This is a free event for Black, Indigenous and Person of Color (BIPOC) farmers only.

Dinner, interpreting and childcare will be provided.

Come early for a farm tour or join when you can for networking!

This event is a space for BIPOC farmers to explore connections with customers, markets and soil health. Together, we’ll look at the strengths, needs and opportunities within our farms, including discussions on the option of organic certification. We’ll develop an understanding around the intersections of our financial investments, love for farming and desire to serve our communities.

This is the first in a series of 5 networking & technical assistance opportunities in organic farming, specifically about certifying organic.

Bring questions or interests about certification and whether it’s right for your farm.

 

During this event, we will:

• Have conversations about organic farming in our communities and what practices work for us
• Explore the conversations and questions around certifying organic, including thoughts, concerns, opportunities and barriers
• Enjoy a delicious local meal
• Learn about the multiple opportunities and resources available for farmers

 

Schedule/Agenda:

4:30 pm – Soil Health Farm Tour

5:15 pm – Introductions & Networking

6:15 pm – Discussion; Break-Out Groups

7:00 pm – Catered Dinner

7:45 pm – Closing Remarks

8:30 pm – Wrap Up

 

About:

Global Village at Tuck Away Farm is a 52-acre farm with a 2.5 garden located in Grafton, MA, working to build a more resilient community through the integration of educational experiences, justice work, and regenerative agriculture. Global Village Farm was founded in 2018 and is a project with the social and spiritual mission based on the ancestral practices of “Buen Vivir”. Informed by many ancient Mayan agriculture practices, Global Village uses a raised-bed no-till system, integrating cover crops, mulch, intercropping, and other practices that work to sequester carbon back into the soil. In addition, they run a beginner farmer peer program where people are invited to come to the fields and harvest food as they choose.

 

About the Project:

This event was made possible by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a national program that helps farmers navigate the ins and outs of certification, and provides mentorships and technical assistance to those who are considering organic certification.

There is a history of BIPOC farmers not receiving or having unequal access to the resources that are provided by government agencies. This event is a safe space for us to discuss those inequities, look at how they apply to our farmers and communities, and consider how we may interact with them going forward. It is important to NOFA/Mass that we prioritize and deeply consider the gifts, needs and concerns of our BIPOC farmers.

 

From the parking lot:

As soon as you arrive at Global Village Farms, drive down the hill, passing the little bridge. To the left there will be signs for the parking area (the green grass along the river. Please do not drive up the driveway, as you might get parked in.

 

Accessibility:

Portions of our farm tour will cover uneven and sloped terrain, and stairs to the dining area. We want to make sure your accessibility needs are met during the event. Please share with us your needs regarding (but not limited to): physical accessibility, allergies, noise, scent, gender, intellectual accessibility, and any instructions or tips to help you fully participate.

 

Refund/Inclement Weather Policy:

For information on our refund and inclement weather policy, click here.

 

Capacity:

Capacity for this event is limited to 25 people. Register to secure your space!

 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact events@nofamass.org