NOFA/Massachusetts ∙ 411 Sheldon Rd ∙ Barre, MA 01005
978-355-2853 ∙ www.nofamass.org
Growing Organically Since 1982
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2013
CONTACT: Nicole Belanger
NOFA/Mass Public Relations Director
Phone: 508-450-2441
nofamass.org/winterconference
NOFA/Mass Winter Conference
Challenging Annual Agriculture - January 11, Worcester State University
WORCESTER – On January 11th, the Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Chapter
(NOFA/Mass) will hold its 27th annual Winter Conference at Worcester State University (WSU). Mark
Shepard, Restoration Agriculture author, offers this year's keynote and all-day seminar.
Originally from Lancaster, MA, Shepard is a dynamic leader in permaculture and agroforestry design. He and
his family have transformed a typical 140-acre annual row-crop farm, in Viola, WI, into a commercial-scale,
perennial-agricultural ecosystem. The result is one of the first farm-scale models of permaculture in the United
States. In addition to Restoration Agriculture techniques, Shepard will be discussing sustainability within
agriculture. “If you have to plant your crops again next year, that's not very sustainable. By sustainable I mean
perennial crops should have 10s of 1000s of years’ worth of a lifespan. We should never have to plant them
again.”
This year's diverse Winter Conference line-up includes more than 60 workshops, with topics ranging from crop
production, farm management & infrastructure, health & nutrition, healthy food access, homesteading, livestock
& beekeeping, pest management, policy, skill building, soil, and urban and backyard gardening. Presenter Suzy
Konecky had this to say about her experience: "Anyone in attendance will be inspired to learn more, grow more,
and make more connections."
In 2013 the conference attracted over 1000 individuals from the state and region. The children's conference, for
ages 3-12, provides a lively educational experience for kids. Numerous regional vendors will exhibit throughout
the day. An optional all-organic lunch is available for purchase. The NOFA/Mass Organic Land Care program
will hold their annual Lawn and Turf Course at this year’s Winter Conference. Veteran instructors will offer
practical, applicable information about organic lawn and turf management techniques.
Immediately following the Winter Conference, 9 am – 5:30 pm, conference attendees and the public can enjoy a
seasonal, locally sourced, organic dinner with keynoter Mark Shepard. The delicious dinner, crafted by
innovative WSU Chef Rick Perna, will be held at 6 pm.
Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter, Inc.
NOFA/Mass is a community including farmers, gardeners, landscapers and consumers working to educate members and the general
public about the benefits of local organic systems based on complete cycles, natural materials, and minimal waste for the health of
individual beings, communities and the living planet.