> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Eco farm newsletter - URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/eco_farm_newsletter_0520141111/ - Published: 2014-05-20T12:10:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-15T14:10:00.000Z - Description: EcoFarm is asking readers to suggest speakers, plenaries, workshops and discussion topics for the 35th annual conference next January, with submissions due June 15, 2014. A 37-member planning committee reviews the ideas and votes on them. - Author: Food Consumer - Tags: Miscellaneous, Health News, #vivvo-import | [](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=35ad08ac6a&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) | | 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| | E-News Month Share this news on Facebook and Twitter! [![Facebook](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f5/c2/f5c28c07-f2c7-440d-8161-125a09d9bc91/content/images/2026/08/2c1fc9d15613004db910383023aacbde91b018f8.png "Facebook")](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fus4.campaign-archive2.com%2F%3Fu%3D76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3%26id%3D6b243f9cb5&t=May%20E-News "Facebook") [![Twitter](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f5/c2/f5c28c07-f2c7-440d-8161-125a09d9bc91/content/images/2026/08/4a95b0092ec09714ad2b8a7c8e15cfa61668f21c.png "Twitter")](http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=May%20E-News%20-%20http%3A%2F%2Feepurl.com%2FUzJyj&ref=foodconsumer.org "Twitter") Dear ,Next January we will be convening the **35th** **annual EcoFarm Conference**. Amazing right? **Thirty-five** **years of history in the making.** What started out with just 45 farmers in a small firehouse who swapped eco-friendly farming methodologies, has now reached over 70,000 people through the yearly EcoFarm Conference and our related programs.**How can EcoFarm be a catalyst for creating the food system we imagine?** We invite your ideas for cutting edge speakers, plenaries, workshops, and discussion topics...What do you envision for EcoFarm 2015?**EcoFarm provides a grassroots, open forum for developing each year's conference agenda.** The EcoFarm Planning Committee, currently comprised of 37 individuals, represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds who review your workshop suggestions, discuss, and then vote on the winners. While core offerings are technical in nature and geared towards farmers, a wide range of food and farming topics are always in the mix. **Whether you're a farmer, rancher, distributor, retailer, consumer, industry rep, consultant, activist, consumer or educator, we need to hear from you!** Please submit your suggestion by June 15, 2014 here: [http://www.eco-farm.org/2015suggestions/](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=c2b95d5ff7&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) With Gratitude,\- The EFA Team Organic Stone Fruit JubileePeaches, plums, and pluots...oh my! Bring your family for a day of tasting, workshops, farm tours, and fun! This June 21, 2014evening event includes fruit tasting and sales of over 60 varieties of peaches, plums, pluots, nectarines and apricots. Enjoy live entertainment, farm tours, kids craft corner, a jam making demonstration, a Japanese Tea Ceremony, flower arranging and a stone fruit recipe contest for stone fruit drinks, artisanal treats and pies. The keynote speaker at this year’s Jubilee is Jesse Cool of Cool Eatz/Flea Street Cafe. For more info, [visit the EcoFarm website.](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=03bbe5433a&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) Envirotoken Elections 2014 Envirotoken voting is now open! Every time someone reuses a bag at New Leaf community markets, they get 10¢ to give to a local, non-profit group working for the environment. [Vote in the month of May for Ecological Farming Association (EFA)](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=779a6af2e2&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) and we could be one of the select organizations to benefit from this program. That can add up to a lot of change for eco-farming. Thanks for the consideration! 2014 Farm Bill Conservation ProgramsThe Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) would like to get out the word about Farm Bill conservation changes. As the new 2014 Farm Bill is enacted, the Nation continues to recognize the benefits of voluntary conservation on private land and invest in it significantly. NRCS conservation programs received $3.4 billion nationally for fiscal year 2014 and $18.7 billion for the next five years. To download a comparison of the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bill Programs, [click here](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=d3e5d43e48&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org). You can also review these [fact sheets](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=1a9b6d62a6&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) to get more info on the new programs and compare them with the programs you may have relied upon from the 2008 Farm Bill. For future updates, [subscribe to the NRCS newsletter](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=b7035d8330&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org). Kudos to Veritable Vegetable!Veritable Vegetable recently became certified as a B Corporation. Unlike traditional companies, certified B Corporations are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their employees, suppliers, community, consumers, and the environment. Certification by BLab, is attained after meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance. There are currently 990 certified B Corporations in 32 countries, from over 60 industries: all share one common goal, to use the power of business to solve social and environmental challenges. [Click here to learn more.](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=57de88abc2&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) NRCS California Launches Air Quality Chipping InitiativeThe USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California will assist farmers to chip woody debris in fallowed orchards and vineyards impacted by California’s ongoing drought. The conservation benefits associated with this practice include controlling erosion and protecting air quality. Farmers in Fresno, Kings, Kern, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare counties have until June 20, 2014, to apply. For additional information, eligible farmers are encouraged to contact their local NRCS Service Center. Service center locations can be found at [www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=3b29ecb37a&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org). UC Small Farm Program Offers Cottage Food WorkshopsCalling all farmers interested in selling value-added products made in their home kitchen! This hands-on workshop series is designed especially for farmers of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and honey interested in making value-added products in home kitchens as Cottage Food Operations (CFOs). Learn about Cottage Food Law, Food science and sanitation, Hands-on demos with jams/jellies, honey, nuts, dried fruit, and/or baked goods, Packaging and storage, Business operations for CFOs. Cost is $25 with advance registration/$40 at the door, space permitting. Workshops take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. over 2 days and will be held in Fairfield, Ukiah, Eureka, Redding, Jackson, and Sacramento. For dates and to register online visit [http://](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=becce08a08&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org)[ucanr.edu/cfoworkshops](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=7c3919d548&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) EcoFarm VideosIf you missed any of the plenaries at EcoFarm 2014, or want to see them again, you can watch them now on [EcoFarm's YouTube channel](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=cc6ce523cc&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org). The opening plenary featured [Gains & Goals for the Good Food Movement and Multi-Generational Businesses Thriving with Integrity](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=099aaec626&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) with movers and shakers; Tom Willey, David Bronner, Grant Lundberg and Jyoti Stephens. [Decoding Animal Behavior & Translating Understanding to Animal Welfare](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=237f653bea&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org)features Dr. Temple Grandin who through her autistic mind, illuminates the way animals (especially cattle) think. [Successful Organic Farmers](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=9ecdee4d04&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) is an annual tradition, putting the spotlight on pioneers; Irene and Evan Engber, Craig McNamara, and Michael Phillips. The closing plenary[Healing the Planet One Farm, One Heart at a Time](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=e0c2206d3d&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org), highlights the groundbreaking work of Maria Rodale and the Rodale Institute. Sit back, learn, and get inspired! "Pick and Gather" at Riverdance Farms & Merced River FairThe main Festival and Merced River Fair will take place on Sat, May 31st followed by continued fruit-picking, organic breakfast and enjoyment of the river on Sun, June 1st. There will be live music on 3 stages including Bluegrass, Folk, Acoustic blues, Americana, Classical, Kids. Saturday includes a variety of outdoor activities including Science, Nature, Crafts, Geo-catching, river adventures, fishing lessons & more. This is the 2nd year that the Merced River Gathering Powwow will be part of the weekend with Native American Dancers, Drummers, and story tellers. Campsites are availableSaturday night. Volunteers welcome!! Visit [www.riverdancefarms.com](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=1bcf563cbd&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) for more info. Future Organic Farmer Grant FundIf you know anyone aspiring to become an organic farmer, be sure to let them know about some exciting news from the UNFI Foundation. The UNFI Foundation, in partnership with the CCOF Foundation, Driscoll’s, Organic Valley, Bradmer Foods and the National Cooperative Grocers Association, will be making grants to future organic farmers in three educational categories in 2014: Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, High School, and Vocational & Higher Education. The world needs organic farmers and organic leaders now more than ever. Please share this opportunity with your networks, friends and family. [For more info, click here.](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=f756c1210e&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) Report takes Unprecedented Look at Impact of Climate Change on Rural AmericaAs a coalition member of [CalCAN](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=a2f02e5542&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org)and through our program work to address climate change, EFA recognizes the work of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA in taking steps to cut carbon pollutions and slow climate change effects by working with farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The [National Climate Assessment](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=d5b0ec3152&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) examined the effects of climate change on rural communities which will face particular obstacles in responding to and preparing for climate change risks. Across the country, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are also seeing an increase in risks to their operations due to fires, increases in invasive pests, droughts, and floods. Through the National Drought Resilience Partnership, launched as part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan, federal agencies are working with state, local government, agriculture and other partners on a coordinated response. [To find out what actions are being taken, click here.](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=fa3f5cdecd&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org) NRDC and Berkeley Food Institute Announce Winners of the 2014 Growing Green AwardsThe Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Berkeley Food Institute (BFI) celebrated four remarkable leaders who are advancing sustainable food and agriculture at the sixth annual [Growing Green Awards](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=09d90a3179&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org). Chosen from hundreds of nominations submitted across the country by a renowned panel of judges, the 2014 winners are changing the way America eats and farms. They have helped transform the nation’s agricultural landscape by protecting insect pollinators from the over-use of chemical pesticides, encouraging pasture-based meat production, educating the next generation of agricultural scientists and building sustainable regional food systems. Get to know these leaders by visiting the [NRDC website](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=773fd13490&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org). | | **[Click here to sign up for EFA's other email lists: GE News, Sustainable Ag Jobs List, and Action Alerts.](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=0e997d9ca3&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org)*The Ecological Farming Association nurtures healthy, just food systems and communitiesby bringing people together for education, alliance building, and celebration. To learn more, visit [www.eco-farm.org](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=8828f4275b&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org).* *[](http://eco-farm.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76c0bb8f4637459fcb1d94bf3&id=8ddf264cdd&e=92db09b10b&ref=foodconsumer.org)* |