Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island
Serving Farmers, Gardeners and Consumers with Education & Outreach
On Farm Workshops
Raise better vegetables with chickens in crop rotations
June 23, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Rain date: June 30, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Big Train Farm, 35 Pippin Orchard Rd, Cranston, RI 02921
Free NOFA/RI CRAFT Workshop
John Kenny of Big Train Farm will explain how rotating 125 organic
chickens around his 2-acre certified organic farm has improved produce
yields at Big Train Farm. Beginning and experienced growers will learn
how to improve soil biology, fertility and specialty crop yields by including a
chicken tractor in their crop rotation plans. This 2-acre farm is one of seven
incubator farms at Urban Edge Farm, owned by Southside Community
Land Trust. The Northeast Organic Farming Association of RI (NOFA/RI)
will host this free workshop. Learn more at http://nofari.org/events/ourevents.
Managing Organic Farms for Drought and Weeds
Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Road, Saunderstown, RI
July 29, 5:30 p.m.
Free NOFA/RI CRAFT and Young Farmer Night Workshop
Farm Manager Lindie Markovich will share how Casey Farm’s updated
irrigation system helps protect the farm against growing season droughts. The
farm crew is testing new cultivation techniques this season and will share their
results. Casey Farm raises organically grown vegetables, herbs and flowers for
a 175-member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. This free
event will be co-hosted by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of RI
(NOFA/RI) and Young Farmer Network (YFN). A potluck supper will follow the
workshop and farm tour. Learn more at http://nofari.org/events/our-events.
Celeriac, Tat Soi and the Gilfeather Turnip: Growing Specialty
Crops for Fall & Winter Markets
Garman Organic Farm, Elizabeth Lane, Middletown, RI
September 15, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Rain date: Sept. 17, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Free NOFA/RI CRAFT and ALT Workshop
Learn the benefits of fall production using low tunnels for 15 varieties of
specialty greens and snow peas that thrive through Thanksgiving. Jim and
Michelle Garman will also discuss numerous root crops including golden
ball turnips, daikon and watermelon radishes, celeriac and gilfeather
turnips. Some chefs and consumers need a reminder that local farms can
supply great greens and produce through the fall using season extension
techniques. Jim and Michelle will share their marketing tips for success as
well as their planting calendar. The Garmans grow on farmland leased from Sustainable Aquidneck and
the Aquidneck Land Trust. This free workshop will be co-hosted by the the Northeast Organic Farming
Association of RI (NOFA/RI) and the Aquidneck Land Trust 25th anniversary Walk and Talk Series. Learn
more at http://nofari.org/events/our-events.
NOFA/RI CRAFT workshops are free thanks to a generous Farm Viability grant from the RI Department of
Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture, which seeks to enhance farmers’ ability to grow and
market their crops. Everyone is welcome. Registration is not required for CRAFT Workshops.
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island
Serving Farmers, Gardeners and Consumers with Education and Outreach
Organic Farm Advisors
The NOFA/RI Organic Farm Advisor program provides free technical guidance to farmers wishing to implement
organic methods on their farms. NOFA/RI pairs experienced organic farmers with new or transitioning farmers for
assistance in:
Farm and garden planning
Safe tractor, tool and implement use
Marketing, business planning, record keeping
Salad green production
Soil building, raised bed production
Weed control
Cover crops and crop rotation
Post-harvest handling and marketing
Pest and disease management
Organic certification and NRCS assistance
Greenhouse and high tunnel growing
applications
Farmers receiving assistance may be working towards organic certification, or wish to produce their crops
sustainably.
NOFA/RI welcomes additional Farm Advisors. Compensation and mileage reimbursement is available through a
generous grant from the RI Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture. Interested Farm
Advisors or farmers seeking assistance should contact NOFA/RI at [email protected] or 401-523-2653.
NOFA/RI Organic Farm Advisors:
Christina Dedora, Blue Skys Farm, Cranston, RI
Christina has experience growing and selling vegetables, herbs and ornamental crops.
Favorite crops: vegetables, cut flowers and herb
Special skills: seedling production and field growing of cut flowers and herbs; marketing at Farmer's Markets
John Kenny, Big Train Farm, North Scituate, RI
John has experience working with antique and modern tractors. He teaches tractor operations to farmers. John
hosts workshops on agriculture, natural science and field botany.
Special Skills: soil test interpretation and field planning
Sanne Kure-Jensen, Sakonnet View Farm, Portsmouth, RI
Sanne helps farmers with organic certification, farm succession and links farmers with farmland.
Favorite crops: honey, tomatoes, herbs and native plants
Special skills: beekeeping, organic certification, business & program planning and marketing, web design
Diana Kushner, Arcadian Fields, Hopkinton, RI
Diana’s farm is meticulously tended. She helps farmers navigate the organic certification process.
Favorite crops: heirloom tomatoes, basil, teenage lettuce, carrots
Special skills: weed control, cover crops
Steve Ramos, Steve’s Organic Produce, Bristol, RI
Steve is one of RI’s first organic farmers. He earns his living on a small farm less than 2 acres.
Favorite crops: specialty vegetables, herbs and small fruits
Special skills: intensive growing, season extension, restaurant marketing
Derek Christianson, Brix Bounty Farm, Dartmouth, MA
Derek is a farmer and educator on soil nutrients. He has experience with small and large-scale farming.
Favorite crops: all vegetables
Special skills: nutrient-dense food production
NOFA/RI welcomes additional Organic Farm Advisors. Compensation and mileage reimbursement is available
through a generous Farm Viability grant from the RI Department of Environmental Management’s Division of
Agriculture, which seeks to enhance farmers’ ability to grow and market their crops. Interested Organic Farm
Advisors or farmers seeking assistance should email NOFA/RI at [email protected] or call (401) 523-2653.
Specialty Crops Training, as defined by this USDA-supported program, includes fruits, dried fruit, tree nuts,
vegetables, nursery crops, Christmas trees, floriculture, cut flowers, honey, hops and turf grass production.
Program participants learn how to enhance their market competitiveness with their specialty crops through:
research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs,
education, “Buy Local” programs, increased consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and/or
reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental conservation, product development and/or developing
cooperatives. Learn more at http://nofari.org/organic.