“Massachusetts raw milk farmers play an integral role in the state’s agricultural landscape,” according to a report released today by the Raw Milk Network of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA/Mass), “contributing to the economy, using sustainable farming methods that contribute to environmental preservation, educating their customers about the value of fresh, local food, and producing a healthy product for all to enjoy.” The report – “Local, Fresh and Raw: Unpasteurized Milk in Massachusetts” –

Mattapan, MA – On April 18, the Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass) is holding three simultaneous workshops across Greater Boston on how to start and maintain successful organic gardens. The event is part of the Massachusetts Organic Gardening Workshop Day, which is designed to meet the recent resurgence of energy and action for backyard and community gardening. Similar events will be held in 10 other towns and cities throughout the state.

AMHERST, Mass, February 1, 2009 – NOFA, the Northeast Organic Farming Association, is pleased to announce the 35th Annual Summer Conference at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.

Barre, MA – When more than 100 farmers converge this February in Barre for a 3 day seminar, they’ll be focusing on a topic of serious concern to a growing number of consumers: the nutrition and taste of our food. The Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Chapter has arranged for the worldwide farmer consultant, Dr. Arden Andersen, to give this intensive seminar to farmers on how they can increase the nutrient density, taste, and yield of their crops.

NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals Chip Osborne and Bernadette Giblin will come together to host “Let’s Talk Turf: Organic Lawns” on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009 (snow date Jan. 29), from 1 to 3:30 p.m., at the Doyle Conservation Center, 464 Abbott Ave., Leominster, MA. This workshop is co-sponsored by the Ecological Landscaping Association (ELA) and the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)’s Organic Land Care Program.

 The 8th Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Course in Organic Land Care will be held on January 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 2009 (snow dates Jan. 22 and 23) at the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster, Massachusetts, a sustainably-constructed “green” building featuring bamboo and cork floors, composting toilets and an on-site recycling center.

The Massachusetts Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA/Mass) will hold its 22nd Annual Winter Conference on Saturday, January 17th, 2009 at the Worcester Vocational High School on Skyline Drive from 9am-5.30pm.

The localvore movement (eating locally) is alive, well and growing in Massachusetts as more and more people understand the health and economic benefits of eating locally produced, organic food, but for one family in Fairhaven their efforts to produce their own eggs are being blocked by the Town’s Board of Health who ruled that the chickens are a threat to public health and safety. Kate Levin Vliet purchased a small flock of 12 hens in the spring of 2007 and applied for a permit to the Board of Health as is required in her Rural Residential zoning area.

North Grafton - A workshop on the Infrastructure on Mixed-Livestock Farms will be held on Tuesday, September 9th, from 10am-1pm at Tufts University Farm in North Grafton, Ma. Discussions during this session will include no-till seeding, use of direct-injection liquid manure, compost, herd health, biosecurity and fencing types.

A workshop on creating school gardens and composting systems will be held on Sunday, September 28 from 10am " 2pm in Hubbardston. Led by Karen DiFranza, participants will learn how to start a student-powered composting program that recycles cafeteria leftovers and schoolyard organic materials. There will be discussion on starting, running and funding a program and also curriculum lessons that use both the garden and the school composting system.