Calendar - 2012 Conference - News of Past EventsFuture Harvest CASA EventsEach year, Future Harvest CASA hosts a number of field days and workshops, as well as our Annual Conference, to provide educational support on topics of specific interest to the sustainable agriculture and farm-to-consumer community. You can read about our events below. Registration will be open very soon for our first field days of 2012! Click on our Calendar to see a wide range of events hosted by Future Harvest CASA and other sustainable agriculture organizations throughout the region.
2012 EventsSAVE THESE DATES - Registration for these events will open soon!
MARCH 24 Increase Your Farmers Market Revenue with WIC FVC and FMNP
Save the date for this informative session on the nuts and bolts of accepting federal nutrition benefits at the farmers markets. In addition to observing transactions involving electronic benefits transfer (EBT), WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers and WIC Fruit and Vegetable Checks (FVC), the workshop will include the required training for farmers to be certified to accept WIC FMNP and FVC at their market stands. MARCH 17 Hydroponics: Meeting the Demands of a High-Growth, Year-Round Market
Seize this opportunity to visit the second largest hydroponic vegetable operation in West Virginia. Less than 20 miles from the Maryland border and close to the Baltimore and Washington markets, Mock's Greenhouse grows tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, watercress, herbs and more for the wholesale and farmers' markets. Paul and Raynette Mock grow in over 52,00 square feet of greenhouses, much in year-round production, but also have hoophouse and small field production. In 2011, they started organic production of baby ginger and berries, and are looking at doubling some of their organic production in 2012. The Mocks sell 97 percent of their products to wholesale buyers including Wegman's, Whole Foods, Hearn Kirkwood, Coastal Sunbelt, and Lancaster Farm Fresh. They also retail at farmers' markets in West Virginia, the DC area, and Virginia. The Mocks and their staff will first present the concept of hydroponics, describe the crop life-cycles for year-round production, and the cultural needs of the crops. We will visit the greenhouses and hoophouse, then regroup for a local food meal and for Q&A on the history, the economics and the marketing of their products. Paul Mock will focus on his product strategy, how he made his decisions to diversify into new crops and markets, and why he applied and became one of the only GAP-certified (Good Agricultural Practices) hydroponics grower on the East Coast. He will describe his staffing model and the cost/benefits of greenhouse energy use and inputs.
PAST EVENTS 13th Annual Conference - "Farm to Institution: Making Local Food Economies a Reality"
Friday and Saturday, January 13-14, 2012 National Conference Center - Landsdowne, Loudoun County, VA Our signature annual gathering of farmers and food advocates to learn from and network with peers in sustainable agriculture! Click the link above or here for full conference details, registration, and lodging options.
2011 Farmer Field Days
Tuesday, October 25 Economic Opportunities with Sustainable Woodlot Management Frederick, MD Highlights:
Presented in partnership with Forestry for the Bay. Agenda, details and registration.
Transforming Environmental Innovation Into Profitable Business Monday, August 15, 3 - 6 pm |
February
- Annie’s Project - Farm Management Classes for Women
February 22, 2012 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) - Small Farm Workshop Series - Soil Fertility and Conservation on the Small Farm
February 22, 2012 (6:30 pm - 8:45 pm) - 2012 FMNP Training Sessions - Montgomery County
February 23, 2012 (9:00 am - 12:00 - noon)
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