Even if you can’t make these specific gatherings, the sponsoring organizations are worth knowing about, as they are among the leading resources for food and farm information in this region.
Thursday, March 14—7:00 pm
Challenges and Opportunities Facing Local Farmers
Schenectady County Library, McChesney Room, 99 Clinton St. (at corner of Liberty St. downtown), Schenectady
This is Part I of a three-part series of discussions under the broad heading, “Sustainable Agriculture: Why Should We Care About Local Farms?” (Click link above to get full details on discussion contributors for the evening.) The series is sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council, ECOS: The Environmental Clearinghouse, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Schenectady County.
Tuesday, March 19—8 am.-3:45 p.m.
Nutritional Concerns Conference
Century House, 997 New Loudon Road (Rt 9), Latham
This full day conference ($85 fee), sponsored by the local offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), will feature four speakers. The two nutrition-focused sessions are about the trending topics of probiotics and genetically engineered crops. Additional sessions cover “Unraveling Consumerism” and “MomTalk: How to Communicate with Moms so they will Listen and Take Action.”
Saturday, March 23—1-3 p.m.
CSA Fair (“Community Supported Agriculture”)
Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park
Make an investment in a local farm—get a season’s worth of fresh food. It’s called Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). At this Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA-NY) CSA Fair you can learn about CSAs, meet your local farmers, compare share options, and sign up for a farm share. There will be 10 CSA farms attending, with a wide range of options. I’ll be there and can speak with you about my CSA experiences over the past eight years.
Thursday, March 28—6-8 p.m.
Annual Meeting of Regional Farm & Food Project
Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs
Help the Regional Farm & Food Project “celebrate our local foodshed and honor a few of our leaders who are bringing the freshness and quality of local farm products to the family dinner table.” Plans to save two regional farms will be discussed. Special guests will include Jan King of King Brothers Farm; Chuck Curtiss of the Willow Marsh Farm; and Susan Quillo of Spoonful Catering. $25 dinner fee.
Thursday, March 28—7:00 pm
Programs and Policies Affecting Local Farmers
Schenectady County Library, McChesney Room, 99 Clinton St. (at corner of Liberty St. downtown), Schenectady
Part II of a series of discussions under the broad heading, “Sustainable Agriculture: Why Should We Care About Local Farms?” (Click link above for information on speakers.)
Thursday, April 11—7:00 pm
Sustainable Agriculture: Thinking Globally, Farming Locally
Schenectady County Library, McChesney Room, 99 Clinton St. (at corner of Liberty St. downtown), Schenectady
Part III of “Sustainable Agriculture: Why Should We Care About Local Farms?” (Click link above for information on speaker.)
Sunday, April 14—1-4 p.m.
Empty Bowls
Saratoga Wilton-Elks Lodge, Route 9, Saratoga Springs
While we’re talking about farms and food, it’s important to consider those who experience food insecurity in our community. This event benefits the Wilton Food Pantry. Each attendee will receive a handcrafted ceramic bowl to take home, servings of soup and other items at the event, as well as enjoy live music and a silent auction. Sponsorships are available and funds raised benefit the non-profit pantry. Tickets to this fundraising event are $15 in advance; $20 at the door.
April 27-28—10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Washington County Fiber Tour
Various farms throughout Washington County (see map)
Travel through scenic Washington County and visit alpacas, bunnies, goats, sheep and lambs, llamas and more on 18 farms. Learn about raising the livestock and pets, and watch spinning, knitting, weaving and felting demonstrations. A wonderful—and free—family event.
