GREENPORT, N.Y. — NOFA-NY is pleased to launch a new initiative as part of our education and outreach programming: the Long Island Organic Transition Program. This new program aims to accelerate the adoption of organic practices and increase the availability of local organic products to consumers on Long Island. NOFA-NY will offer technical assistance, farmer-to-farmer mentorship, and funding to cover certification costs to help farms on Long Island become certified organic.
To coordinate this effort, NOFA-NY welcomes Organic Transition Educator Whitney Beaman to the team. Whitney holds a BS in Food Science from Cornell University and an MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University. She has eight years of experience in the Long Island wine industry and most recently served as the Program Manager of Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing. Whitney is excited to bring her passion for sustainable farming and knowledge of agribusiness to the NOFA-NY team, with the mission of supporting Long Island farmers.
“Consumer demand for organics is at an all-time high, and products with organic labeling continue to command premium pricing,” said Bethany Wallis, NOFA-NY’s Executive Director. “We are excited to work with Long Island growers to help them take advantage of this fast-growing market and further environmental stewardship by becoming USDA Certified Organic.”
“So many farms on Long Island are already committed to serving the local community and caring for the environment, but they may not have had the time or capacity to apply for organic certification,” said Phil Barbato, founder of Biophilia Organic Farm and former NOFA-NY Board President. “This program will help navigate farms through the certification process. Organic certification through NOFA-NY opens up opportunities for sales, education, and fellowship that can boost both finances and morale.”
Program recruitment will begin in April. If you are a farmer on Long Island and are interested in transitioning to organic, please send an email to Whitney at wbeaman@nofany.org.
Founded in 1983, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) is the premier statewide organization dedicated to organic agriculture. NOFA-NY provides education and outreach to farmers, consumers, and gardeners; advocates for a fair food system at the state and federal levels; and is the largest USDA-accredited organic certifier in New York State. Learn more at www.nofany.org.
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