Maine Food Strategy

Food producers are some of our most important economic and community assets. How can Maine work together to increase opportunities in this sector? For the past six months, a team convened by the USM Muskie School has been laying the foundation for a statewide effort to engage farmers, fishermen, food processors, distributors, policymakers, educators and consumers in creating strategies to strengthen our food system. Come hear about core and emerging issues we've identified through dozens of interviews and a review of hundreds of reports and assessments, and learn how you can help inform this work as it moves forward.

Contact: Tanya Swain   592-4369 tswain40@yahoo.com       Barbi Ives USM, Portland 228-8594   bives@usm.maine.edu

Room: Androscoggin

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

9-10am

Introducing the Maine Food Strategy Initiative

An overview of core and emerging issues in Ag and an Introduction to the Maine Food Strategy Initiative.

Maine Milk Commission

Special meeting of the Milk Commission

Contact: Tim Drake, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333     287-7521   Tim.drake@maine.gov

Room: Kennebec

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

10-11am

Special meeting of the MMC

tba

11-12noon

Special meeting of the MMC

tba

Maine Cheese Guild

Information for the public about cheese making in Maine and how to get licensed to sell cheese, plus information about the Guild and a Guild business meeting

Contact: Eric Rector 554 Dickey Hill Rd., Monroe, 04951 (207) 323-2664

info@mainecheeseguild.org

Room: Waldo

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

10-11am

Maine Cheese Guild Meeting

Maine Cheese Guild members

Information on cheese making in Maine

11-12noon

Maine Cheese Guild Meeting

Maine Cheese Guild members

Information on cheese making in Maine

Maine’s Own Organic Milk Company

A group of Maine dairy farmers—dropped by their national milk company—launch their own milk company in a bid to save their farms. Committed to paying a sustainable price for their milk, the company offers hope for the future of small farming. But faced with slow sales and mounting bills, can the farmers hang together long enough for the gamble to pay off?

BETTING THE FARM follows three farmers and their families through the tumultuous first two years of MOO Milk. The film gives audiences a rare glimpse at the real lives of American farmers at a crossroads.

Contact: David Bright 4 Gabriel Drive Suite 1, Augusta ME 04330 207-234-4224 treasurer@MOOMilkco.com

Room: Androscoggin

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

12-1:30

Betting the Farm

Maine’s Own Organic Milk Company

84-minute documentary Film about the formation of MOOMilk

3-4:30pm

Betting the Farm

Maine’s Own Organic Milk Company

84-minute documentary Film about the formation of MOOMilk

USDA Farm Service Agency

Maine Farm Service Agency employees will provide information workshops and hands on assistance to beginning and existing farmers and ranchers, on program participation, loans and available resources for participation in USDA programs.

Contact: Ken Gustin   967 Illinois Ave Bangor, ME   207 990-9144   Ken.gustin@me.usda.gov

Room: Somerset

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

9-10am

FSA Program Opportunities and Resources for Beginner Farmers and Ranchers

FSA will provide program and loan information tailored to benefit beginner farmers and ranchers.

10-11am

Continued

11-12noon

1-2pm

USDA Forum: Hispanic and Women Farmer and Rancher Claims Process

An opportunity for interested parties to obtain materials for the Hispanic and Women Farmer and Rancher Claims Process

2-3pm

FSA: Farmer and Rancher Program and Loan Resources

FSA program and loan resources for all farmers and ranchers will be discussed.

3-4pm

Continued

4-5pm

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

MOFGA offers a full-day of programming for producers covering all aspects of production, management and marketing.

Contact: Abby Sadauckas PO Box 170 Unity ME 04988 568-4142   education@mofga.org

Room: Cumberland

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

9-10am

Organic Certification Information Session 

MOFGA Certification Services Director, Mary Yurlina

If you market and sell products as ORGANIC, chances are good you need to need to be certified by a USDA-accredited certifier to comply with USDA regulations.  MOFGA Certification Services Staff will provide an overview of organic production practices, including processing. Information on how to become certified organic will also be presented.  Organic product labels collected from stores will be available for demonstration and discussion.

10-11am

Adventures in Marketing

MOFGA Organic Marketing Coordinator Melissa White Pillsbury

A chance to sit down with your peers and discuss what worked this year, what didn’t, and share ideas and ask questions as you refine your marketing plan for 2013.

11-12

Farming and Ergonomics

AgrAbility Specialist, Goodwill Workforce Solutions, Ellen Gibson

3-4pm

Organic Sheep and Goat Production Producers Roundtable

Organic Producers, MOFGA Organic Transitions Coordinator, Katy Green and Organic Livestock Specialist, Diane Schivera

Join us for a session with Certified Organic producers to learn about organic certification, opportunities to transition to organic with NRCS and join in a discussion about how MOFGA’s technical services can help you with production challenges.

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

MOFGA offers a full-day of programming for producers covering all aspects of production, management and marketing.

Contact: Abby Sadauckas PO Box 170 Unity ME 04988 568-4142   education@mofga.org

Room: Piscataquis/Sagadahoc

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

9-10am

Apples at Home

David Buchanan, Organic Orchardist, CJ Walke

10-11am

Crop Rotation

(approved for 1 pesticide recertification credit)

MOFGA Organic Crop Specialist, Eric Sideman and MOFGA Agricultural Services Director, Dave Colson

One of the challenges faced by new farmers or those transitioning older land into organic production is setting up crop rotations and using cover crops effectively.  Yet, incorporating these soil health-building practices is essential to successful organic farming in the long-term.  Join MOFGA's Agricultural Services Staff for a presentation on strategies for bringing old land into production and creating a crop rotation that cycles cropland out of vegetable production and into green manures.

11-12 noon

Farm Labor: What you Need to Know

Lisa Turner, Laughing Stock Farm

Farm labor management is a crucial but undervalued part of any intensive agricultural operation, and a potential stumbling block for successfully increasing your scale. Lisa has 15 years of experience managing all sorts of farm labor, from employees to apprentices. She’ll take a broad view of the many important issues involved in being a boss and a mentor - from legal, tax, and insurance considerations to effective recruitment strategies; to interpersonal relationships and communication. There will also be plenty of time for discussion.

1:30pm – 3:00 pm *Special Timing

MOFGA Annual Meeting

MOFGA Organic Crop Specialist, Eric Sideman

Hear from MOFGA Staff, Board Members and Committee Chairs regarding the organization’s activities and accomplishments over the past year. Elect MOFGA’s Board of Directors for the coming year and network with members.

3-4 pm

Season Recap

(approved for 1 pesticide recertification credit)

MOFGA Organic Crop Specialist, Eric Sideman

Winters are not as cold as they used to be.  Springs are wetter than they once were. Summers are drier than in the past. Whatever the reason, 2012 sure had some serious pest problems. Come see pictures and discuss preparation and possible solutions for next season

Knowledge Transfer Alliance /Maine Department of Agriculture

Farm business management presentations in Hancock Room along with “Salad Bar” walk-in assistance on farm business management in the Knox Room next door. Note that the schedule specified below is for the presentations in the Hancock Room.   The Knox Room is for walk-in assistance and the programming will be farmer needs driven. This is the 3^rd year of a joint collaboration between the Maine Department of Agriculture and the University of Maine’s Knowledge Transfer Alliance.

Contact: John Harker, Aaron K. Hoshide and Anthony Davis ME Dept. Ag. 206 Winslow Hall Orono, ME 04469

287-7620        659-4808        458-2640

John.Harker@maine.gov   aaron.hoshide@umit.maine.edu   anthony.davis@umit.maine.edu

Room: Hancock

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

10-11am

Capital Investment: A Good Idea?

Sarah Morehead

University of Maine

When is it a good idea to buy that tractor?

11-12

Quickbooks & Record Keeping

George Richardson & Becky Adams

Austin Associates

Overview and general introductory session on using Quickbooks.

3-4pm

Fundamentals of Financial Statements: Creation & Use

Anthony Davis

University of Maine

Background on creating financial statements & the importance of good record keeping.

Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society

The Local Food Movement in Maine continues to grow and provide opportunities for Maine producers, processors and distributors.   Maine’s meat industry stands poised to benefit from this continued growth. Come find out what are the opportunities for Maine’s livestock producers and processors – within Maine and across the Northeast. Learn how some producers and processors are already leading the way with innovative production, marketing and processing arrangements.

Contact: Andrew C. Files, Executive Director P.O. Box 2565, Bangor, ME 04402-2565 207.843.7581 afiles@mesas.org

Room: Kennebec

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

1:45 – 2:00

More Maine Meat

Rick Kersbergen, UMCE Educator and MESAS Board Member

Rick will provide an introduction to today’s program and to MESAS’s More Maine Meat Project

2:00 – 2:30

More Maine Meat

John Nicholson, Meat Coordinator, Whole Foods Market

John will share his ideas about how producers and processors in Maine might be able to grow their operations to access a larger meat markets

2:45 – 3:15

More Maine Meat

Chelsea Bardot Lewis, Senior Agricultural Development Coordinator, VT Agency of Agriculture

Chelsea will discuss on-going meat industry development initiatives throughout the Northeast, including the meat processing task force. She will share examples of how Vermont has worked with stakeholders across the meat value chain.

3:30 – 4:30

More Maine Meat

TBD

A panel of producers and processors will react to John’s and Chelsea’s presentations and share their perspectives of potential growth in Maine’s meat industry

Maine Board of Pesticides Control Recertification Sessions

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION/BOARD OF PESTICIDES CONTROL PESTICIDES APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATION

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Board of Pesticides Control will present multiple training sessions. Licensed pesticide applicators and dealers may attend sessions to earn credits towards recertification. One credit will be allowed for each hour of attendance.

Contact: Gary Fish 28 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333 287-7545   gary.fish@maine.gov

Room: Arnold/Howard/Fort Western

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

9:30 – 10:30 am

Bt. Corn Update and Weed Control in Forage Crops

John Jemison and Rick Kersbergen, UMCE

10:45 – 11:45 am

Board of Pesticides Control Update

Gary Fish, BPC

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Talking About Pesticides with Customers and Neighbors

Vincent Covello, Center for Risk Communication, Columbia University

Heart of Maine RC&D

“We Can Feed Maine.”   Four Maine farmers present details of their operations (poultry, beef, hoop house vegetables, organic row crops) complete with economic analysis and numbers of consumers served.  From their figures and based on Maine’s total population, we begin to create a picture of how many acres, farmers, head of cattle, tons of produce, etc., it will take to make Maine food independent.

Contact: Paula Day, 1423 Broadway Suite 2,  Bangor ME   207-696-8377   pday@hciwireless.net

Room: Waldo

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

1:30 – 2:15

“We Can Feed Maine”

John O’Donnell, Farmer, O’Donnell Farm, Monmouth

Subject: Pasture Fed Beef – Healthier Consumers, Livestock & Profits

2:15 – 3:00

      “      “      “      “             

Meg Scott, Farm Marketing Manager, Nature’s Circle Farm, New Limerick

Subject:  Organic Row Crops from Aroostook – Large Scale Sustainable

3:00 – 3:45

    “       “       “      “

Bob Neal, Farmer, The Turkey Farm, New Sharon

Subject:  Free Range Turkey Production

3:45 -  4:30

    “      “       “      “

Bob Burr, Farmer, Blue Ribbon Farm, Mercer

Subject:  Bringing in the Green -  4 Season Hoop House Production

Farm Energy Partners

Renewable Energy Options for the Farm   Sponsored by Farm Energy Partners  

Use Less - Grow More - Find Money!

From audit to growing your own – save energy, improve the environment and strengthen your bottom line.

Find out how 4 innovative farms at diverse scales are deploying renewable technologies to take control of their heating and electric needs. All used USDA programs. How did they finance it? How well is it working? A wide array of technical and financial consultants will be available to discuss your specific energy challenge or financing need. Learn how to access resources and apply for demonstration site status.   Sample equipment will be on display all day.

Contact: Dana Doran, Office of Energy Programs, Kennebec Valley Community College 92 Western Avenue, Fairfield, ME 04937   453-5157 ddoran@kvcc.me.edu

Caragh Fitzgerald UMaine Cooperative Extension, 125 State St. 3^rd Floor, Augusta, ME 04330   622-7546 cfitzgerald@maine.edu

Room: Washington/York

Tuesday               

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

9-10am

Biomass for heating

Anthony Kadnar, HVAC Instructor, KVCC

John Bliss and Stacy Brenner Broadturn Farm, Scarborough

The heat produced by biomass systems, such as wood boilers, is a good fit for a heated greenhouse. Learn about these systems and how Broadturn Farm is using their new wood boiler to heat a greenhouse.

10-11am

Solar photovoltaic

Michael Paradis, Solar PV and Geothermal Instructor, KVCC

Denis Thoet, Long Meadow Farm, West Gardiner

Solar photovoltaic systems produce electricity that can be used directly or that can offset electricity cost through net metering. Long Meadow Farm’s electricity bill has been high in the past because of all the electricity used to grow seedlings in the spring.   Learn how solar photovoltaic systems work and how Long Meadow Farm’s system is reducing their electricity bill.    

11-12

Geothermal heating and solar photovoltaic

Michael Paradis, Solar PV and Geothermal Instructor, KVCC

Jeff Marstaller, Cozy Acres Greenhouses, North Yarmouth

Geothermal systems are another renewable heating option.   At Cozy Acres, they recently installed a solar photovoltaic system to power a geothermal system for greenhouse heat. Hear how those systems work and how they are integrated.

12:00 – 1:20

Individual consultations on farm energy assessments, technology & financing options

Kennebec Valley Community College, Coastal Enterprises , Inc., USDA-NRCS, USDA-FSA, Efficiency Maine, Heliotropic Technologies, Maine Rural Partners and others

20-minute meetings with technical & financing experts to discuss your needs (go to www.mainerural.org for advance registration options for preferred scheduling)

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Community Scale Energy Production: Challenges to Supplying our Neighbors

Farm Energy Forum and Annual Meeting

Adam Wintle, Agri-Energy

Dick Fortier, Chair, Farm Energy Partners

Come learn about Exeter Agri-Energy’s anaerobic digester in Exeter, ME. This innovative project is a collaboration between Stonyvale Farm and Biogas Energy Partners.

Farm Energy Partners’ annual meeting—how can we help farms get more systems installed? All are welcome!

3-5pm

Individual consultations on farm energy financing, technology, and options

Kennebec Valley Community College, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. USDA-NRCS, Farm Credit, MOFGA, Biogas Energy Partners, RJ Consulting, Heliotropic Technologies and others

20-minute meetings with technical & financing experts to discuss your needs (go to www.mainerural.org for advance registration options for preferred scheduling)

ALL DAY

Renewable Energy Demonstration Site & Cost-Share Audit Applications

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry - Nutrient Management Program

Nutrient Management Program - Each one-hour talk qualifies for 1 Nutrient Management Recertification Credit

Contact: Mark F. Hedrich, 207-287-7608 Mark.hedrich@maine.gov

Room: Oxford

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

10-11am

The Updated Maine Carcass Disposal Rules and the Expanded Nutrient Management Loan Program- Low Interest Loans for Implementing Agricultural Projects

Mark F. Hedrich, Nutrient Management Program Manager, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, and Scott Bursey, Commercial Loan Officer, FAME

A discussion of the revised carcass disposal rules, and an update on changes to the Nutrient Management Loan Program.

11-12noon

Accepting and Composting Off-Farm Generated Organics

Mark A. King, Environmental Specialist, Maine Department of Environmental Protection Sustainability Unit

A focus on sustainability through composting, and other organics management tools.

2-3pm

Compost Quality Assurance: Increasing Value for Your Animal Manure-Based Product

Dr. Anne Lichtenwalner, Assistant Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension & Director, U of M Animal Health Laboratory

A review of current knowledge regarding rates of kill for common animal pathogens when producing commercial compost products.

Maine Aquaculture Association

NEW SOURCES OF FARM INCOME: FEE FISHING AND RAISING BAIT.

Maine has some of the best freshwater resources in the country. Farmers often overlook a potential new income source, water farming. Come find out what you have to do to get into the 6 million dollar baitfish market or the new agritourism fee fishing sector. Presenters will talk about the basics of production, permitting and marketing this exciting new way to diversify farm income.

Contact: Rhonda Cook P.O. Box 148, Hallowell, ME 04347   (207) 622-0136 futureseas@aol.com

Room: Lincoln

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

2-3pm

NEW SOURCES OF FARM INCOME:

FEE FISHING AND RAISING BAIT

John Whalen, Owner

Harmon Brook Farm

Maine Christmas Tree Association

Annual Meeting of the Maine Christmas Tree Association

Contact: Joanne Bond, Ex Sectary 174 Bond Spring Rd  W. Newfield, Me 04095 207-793-4658

joannebond@metrocast.net

Room: Penobscot

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

8-9 am

Registration

9-10:45 am

10:15-10:30 / Speaker

Maine Christmas Tree Association  Meeting

Gerry Lacasse/ East Commerce Solutions, Inc

Credit Card Machine

10:45-11:45 am

Balsam Woolly Adelgid & Related Insects on Fir

(approved for 1 pesticide recertification credit)

Allison Kanoti/ Me Dept of Agriculture, Me Forest Service/ Health & Monitor

1:30-2:30 pm

Toxicology

(approved for 1 pesticide recertification credit)

Lebelle Hicks/ Me Board of Pesticides Control

2:40-3:40 pm

Maine Board of Pesticides Control update

(approved for 1 pesticide recertification credit)

TBD

Revision Energy

ReVision Energy, with three locations in Maine and New Hampshire, has installed more than 3,000 solar hot water and grid-tied solar electric systems for residences, businesses and non-profits across northern New England.

Contact: Jennifer Albee, 91 W. Main St. Liberty, ME 04949 (207) 589-4171 jalbee@revisionenergy.com or Meghan@revisionenergy.com

Room: Aroostook

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

2-3pm

The Changing World of Photovoltaics – Solar Electricity Today

John Luft – General Manager, ReVision Energy

Overview of current solar electric technology, applications and incentives

Windependence/Community Energy Partners and Greater Portland Council of Governments

Workshop series of locally-owned community wind (any size and scale) and free, one-on-one assistance on developing community wind.

Contact: Sue Jones, 16 Goose Cove Lane, Freeport, Maine   04032207-751-0749   sue@communityenergypartners.com

Room: Aroostook

Tuesday

Program title

Speaker name & title

Short session description

3-4 pm

“Net Energy Billing: What Is It? How does it Work to Promote Locally-Owned Wind Power Generation?”

Sue Jones

Community Energy Partners

NEB in Maine allows up to 10 electricity accounts to be combined to offset the generation of a wind turbine (or other renewable electricity source). Learn how it is works to allow shared ownership and financing of new installations of wind power across the U.S.

Commissioner’s Luncheon (Prepaid ticket holders only)

Room: North Wing: Augusta, Pine Tree and Capital

Noon – 1:30pm

Keynote Speaker, Governor Paul   R. Lepage and Special Distinguished Service Award Presentation

Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Legislative Reception - Hosted by the Maine Potato Board in honor of the 126th Maine Legislature

Room: Capital

5:30pm-7:30pm

Please join Trades Show sponsors, agricultural leaders and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry staff.