You are invited to a Farm Tour at The Hickories on May 5

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA) and Fairfield County Farm Bureau (FCFB) are pleased to invite the public on May 5th from 6- 8 pm, to attend a farm tour at The Hickories in Ridgefield led by farmer Dina Brewster, followed by a reception and presentation about the role of carbon in soil health and climate change by CT NOFA Executive Director, Jeff Cordulack.

Since the beginning of recorded history, societies have understood that human activities can deplete soil productivity, yet only recently have we realized the value of carbon in the soil. Proper Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) levels can improve crop and pasture yields and water holding capacity, increase soil food web diversity; reduce overland water flow and sedimentation of waterways, and improve groundwater recharge.

“I’m honored to be invited to The Hickories by Dina Brewster and to be co-hosting this event with Tim Brady, President of the FCFB” says Cordulack. “Working together on improving farm productivity and reducing climate change is a great way for our organizations to collaborate. This program will provide an introduction to the topic of soil carbon, the soil food web, and how we can sequester carbon from the atmosphere with organic methods to help fight climate change.”

While the actual amount of carbon that can be stored in the soil is dependent on the farm management practices, soil type, climate, and the initial soil carbon level of the site, the potential to store carbon in soils worldwide is vast. Come learn how we all play a role in this powerful solution.

“Bringing the carbon conversation down to earth, I am eager to take participants on a tour of my working farm in Ridgefield Connecticut” says Brewster. “I have been “carbon farming” for 11 years now, and am eager to share both the successes and challenges of building soils while producing and harvesting food for our community. I am flattered to be able to bring the complex and crucial conversation about carbon and agriculture to The Hickories."

This event is open to the public and intended for farmers, gardeners, and others interested in the topic.

“We are delighted to combine our talents with Jeff and CTNOFA on an incredibly important topic - what we can and need to do to protect and improve the quality of our soil. CT NOFA and Fairfield County Farm Bureau have very complimentary missions, and we look forward to future opportunities to partner and provide educational opportunities for agriculturalists of all types” says Brady.

The Hickories farm store will be open so bring your own bags or coolers to stock up on organic vegetables, herbs, flowers, seedlings, eggs, heritage pork and lamb, and woolen goods from their sheep. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.


This event is hosted by The Hickories, 136 Lounsbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT. Admission is $15 person in advance, and $20 at the door, and  includes refreshments. Register online at ctnofa.org or call 203-308-2584.

 

About The Hickories

The Hickories is a working farm in Ridgefield Connecticut that produces certified organic fruit, vegetables, and flowers, as well as pasture raised meats and woolens. thehickories.org

 

About Jeff Cordulack

Jeff Cordulack, the Executive Director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA), studied Natural Resources Management and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University. He is a Connecticut native who spent the last decade with the National Audubon Society in Greenwich and another eight years with SoundWaters in Stamford. In July 2015, he took the helm of CT NOFA and is now elevating the importance of ecologically-sustainable farming methods while working to ensure the growth and viability of organic agriculture, organic food, and organic land care.

About CT NOFA

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut, Inc. (CT NOFA) is the first and leading grassroots association advocating for organic food, farming, gardening and land care in Connecticut. We connect people in the local-sustainable food and land care movements with organic resources and cutting-edge educational opportunities. Our organization’s emphasis is on training organic farmers, gardeners and land care professionals on the latest sustainable practices; promoting organic products and practices to consumers; and bringing attention to critical state and federal policy issues affecting our international food system and global environment. CT NOFA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1982 and one of the seven State Chapters of the Northeast Organic Farming Association. ctnofa.org

About Fairfield County Farm Bureau

Fairfield County Farm Bureau was founded in 1915 and is a membership organization dedicated to farming and the future of Connecticut farms. FCFB has a mission of advocacy, education and market promotion.  FCFB is a member of Connecticut Farm Bureau and jointly, they serve their members by advocating for agriculture, and educating the public and elected officials on issues that keep farm families productive:  economic viability, land use, labor, taxation and the protection of farmland.  Connecticut Farm Bureau’s work of proactively representing the interest of farmers is vital to providing safe, locally grown, farm-fresh products and a high quality of life for all Connecticut residents.  cfba.org

Image credit: The Hickories

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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