Holistic Management International has been funded through the USDA's Beginning Farmer Grant to teach beginning women farmers the tools of whole farm planning. Groups are forming in New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York.
Classes will begin in January 2010. Participants must agree to attend the 6 sessions that will take place over the winter of 2010 and 4 farm tours that will take place during the spring and fall of 2010. Sessions will be scheduled when the participants are selected but will likely be held on Saturday. There will be farm mentors also available.
If you are a woman farmer who has been farming less than 10 years, contact the coordinator for your state for an application. If you would like to participate as a farmer mentor, please also contact your state coordinator.
Applications must be submitted by November 25, 2009. Class is limited to 15 participants.
In Vermont contact: Mary Peabody, UVM Extension/VT WAgN, 802/223-2389, Mary.Peabody@uvm.edu
In New Hampshire contact: Kate Kerman, Small and, Beginner Farmers of New Hampshire
(603) 876-4562; leader@sbfnh.org
In Massachusetts contact: Kelly Coleman, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) & Massachusetts WAgN, 413/665-7100; kelly@buylocalfood.org
In New York contact: Phil Metzger, phil.metzger@ny.usda.gov, 607-334-3231 x4
In Maine, contact: Gail Chase, WAgN Maine, 207/568-7599; gchase@uninets.net
In Connecticut: Bill Duesing, Connecticut NOFA, 203/888-5146; www.ctnofa.org