASA's 2nd Annual 100% Grass-fed, Grass-finished Beef Cook-off!
Date: August 2nd
Time: 1:00 - 4:00
Location: Glasbern Inn, Fogelsville, Lehigh County
Come spend the afternoon with some of PASA's best grass-fed, grass-finished beef producers. This Beef Challenge Cook Off provides farmers a chance to share proven methods and growing techniques and enjoy sampling tasty, professionally prepared beef. For more info, click here or see the PASA events calendar.

Maryland Farm to School Workshop
Date: Wednesday, July 29th
Time: 9:00 - 3:30
Location: Indian Creek Upper School, 1130 Anne Chambers Rd., Crownsville, MD
Maryland farmers, food service staff, parents, teachers, and interested citizens can collaborate toward growing healthier children and a healthier economy and environment. To register ($25 by July 15; later $35) or learn more, go to www.mdfarmtoschool.org.

Educational Farm Visit
Date: Wedensday, July 29th
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: One Straw Farm, 19718 Kirkwood Shop Road, White Hall, Maryland
Contact: Mike Snow, msnow@accokeek.org
Come learn about the largest organic vegetable farm in Maryland. Joan and Drew Norman grow great veggies and sell them through CSA shares, at farmers markets, and to restaurants, local stores, and Whole Foods (both outside at the WF farmers market and inside in the produce department).

Chesapeake Folk Festival
Date: Saturday, July 25th
Time: 10:00 - 6:00
Location: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels
Talk about the nuts and bolts of eating local at this celebration of life by the Bay: its people, food, music, work and traditions. For more info: CBMM website

Organic Cooking Classes at the Kayam Farm
Date: July 19th (all levels)
Location: Kayam Farm, 5425 Mt Gilead Rd, Reisterstown, MD
Contact: Becca Weaver, becca@pearlstonecenter.org , 410-429-4400, ext. 232
Cook with farm-fresh produce, learn wholesome, healthy recipes and create community! With Richele Henry: www.richelehenry.com . Fall classes also offered. To learn more see the flyer.

Buy Local Challenge Week
Dates: July 18th – July 25th
Buy Local Challenge Week, a statewide campaign in which consumers, businesses and institutions pledge to eat or serve at least 1 local food each day during the week. You can pledge to eat at least one thing from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week, or you can register your restaurant, store, hospital, business, etc. to showcase local food. To learn more and participate: http://www.buy-local-challenge.com/challenge.asp

An Evening with Will Allen at Great Kids Farm
Date: July 17, 2009
Location: 6601 Baltimore National Pike, Baltimore, MD 21228
For more information: Baltimore Green Works
Will Allen, Founder and President of Growing Power, Inc., shares his experience in building an internationally acclaimed urban farm rooted in community, sustainable agriculture and a commitment to making good food available to all.

Deale Farmers Market
Date: July 2, 2009
Location: 5965 Deale-Churchton Rd, Cedar Grove Methodist Church
Times: Thursdays, 3:00 to 6:00 (July to Oct.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Gail Wilkerson 410-867-4993

Washington County Hospital Farmers Market - NEW
Start Date: July 1, 2009
Time: Wedensdays, 3:00 - 6:00
Location: Elks Lodge No. 378, Hagerstown, MD
For more information: Louise Mitchell, lmitc001@son.umaryland.edu

St. Joseph Medical Center Farmers Market - NEW
Date: Summer, 2009, Times TBA
Location: 7601 Osler Drive, Towson, MD, Baltimore County
LOOKING FOR FARMERS! Please contact heatherkeller@catholichealth.net, 410-337-1699

The Centre at Glen Burnie Farmers Market
Date: June 24, 2009
Location: Glen Burnie, in mall parking lot by Best Buy
Times: Wednesdays, 9:00 to 12:00 (June to Oct.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Lisa Barge 410-222-7410

Department of Natural Resources Farmers Market - NEW
Date: June 18, 2009
Location: DNR parking lot off Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
Times: Thursdays, 3:00 to 6:00 (June to Aug.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Lisa Barge 410-222-7410

Anne Arundel County Farmers Market
Date: June 9, 2009
Location: Riva Rd & Harry Truman Pkwy
Times: Tuesdays, 7:00 to 12:00 (June to Oct.)
ALSO Saturdays, 7:00 to 12:00 (April to Oct.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Brenda Conti 410-349-0317

Johns Hopkins Hospital Farmers Market - NEW
Start Date: June 4, 2009
Location: 601 N. Broadway, Baltimore
Times: Thursdays, 10:00 to 2:00
For more info, email Roneet Mallin rmallin2@jhmi.edu or Shannon Gregor sgregor7@jhmi.edu

Whole Foods Annapolis 5% Day Supporting Future Harvest-CASA
Date: Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Location: New Store - 200 Harker Place, Suite 100, Annapolis, MD 21401
Contact: Amanda Behrens, futureharvestcasa@gmail.com
Part of Whole Foods Market community giving program for 2009, Future Harvest-CASA was chosen to be the recipient of 5% of the proceeds from this shopping day at the new Whole Foods Market - Annapolis location. Come and meet Future Harvest staff, board and members, who will be on site throughout the day. Some of our farmers will be there at a special FARMERS MARKET by the entrance on Harker Street, from 4:00 - 7:30 pm. Shop for local and organic products and support our organization! To learn more about the 5% Day, click here.

Piney Orchard Farmers Market
Date: May 13, 2009
Location: Stream Valley Dr. off Rt. 170, Piney Orchard Community Center
Times: Wednesdays, 2:00 to 6:30 (May to Nov.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Bill Morris 410-867-9162

Kenilworth Farmers Market Opening
Date: May 11, 2009
Location: Shops at Kenilworth, Kenilworth Drive , Towson
Times: Tuesdays, 3:30 to 6:30 pm
For more information, contact Ned Atwater, 410-744-2604

Catonsville Farmers Market Opening
Date: May 5, 2009
Location: Bloomsbury Community Center, 108 Bloomsbury Ave.
Times: Wednesday 10 am to 1 pm
For more information - http://www.catonsville.org/events/farmersmarket.html

University of Maryland Medical Center Farmers Market - NEW
Date: May 5, 2009
Location: University Plaza Park, across from main entrance
Times: Tuesdays, 10:30 to 2:30 (May to Oct.)
For more information http://www.umm.edu/features/farmers_market.htm

Inaugural Eco Ride to support the KAYAM farm
Date: May 3, 2009
Location: Starts at Kayam Farm, 5425 Mt Gilead Rd, Reisterstown, MD
Contact: 410-429-4400 x 203, http://www.pearlstonecenter.org/bikeride.html
We are having a bike ride to raise money for our local sustainable farm! Kayam is an organic educational farm located at the Pearlstone Center. In just two years Kayam has educated almost 6,000 participants of all ages and backgrounds. The farm gives participants a powerful, fun way to learn crucial lessons in health, community, and culture.

Westfield Annapolis Farmers Market
Date: May 3, 2009
Location: 2123 Generals Highway, mall parking lot next to Sears Automotive
Times: Sundays, 11:00 to 3:00 (May to Oct.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Brenda Conti 410-349-0317

Farming Profitably:
Business Planning, Management, Marketing, and Record-Keeping
Date: May 2nd, 2009
Locations: TBD, Centre County
Contact: PASA at 814-349-9856 ext. 205 or email Rachel@pasafarming.org
The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) will offer this Intensive Learning Program presented by the Univ. of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with support from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture and the Risk Management Agency. Cost: $50 PASA members, $75 all others (light breakfast & lunch included) Class is limited to 25 registrants. Click here for more info.

BUGS Farmers Market
Date: May 2, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Living Classrooms, 802 S. Caroline St., Baltimore, MD
Contact: 410-685-0295, www.bugsprogram.org
This one-day, kid-run event offers hundreds of vegetable, flower and herb seedlings, student made jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and homemade dressings and salsa. More than 50 members of the Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students (BUGS) After School Program have been growing, cooking and creating over the course of the fall and winter in preparation for the 12 th Annual BUGS Farmers Market.

2009 West Virginia Agritourism Conference
Dates: April 26-29, 2009
Location: Quality Hotel Conference Center, Harpers Ferry , WV
Contact: Cindy Martel, cmartel@ag.state.wv.us , 304-558-2210, or www.wvagriculture.org
Great presenters and good ideas: Good Agricultural Practices Training, A Crash Course in Group Sales, Agritourism in Action tour, Social Networking, and breakout sessions. The Conference will also feature a bus tour of agritourism attractions in the Eastern Panhandle, as well as a number of shorter informational workshops. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, notebook and photos and publications of their own operations to share with the group.

Maryland Day 2009
Date: April 25, 2009
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Contact: http://www.marylandday.umd.edu/location/ag_day.cfm
11th Annual Maryland Day Open House: All over Maryland's 1250 acre campus, visitors can 'Explore Our World' with tours, exhibits and demonstrations. Visit Ag Day Avenue to learn why the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is not just about farming.

Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware Farmers Markets
As there are so many markets in our region, rather than list them all here, we are instead providing links to local listings. Please click on the area you are interested in: Maryland,
Northern Virginia, DC and surrounding areas, West Virginia, and Delaware.
In addition, we are listing the new hospital farmers markets below, as they are new and have not been included in the above lists.

Severna Park Farmers Market
Date: April 25, 2009
Location: Ritchie Hwy (Rt.2) and Jones Station Rd, Annapolis
Times: Saturdays, 8:00 to 12:00 (April to Oct.)
For more information: http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Anita Robertson 410-827-9192

Organic Cooking Classes at the Kayam Farm
Dates: April 19, 2009 (beginner)
May, June and July classes also, see above.
Location: Kayam Farm, 5425 Mt Gilead Rd, Reisterstown, MD
Contact: Becca Weaver, becca@pearlstonecenter.org , 410-429-4400, ext. 232
Cook with farm-fresh produce, learn wholesome, healthy recipes and create community! With Richele Henry: www.richelehenry.com . Fall classes also offered. To learn more see the flyer.

Veggie 101 Class - Learn how to grow your own food
Dates: April 18, and April 30, 2009
Times: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Ag Center, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD
Contact: Jeff Semler, jsemler@umd.edu, MD Cooperative Extension
Part of the "Grow It Eat It" campaign, this course will teach you how to grow the 10 easiest veggies, about different types of gardens, improving soil, tools, seeds, and pests. To register, print the PDF flyer.

Connecting Kids to Nature: Using the Outdoors as a Classroom
Date: April 18, 2009
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Arlington, VA
Contact: Mary Pike, marypike@cox.net or evenings at 703-960-0577
Sponsored by UUCA Green Action and Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment. A day of discussion, presentations, exhibits and breakout sessions to enable teachers and parents to learn more about what is currently happening in the area of teaching kids outside. Concurrent sessions on grant writing tips; what can you learn from trees; teaching seasonal changes; how parents and volunteers can get involved at schools; how to start a school garden or outside classroom; practicing outdoor education at home and more. Further details and registration materials are available at www.arlingtonenvironment.org

Urb Ag Gala
Date: April 17, 2009
Location: St. John's Church at 2640 St. Paul Street
Contact: urbaggala@gmail.com , http://baltimoreurbanag.org/content/urb-ag-gala
The Baltimore Urban Agricultural Task Force will be hosting its first annual Urb Ag Gala celebration that will include delicious local food, artwork and entertainment in the setting of an old church transformed into a wildly lavish green atmosphere. The Task Force is a growing coalition of farmers, students, professionals, artists, parents, and concerned citizens. The long term goal of the Task Force is to acquire a 6-acre plot that can be farmed in Baltimore City and to create 500 new and sustainable jobs.

Fresh Fork Market Chesapeake Region Planning Meeting
Date: April 13, 2009
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Gramercy Mansion, 1400 Greenspring Valley Road, Baltimore, MD
Contact: Cathy Tipper, 410-472-0878 or 410-218-3620
New online marketing pilot project in Maryland - Fresh Fork Market Chesapeake Region. 20 diverse farms and 20 restaurants, retailers, and/or institutions are needed to start the launch. Interested folks are welcome to attend the upcoming meetings and learn more. Please sign on to Fresh Fork Market, as a New User, before the meeting. Please enter your address so you are put in the Maryland group (not another location). Please then email Trevor at trevor@freshforkmarket.com to let him know you would like a test account. Please contact Cathy Tipper at crtipper@aol.com with any questions.

Bel Air Farmers Market Opening
Date: April 11, 2009
Location: Thomas and South Bond St, Dowtown BelAir
Times: Tuesdays, 9 am to 2 pm, Saturdays, 7 to 11 am
For more information see http://www.belairfarmersmarket.com/

Intermediate Grape Grower Workshops
Date: April 9, 2009
Location: Northern/Western Maryland, Howard County Fairgrounds
Contact: Maryland Cooperative Extension Office, 410-666-1020
The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension is offering one-day regional workshops for grape growers in Maryland. This workshop continues where the New Grower Workshops left off, offering a detailed description of viticultural practices for commercial vineyards.
See PDF flyer for complete information

Farming Profitably:
Business Planning, Management, Marketing, and Record-Keeping
Dates & Locations:
April 4th, 2009; Storm Harbor Equestrian Center, Slippery Rock; Butler County
April 18th, 2009; Chester Co. EDC, Exton; Chester County
May 2nd, 2009; Location TBD, Centre County
Contact: PASA at 814-349-9856 ext. 205 or email Rachel@pasafarming.org
The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) will offer this Intensive Learning Program presented by the Univ. of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with support from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture and the Risk Management Agency. Cost: $50 PASA members, $75 all others (light breakfast & lunch included) Class is limited to 25 registrants. Click here for more info.

Organizing a Local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
Date: March 25, 2009
Friendly Farm restaurant (17434 Foreston Rd, Upperco, MD)
Contact: Baltimore County Extension office, 410-666-1020
Farmers interested in learning more about how to organize a new CSA or seek new ideas for an operating CSA are invited to participate in this program, offered by the Baltimore County office of Maryland Cooperative Extension. Click here (PDF) for more info.

“Intermediate Grape Grower Workshops”
Dates & Locations:
March 18, 2009 - Eastern Shore in Queen Anne's County
March 24, 2009 - Southern Maryland in Hughesville
Contact: Maryland Cooperative Extension Office, 410-666-1020
The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension is offering one-day regional workshops for grape growers in Maryland. This workshop continues where the “New Grower Workshops” left off, offering a detailed description of viticultural practices for commercial vineyards. See PDF flyer for complete information

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS) for the Production and Handling of Fresh Produce
Date: March 16, 2009
Location: Howard County Fairground
Contact: David Martin, 410-666-1022
A one-day program for commercial fruit & vegetable producers to learn about techniques and practices that can help minimize produce contamination. This program is suggested for growers who sell wholesale to grocery stores, organizations, food processors and selling directly to the public. Click here (PDF) for more info.

Upcoming Changing Ag Markets Series Seminar -
Processing for Profits: Moving from Concept to Consumers
Date: March 11th, 2009
Location: Friendly Farm restaurant (17434 Foreston Rd, Upperco, MD)
Download the PDF brochure here.

Future Harvest - CASA's 2009 Annual Conference
Connect Locally: Food, Farms and Community
Date: January 16-17, 2009
Location: Frederick, MD
Speakers presentations will be available soon. Click here to learn more.

Please note our new mailing address.
Phone, fax and email have not changed.

Future Harvest-CASA
P. O. Box 109
Fairplay, MD 21733-0109
phone: 410-549-7878
fax: 410-549-9778
email: futureharvestcasa@gmail.com