Podcasts about mofga

Host: Timothy Boston Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio, host Timothy Boston explores the enduring and evolving practice of homesteading in Maine — a lifestyle grounded in self-reliance, land stewardship, and intentional living. Joining the conversation are Kourtney Collum and Davis Taylor, faculty at the College of the Atlantic, who have co-taught a course on homesteading and share insights from their research and visits to local homesteads. List of subjects: – Homesteading – Gardening – Self-Sufficiency – History of Maine – Back to the Land Movement Guest/s: Kourtney Collum, professor at the College of the Atlantic Davis Taylor, professor at the College of the Atlantic FMI- MOFGA Farm & Homestead Day — www.mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/farmandhomesteadday/ About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 5/12/25: Homesteading in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

In this shorts episode I offer some of my favorite informational resources, from vague concepts to specific books to the exceptionally obvious. Many are linked in the show notes. At the end I try out a new style of Q&A, will it work? Only time will tell.   State level organic associations:  MOFGA in Maine or NOFA in other northeast states Clubs: NAFEX, NNGA, and their facebook groups. Podcasts: Perennial AF from the Savanna Institute, Poor Prole's Almanac, In Defence of Plants, Live Like the World is Dying, Cultivariable   Books: Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation by Dirr and Heuser, The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips, Cornucopia II : a source book of edible plants by Stephen Facciola , Edible Forest Gardens by Dave Jacke and Eric Toesmeier, Radical Mycology by Peter McCoy, Tree Fruit Field Guide to Insect, Mite, and Disease Pests and Natural Enemies of Eastern North America by Plant and Life Science Publishing. The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery , Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties by Carrol Deppe, Secrets of Plant Propagation by Lewis Hill. Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth. Online resources: BONAP, Plants For A Future, The Woody Plant Seed Manual | US Forest Service Research

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Maine has been experiencing a shift in the growing season, including a trend towards a longer season. Variability in weather — from unpredictable precipitation to an uptick in extreme weather events — makes it hard for gardeners to know what to plan for. On the April episode of Common Ground Radio, we discuss cultivating resilience in the face of increased weather variability with Rebecca Long, the coordinator of Horticulture Training Programs for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. List of subjects: – Gardening – Soil organic matter – Irrigation – Variety selection – Succession planting – Hedgerows – Shade cloth – Floating row cover – Garden pests and disease Guest/s: Rebecca Long, coordinator of Horticulture Training Programs for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension FMI- What's happening with Maine's weather: – Maine Climate Office — mco.umaine.edu/climate/me_monthly – Maine Climate and Ag Network — umaine.edu/climate-ag Gardening resources from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension: – UMaine Cooperative Extension pollinator-friendly gardening — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/pollinator-garden-certification – In-depth training programs: Master Gardener Volunteer, Maine Horticulture Apprentice, and Maine Gardener Trainings — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/learn – Webinars On Demand — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/learn/on-demand-webinars – Maine Home Garden News newsletter — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/maine-home-garden-news – Reach out to your local extension office with questions — extension.umaine.edu/county-offices Gardening resources from MOFGA: – Organic gardening resources — mofga.org/trainings/gardening – Organic gardening workshops — mofga.org/trainings/event-calendar – Gardener Newsletter — mofga.org/newletter-sign-up-gardener – Pest Report Newsletter — mofga.org/newletter-sign-up-pest-report – “Succession Planting for Continued Yields and Season Extension” by Will Bonsall — mofga.org/resources/gardening/succession-planting-for-continued-yields-and-season-extension – “Making Your Garden Less Hospitable to Disease” by Caleb Goossen, Ph.D. — mofga.org/resources/gardening/making-your-garden-less-hospitable-to-disease – “Drip, Drip, Drip” by Eric Sideman, Ph.D. — mofga.org/resources/water-management/drip-drip-drip – “Garden Tip: Watering During Drought” — mofga.org/resources/gardening/garden-tip-watering-during-drought – “Water in the Garden: Too Much or Too Little” by Will Bonsall — mofga.org/resources/water-management/water-in-the-garden About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 4/10/25: Resilient Gardening first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Apples are a common feature in Maine's landscape: from lone trees growing on field edges to cultivated orchards. The fruit was introduced to the region in the late 16th century and became a major part of Maine's farm economy by the early 20th century. Over time, these early apple varieties — each with their own unique culinary use and flavor profile — have been largely replaced by a handful of commercial varieties bred for packability and shipping across the globe. As a result, Maine's heritage apples were largely relegated to obscurity — with many facing extinction. In this month's episode of Common Ground Radio, we talk with historian and fruit explorer Todd Little-Siebold about the Maine Heritage Orchard's efforts to preserve rare apples for future generations. The Maine Heritage Orchard is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. List of subjects: – Apple history – Rare apples – Apple exploration – Apple DNA and ancestry – Maine Heritage Orchard Guest/s: Todd Little-Siebold, professor of history at the College of the Atlantic FMI: – Maine Heritage Orchard — mofga.org/our-community/the-maine-heritage-orchard – Seed Swap & Scion Exchange — mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/seed-swap-and-scion-exchange – “Forgotten Fruit, forgotten farmers: North America's earliest apple history” presented by Todd Little-Siebold at the Heritage Orchard Conference — uidaho.edu/cals/sandpoint-organic-agriculture-center/conference – Great Maine Apple Day — mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/great-maine-apple-day – Organic orcharding — mofga.org/trainings/orcharding About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 3/13/25: Preserving Maine's Heirloom Apples first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Many gardeners and farmers purchase their seeds each year from seed companies. Yet, it hasn't always been that way. Seed saving is a practice as old as agriculture itself. In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we talk with Dan Brisebois, author of “The Seed Farmer” and host of “The Seed Farmer Podcast,” about growing your own seed. We dive into seed saving basics, as well as seed selection and stewardship. List of subjects: – Getting started with seed saving – Open-pollinated vs. hybrid seeds – Annual vs. biennial seed crops – Self-pollinated vs. cross-pollinated crops – Wet-seeded and dry-seeded crops – Seed crops for beginners – Seed selection – Seed stewardship Guest/s: Dan Brisebois, author of “The Seed Farmer” FMI: – “The Seed Farmer” — danbrisebois.com/seedfarmerbook – “The Seed Farmer Podcast” — danbrisebois.com/the-seed-growers-podcast – Tourne-Sol Seeds — fermetournesol.qc.ca/en/pages/semences-tourne-sol – MOFGA's annual Seed Swap & Scion Exchange — mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/seed-swap-and-scion-exchange About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 2/13/25: Becoming a Seed Steward first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Our guest this month on Conversations from the Pointed Firs is CLAIRE ACKROYD, author, inspector of organic maple syrup production in Maine. Claire Ackroyd, author of Murder in the Maple Woods, her first novel, a detective story set in the sugar camps in the northern forests of Maine, published in cooperation with Maine Authors Publishing, and a finalist in the 2021 Maine Literary Awards. She is a landscape designer, and for many years has been studying the history of production and conducting certifications of organic maple syrup in Maine. 

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we talk with Maddie Eberly, the low-impact forestry specialist with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) about the complexity of Maine's forests and approaching forest stewardship to reduce environmental impacts, while promoting social and ecological benefits. We also discuss the impact of climate change and the role that forests can play in both mitigation and adaptation. List of subjects: – Low-impact forestry and forest stewardship – Maine's woods – Climate change – Carbon sequestration – Assisted migration/range shifting Guest/s: Maddie Eberly, MOFGA's low-impact forestry specialist, forestry@mofga.org FMI: – Low-impact forestry guiding principles — mofga.org/learn/low-impact-forestry – District Foresters — maine.gov/dacf/mfs/policy_management/district_foresters.html – “Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in Your Forest” — mofga.org/resources/forestry/climate-mitigation-in-your-forest – Assisted migration/adaptive tree planting — mofga.org/resources/forestry/adaptive-tree-planting-for-climate-change – MOFGA's Low-Impact Forestry Newsletter — mofga.org/newletter-sign-up-low-impact-forestry About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 12/12/24: Climate Change and Maine's Forests first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio marine biologist and policy expert Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and MOFGA's executive director Sarah Alexander talk about climate change, with a focus on Maine. Following the release of her recent book, “What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures,” Johnson was interviewed at MOFGA's Common Ground Country Fair by Alexander. Their conversation dives into the realities of climate change as well as how we can all harness our unique perspectives, skills, and interests to be part of the solution. List of subjects: – Climate change – Ocean acidification – “What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – Organic agriculture – Farming in Maine – Back to the Land Guest/s: – Ayana Elizabeth Johnson — marine biologist; policy expert; cofounder of the nonprofit think tank Urban Ocean Lab; coeditor of the bestselling climate anthology “All We Can Save”; and author of “What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures”. – Sarah Alexander — executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). FMI: – “What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures” — ayanaelizabeth.com/writing – Urban Ocean Lab — urbanoceanlab.org – “All We Can Save” — allwecansave.earth/anthology – Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson — ayanaelizabeth.com – Common Ground Country Fair keynotes — mofga.org/keynotes About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 10/10/24: A Conversation on Climate Futures with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we talk with Mark McBrine, the director of food service at Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston, Maine. McBrine is the inspiration behind the kitchen's from-scratch approach to cooking and 5-acre prison garden. These initiatives, including vocational training apprenticeships for residents, have led to significant cost savings at Mountain View. The food service program has become a model for other correctional facilities both in Maine and elsewhere. McBrine and Mountain View are featured in the award-winning documentary film “Seeds of Change: Breaking Free from the Prison Food Machine.” List of subjects: – Mountain View Correctional Facility – Prison food system – Prison garden – “Seeds of Change: Breaking Free from the Prison Food Machine” documentary Guest/s: Mark McBrine, Director of Food Service at Mountain View Correctional Facility FMI: – “Serving Time and Good Food at Mountain View Correctional Facility” — mofga.org/stories/community/mountain-view-correctional-facility – “Seeds of Change: Breaking Free from the Prison Food Machine” documentary — seedsofchangefilm.com About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 9/12/24: Growing and Serving Good Food at Mountain View Correctional Facility first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

In Episode 423 of Cider Chat, we delve into the fascinating world of apple identification a.k.a. Apple Id with the one and only John Bunker, a renowned author and the c0-founder of FEDCO Trees, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardners Association (MOFGA). Hear as he shares his lifelong passion for tracking down historic apple varieties and teaching others how to preserve these treasures is truly inspiring. This presentation is part one of a two-part series on Apple ID recorded at CiderCon2024. John Bunker portrait by John Alsop of Cornville, ME Hear John Bunker walking us through the intricacies of apple identification, reminding us that it's not just about identifying a fruit — it's about preserving history. For orchardists and cider makers, understanding the varieties in your care is a crucial part of maintaining the integrity of your orchard and the quality of your cider apples. 00:00 Introduction to Cider Chat and Apple Mysteries 01:37 John Bunker's Apple Identification Journey 04:11 The Importance of Apple Identification 10:11 Understanding Apple Trees and Grafting 21:39 Resources for Apple Identification 25:37 DNA Profiling and Apple Identification 30:12 Practical Apple Identification Scenarios 33:40 Mentors and the Black Oxford Apple 34:39 DNA Profiling and Apple Identification 37:06 The Mystery of the Canadian Strawberry 38:52 The Hunt for Lost Apples 41:36 Identifying Seedlings and Grafted Trees 45:49 Commercial Orchards and Misidentified Apples 48:47 The Role of Historical Records in Apple Identification 53:26 The Fun and Challenges of Apple Hunting 58:05 Becoming an Apple Detective 01:04:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Contact for John Bunker Website: Outonthelimbapple.com Books recommended in this episode: Apples and the Art of Detection by John Bunker (2019) Systemic Pomology by UP Hedrick 1925 The American Fruit Culturist: Containing Practical Directions for the Propagation and Culture of All Fruits Adapted to the United States, John Thomas 1849 The Fruit Manual, Robert Hogg 1886 Episode 422 John Bunker Keynote: Orchards and Legacy Subscribe to Cider Chat YouTube Totally Cider Tours - French Cider Tour

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we discuss PFAS “forever chemical” contamination on farms and actions that are being taken on the state and federal level to protect farmers and eaters, including the recent lawsuit filed against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calling for regulation of a primary source of PFAS contamination — sewage sludge applied to farmland as fertilizer — under the Clean Water Act. Due to the practice of land-applying sludge containing PFAS, farmers here in Maine and across the country have been unknowingly contaminating their land, and consequently the food we eat. Sarah Alexander, MOFGA’s executive director, and Laura Dumais, staff counsel with Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, talk about ways to mitigate contamination and reduce public health risks. List of subjects: -PFAS “forever chemicals” -PFAS contamination on farmland -PFAS in sewage sludge -Impact of PFAS contamination on farmers -PFAS legislation in Maine and at the federal level -Lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guest/s: Sarah Alexander, executive director of MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association) Laura Dumais, staff counsel with PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility) FMI: About PFAS — mofga.org/pfas Take action on PFAS — mofga.org/advocacy/take-action-on-pfas “Lawsuit to Prevent PFAS in Biosolid Fertilizer Expands” — mofga.org/news/epa-lawsuit Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility — peer.org PEER petition to tell EPA to get PFAS out of pesticides — peer.org/petition-tell-epa-to-get-pfas-out-of-pesticides PEER petition to save America's farms from toxic contamination — peer.org/petition-save-americas-farms-from-toxic-contamination About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 8/8/24: The Fight to Stop PFAS Contamination on Farmland first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Dairy farms are the backbone of Maine's rural communities. In addition to maintaining working agricultural landscapes, organic dairy farms protect natural resources, and also act as economic drivers for their communities by creating jobs on the farm and for related agricultural businesses. But these farms are in crisis, with many farmers exiting the dairy industry due to a confluence of factors: from loss of contracts to lower pay prices in relation to soaring production costs. In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we'll address these topics and others related to the state of organic dairy in the Northeast — as well as how communities can support local, organic dairy farms. List of subjects: – Organic dairy industry – The state of organic dairy in Maine and the Northeast – Origin of Livestock USDA organic rule – Cost of organic dairy production – Organic dairy pay price – Where to buy local, organic milk – Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership – Dairy breeding and genetics Guest/s: Jacki Martinez Perkins, MOFGA's organic dairy and livestock specialist Chris Grigsby, MOFGA Certification Services (MCS) director Olga Moriarty, executive director of the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership (NOFFP) FMI: Find Local, Organic Farmers and Producers — mofgacertification.org/find-mofga-certified-organic-food-and-products Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership — saveorganicfamilyfarms.org Pledge to Support Northeast Organic Family Farms — saveorganicfamilyfarms.org/pledge Ways to Support Organic Dairy — mofga.org/advocacy/support-organic-dairy Common Ground Radio 12/8/22: Maine Organic Dairy Farms Are In Trouble – How You Can Help — archives.weru.org/common-ground-radio/2022/12/common-ground-radio-12-8-22-maine-organic-dairy-farms-are-in-trouble-how-you-can-help About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 6/13/24: Supporting Organic Dairy Farmers in the Northeast first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Amy Browne Other credits: Audio segment contributed by John and Katie Greenman. This part of Maine has strong connections with El Salvador dating back several decades.  Bangor has a sister city there, Carasque; MOFGA has a sister farming community organization, CCR; and WERU has a sister station, Radio Sumpul in El Salvador. Many people from this area have traveled to El Salvador on delegations coordinated by Sister Cities, PICA and MOFGA over the years, including today’s guests (and the host). Members of the most recent delegation talk about what they witnessed earlier this year, and the shift in the country under an authoritarian president. Guests: Karen and Paul Volkhausen, Katie Greenman and Willie Marquart FMI: Sister Cities: www.elsalvadorsolidarity.org/ PICA:  www.pica.ws/  or www.facebook.com/PICAinMaine Maine Organic Farmers and Gardener’s Sister Organizations:  Association of Communities for the Development of Chalatenango (CCR), and the Foundation for Cooperation and Development (CORDES). These organizations foster a unique relationship, exchanging information and methods of farming, in addition to facilitating conversations about agricultural globalization and fair trade: www.mofga.org/mofgas-el-salvador-sistering-committee/ WERU’s Sister Station Radio Sumpul: www.facebook.com/asociacion.Acopsumpul radiosumpul.org/ weru.org/about/radio-sumpul-werus-sister-station-in-el-salvador/ Organizations working in/with El Salvador: www.elsalvadorsolidarity.org/cripdes/ www.equipomaiz.org.sv/ Legal support organization, human rights violations including arbitrary arrests, inhumane treatment in detention centers: www.tutelalegalmariajh.org.sv/ Museo de La Palabra y Imagen (Museum of the Word and Image)  for the preservation of historic memory: www.museo.com.sv Online Resources News Media   (Latin America): www.wola.org/ elfaro.net/en/202405/el_salvador/27420/us-tries-not-to-offend-bukele-in-annual-human-rights-report reportfortheworld.org/ gatoencerrado.news/ Books recommended by today’s guests: robertolovato.com/unforgetting/ uwpress.wisc.edu/books/5754.htm#pk   About the Host: Amy Browne started out at WERU as a volunteer news & public affairs producer in 2000, co-hosting/co-producing RadioActive with Meredith DeFrancesco. She joined the team of Voices producers a few years later, and has been WERU’s News & Public Affairs Manager since January, 2006. In addition to RadioActive, Voices and Maine Currents, she also produced and hosted the WERU News Report for several years. She has produced segments for national programs including Free Speech Radio News, This Way Out, Making Contact, Workers Independent News, Pacifica PeaceWatch, and Live Wire News, and has contributed to Democracy Now and the WBAI News Report. She is the recipient of the 2014 Excellence in Environmental Journalism Award from the Sierra Club of Maine, and the First Place 2017 Radio News Award from the Maine Association of Broadcasters. The post Maine Currents 5/29/24: Checking in with our sisters in El Salvador first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This episode of Common Ground Radio is an organic gardening Q&A with MOFGA's crop specialist, Caleb Goossen. Listeners from around Maine submitted their questions in advance of the show. From soil testing and selecting potting soil for container growing to starting seedlings indoors and out, Goossen covers a wide range of topics related to organic gardening. List of subjects: – Organic gardening – Soil testing – Soil for container gardening – Seed starting and planting dates – Plastic reduction strategies in the garden – Pest management – Garlic planting Guest/s: Caleb Goossen, MOFGA's crop and conservation specialist FMI: MOFGA's Seed Planting Calendar — mofga.org/resources/gardening/seed-planting-calendar Starting Garden Seeds Indoors — mofga.org/resources/gardening/starting-seeds-indoors Spring Gardening Resources — mofga.org/spring-gardening Certified organic seedling map — mofga.org/mofga-seedling-map MOFGA's Gardener Newsletter — mofga.org/newletter-sign-up-gardener MOFGA's Pest Report and Fact Sheets — mofga.org/farmer-resources/pest-reports About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 5/9/24: Organic Gardening Q&A first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This episode of Common Ground Radio explores garden planning for seasonal eating and food preservation. With Roberta Bailey of Seven Tree Farm in Vassalboro, Maine, we discuss gardening in Central Maine, including her tried and true planting calendar, as well as how she plans her garden for food preservation. Each year, Bailey fills a pantry with canned and dried goods, a root cellar and four freezers. Later in the show, Stephanie Wang of Le Rizen, a farm in Quebec, Canada, discusses growing Asian vegetables in a northern climate. Her book, “Asian Vegetables: Gardening, Cooking, Storytelling” features delicious recipes as well as information about how to grow 15 Asian vegetables organically. Guest/s: Roberta Bailey, Seven Tree Farm Stephanie Wang, Le Rizen FMI: “How to Plan Your Harvests for Food Preservation” by Roberta Bailey — mofga.org/resources/canning/how-to-plan-your-harvests-for-food-preservation “Asian Vegetables: Gardening, Cooking, Storytelling” by The Wang Sisters — houseofanansi.com/products/asian-vegetables Le Rizen in Quebec — growers.co/blogs/news/the-roots-of-le-rizen MOFGA's Seed Planting Calendar — mofga.org/resources/gardening/seed-planting-calendar Starting Garden Seeds Indoors — mofga.org/resources/gardening/starting-seeds-indoors Spring Gardening Resources — mofga.org/spring-gardening Certified organic seedling map — mofga.org/mofga-seedling-map About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 3/14/24: Garden Planning for Seasonal Eating first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Portland Press Herald food editor Peggy Grodinsky sat down for a conversation with chef Sam Hayward about his career during a live event on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Award-winning chef Sam Hayward co-founded Fore Street restaurant in Portland in 1996, making fresh produce and farmer relationships his top priority. Hayward previously served on MOFGA's board of directors for over a decade and has worked closely with Maine farmers, foragers and fisherpeople for over 30 years. As many more restaurateurs and farmers forge relationships, Hayward's knowledge of both worlds is of great value to chefs, producers and food lovers.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In advance of MOFGA's annual Seed Swap & Scion Exchange, held in Unity, Maine, the February 2024 episode of Common Ground Radio explores saving seeds and fruit tree grafting, both of which are useful skills for the garden, farm and homestead. With Will Bonsall, author of “Will Bonsall's Essential Guide to Radical Self-Reliant Gardening,” we talk about the importance of saving seed, as well as seed saving basics for beginners. Later in the show, we are joined by C. J. Walke, MOFGA's orchard program manager, to discuss fruit tree propagation via grafting, including bench grafting, top working, and bud grafting techniques. Guest/s: Will Bonsall C.J. Walke FMI: MOFGA's Seed Swap & Scion Exchange — www.mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/seed-swap-and-scion-exchange “Will Bonsall's Essential Guide to Radical Self-Reliant Gardening” by Will Bonsall — chelseagreen.com/product/will-bonsalls-essential-guide-to-radical-self-reliant-gardening “Seed to Seed” by Suzanne Ashworth — chelseagreen.com/product/seed-to-seed “Seed Saving: An Introduction” by Roberta Bailey — mofga.org/resources/seeds/saving-seed “A Spring Grafting Primer” by Roberta Bailey — mofga.org/resources/orcharding/grafting-primer Maine Heritage Orchard — mofga.org/our-community/the-maine-heritage-orchard MOFGA apple database — mofga.org/maineheritageorchard About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 2/8/24: Seed Saving and Fruit Tree Grafting first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Seasonal eating in Maine in the colder months, preparing local foods, preserving foods. Guest/s: Cheryl Wixson, local foods advocate and community health educator. www.rabbithillfarmmaine.com/ FMI Links: Healthy Island Project Maine Cooperative Extension About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 1/11/24: Seasonal Eating in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: The December 2023 episode of MOFGA’s Common Ground Radio explores seaweed, a source of food, fertilizer, and carbon sequestration off the coast of Maine. The majority of the episode is a panel discussion on seaweed — called “Is Seaweed the Solution to Climate Change?” — that was recorded at the 2023 Common Ground Country Fair in September. The panel was organized and facilitated by Bridget Huber from FERN, the Food and Environment Reporting Network. The guests were: Nichole Price, a benthic marine ecologist with Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine; Aurora Burgess, seaweed aquaculture coordinator at Atlantic Sea Farms in Biddeford; and Severine von Tscharner Welcome, of Smithereen Farm in Pembroke, who is also a co-founder of Seaweed Commons. Guest/s: Aurora Burgess, seaweed aquaculture coordinator at Atlantic Sea Farms in Biddeford. Bridget Huber, a staff writer with FERN, the Food and Environment Reporting Network. Nichole Price, a benthic marine ecologist with Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine. Severine von Tscharner Welcome, of the Greenhorns and Smithereen Farm in Pembroke. FMI Links: “A Precautionary Approach to Seaweed Aquaculture in North America: A Position Paper by the Seaweed Commons” — seaweedcommons.org Atlantic Sea Farms — atlanticseafarms.com Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences — bigelow.org “Climate savior or ‘Monsanto of the sea'?” by Bridget Huber — thefern.org/2023/06/climate-savior-or-monsanto-of-the-sea Food and Environment Reporting Network — thefern.org MOFGA Certification Services' “Guidelines for Organic Sea Vegetables” — mofgacertification.org Running Tide — runningtide.com Seaweed Commons — seaweedcommons.org Smithereen Farm — smithereenfarm.com Tags: Seaweed cultivation and wild harvest Seaweed propagation/seed sourcing Seaweed for carbon sequestration Climate change Opportunities and challenges in cultivating seaweed for carbon storage Marine ecology PFAS/arsenic uptake of seaweed About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 12/14/23: Seaweed and Climate Change first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

This month on Conversations from the Pointed Firs host Peter Neill sits down with Sarah Alexander, Executive Director of MOFGA (the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.) Sarah has been in her position since, 2018, and has over 20 years of experience advocating for sustainable, local and fair food systems. This year MOFGA is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding. Peter and Sarah discuss the historical moment of MOFGA's inception, the state of farming in Maine, and what MOFGA might become over the next 50 years. Conversations from the Pointed Firs is a monthly audio series with Maine-connected authors, artists and innovators discussing books, art and creative projects that invoke the spirit of Maine, its history, its ecology, its culture, and its contribution to community and quality of life. Online at pointedfirs.org

Host: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Beginner beekeeping strategies, winter beekeeping in cold climates, pest control, resources for beekeepers, climate change and how it impacts beekeeping. Guest/s: Peter Cowin Amy Nickerson FMI Links: Upcoming beekeeping workshop: www.beekeeping247.com/beginner-beekeeping-workshop-nov-2023 Beekeeping 24/7 website: www.beekeeping247.com/ The Bee Whisperer Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thebeewhispererandthequeenbee About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 11/9/23: Beekeeping in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

PFAS are toxic chemicals that are widely used and have accumulated to dangerous levels in agricultural soils in some areas. On tomorrow's pod we talk with Caleb Goossen, an Organic Crop Specialist at MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association) about why Maine may be the canary in the coal mine for this type of contamination, and how farmers in other areas can know whether their properties are at risk for contamination. As the Organic Crop Specialist for MOFGA he has been helping farmers deal with the repercussions of PFAS contamination, and we talk about the effects on human health, and how to deal with the situation if farm soils are contaminated. Resources Mentioned In Episode:Article: https://pubs.aip.org/avs/bip/article/18/3/030501/2894789/Evidence-of-compost-contamination-with-per-and Connect With Guest:Website: www.mofga.org/pfasInstagram: @organiccropspecialist Podcast Sponsors:Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Vermont Compost Company - Since 1992, Vermont Compost Company has supplied premium living soils and compost-based amendments to thousands of successful growers all over the country. All ingredients used in Vermont Compost products are approved for certified organic production. In addition to product consistency, growers can depend on Vermont Compost as an invaluable resource for a breadth of soil and plant knowledge and the technical expertise it takes to grow organically in an ever-changing environment. Why Grow Alone? Bootstrap Farmer offers a complete range of growing supplies including heat mats, lighting, ground cover, frost blankets, silage tarps, irrigation, and trellising. They also make all-metal, all-inclusive greenhouse frames, constructed of steel made in the USA and fabricated in Texas. Their heavy-duty, Midwest-made propagation and microgreens trays will last for years and are available in a full spectrum of colors. For all that plus experienced support for everything they sell, check out Bootstrap Farmer. Subscribe To Our Magazine - FREE 28-Day Trial:Our Website: www.GrowingForMarket.com

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: The episode of MOFGA’s Common Ground Radio explores natural dyeing of fibers and textiles with plants and minerals with two Maine artists. With Jude Hsiang, a knitter, weaver and former shepherd, we talk about how to dye plant and animal fibers using plants, many of which she grows in her dye garden or forages for in the local landscape. Later in the show, we are joined by Samantha Verrone, an artist focused on regenerative design. Verrone discusses bundle dyeing, sustainability and experimenting with iron and rust in the dye pot. Guest/s: Jude Hsiang Samantha Verrone FMI Links: Versicolor, Jude Hsiang's Facebook page with events and workshops Samantha Verrone Textiles “How to Bundle Dye Using Plant Materials” by Samantha Verrone About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 10/12/23: Natural Dyeing with Plants first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Our guest this month on Conversations from the Pointed Firs is JOHN BUNKER, Homesteader, farmer, orchardist, author, apple historian, co-founder of FEDCO Trees, and founder of MOFGA's Maine Heritage Orchard, 10-acre preservation and educational orchard located in Unity Maine home to over 360 varies of apples and pears traditionally grown in all 16 counties of Maine dating back to 1630.

Host: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Farming while parenting, childcare, farm business planning, farming and stress, safety on farm, resources for farming families. Guest/s: Meg Mitchell, Southpaw Farm, Freedom, ME Sam Gerry, Ramble On Farm, Know, ME Polly Shyka, Villageside Farm, Freedom, ME FMI Links: Farm Coaching Maine Farmland Trust Mano en Mano Cultivating Community Childcare Infrastructure Grant Program MOFGA Farmer Resources About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 7/13/23: Farming and Parenting first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In the June 2023 episode of MOFGA's Common Ground Radio dives into plastic. A conversation with Erica Cirino, the author of “Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis” and communications manager for the Plastic Pollution Coalition, explores the impact of plastic on the environment, agriculture and rural communities. The show also touches upon plastic use in agriculture with Caleb Goossen, crop and conservation specialist with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), including alternatives to plastic, recycling for greenhouse plastic, and the need for more research. Guest/s: Erica Cirino Caleb Goossen FMI Links: “Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis” by Erica Cirino Greenhouse Plastic Recycling Program in Maine “Recycling Agricultural Plastic I” by David McDaniel, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener “Recycling Agricultural Plastic Part II” by David McDaniel, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener “Is Organic Farming Contributing to a Plastic Apocalypse?” by David McDaniel, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 6/7/23: Plastic and the Environment first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

In today's episode, we talk about why root maggots may have been worse than usual this spring with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association's Organic Crop Specialist Caleb Goossen. One thing that some growers have noticed this spring is a higher than usual rate of seedlings failing to emerge, or dying shortly after emergence, due to seedling-feeding maggots.We discuss how to tell whether seedlings have succumbed to maggots instead of other causes like damping off; how to reduce seedling maggots next year; and whether it's important to tell apart the primary culprits: seedcorn maggot, onion maggot or cabbage maggot. Since timing is critical for control measures, Caleb explains using Degree Day models to predict the emergence of maggots, the importance of early detection, and damage control measures. In Shop Talk with Neversink Farm we chat about new tools, old tools, how they can benefit your farm and tips to use them successfully with Conor Crickmore of Neversink Tools, which manufactures tools for farmers.In this episode of Shop Talk, we discuss how to choose whether to start crops using transplants, paper pot trays or direct seeding. We talk about how practical considerations like speed of germination, crop spacing, and even how much greenhouse space you have will factor into how you decide to propagate which crops.Thanks to our collaborator on this podcast Neversink Farm. They make this podcast free to everyone with their generous support. For tools designed and made by farmers, check out www.NeversinkTools.com Connect With Guest:Email: cgoossen@mofga.orgWebsite: https://www.mofga.org/Instagram: @organiccropspecialist"Seedcorn maggot and other maggots fact sheet" mentioned in the interview: https://www.mofga.org/resources/fact-sheets/seedcorn-maggot/ Download A FREE Magazine Issue:Go To Growing For Market Magazine: www.GrowingForMarket.com

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Topics this episode include: – Herbalism, including herb growing techniques, harvesting and processing methods and uses. Guest/s: Emily Springer, Meeting House Farm, Scarborough, Maine. FMI Links: Meeting House Farm Instagram Meeting House Farm Facebook Deb Soule of Avena Botanicals Book- Making Plant Medicine About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 5/11/23: A Conversation About Herbalism with Emily Springer of Meeting House Farm first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm and Clare Boland Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In the April 2023 episode of MOFGA’s Common Ground Radio, host Holli Cederholm discusses “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists” with Leah Penniman, farm director/co-executive director of Soul Fire Farm and author of “Farming While Black,” and Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro and author of “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors.” “Black Earth Wisdom” is a newly released book of essays and interviews that explores Black people's spiritual and scientific connection to the land, waters, and climate.  Topics this episode include: – “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists” by Leah Penniman. – “Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm's Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land” by Leah Penniman. – “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” by Rue Mapp. – Contributions of Black people to environmental thought and agroecological practices. – The importance of representation to access and inclusion. – Why centering BIPOC voices is critical to environmentalism. Guest/s: Leah Penniman is a Black Kreyol farmer, mother, soil nerd, author, and food justice activist who co-founded Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York, in 2010, with the mission to end racism in the food system and reclaim our ancestral connection to land. Penniman is part of a team that facilitates powerful food sovereignty programs — including farmer training for Black and Brown people, a subsidized farm food distribution program for communities living under food apartheid, and domestic and international organizing toward equity in the food system. In addition to “Black Earth Wisdom,” she is the author of “Farming While Black.” Rue Mapp documents her personal experiences while pioneering and shifting a new visual representation of Black people in the outdoors. An outdoorswoman, she transformed her kitchen table blog into a national nature-inspired enterprise and movement, called Outdoor Afro: where Black people and nature meet. Mapp is the founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, and she is also the author of “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors,” which was published in 2022. Her words about nature and Black joy can also be found in conversation with other Black environmentalists in the newly released “Black Earth Wisdom.” FMI Links: “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists” by Leah Penniman “Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm's Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land” by Leah Penniman “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” by Rue Mapp Outdoor Afro Soul Fire Farm About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 3/13/23: Black Earth Wisdom first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: A panel discussion about food access and equity in the state of Maine. In this discussion we work to define food access and equity, explore the various resources available and discuss policies being decided now that shape how Mainers access food. -Food access -Food equity -Farmers' Markets -Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -Farm Bill Guest/s: BrennaMae Thomas-Googins Jimmy DeBiasi, executive director, Maine Federation of Farmers Markets Hillary Barter, education programs coordinator at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association FMI Links: Maine Harvest Bucks Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets Waldo County Bounty MOFGA Market/CSA Search Tool Maine Senior FarmShare Program Mainers Feeding Mainers Bumper Crop Real Maine Farm Bill overview About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 3/9/23: Food Access and Equity in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Hannah Hamilton and her husband, Jim Buckle, are committed to raising healthy, vibrant soils and food at their farm in Unity, Maine. Almost a decade in business has taught them important lessons about business resilience, healthy relationships, and how to think about failure. In this episode, Hannah shares about The Buckle Farm's journey toward forming a limited liability company (LLC), and why this formal business structure represents a renewed commitment to the land they love in addition to providing personal asset protection. Farm Commons is grateful to have worked with Hannah as a co-presenter of our Discovering Resilience workshop with MOFGA in 2020 and as a member of the 2022 Farm Commons Fellows leadership program.Check out The Buckle Farm to follow Hannah and Jim's story.

Discover Holistic Growing Practices Enjoy this roundtable discussion moderated by Glen Koehler with 4 holistic practitioners. This roundtable was recorded at Maine Apple Camp 2022. Holistic Panelist Eric Shatt - Redbyrd Cider Biodynamic Orchard in New York Kevin Clark - Rose Hill Farm, New York Jason Maanka - Know your Roots, New York Laura Seiger - Maine Heritage Orchard (l to R) Glen, Jason, Eric, Laura, Kevin This talk was recorded at Maine Apple Camp. Maine Apple Camp is held biannually. The next camp will take place in 2024. It is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Go to MOFGA.org and join today! Mentions in this Chat 202: Walkabout at Redbyrd Orchard | FLX Chicago Cider Summit February 4, 2023 - Live Streamed at Cider Chat YouTube Channel 1-2, 5:30-6:30. Bottles on My Desk - a live Stream with Cider Chat Producer and Emcee Ria Windcaller. Subscribe to be notified when the next "Bottles on My Desk" goes live at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: On the February 2023 episode of Common Ground Radio, host Holli Cederholm discusses collaborative marketing models used by farmers and food producers in Maine. She is joined by Colleen Hanlon-Smith and Adrienne Lee, co-founders and owners of Daybreak Growers Alliance, a food distribution hub, and Melissa Law and Courtney Mongell, flower farmers and board members of the Maine Flower Collective. They talk about how these collaborative networks benefit both producers and customers by aggregating products and consolidating delivery. -Collaborative marketing models for farmers -Centralized marketing and distribution -Food access -Farm to food pantry -Flower collective -Sustainable floriculture Guest/s: Colleen Hanlon-Smith is a co-founder and owner of Daybreak Growers Alliance. Hanlon-Smith has worked in various capacities to serve the Northeast food system and farming communities, and is a founding member of Waldo County Bounty, a hunger relief nonprofit. Adrienne Lee is a co-founder and owner of Daybreak Growers Alliance, and co-farmer and owner of New Beat Farm, a MOFGA-certified organic vegetable and cut flower farm located in Knox, Maine. Melissa Law is vice president of Maine Flower Collective and also runs the flower program at Bumbleroot Organic Farm in Windham. The farm grows certified organic blooms for their flower CSA, farmstand and wholesale partners, with a focus on annuals, including dahlias. Courtney Mongell operates Mare Brook Farm in Brunswick with her husband Ryan. They grow specialty cut flowers, evergreens, and certified organic edible flowers and herbs FMI Links: Daybreak Growers Alliance Waldo County Bounty Maine Flower Collective About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 2/9/23: Collaborative Marketing Models first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Are Historical Apple and Pears varieties at of becoming Extinct? It appears it is not a question of if, when historical varieties are no longer with us as climate change and other mitigation factors such as land development and disease threaten prize pomes! This topic is discussed in this episode by a panel of well versed pome fans. The Speakers on this Panel Matt Kaminsky who is also known as Gnarly Pippins is the moderator. Contact for Matt Kaminsky Website: https://gnarlypippins.com/ Listen to Matt on episode 346 on Why Pomological Exhibitions Matter Dan Newman hails from Palermo, Maine and has a keen interest in Pears from Maine. He is active in historical research that looks at records from county fairs. Each fair has the year and apple prized, and thus Dan can track what was grown where and when and by whom. Contact for Dan Newman - write to mailto:mofga@mofga.org Dan Bussey has been growing heirloom apples for 42 years since 1980. He is the author of "The Illustrated History of Apples in the United States and Canada" It is a 7 volume encyclopedia on apples. The book is now on sale for $150 for the set. When released in 2016 it was $320. Contact for Dan Bussey Website: https://www.silverwoodpark.org/project/heirloom-apple-orchard/ John Bunker was last on Cider Chat in episode 352 & 353. He is the Founder of the Maine Heritage Orchard & FEDCO Trees, Author of numerous books on Apples and is a well known Apple Detective. Contact for John Bunker Website: Out on the Limb Apples Listen to John on episode 352: Apples in Gravel | Maine Heritage Orchard and episode 353 Apple Historian John Bunker Q&A | Maine Apple Camp Eliza Greenman is a fruit explorer and horticultural historian. Contact for Eliza Greenman Website: https://elizapples.com/ Listen to Eliza on episode 349: The Super Powers of Bradford Pears Lydia Pendergast - works with the Apple Team at the College of the Atlantic and interns with the Maine Heritage Orchard Contact for Lydia Pendergast - write to mailto:mofga@mofga.org   This talk was recorded at Maine Apple Camp. Maine Apple Camp is held biannually. The next camp will take place in 2024. It is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Go to MOFGA.org and join today! Mentions in this Chat Press then Press - an online retailer specializing in cider New York International Cider Competition February 19, 2023- use promo code: Chat23 for $10 off your entry submission. CiderCon 2023 - February 1-3, 2023 Chicago Cider Summit February 4, 2023 - Live Stream at Cider Chat YouTube Channel 1-2pm , 5:30-6:30pm CST. Bottles on My Desk - a live Stream with Cider Chat Producer and Emcee Ria Windcaller. Subscribe to be notified when the next "Bottles on My Desk" goes live at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Preservation Tips from an Apple Historian John Bunker is a self identified Apple Historian and an Apple Detective, Author of numerous books on the topic of Apples and Founder of FEDCO Trees. In the previous podcast episode #352 John delivers an overview on the Successes and Challenges of the Maine Heritage Orchard over the past 10 years. This episode 353 is the Q&A that followed that address. Typically, it would be recommend that you listen to episode 352 before delving into the Q&A, but even out of sequence one will find John's witty and insightful comments on a range of apple topics worth a listen. John Bunker Q&A Topics in this Chat Time line of planning and planting Trees What John recommends doing differently Found stories of people and migration patterns about the collection Questioned if John knew of dump sites that are being used in this type of format John helps to define Heirloom/Heritage Apples Genetics of Apples and seeds Climate change and the future of preserving rare vareities Legacy in relationship to the work of apple today for tomorrow.   This talk was recorded at Maine Apple Camp. Maine Apple Camp is held biannually. The next camp will take place in 2024. It is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Go to MOFGA.org and join today! Contact info for John Bunker Website: Super Chilly Farm eMail: csa.outonalimb@gmail.com Episode 352 is Part 1 to this Q&A with John Bunker on the Maine Heritage Orchard. Follow/Subscribe Cider Chat on  ApplePodcasts, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Mentions in this Chat New York International Cider Competition February 19, 2023- use promo code: Chat23 for $10 off your entry submission. CiderCon 2023 - February 1-3, 2023 Chicago Cider Summit February 4, 2023 - Live Stream at Cider Chat YouTube Channel 1-2, 5:30-6:30. Bottles on My Desk - a live Stream with Cider Chat Producer and Emcee Ria Windcaller. Subscribe to be notified when the next "Bottles on My Desk" goes live at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

John Bunker on Maine Heritage Orchard: Successes and Challenges over the First Ten Years This is Part 1 with John Bunker, who is both an author, Founder of FEDCO Trees, an Apple Historian and a key person behind the Maine Heritage Orchard. In this recording her the full presentation from John as recorded at Maine Apple Camp in August of 2022. John Bunker speaking at Maine Apple Camp Bunker's 7 Point Strategy to Seek out Apples John Bunker moved to Maine when he was 21 years old and immediately fell for the state and collecting apples. In the late 70s - early 80s  he began to learned about Maine's historic apple varieties. Seeking out apples requires a bit of stealth and an out going personality 1. Seek out mentors 2. Do cold calls - when seeing apples along the road 3. Introduced myself as "Hi I am John Bunker. You won't believe this but I am an apple historian.” 4. Give talks at Garden Society and such and charge nothing. John bunker has a sliding scale from 1 mil to zero dollars for his talks. 5. Pass out Wanted Posters 6. Fairs and Events: Do a display of apples - it becomes a magnet for people to see. 7. Apple Identification for no charge and also payment ] John Bunker In this Chat The history of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardners Association (MOFGA). The orchards at the Common Ground Fair Reclaiming land such as gravel pits The History of the Maine Heritage Orchard What is needed to sustain the Maine Heritage Orchard This talk was recorded at Maine Apple Camp. Apple Camp is held biannually. The next camp will take place in 2024. It is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Go to MOFGA.org and join today! Contact info for John Bunker Website: Super Chilly Farm eMail: csa.outonalimb@gmail.com Episode 353 will feature Part 2 with John Bunker on the Maine Heritage Orchard. This episode will go live on January 25, 2023 Follow/Subscribe Cider Chat on  ApplePodcasts, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Mentions in this Chat New York International Cider Competition February 19, 2023- use promo code: Chat23 for $10 off your entry submission. CiderCon 2023 - February 1-3, 2023 sign up now for the January 31th Chicago Cider Tours Chicago Cider Summit February 4, 2023 - Live Stream at Cider Chat YouTube Channel 1-2, 5:30-6:30. Bottles on My Desk - a live Stream with Cider Chat Producer and Emcee Ria Windcaller. Subscribe to be notified when the next "Bottles on My Desk" goes live at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: The January 2023 episode of Common Ground Radio is all about maple syrup production. Host Caitlyn Barker interviewed Jason Lilley, Assistant Extension Professor, Maine Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator. The two discussed the basics of getting a maple operation up and running, including tree identification, supplies needed, boiling and canning. Challenges facing the maple industry, including climate change and pests were also discussed. Guest/s: Jason Lilley, Assistant Extension Professor, Maine Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator FMI Links: Forest Trees of Maine Cooperative Extension Maple Syrup Production Proctor Maple Research Center Backyard Maple Production webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=89-tnQ7AlA8 Maine Maple Sunday About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 1/12/23: Maple Syrup Production first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: The January 2023 episode of Common Ground Radio is all about maple syrup production. Host Caitlyn Barker interviewed Jason Lilley, Assistant Extension Professor, Maine Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator. The two discussed the basics of getting a maple operation up and running, including tree identification, supplies needed, boiling and canning. Challenges facing the maple industry, including climate change and pests were also discussed. Guest/s: Jason Lilley, Assistant Extension Professor, Maine Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator FMI Links: Forest Trees of Maine Cooperative Extension Maple Syrup Production Proctor Maple Research Center Backyard Maple Production webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=89-tnQ7AlA8 Maine Maple Sunday About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 1/12/23: Maple Syrup Production first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Enjoy this Roundtable Discussion w/4 makers from Maine Kris Hogg formally of Perennial Cider Bar in Maine moderates this panel discussion that was held at the Maine Apple Camp in August of 2022. The topics are wide ranging: cultivars/apples that you really like anything that you haven't tried yet that you would like to experiment with? life work balance from making to orchard care yeast only using wild or also culture yeast in ciders? cider as art vs science Is there a Maine Cider Style? Makers and Contact Info from this Roundtable David Buchann | Portersfield Cider Website: https://www.portersfieldcider.com/ Address: 255 Elmwood Road Pownal, ME, 04069 David Buchann | Portersfield Cider Jared Carr | Cornish Cider Company Website: https://cornishcidercompany.com/ Address: 135 High Road Cornish, Maine 04020 USA Jared Carr | Cornish Cider Company Zak Kaiser | Absolem Cider Company Website: https://www.absolemcider.com/ Address: 799 Winthrop Center Road Winthrop, Maine 04364 Zak Kaiser | Absolem Cider Jon Stein | Fogtown Brewing Company Website: https://www.fogtownbrewing.com/ Address: Two locations: Ellsworth and Bar Harbor Maine! Jon Stein | Fogtown Brewing Co. This Roundtable was recorded at Maine Apple Camp. Apple Camp is held biannually. The next camp will take place in 2024. It is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Go to MOFGA.org and join today! Bonus audio - 30 minute Q&A from this roundtable at the Cider Chat Patreon page. Join today and help keep #ciderGoingUP Mentions in this Chat New York International Cider Competition February 19, 2023- use promo code: Chat23 for $10 off your entry submission. CiderCon 2023 - February 1-3, 2023 sign up now for the January 31th Chicago Cider Tours Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Producer/Host: Holli Cederholm Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: On the December 2022 episode of Common Ground Radio, host Holli Cederholm discusses the organic dairy crisis in the Northeast and how it is impacting farms in Maine with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association's Organic Dairy and Livestock Specialist Jacki Martinez Perkins, who grew up on an organic dairy farm, and Annie Watson, who co-owns Sheepscot Valley Farm, an organic dairy in Whitefield, Maine. Watson also currently serves on the boards of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, and she is board president of the Maine Dairy Industry Association. Additionally, she is CEO and a founding partner of the Maine Organic Milk Company, a start-up working to bring organic dairy processing to the state. Tune in to hear why organic dairy farms are an important part of Maine's landscape, why they're in trouble and the ways that listeners can help support these farms to the benefit of Maine's communities, local economies and the environment. Key Discussion Points: -Organic dairy industry -Origin of Livestock USDA organic rule -Cost of organic production -Organic dairy pay price -Where to buy local, organic milk -Farm Bill 2023 -Pasture health -Grass-fed dairy -Grain price inflation Guest/s: Jacki Martinez Perkins, who grew up on a small, award-winning, organic dairy in central Maine. She has worked in various aspects of the dairy industry including as an artificial insemination technician and a herd manager before becoming the organic dairy and livestock specialist for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). Her work includes supporting organic dairy and livestock operations through management and organic certification considerations as well as helping to develop policies regarding organic production. Annie Watson, who is a co-owner of Sheepscot Valley Farm, an organic dairy farm in Whitefield, where she lives with her husband, Mike Moody, and their three young sons. She currently serves on the boards of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, and she is board president of the Maine Dairy Industry Association. Additionally, she is CEO and a founding partner of the Maine Organic Milk Company, a start-up working to bring organic dairy processing to the state. FMI Links: Find Local, Organic Farmers and Producers Articles on Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Proposed Rule, and Origin of Livestock final rule in MOFGA's The Organic Sprout newsletter — indd.adobe.com/view/04e87eab-9318-4e85-95fc-1dd7ddd5d605 Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership Maine Dairy Industry Association Ways to Support Organic Dairy About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 12/8/22: Maine Organic Dairy Farms Are In Trouble – How You Can Help first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Holli Cederholm Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: On the December 2022 episode of Common Ground Radio, host Holli Cederholm discusses the organic dairy crisis in the Northeast and how it is impacting farms in Maine with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association's Organic Dairy and Livestock Specialist Jacki Martinez Perkins, who grew up on an organic dairy farm, and Annie Watson, who co-owns Sheepscot Valley Farm, an organic dairy in Whitefield, Maine. Watson also currently serves on the boards of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, and she is board president of the Maine Dairy Industry Association. Additionally, she is CEO and a founding partner of the Maine Organic Milk Company, a start-up working to bring organic dairy processing to the state. Tune in to hear why organic dairy farms are an important part of Maine's landscape, why they're in trouble and the ways that listeners can help support these farms to the benefit of Maine's communities, local economies and the environment. Key Discussion Points: -Organic dairy industry -Origin of Livestock USDA organic rule -Cost of organic production -Organic dairy pay price -Where to buy local, organic milk -Farm Bill 2023 -Pasture health -Grass-fed dairy -Grain price inflation Guest/s: Jacki Martinez Perkins, who grew up on a small, award-winning, organic dairy in central Maine. She has worked in various aspects of the dairy industry including as an artificial insemination technician and a herd manager before becoming the organic dairy and livestock specialist for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). Her work includes supporting organic dairy and livestock operations through management and organic certification considerations as well as helping to develop policies regarding organic production. Annie Watson, who is a co-owner of Sheepscot Valley Farm, an organic dairy farm in Whitefield, where she lives with her husband, Mike Moody, and their three young sons. She currently serves on the boards of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, and she is board president of the Maine Dairy Industry Association. Additionally, she is CEO and a founding partner of the Maine Organic Milk Company, a start-up working to bring organic dairy processing to the state. FMI Links: Find Local, Organic Farmers and Producers Articles on Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Proposed Rule, and Origin of Livestock final rule in MOFGA's The Organic Sprout newsletter — indd.adobe.com/view/04e87eab-9318-4e85-95fc-1dd7ddd5d605 Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership Maine Dairy Industry Association Ways to Support Organic Dairy About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 12/8/22: Maine Organic Dairy Farms Are In Trouble – How You Can Help first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Natalie here. When Jesse asked me to be a guest-host, I knew I wanted to dedicate an episodeto the subject of PFAS contamination, but I didn't think it would be a good first episode, because it's really not uplifting. It's one of those topics that makes it hard to keep sitting up straight. But, since I've been behind the ball on getting more episodes going--and Jesse tells me there's a lot of intrest in this topic--I decided to go for it. For the vast majority of growers out there, PFAS contamination on your farms isn't going to be an issue, but it is something farmers may want to be aware of when looking for land or buying inputs like compost or straw mulch, and especially when making compost with various feedstocks. To learn more about PFAS, I spoke with Caleb Goossen, the organic crop and conservation specialist at MOFGA. And I promise there will be more uplifting epsides in the future. Folks who make the show possible... RIMOL Greenhouses quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. Johnny's Selected Seeds vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. BCS America for two wheel tractors + implements, on sale through the end of the year! University of Wisconsin-Madison and their new certificate in organic agriculture. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the folks who support us every month over at patreon.com/notillgrowers, you can pick up a copy of The Living Soil Handbook if you don't have one already, as well as a No-Till Growers hat (yep, back in stock and shipping now), and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our brand new forum at notillgrowers.community.chat

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm, Caitlyn Barker Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: A panel discussion with three speakers on the topic of school garden creation, implementation and impact. Guest/s: David Wessels, garden coordinator at Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast, Maine Ryan Parker, Maine's FoodCorps Impact and Partnerships Lead Brittany Layman, Director of Health, Wellness and Safety for RSU 22 and the Vice Chair of the Maine School Garden Network FMI Links: Maine School Garden network Maine Ag in the Classroom Maine Farm to School About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 11/10/22: Creating School Gardens first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm, Caitlyn Barker Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. The September episode of Common Ground Radio is a rebroadcast of the 10/14/21 Common Ground episode. Featured are two of the keynote speakers from the 2021 Common Ground Country Fair. Karen Washington, of Rise & Root Farm and Black Urban Growers and Stacy Brenner, state senator and organic farmer at Broadturn Farm. Some of the topics discussed: Changing the food system Valuing our communities Land stewardship Guest/s: Karen Washington, co-owner and farmer at Rise & Root Farm and cofounder of Black Urban Growers Stacy Brenner, organic farmer at Broadturn Farm and Maine state senator FMI Links: 2022 Common Ground Country Fair Keynote speakers at the 2022 Common Ground Country Fair About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 9/8/22: Rebroadcast 2021 Common Ground Fair keynotes first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm, Caitlyn Barker Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. The August 2022 episode of Common Ground Radio is all about apples! Host Holli Cederholm is joined by Laura Sieger, orchard manager with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), and Lydia Pendergast, an orchard intern with MOFGA and self-described “fruit explorer.” They talked about the Maine Heritage Orchard, the importance of cultivar preservation, and how fruit exploration and genetic testing both play important roles in identifying apples at risk of extinction and protecting these fruits in perpetuity. -Historic apples -Fruit explorers -The Maine Heritage Orchard in Unity, Maine -Apple identification -DNA testing of apples -Apple propagation -Organic orcharding -Apples and climate change -Summer apples Guest/s: Laura Sieger, orchard manager, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) in Unity, Maine (mofga.org/maineheritageorchard) Lydia Pendergast, orchard intern with MOFGA and fruit explorer FMI Links: Maine Heritage Orchard Stewardship Apples, Fedco: fedcoseeds.com/trees/stewardship-apple-248 “What's in a name? The importance of identity in heirloom apple tree preservation,” published in Plants People Plant and co-authored by Sieger, Pendergast, et al. North American Fruit Explorers Washington State University's Apple Genome Project MyFruitTree, appleID: myfruittree.org Out On A Limb Apples (John Bunker) About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 8/11/22: Apples! first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker, Holli Cederholm Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. The July episode of Common Ground Radio explores the issue of farmers and stress. Host Caitlyn Barker speaks with Abby Sadauckas, a farmer in southern Maine and member of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Farm Coaching Team and MOFGA Farmer Programs Director Ryan Dennett. Topics include land access, financial stability, mental health and many others. A variety of relevant resources are also provided. -Farmers and stress -Resources available to farmers -Mental health and farming Guests: Abby Sadauckas, co-owner of Apple Creek Farm and member of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Farm Coaching Team. Ryan Dennett, Farmer Programs Director, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association FMI: MOFGA Farmer Resources Labor Movement: labor-movement.com Labor Movement Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Maine Farmer Resource Network 211 Maine Farm Aid Farmer Resource Network Maine Farmland Trust Land For Good About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 7/14/22: Farmers and Stress first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker, Holli Cederholm Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio: A monthly hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This episode of Common Ground Radio digs into PFAS contamination of farmland in Maine. Host Holli Cederholm talked with Sarah Alexander, executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA); Ryan Dennett, MOFGA’s farmer programs director; and Caleb Goossen, crop specialist with MOFGA. The discussion covered the impact of PFAS contamination on Maine’s farmers as well as PFAS legislation enacted in Maine and how it can serve as a roadmap for other states also dealing with contamination from so-called “forever” and “everywhere” chemicals. Key Discussion Points: 1. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 2. PFAS contamination of farmland 3. PFAS contamination pathways 4. PFAS legislation in Maine 5. Farms impacted by PFAS 6. PFAS mitigation 7. PFAS testing for farms Guests: Sarah Alexander, executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA); Ryan Dennett, MOFGA's farmer programs director; and Caleb Goossen, crop specialist with MOFGA. FMI Links: MOFGA's PFAS resource page PFAS Q&A with Caleb Goossen: mofga.org/resources/toxics/pfas-contamination-in-maine PFAS policy recap “Webinar: Lessons from Maine: Food, Farms and Forever Chemicals” from Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy: iatp.org/watch-lessons-maine-food-farms-and-forever-chemicals EGAD Septage and Sludge Sites Map About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 6/9/22: PFAS Contamination of Farmland in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Art and Craft is a sun grown cannabis farm that uses organic cultivation methods and solventless extraction techniques. Our north star is creating high-quality, affordable cannabis products while improving our soil and limiting energy use & waste. Living off the grid, we incorporate seasonal changes into our production model. Ice water hash and rosin is processed in the cold winter months to preserve the essence of a carefully dried and cured harvest. At our sister company, Panorama Hemp, we grow certified organic hemp using no till practices. From high potency concentrates to CBD, CBDV and CBG rich products, we want everyone to be able to experience the magic of cannabis, and find the right blend to meet their needs. We offer custom formulations and free patient consultations so don't hesitate to reach out with questions or inquiries, we'd love to hear from you. -Geoff & Lizzy. artandcraftcannabis.com, @artandcraft_canna Discussed this week: "You should sell this", novelty vs commodity, craigslist, kitchen bus, touring with the band, Nuclear Power Pants, popcorn genetics, hash, explant, activation phrases, low temp vaping, traditional hash making, mechanical separation, seasonal hash, larfy, shwaggy shwag, MOFGA, and more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potluckypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/potluckypodcast/support

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker, Holli Cederholm Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio: A monthly hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. The May 2022 episode of Common Ground Radio explores homesteading in Maine in conversation with homesteaders of varying levels and lengths of experience. Host Caitlyn Barker spoke with Sikwani and Nathan Dana of The Dana Homestead about living off the land in Solon, Maine, and how they use social media to share their homesteading journey. Later in the show, Barker is joined by Angela DeRosa who has been homesteading for decades in Wellington, Maine. -Homesteading in Maine -TikTok -Beginning homesteading experiences Guests: Sikwani Dana, The Dana Homestead, Solon, ME Nathan Dana, The Dana Homestead, Solon, ME The Dana Homestead TikTok Angela DeRosa, homesteader, Wellington, ME FMI Down East article about The Dana Homestead About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 5/12/22: Homesteading in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

#061: Young Farmers Coalition & Greenhorns Co-Founder Severine Von Tscharner Fleming talks us through the battle for fair pricing, good policies, and healthy ecosystems facing seaweed farmers in Maine. Severine Von Tscharner Fleming is a farmer, activist, and organizer based in Downeast Maine. She runs Smithereen Farm, a MOFGA certified organic wild blueberry, seaweed, and orchard operation which hosts summer camps, camping, and educational workshops. She is a founder and board member of Agrarian Trust and current director of the Greenhorns, a 13 year old grassroots organization whose mission is to recruit, promote, and support the incoming generation of farmers in America. To watch a video version of this podcast with access to the full transcript and links relevant to our conversation, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/severine-von-tscharner-fleming-who-controls-seaweed-farming-episode-sixty-oneThe Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Friends:https://www.realorganicproject.org/real-organic-friends/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/