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 News

Additional Spaces Available at Summer Creek Farm (posted 2/3/12)

Future Harvest CASA is still accepting applications from new farmers across the Chesapeake region interested in participating in the Beginner Farmer Training Program (BFTP) 2012 program year on Summer Creek Farm in Thurmont Maryland. Read more about program and application requirements.

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Consumer News: Amazing Grazing Directory Now 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 fully searchable database. Find farms based on products they sell, location, markets or any other information that is included in their descriptions.

PRESS RELEASE: Future Harvest CASA Announces 2012 Leadership

Become a Member

Join Future Harvest CASA

Your membership in Future Harvest CASA helps us build a more sustainable food and farming system through our work of educating farmers about profitable and sustainable agricultural practices, helping consumers connect with the sources of their food, and working with other organizations to advocate for policy changes that create sustainable communities. As a financially invested member, you add to the collective voice of Future Harvest CASA in representing the sustainable food and farming community in the Chesapeake region. Please see our membership brochure or login or register in the box to the right to become a member through our online registration.

NEWS

WIP COMMENT PERIOD AND PUBLIC MEETINGS (posted 2/10/2012)

The draft of Maryland’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) was released for public review and comment on January 26, 2012. Draft documents are available for review here. Public meetings will be held throughout Maryland beginning Monday, February 6th and concluding on March 5th. Your participation in the process is important and we encourage you and others to attend one of the meetings. The public review and comment period is open from January 26, 2012 through March 9, 2012.

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.

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.

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.