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Home > Activities & Events > Towncreek Grant DEVELOPING A NETWORK OF FARMERS ON THE EASTERN SHORE TO MEET A GROWING MARKET FOR ORGANICALLY GROWN AND SUSTAINABLY RAISED PRODUCTS A RESPONSIBILITY THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED The establishment of a regionally based, safe, just and sustaining food system is not only a worthwhile endeavor, it is imperative. Eliminating, not reducing, our dependence on petro-chemical based agriculture and its toxic effect on our environment is the goal. For any sustainable farming system to be successful, the first thing that must be sustained is the farmer. Providing market access and allowing for maximum return on investment for local producers will improve profitability for these farmers and reduce the temptation to sell their land to developers. Increasing the number of farmers on Delmarva using organic, sustainable farming practices will also increase the acreage dedicated to sustainable agriculture and reduce the toxic effects of conventional agriculture on our soil, air, water and people. The goal is to create a network of farmers using sustainable and organic farming practices to supply a growing market with a safe, nutritious and complete diet. LESSON, a local non-profit organization, will provide outreach, information, technical assistance and training to Delmarva farmers to increase the number of farms and acreage dedicated to sustainable and organic farming practices. We will also continue our efforts toward educating the community about the benefits of organic food and farming. Local farmer Jay Martin is working with LESSON on this project. LESSON will build on its positive working relationship with the Maryland Cooperative Extension Services in reaching out to local farmers. LESSON is concerned about stewardship of the land, supporting the role of small, local family farms and encouraging consumers to buy locally. These commitments support the sustainability of our lands, as well as a safe, healthy local food supply. LESSON RECEIVES GRANT FROM TOWN CREEK FOUNDATION In November 2006, LESSON received support from the Town Creek Foundation for its program of outreach to Delmarva farmers who are either presently utilizing sustainable and organic growing practices, or who wish to explore the potential on their farms. The grant will be used to mentor anyone presently engaged in farming and market gardening or anyone interested in getting started. We will offer workshops bringing regional experts to offer their experience and expertise in areas such as irrigation systems, cover crop use, composting, budgeting and crop planning, selecting and using appropriate tools scaled to your operation, and pastured poultry production. Farmer Jay Martin and Extension Specialist Laura Hunsberger have scheduled a workshop on April 4th and 5th at Greenbranch Organic Farm in Salisbury. We are open to your suggestions as to content of future workshops. If enough interest is shown for a particular topic, we will try to work it into the workshop schedule. Possible topics could be transitioning to organic practices, herb production, cut flower production, high tunnel production, alternative energy use on the farm, direct marketing, and transplant growing. For more information, call Jay Martin at 410-873-2942. |
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©2006 All rights reserved. Lower Eastern Shore Sustainable Organic Network (LESSON) c/o 5210 River Circle, Quantico, MD 21856 | Phone: 410-546-5499 For problems or questions regarding this Web site contact Contact Webmaster. |
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