What Grows On in Rhode Island ~ News Blog

Farm City, City Farm: An Evening with Two Urban Farmers ~ November 12, 2009

From Southside Community Land Trust:

Farm City, City Farm: An Evening of Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of Two Urban Farmers

Southside Community Land Trust and Slow Food Rhode Island

Sponsor Discussion of Urban Agriculture on Thursday, November 12th

Who: Slow Food Rhode Island and Southside Community Land Trust

What: Farm City, City Farm: Tales in Urban Farming from Farmer-Author Novella Carpenter and Farmer Rich Pederson

When: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 7pm

Where:  First Unitarian Church of Providence, 1 Benevolent Street

Join us for a evening of stories – trials, tribulations, and triumphs - from two talented urban farmers; Novella Carpenter, author of Farm City: the Education of an Urban Farmer, and Rich Pederson, Southside Community Land Trust’s City Farm Farm Manager.

Novella and Rich will take turns sharing their urban agriculture experiences with us, with their unique perspectives influenced by each of their environments; Novella’s in Oakland, California, and Rich’s here in Providence. They’ll follow their story telling with an audience question and answer period, which is sure to be entertaining and informative - and quite likely very funny as well.

A $10 donation ($5 for college students) is requested. Funds will support Southside Community Land Trust and Slow Food Rhode Island.
 
Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) provides access to land, education and other resources so people in Greater Providence can grow food in environmentally sustainable ways and create community food systems where locally produced, affordable, and healthy food is available to all. For more information, please visit www.southsideclt.org
 
Slow Food Rhode Island is the local chapter of Slow Food USA. The volunteers of Slow Food Rhode Island work to promote the values of good, clean, fair food, including education, biodiversity projects, and social activism. For more information, please visit http://slowfoodri.blogspot.com.
 

Wintertime Farmers' Markets Begin ~ November 7, 2009

It's sad to see the 40-some-odd Summertime Farmers' Markets fade away, but not to worry, Rhode Island ~ there are now at least 3 markets that continue throughout the winter!


SATURDAY MARKETS: In Pawtucket the Farm Fresh RI market at Hope Artiste Village opens for its second season tomorrow, November. The Coastal Growers Market moves inside to Lafayette Mill in North Kingstown beginning on November21.

ED NOTE: This isn't going to happen this year because of permitting problems, but maybe next year! -- SK (11/10/09) SUNDAY MARKET: Nearby in North Attleboro, MA, another winter market will open this Sunday, November 8, at the Masonic Lodge. This market includes artisan producers as well as farmers.

A couple of summertime markets are braving the elements and continue until the week before Thanksgiving. See the Calendar for details.

$7 Million for RI Private Agricultural and Woodland Owners ~ Deadline Oct 30, 2009

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Program Workshop is October 13.

If you cannot attend this workshop, call Paul Boisvert at NRCS for further information ~ 401-397-9421

Over $7 million is available for private agricultural and private forestry or woodland owners! Although NRCS accepts applications for assistance throughout the year, our next milestone application deadline is October 30, 2009. Come learn about how NRCS grants provide financial and technical assistance that address:

*Composting animal and plant wastes
*Protecting crop fields
*Preventing soil erosion
*Enhancing your woodlands
*Eradicating invasive plant species
*Managing your manure
*Improving your pasture land
*Reducing your irrigation water use
*Improving your water quality
*Protecting and enhancing wildlife areas

Whether or not you are familiar with NRCS’ programs, technical and financial assistance available, have completed an application, or plan on completing an application, the workshop will provide valuable information including:

*Summary of programs available to address common conservation needs
*Review Application Process
*Review Planning Process
*Review Contract Process

October 13, 2009
6 PM - 8 PM
Laurel Grange, Corner of Snake & Sawmill Roads, Harmony [Exeter], RI

Please contact Paul Boisvert at 401-397-9421 to register.

Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off ~ October 10, 2009

From RI DEM:

The public is invited to the 16th annual Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Championship on Saturday, October 10 at Frerichs Farm in Warren. Unloading of the biggest pumpkins grown in the area will begin at 10 a.m. with the weigh-off scheduled for 1 p.m. In case of rain, the championship will take place on Sunday, October 11.

36th Coggeshall Farm Harvest Fair ~ September 19-20, 2009

The Harvest Fair at Coggeshall Farm is an annual event that began in 1973 and today attracts up to 5,000 visitors from across Southeastern New England.  Hours are 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, 2009.

Offerings at the Fair include quality vendors, traditional competitions, and unique entertainment.  At the heart of the Fair are live demonstrations of historic and traditional crafts and skills presented by artisans from across the Northeast.  It is this focus on artistry and craftsmanship that sets Coggeshall Farm’s Harvest Fair apart from other events, and makes it the valuable asset to the community it has proven to be for 35 years.

Admission

Adults $8.00
Member's, Seniors, and Children 6-12 $6.00
 Children under 6 - Free

Northern Rhode Island Conservation District Annual Barbeque ~ September 11, 2009

From Northern Rhode Island Conservation District:
 
JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL DINNER: IT’S A BARBEQUE!
 
Addieville East Farm, 200 Pheasant Drive, Mapleville, RI 02839
 
Friday, September 11, 2009
 
Fun & Games:   4:00
H’or Dourves:                  5:30
Dinner:                              6:30
 
Buffet BBQ:  $30/person
 
Visit our the events page at www,riacd.org for ticket order forms and more information
 
Geoff Gaebe, owner of Addieville East Farm, has again invited us to enjoy this amazing retreat located on over 900 acres in northern Rhode Island.  Addieville is considered the premier pheasant hunting preserve in New England.  It also offers fly fishing, sporting clays shooting and 3-D archery as well as hiking, bird watching and a chance to observe a variety of wildlife.

Come explore the peace and tranquility of the woods while learning about the history of the farm.  Join our host and explore historical cemeteries, farm sites and a property that has over two hundred years of history.  The free tour will begin at approximately 4:00, weather permitting.

Take advantage of a great opportunity—our guests are invited to shoot sporting clays at 4:00 for an additional charge.  Space is limited.  Call the NRICD office (401)949-1480 to discuss shooting options and to make reservations.

NRICD is proud to offer locally raised meats supplied by members of the RI Raised Livestock Association (RIRLA) as part of our menu and we are very excited to partner with More than a Meal—a catering business operated by Amos House.  They will be preparing our BBQ again this year.
 
Our thanks to RI Rural Development Council who subsidized the purchase of locally raised meets as part of a grant to promote farmers markets in RI.
 
Mission Statement of NRICD
The Northern Rhode Island Conservation District fosters a community-based approach to the stewardship of northern Rhode Island ‘s natural resources through education and outreach into the communities, technical assistance and partnerships with other agencies.

From the Ground Up! Press Conference ~ Providence, RI ~ September 3, 2009

Growing a Healthier, More Sustainable City - From the Ground Up!

Southside Community Land Trust and over 30 partners to announce a three-year initiative funded by the USDA Community Food Projects Grant

WHO:             Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT)
 
WHAT:          Press Conference to announce From the Ground Up!
 
WHEN:          Thursday, September 3, 2009, 4:30pm
 
WHERE:       Janes Community Garden, 12-14 Janes St., South Providence (near Eddy St. and Public St., please contact for directions)
 
WHY:             To introduce From the Ground Up!, an exciting initiative made possible by the USDA Community Food Projects Grant and over 30 community partners and foundations.

Go See Food, Inc. ~ July 21 - 23, 2009

The film, Food, Inc. will be shown at a special fundraiser for the RI Center for Agricultural Promotion and Education (RICAPE) of Food, Inc. at the Jane Pickens Theater Wednesday, July 22, followed by a panel discussion that includes:

• Ken Ayars, Chief, DEM RI Division of Agriculture
• Dorothy Brayley, Executive Director, Kids First
• Lee B. Kane, EcoCzar/Forager, Whole Foods Market, North Atlantic Region<
• Chef Casey Riley, Castle Hill Inn and the Newport Restaurant Group

If you can't make that showing, go to one of the others at Jane Pickens or the Avon in Providence where the film runs until Thursday, the 23rd.

And if you can't make any of these showings, at least go to the Food, Inc. website to read about it and to find out what you can do. I saw it last night ~ everyone who eats food should see this film.

All the showings are in What Grows On in RI Calendar, and I've added the Food, Inc. blog, Hungry for Change, to the RI Feeds website.

Westerly Farming Ordinance ~ Town Council Meeting ~ July 13, 2009

Received late afternoon, July 13:

[Ed note: Providential Gardener does not have other information on this issue.]

Please find attached a revised draft farming ordinance
 and a Planning Board advisory opinion letter to the Town Council.  The wording of both were determined by Patricia Douglas and Thomas Toscano, representing the majority of the Planning Board that voted 3 to 2 against the ordinance, with 2 members absent.  David Panciera has written the Council stating that if he had been present, he would have voted in favor.

It has been reported that some of what was written and sent to the Council was not included in the discussion at the Planning Board meeting.  It was also reported that one of the Planning Board members stated in their meeting, despite the State and Town Comprehensive Plans calling for encouragement of agriculture, that if someone in Westerly wants to farm, they should move to Exeter.

The current sequence of events throws in to question whether some existing farms in some zones in Westerly will have to shut down, and whether it will be possible for the Westerly Land Trust to have agriculture on its properties.

To me, growing food and selling excess production is part of our cultural tradition and historical heritage.  It helps people earn money, and keep more money in the local economy.  It helps people obtain the high quality and fresh food they want.  It helps preserve open space and popular views.  It is consistent with freedom, liberty and private property rights.  It contributes to food security and community resilience in the face of potential natural disasters, terrorism incidents and other catastrophes anywhere our food is produced, processed and in between here and there.

It would be helpful for agricultural interests to be well represented at the Town Council meeting this evening.

Harvey C. Perry, II
401.348.1269
401.348.1374 (facsimile)
hcperry@washtrust.com

Attachments:
Download 071309 - FFOS Program-PB1 
Download TC Advisory0609 FFOS

Volunteer Gleaners Needed ~ Fall 2008

From Farm Fresh Rhode Island's email newsletter today:

Fresh for All of Our Neighbors:  750 Pounds of Corn Harvest and Donated to the Food Bank!

Two weeks ago, Farm Fresh RI got a call from Cooks Valley Farm about an abundance of corn in their fields. The farmers didn't have enough time or staff to harvest the corn, so a few volunteers traveled to Wrentham to pick some ears and deliver them to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. After just two hours, Lindsay, the Farm Fresh RI Food Systems Intern, and her friend Emilia picked 750 pounds of corn and delivered it to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank!

The next few weeks are a great time spend a few hours outdoors and volunteer! At this time of year there's plenty to be gleaned at most farms, but many farmers don't have the time to harvest and drive to the Food Bank themselves. Gather some friends, family and a truck for a gleaning day on a farm, and help make a farm-to-food-bank connection that will address local hunger!

If you are interested in joining the e-mail list to learn about volunteer opportunities for harvesting fruits and veggies over the next few week, email Jessica Knapp and ask to be put on the list. We'll send out an alert anytime there's a farm with an abundance of food to be donated to the Food Bank.