Copy
Time to start planning for cold-weather crops (and register for the Sustainable Ag Conference!)
View this email in your browser
CFSA's Grower's Toolbox
Dear Farmer,

We are all patiently awaiting autumn, and how best to spend that time than starting cool season transplants? August is the month for starting lettuce, kale, peas, brassicas and many others. These cool season transplants can be started between mid-July through September, depending on the crop/variety. Check out this month's expert tip for help figuring out when and what to plant in your region. 

Something else that autumn brings every year is CFSA’s Sustainable Agriculture Conference!  Early bird registration is open NOW, so take a break from starting your lettuce seed and check out our awesome line-up of speakers, workshops, preconference bus tours and intensives, networking opportunities, and more! You've got to be there!


Cheers,

Karen McSwain, CFSA's Director of Farm Services and Food Systems


P.S. CFSA members get a nicely-discounted early bird rate for the Sustainable Ag. Conference until Aug. 17. Not a member? Join us today and you'll get the early bird discount, plus the other great benefits of a CFSA membership. 

P.P.S. Speaking of member benefits...CFSA members get $5 off when they register in advance for the
Eastern Triangle Farm Tour
Cold Hardy Kale

Plan Now for Cold-Hardy Crops

by Stephen Nix, CFSA’s SC Local Food Coordinator
 

August is here and the official ‘dog days’ of summer are upon us. August marks the time when many farmers begin transitioning to fall crops. Now is the time to start planning for cold-hardy crops and overwintering to provide a continuous supply of fresh vegetables throughout winter and to get an early start next spring. Here's how.
Hydroponics

NOP Says No to Hydroponics and Aquaponics

by Mark Dempsey, CFSA's Farm Services Coordinator

The National Organic Standards Board (NOP) just published its recommendations on whether hydroponic and aquaponic production should be allowed in the organic program, clearly recommending that organic production should be limited to soil-grown crops (with a few exceptions), and should not include hydroponics and aquaponics. The Board's report is only a recommendation to the NOP, and it is up to them to turn this into law. So it may be some time before changes are made, and before we know exactly how the law will change. The report is summarized on pp. 3-5 in the "Conclusions" section.
Eastern Triangle Farm Tour Video

Need a Little Pick-me-up? Check Out the Cool Stuff on Our Eastern Triangle Farm Tour

Thank you to Josh Sliffe at Blue Whistler Farm for sharing this great video!
FEATURED RESOURCES
GAPs Consulting
 
 
CFSA recently received funding from the Southern Risk Management Education Center to expand our Local Produce Safety Initiative (LPSI) into South Carolina. CFSA can now provide direct consulting assistance to South Carolina growers seeking Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification. We will conduct a site visit for eligible producers to complete a risk assessment, provide guidance on implementing standard operating procedures, and offer assistance in the development of a food safety plan. We will also be conducting GAP workshops throughout South Carolina starting in November 2016.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS


Eastern Triangle Farm Tour
 
September 17-18, 2016 from 1-5 PM

Meet local farmers in Eastern Triangle region of NC and learn how they are making their farms profitable and sustainable! 

Sustainable Ag Conference 2016
 
Sustainable Agriculture Conference

THE FOOD AND FARM EVENT OF THE YEAR!
 
November 4-6, 2016 in Durham, NC 

Bringing together thought leaders, innovative farmer-mentors and experts in the sustainable agriculture movement, this Conference is about big ideas, practical learning and meaningful connection. The Sustainable Agriculture Conference brings the local food movement together – you need to be there!  This is the future of food & farming.

Check out all the details on world-renowned speakers, keynote by season-extension expert, Clara Coleman, preconference farm tours, in-depth workshops, food, and so much more! 




Not yet a CFSA member and want to take advantage of the members-only early bird discount? Become a member online and then register for the conference! You’ll save money on the conference and get all the great benefits of a CFSA membership to boot!

CFSA logo
Give today

 
The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association is on a mission to bring local, organic food to your table from a farmer who shares your values – and we can’t do it without you. Together we are building a regional food system that is good for consumers, good for growers, and good for the land.
 
Find The Grower's Toobox useful? Forward it to your farmer friends!
Copyright © 2016 Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails or sign up for our other eNewsletters, The Buzz or The Stew? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.