Common Ground Radio

Common Ground Radio 4/9/26: Gardening for Food Security

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:00:27 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: With food prices on the rise, alongside federal cuts to food aid programs, many of Maine’s families face difficulty putting food on the table. Meanwhile, the growing season is upon us and home gardeners can help strengthen food access in their communities by partnering with local food relief organizations, from food pantries and cupboards to community meal programs and share tables/sheds. This month on Common Ground Radio, we’re discussing gardening for food security and ways that Mainers can help get healthy local food to those in need. Our guests are Mattie John Bamman, the communications coordinator for Waldo County Bounty, and Kate Garland, a horticulture professional with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Guest/s: • Mattie John Bamman. • Kate Garland. FMI- • Waldo County Bounty Give & Take Program — waldocountybounty.org/give-and-take-tables • Waldo County Bounty Grow A Row Pledge — waldocountybounty.org/wcb-grow-a-row-pledge • Veggies for All Gleaning Program — waldocountybounty.org/gleaning • University of Maine Cooperative Extension offices — extension.umaine.edu/county-offices/ • Maine Harvest for Hunger — extension.umaine.edu/harvest-for-hunger/ • Maine Home Garden News — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2026/03/30/maine-home-garden-news-april/ • Victory Garden for ME series — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/victory-gardens-for-me/ • Publications from UMaine Extension — extension.umaine.edu/publications/ • Videos from UMaine Extension — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/resources/ About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 4/9/26: Gardening for Food Security first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/12/26: Seed Saving with Will Bonsall

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:00:19 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This month on Common Ground Radio, we’re discussing how and why to save seeds — from annuals like your favorite heirloom tomato to the more complicated biennials, like carrots and beets. Saving your own seed can be cost-effective, and also allows you to select for traits specific to your tastes, like sweetness, as well as gardening conditions and climate. Host Holli Cederholm talks with seed saving legend Will Bonsall, author of “Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical Self-Reliant Gardening” and the director of the Scatterseed Project, a project dedicated to preserving thousands of genetically diverse crops well-suited to Maine’s seasons and soils. Guest/s: Will Bonsall FMI: MOFGA’s Seed Swap & Scion Exchange — www.mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/seed-swap-and-scion-exchange “Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical Self-Reliant Gardening” by Will Bonsall — www.chelseagreen.com/product/will-bonsalls-essential-guide-to-radical-self-reliant-gardening Seed Saving resources — www.mofga.org/trainings/gardening/seed-saving About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 3/12/26: Seed Saving with Will Bonsall first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/12/26: Honoring Black History Month

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:00:48 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: On this episode of Common Ground Radio, we’re celebrating Black History Month and revisiting a conversation from 2023 discussing “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists,” a book of essays and interviews by Leah Penniman that explores Black people’s spiritual and scientific connection to the land, waters, and climate. Guest/s: – Leah Penniman, farmer and author of Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists and Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land. – Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro and author of Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors. FMI- • “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists” by Leah Penniman — blackearthwisdom.org • “Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land” by Leah Penniman — www.farmingwhileblack.org • “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” by Rue Mapp — www.chroniclebooks.com/products/nature-swagger • Outdoor Afro — outdoorafro.org • Soul Fire Farm — www.soulfirefarm.org About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 2/12/26: Honoring Black History Month first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/11/25: Gardener to Gardener

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 21:00:27 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This episode of Common Ground Radio goes behind the scenes of Gardener to Gardener, a new conference for gardeners to learn from one another. Hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the inaugural event will take place on February 8 in Portland, Maine. It is an exciting opportunity for gardeners of all experience levels to connect with other growers, as well as university faculty, agricultural scientists, and service providers around a range of gardening topics. We also dive a bit deeper into two topics that will be covered at the conference, Planning & Mapping Your Garden, and Soil Health 101. List of subjects: – MOFGA’s Gardener to Gardener Conference – Gardening – Resources for organic gardening – Planning and mapping your garden – Soil health 101 Guest/s: Madi Whaley, MOFGA’s educational programs coordinator. Rebecca Long, coordinator of Horticulture Training Programs for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Ivonne Vazquez, the owner/grower at Bas Rouge Farm & Forge, a native plant nursery. FMI- – Gardener to Gardener — mofga.org/event-calendar/gardener-to-gardener-2026 – Climate Change & the Garden: Resources — mofga.org/trainings/gardening/climate-change-gardening-resources – Beginning Gardener Resources — mofga.org/trainings/gardening/beginning-gardener-resources – Bas Rouge Farm & Forge Gardening Classes — basrougefarm.com/gardening-classes – Understanding Astronomy — physics.weber.edu/schroeder/ua/sunandseasons.html – Maine Home Garden News — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/maine-home-garden-news – Cooperative Extension Garden & Yard — extension.umaine.edu/gardening About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 12/11/25: Gardener to Gardener first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/11/25: Growing Great Garlic in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:00:52 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This episode of Common Ground Radio is all about garlic! Garlic grows from cloves, which are planted in the fall. Mature heads of garlic are then harvested the following summer. From seed selection to fertility to mulching practices, Brittany Hopkins of Wise Acres Farm shares how she cultivates a healthy, certified organic garlic crop in Kenduskeag, Maine. List of subjects: – Gardening – Growing garlic – When to plant garlic – Mulching – Garlic disease – Garlic harvest and curing Guest/s: Brittany Hopkins of Wise Acres Farm. FMI- – Garlic disease — mofga.org/resources/garlic/garlic – Garlic disease — fedcoseeds.com/resources/pests-and-diseases/nematodes-and-white-rot – When to plant garlic in Maine — mofga.org/resources/garlic/when-to-plant-garlic – Growing garlic in Maine — extension.umaine.edu/publications/2063e – Maine Seed Garlic Directory — extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/garlic/maine-seed-garlic-directory – UMaine Garlic bulletins — extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/garlic – Plant disease diagnostic testing — extension.umaine.edu/ipm/plant-disease/plant-disease-diagnostic-testing About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 9/11/25: Growing Great Garlic in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/14/25: Weaving Community with the EarthLoom

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 20:00:34 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: On this episode of Common Ground Radio, we’re talking about the EarthLoom. Originated by weaver Susan Barrett Merrill, the EarthLoom is a way for many hands to weave together to build community. One EarthLoom is located in Unity, Maine, at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center, which is the home of the annual Common Ground Country Fair. Here a large granite loom is sited in a garden of dye plants used for naturally coloring fiber. Thanks to Susan’s efforts, EarthLooms can be found elsewhere around the world. We talk about the inspiration for the project, and how others can get involved in weaving community. List of subjects: – Weaving – EarthLoom – Spinning – Fiber Arts – Wednesday Spinners – Common Ground Country Fair Guest/s: Susan Barrett Merrill, originator of the EarthLoom FMI- – Weaving a Life — weavingalife.com/weaving-a-life – EarthLoom — weavingalife.com/earthloom – EarthLoom Class — weavingalife.com/earthloom-class – Book: “The Art of Weaving a Life” — weavingalife.com/product-pages/book – Common Ground Country Fair — mofga.org/the-fair About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 8/14/25: Weaving Community with the EarthLoom first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 7/10/25: Barbara Damrosch’s Life in the Garden

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:00:09 +0000

Host: Timothy Boston Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: According to lifelong gardener Barbara Damrosch, growing food is an undeniably radical act. In her latest book, “A Life in the Garden: Tales and Tips for Growing Food in Every Season,” Damrosch, now in her 80s, invites others to join her in tending the earth and celebrating the harvest — and she shares practical and personal advice for novice and experienced gardeners alike. This month’s episode of Common Ground Radio is a special conversation with Damrosch about her new book and her life in the garden. We talked in her Brooksville, Maine, home, which she shares with Eliot Coleman. After they married in 1991, the two began collaborating in the field, as Four Season Farm, as well as on the page — similar to another iconic gardener-author duo, Helen and Scott Nearing of “Living the Good Life” fame. Damrosch counts the Nearings as a major influence on her relationship to the land, and Four Season Farm is sited on acreage previously owned by the Nearings, purchased by Coleman in 1968. List of subjects: – Homesteading – Gardening – Self-Sufficiency – History of Maine – Back to the Land Movement Guest/s: Barbara Damrosch, author of “A Life in the Garden: Tales and Tips for Growing Food in Every Season.” FMI- “A Life in the Garden: Tales and Tips for Growing Food in Every Season” by Barbara Damrosch — eliotbarbara.com/read-our-books/a-life-in-the-garden “Barbara Damrosch’s Life in the Garden” — barnraisingmedia.com/barbara-damrosch-a-life-in-the-garden About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 7/10/25: Barbara Damrosch’s Life in the Garden first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/12/25: Homesteading in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 20:00:12 +0000

Host: Timothy Boston Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio, host Timothy Boston explores the enduring and evolving practice of homesteading in Maine — a lifestyle grounded in self-reliance, land stewardship, and intentional living. Joining the conversation are Kourtney Collum and Davis Taylor, faculty at the College of the Atlantic, who have co-taught a course on homesteading and share insights from their research and visits to local homesteads. List of subjects: – Homesteading – Gardening – Self-Sufficiency – History of Maine – Back to the Land Movement Guest/s: Kourtney Collum, professor at the College of the Atlantic Davis Taylor, professor at the College of the Atlantic FMI- MOFGA Farm & Homestead Day — www.mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/farmandhomesteadday/ About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 6/12/25: Homesteading in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 4/10/25: Resilient Gardening

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 20:00:55 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Maine has been experiencing a shift in the growing season, including a trend towards a longer season. Variability in weather — from unpredictable precipitation to an uptick in extreme weather events — makes it hard for gardeners to know what to plan for. On the April episode of Common Ground Radio, we discuss cultivating resilience in the face of increased weather variability with Rebecca Long, the coordinator of Horticulture Training Programs for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. List of subjects: – Gardening – Soil organic matter – Irrigation – Variety selection – Succession planting – Hedgerows – Shade cloth – Floating row cover – Garden pests and disease Guest/s: Rebecca Long, coordinator of Horticulture Training Programs for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension FMI- What’s happening with Maine’s weather: – Maine Climate Office — mco.umaine.edu/climate/me_monthly – Maine Climate and Ag Network — umaine.edu/climate-ag Gardening resources from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension: – UMaine Cooperative Extension pollinator-friendly gardening — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/pollinator-garden-certification – In-depth training programs: Master Gardener Volunteer, Maine Horticulture Apprentice, and Maine Gardener Trainings — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/learn – Webinars On Demand — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/learn/on-demand-webinars – Maine Home Garden News newsletter — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/maine-home-garden-news – Reach out to your local extension office with questions — extension.umaine.edu/county-offices Gardening resources from MOFGA: – Organic gardening resources — mofga.org/trainings/gardening – Organic gardening workshops — mofga.org/trainings/event-calendar – Gardener Newsletter — mofga.org/newletter-sign-up-gardener – Pest Report Newsletter — mofga.org/newletter-sign-up-pest-report – “Succession Planting for Continued Yields and Season Extension” by Will Bonsall — mofga.org/resources/gardening/succession-planting-for-continued-yields-and-season-extension – “Making Your Garden Less Hospitable to Disease” by Caleb Goossen, Ph.D. — mofga.org/resources/gardening/making-your-garden-less-hospitable-to-disease – “Drip, Drip, Drip” by Eric Sideman, Ph.D. — mofga.org/resources/water-management/drip-drip-drip – “Garden Tip: Watering During Drought” — mofga.org/resources/gardening/garden-tip-watering-during-drought – “Water in the Garden: Too Much or Too Little” by Will Bonsall — mofga.org/resources/water-management/water-in-the-garden About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 4/10/25: Resilient Gardening first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/13/25: Preserving Maine’s Heirloom Apples

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:00:25 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Apples are a common feature in Maine’s landscape: from lone trees growing on field edges to cultivated orchards. The fruit was introduced to the region in the late 16th century and became a major part of Maine’s farm economy by the early 20th century. Over time, these early apple varieties — each with their own unique culinary use and flavor profile — have been largely replaced by a handful of commercial varieties bred for packability and shipping across the globe. As a result, Maine’s heritage apples were largely relegated to obscurity — with many facing extinction. In this month’s episode of Common Ground Radio, we talk with historian and fruit explorer Todd Little-Siebold about the Maine Heritage Orchard’s efforts to preserve rare apples for future generations. The Maine Heritage Orchard is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. List of subjects: – Apple history – Rare apples – Apple exploration – Apple DNA and ancestry – Maine Heritage Orchard Guest/s: Todd Little-Siebold, professor of history at the College of the Atlantic FMI: – Maine Heritage Orchard — mofga.org/our-community/the-maine-heritage-orchard – Seed Swap & Scion Exchange — mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/seed-swap-and-scion-exchange – “Forgotten Fruit, forgotten farmers: North America’s earliest apple history” presented by Todd Little-Siebold at the Heritage Orchard Conference — uidaho.edu/cals/sandpoint-organic-agriculture-center/conference – Great Maine Apple Day — mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/great-maine-apple-day – Organic orcharding — mofga.org/trainings/orcharding About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 3/13/25: Preserving Maine’s Heirloom Apples first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/13/25: Becoming a Seed Steward

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 21:00:16 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Many gardeners and farmers purchase their seeds each year from seed companies. Yet, it hasn’t always been that way. Seed saving is a practice as old as agriculture itself. In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we talk with Dan Brisebois, author of “The Seed Farmer” and host of “The Seed Farmer Podcast,” about growing your own seed. We dive into seed saving basics, as well as seed selection and stewardship. List of subjects: – Getting started with seed saving – Open-pollinated vs. hybrid seeds – Annual vs. biennial seed crops – Self-pollinated vs. cross-pollinated crops – Wet-seeded and dry-seeded crops – Seed crops for beginners – Seed selection – Seed stewardship Guest/s: Dan Brisebois, author of “The Seed Farmer” FMI: – “The Seed Farmer” — danbrisebois.com/seedfarmerbook – “The Seed Farmer Podcast” — danbrisebois.com/the-seed-growers-podcast – Tourne-Sol Seeds — fermetournesol.qc.ca/en/pages/semences-tourne-sol – MOFGA’s annual Seed Swap & Scion Exchange — mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/seed-swap-and-scion-exchange About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 2/13/25: Becoming a Seed Steward first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/12/24: Climate Change and Maine’s Forests

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 21:00:54 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we talk with Maddie Eberly, the low-impact forestry specialist with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) about the complexity of Maine’s forests and approaching forest stewardship to reduce environmental impacts, while promoting social and ecological benefits. We also discuss the impact of climate change and the role that forests can play in both mitigation and adaptation. List of subjects: – Low-impact forestry and forest stewardship – Maine’s woods – Climate change – Carbon sequestration – Assisted migration/range shifting Guest/s: Maddie Eberly, MOFGA’s low-impact forestry specialist, forestry@mofga.org FMI: – Low-impact forestry guiding principles — mofga.org/learn/low-impact-forestry – District Foresters — maine.gov/dacf/mfs/policy_management/district_foresters.html – “Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in Your Forest” — mofga.org/resources/forestry/climate-mitigation-in-your-forest – Assisted migration/adaptive tree planting — mofga.org/resources/forestry/adaptive-tree-planting-for-climate-change – MOFGA’s Low-Impact Forestry Newsletter — mofga.org/newletter-sign-up-low-impact-forestry About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 12/12/24: Climate Change and Maine’s Forests first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/10/24: A Conversation on Climate Futures with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 20:00:58 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio marine biologist and policy expert Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and MOFGA’s executive director Sarah Alexander talk about climate change, with a focus on Maine. Following the release of her recent book, “What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures,” Johnson was interviewed at MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair by Alexander. Their conversation dives into the realities of climate change as well as how we can all harness our unique perspectives, skills, and interests to be part of the solution. List of subjects: – Climate change – Ocean acidification – “What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – Organic agriculture – Farming in Maine – Back to the Land Guest/s: – Ayana Elizabeth Johnson — marine biologist; policy expert; cofounder of the nonprofit think tank Urban Ocean Lab; coeditor of the bestselling climate anthology “All We Can Save”; and author of “What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures”. – Sarah Alexander — executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). FMI: – “What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures” — ayanaelizabeth.com/writing – Urban Ocean Lab — urbanoceanlab.org – “All We Can Save” — allwecansave.earth/anthology – Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson — ayanaelizabeth.com – Common Ground Country Fair keynotes — mofga.org/keynotes About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 10/10/24: A Conversation on Climate Futures with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/12/24: Growing and Serving Good Food at Mountain View Correctional Facility

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:00:44 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we talk with Mark McBrine, the director of food service at Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston, Maine. McBrine is the inspiration behind the kitchen’s from-scratch approach to cooking and 5-acre prison garden. These initiatives, including vocational training apprenticeships for residents, have led to significant cost savings at Mountain View. The food service program has become a model for other correctional facilities both in Maine and elsewhere. McBrine and Mountain View are featured in the award-winning documentary film “Seeds of Change: Breaking Free from the Prison Food Machine.” List of subjects: – Mountain View Correctional Facility – Prison food system – Prison garden – “Seeds of Change: Breaking Free from the Prison Food Machine” documentary Guest/s: Mark McBrine, Director of Food Service at Mountain View Correctional Facility FMI: – “Serving Time and Good Food at Mountain View Correctional Facility” — mofga.org/stories/community/mountain-view-correctional-facility – “Seeds of Change: Breaking Free from the Prison Food Machine” documentary — seedsofchangefilm.com About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 9/12/24: Growing and Serving Good Food at Mountain View Correctional Facility first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/8/24: The Fight to Stop PFAS Contamination on Farmland

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 20:00:36 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we discuss PFAS “forever chemical” contamination on farms and actions that are being taken on the state and federal level to protect farmers and eaters, including the recent lawsuit filed against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calling for regulation of a primary source of PFAS contamination — sewage sludge applied to farmland as fertilizer — under the Clean Water Act. Due to the practice of land-applying sludge containing PFAS, farmers here in Maine and across the country have been unknowingly contaminating their land, and consequently the food we eat. Sarah Alexander, MOFGA’s executive director, and Laura Dumais, staff counsel with Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, talk about ways to mitigate contamination and reduce public health risks. List of subjects: -PFAS “forever chemicals” -PFAS contamination on farmland -PFAS in sewage sludge -Impact of PFAS contamination on farmers -PFAS legislation in Maine and at the federal level -Lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guest/s: Sarah Alexander, executive director of MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association) Laura Dumais, staff counsel with PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility) FMI: About PFAS — mofga.org/pfas Take action on PFAS — mofga.org/advocacy/take-action-on-pfas “Lawsuit to Prevent PFAS in Biosolid Fertilizer Expands” — mofga.org/news/epa-lawsuit Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility — peer.org PEER petition to tell EPA to get PFAS out of pesticides — peer.org/petition-tell-epa-to-get-pfas-out-of-pesticides PEER petition to save America’s farms from toxic contamination — peer.org/petition-save-americas-farms-from-toxic-contamination About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 8/8/24: The Fight to Stop PFAS Contamination on Farmland first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/13/24: Supporting Organic Dairy Farmers in the Northeast

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 20:00:13 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Dairy farms are the backbone of Maine’s rural communities. In addition to maintaining working agricultural landscapes, organic dairy farms protect natural resources, and also act as economic drivers for their communities by creating jobs on the farm and for related agricultural businesses. But these farms are in crisis, with many farmers exiting the dairy industry due to a confluence of factors: from loss of contracts to lower pay prices in relation to soaring production costs. In this episode of Common Ground Radio, we’ll address these topics and others related to the state of organic dairy in the Northeast — as well as how communities can support local, organic dairy farms. List of subjects: – Organic dairy industry – The state of organic dairy in Maine and the Northeast – Origin of Livestock USDA organic rule – Cost of organic dairy production – Organic dairy pay price – Where to buy local, organic milk – Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership – Dairy breeding and genetics Guest/s: Jacki Martinez Perkins, MOFGA’s organic dairy and livestock specialist Chris Grigsby, MOFGA Certification Services (MCS) director Olga Moriarty, executive director of the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership (NOFFP) FMI: Find Local, Organic Farmers and Producers — mofgacertification.org/find-mofga-certified-organic-food-and-products Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership — saveorganicfamilyfarms.org Pledge to Support Northeast Organic Family Farms — saveorganicfamilyfarms.org/pledge Ways to Support Organic Dairy — mofga.org/advocacy/support-organic-dairy Common Ground Radio 12/8/22: Maine Organic Dairy Farms Are In Trouble – How You Can Help — archives.weru.org/common-ground-radio/2022/12/common-ground-radio-12-8-22-maine-organic-dairy-farms-are-in-trouble-how-you-can-help About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 6/13/24: Supporting Organic Dairy Farmers in the Northeast first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 5/9/24: Organic Gardening Q&A

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 May 2024 20:00:23 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This episode of Common Ground Radio is an organic gardening Q&A with MOFGA’s crop specialist, Caleb Goossen. Listeners from around Maine submitted their questions in advance of the show. From soil testing and selecting potting soil for container growing to starting seedlings indoors and out, Goossen covers a wide range of topics related to organic gardening. List of subjects: – Organic gardening – Soil testing – Soil for container gardening – Seed starting and planting dates – Plastic reduction strategies in the garden – Pest management – Garlic planting Guest/s: Caleb Goossen, MOFGA’s crop and conservation specialist FMI: MOFGA’s Seed Planting Calendar — mofga.org/resources/gardening/seed-planting-calendar Starting Garden Seeds Indoors — mofga.org/resources/gardening/starting-seeds-indoors Spring Gardening Resources — mofga.org/spring-gardening Certified organic seedling map — mofga.org/mofga-seedling-map MOFGA’s Gardener Newsletter — mofga.org/newletter-sign-up-gardener MOFGA’s Pest Report and Fact Sheets — mofga.org/farmer-resources/pest-reports About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 5/9/24: Organic Gardening Q&A first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/14/24: Garden Planning for Seasonal Eating

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 20:00:38 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This episode of Common Ground Radio explores garden planning for seasonal eating and food preservation. With Roberta Bailey of Seven Tree Farm in Vassalboro, Maine, we discuss gardening in Central Maine, including her tried and true planting calendar, as well as how she plans her garden for food preservation. Each year, Bailey fills a pantry with canned and dried goods, a root cellar and four freezers. Later in the show, Stephanie Wang of Le Rizen, a farm in Quebec, Canada, discusses growing Asian vegetables in a northern climate. Her book, “Asian Vegetables: Gardening, Cooking, Storytelling” features delicious recipes as well as information about how to grow 15 Asian vegetables organically. Guest/s: Roberta Bailey, Seven Tree Farm Stephanie Wang, Le Rizen FMI: “How to Plan Your Harvests for Food Preservation” by Roberta Bailey — mofga.org/resources/canning/how-to-plan-your-harvests-for-food-preservation “Asian Vegetables: Gardening, Cooking, Storytelling” by The Wang Sisters — houseofanansi.com/products/asian-vegetables Le Rizen in Quebec — growers.co/blogs/news/the-roots-of-le-rizen MOFGA’s Seed Planting Calendar — mofga.org/resources/gardening/seed-planting-calendar Starting Garden Seeds Indoors — mofga.org/resources/gardening/starting-seeds-indoors Spring Gardening Resources — mofga.org/spring-gardening Certified organic seedling map — mofga.org/mofga-seedling-map About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 3/14/24: Garden Planning for Seasonal Eating first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/8/24: Seed Saving and Fruit Tree Grafting

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:00:23 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In advance of MOFGA’s annual Seed Swap & Scion Exchange, held in Unity, Maine, the February 2024 episode of Common Ground Radio explores saving seeds and fruit tree grafting, both of which are useful skills for the garden, farm and homestead. With Will Bonsall, author of “Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical Self-Reliant Gardening,” we talk about the importance of saving seed, as well as seed saving basics for beginners. Later in the show, we are joined by C. J. Walke, MOFGA’s orchard program manager, to discuss fruit tree propagation via grafting, including bench grafting, top working, and bud grafting techniques. Guest/s: Will Bonsall C.J. Walke FMI: MOFGA’s Seed Swap & Scion Exchange — www.mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/seed-swap-and-scion-exchange “Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical Self-Reliant Gardening” by Will Bonsall — chelseagreen.com/product/will-bonsalls-essential-guide-to-radical-self-reliant-gardening “Seed to Seed” by Suzanne Ashworth — chelseagreen.com/product/seed-to-seed “Seed Saving: An Introduction” by Roberta Bailey — mofga.org/resources/seeds/saving-seed “A Spring Grafting Primer” by Roberta Bailey — mofga.org/resources/orcharding/grafting-primer Maine Heritage Orchard — mofga.org/our-community/the-maine-heritage-orchard MOFGA apple database — mofga.org/maineheritageorchard About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 2/8/24: Seed Saving and Fruit Tree Grafting first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/11/24: Seasonal Eating in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 21:00:22 +0000

Host: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Seasonal eating in Maine in the colder months, preparing local foods, preserving foods. Guest/s: Cheryl Wixson, local foods advocate and community health educator. www.rabbithillfarmmaine.com/ FMI Links: Healthy Island Project Maine Cooperative Extension About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 1/11/24: Seasonal Eating in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/14/23: Seaweed and Climate Change

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:00:33 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: The December 2023 episode of MOFGA’s Common Ground Radio explores seaweed, a source of food, fertilizer, and carbon sequestration off the coast of Maine. The majority of the episode is a panel discussion on seaweed — called “Is Seaweed the Solution to Climate Change?” — that was recorded at the 2023 Common Ground Country Fair in September. The panel was organized and facilitated by Bridget Huber from FERN, the Food and Environment Reporting Network. The guests were: Nichole Price, a benthic marine ecologist with Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine; Aurora Burgess, seaweed aquaculture coordinator at Atlantic Sea Farms in Biddeford; and Severine von Tscharner Welcome, of Smithereen Farm in Pembroke, who is also a co-founder of Seaweed Commons. Guest/s: Aurora Burgess, seaweed aquaculture coordinator at Atlantic Sea Farms in Biddeford. Bridget Huber, a staff writer with FERN, the Food and Environment Reporting Network. Nichole Price, a benthic marine ecologist with Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine. Severine von Tscharner Welcome, of the Greenhorns and Smithereen Farm in Pembroke. FMI Links: “A Precautionary Approach to Seaweed Aquaculture in North America: A Position Paper by the Seaweed Commons” — seaweedcommons.org Atlantic Sea Farms — atlanticseafarms.com Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences — bigelow.org “Climate savior or ‘Monsanto of the sea’?” by Bridget Huber — thefern.org/2023/06/climate-savior-or-monsanto-of-the-sea Food and Environment Reporting Network — thefern.org MOFGA Certification Services’ “Guidelines for Organic Sea Vegetables” — mofgacertification.org Running Tide — runningtide.com Seaweed Commons — seaweedcommons.org Smithereen Farm — smithereenfarm.com Tags: Seaweed cultivation and wild harvest Seaweed propagation/seed sourcing Seaweed for carbon sequestration Climate change Opportunities and challenges in cultivating seaweed for carbon storage Marine ecology PFAS/arsenic uptake of seaweed About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 12/14/23: Seaweed and Climate Change first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 11/9/23: Beekeeping in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 21:00:19 +0000

Host: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Beginner beekeeping strategies, winter beekeeping in cold climates, pest control, resources for beekeepers, climate change and how it impacts beekeeping. Guest/s: Peter Cowin Amy Nickerson FMI Links: Upcoming beekeeping workshop: www.beekeeping247.com/beginner-beekeeping-workshop-nov-2023 Beekeeping 24/7 website: www.beekeeping247.com/ The Bee Whisperer Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thebeewhispererandthequeenbee About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 11/9/23: Beekeeping in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/12/23: Natural Dyeing with Plants

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 20:00:16 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: The episode of MOFGA’s Common Ground Radio explores natural dyeing of fibers and textiles with plants and minerals with two Maine artists. With Jude Hsiang, a knitter, weaver and former shepherd, we talk about how to dye plant and animal fibers using plants, many of which she grows in her dye garden or forages for in the local landscape. Later in the show, we are joined by Samantha Verrone, an artist focused on regenerative design. Verrone discusses bundle dyeing, sustainability and experimenting with iron and rust in the dye pot. Guest/s: Jude Hsiang Samantha Verrone FMI Links: Versicolor, Jude Hsiang’s Facebook page with events and workshops Samantha Verrone Textiles “How to Bundle Dye Using Plant Materials” by Samantha Verrone About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 10/12/23: Natural Dyeing with Plants first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 7/13/23: Farming and Parenting

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:00:26 +0000

Host: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Farming while parenting, childcare, farm business planning, farming and stress, safety on farm, resources for farming families. Guest/s: Meg Mitchell, Southpaw Farm, Freedom, ME Sam Gerry, Ramble On Farm, Know, ME Polly Shyka, Villageside Farm, Freedom, ME FMI Links: Farm Coaching Maine Farmland Trust Mano en Mano Cultivating Community Childcare Infrastructure Grant Program MOFGA Farmer Resources About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 7/13/23: Farming and Parenting first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/7/23: Plastic and the Environment

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:00:56 +0000

Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In the June 2023 episode of MOFGA's Common Ground Radio dives into plastic. A conversation with Erica Cirino, the author of “Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis” and communications manager for the Plastic Pollution Coalition, explores the impact of plastic on the environment, agriculture and rural communities. The show also touches upon plastic use in agriculture with Caleb Goossen, crop and conservation specialist with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), including alternatives to plastic, recycling for greenhouse plastic, and the need for more research. Guest/s: Erica Cirino Caleb Goossen FMI Links: “Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis” by Erica Cirino Greenhouse Plastic Recycling Program in Maine “Recycling Agricultural Plastic I” by David McDaniel, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener “Recycling Agricultural Plastic Part II” by David McDaniel, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener “Is Organic Farming Contributing to a Plastic Apocalypse?” by David McDaniel, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 6/7/23: Plastic and the Environment first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 5/11/23: A Conversation About Herbalism with Emily Springer of Meeting House Farm

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 11 May 2023 20:00:41 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Topics this episode include: – Herbalism, including herb growing techniques, harvesting and processing methods and uses. Guest/s: Emily Springer, Meeting House Farm, Scarborough, Maine. FMI Links: Meeting House Farm Instagram Meeting House Farm Facebook Deb Soule of Avena Botanicals Book- Making Plant Medicine About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 5/11/23: A Conversation About Herbalism with Emily Springer of Meeting House Farm first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/13/23: Black Earth Wisdom

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 08:00:48 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm and Clare Boland Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: In the April 2023 episode of MOFGA’s Common Ground Radio, host Holli Cederholm discusses “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists” with Leah Penniman, farm director/co-executive director of Soul Fire Farm and author of “Farming While Black,” and Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro and author of “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors.” “Black Earth Wisdom” is a newly released book of essays and interviews that explores Black people’s spiritual and scientific connection to the land, waters, and climate. Topics this episode include: – “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists” by Leah Penniman. – “Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land” by Leah Penniman. – “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” by Rue Mapp. – Contributions of Black people to environmental thought and agroecological practices. – The importance of representation to access and inclusion. – Why centering BIPOC voices is critical to environmentalism. Guest/s: Leah Penniman is a Black Kreyol farmer, mother, soil nerd, author, and food justice activist who co-founded Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York, in 2010, with the mission to end racism in the food system and reclaim our ancestral connection to land. Penniman is part of a team that facilitates powerful food sovereignty programs — including farmer training for Black and Brown people, a subsidized farm food distribution program for communities living under food apartheid, and domestic and international organizing toward equity in the food system. In addition to “Black Earth Wisdom,” she is the author of “Farming While Black.” Rue Mapp documents her personal experiences while pioneering and shifting a new visual representation of Black people in the outdoors. An outdoorswoman, she transformed her kitchen table blog into a national nature-inspired enterprise and movement, called Outdoor Afro: where Black people and nature meet. Mapp is the founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, and she is also the author of “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors,” which was published in 2022. Her words about nature and Black joy can also be found in conversation with other Black environmentalists in the newly released “Black Earth Wisdom.” FMI Links: “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists” by Leah Penniman “Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land” by Leah Penniman “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” by Rue Mapp Outdoor Afro Soul Fire Farm About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 3/13/23: Black Earth Wisdom first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/9/23: Food Access and Equity in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:00:29 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: A panel discussion about food access and equity in the state of Maine. In this discussion we work to define food access and equity, explore the various resources available and discuss policies being decided now that shape how Mainers access food. -Food access -Food equity -Farmers’ Markets -Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -Farm Bill Guest/s: BrennaMae Thomas-Googins Jimmy DeBiasi, executive director, Maine Federation of Farmers Markets Hillary Barter, education programs coordinator at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association FMI Links: Maine Harvest Bucks Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets Waldo County Bounty MOFGA Market/CSA Search Tool Maine Senior FarmShare Program Mainers Feeding Mainers Bumper Crop Real Maine Farm Bill overview About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 3/9/23: Food Access and Equity in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/9/23: Collaborative Marketing Models

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 21:00:06 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: On the February 2023 episode of Common Ground Radio, host Holli Cederholm discusses collaborative marketing models used by farmers and food producers in Maine. She is joined by Colleen Hanlon-Smith and Adrienne Lee, co-founders and owners of Daybreak Growers Alliance, a food distribution hub, and Melissa Law and Courtney Mongell, flower farmers and board members of the Maine Flower Collective. They talk about how these collaborative networks benefit both producers and customers by aggregating products and consolidating delivery. -Collaborative marketing models for farmers -Centralized marketing and distribution -Food access -Farm to food pantry -Flower collective -Sustainable floriculture Guest/s: Colleen Hanlon-Smith is a co-founder and owner of Daybreak Growers Alliance. Hanlon-Smith has worked in various capacities to serve the Northeast food system and farming communities, and is a founding member of Waldo County Bounty, a hunger relief nonprofit. Adrienne Lee is a co-founder and owner of Daybreak Growers Alliance, and co-farmer and owner of New Beat Farm, a MOFGA-certified organic vegetable and cut flower farm located in Knox, Maine. Melissa Law is vice president of Maine Flower Collective and also runs the flower program at Bumbleroot Organic Farm in Windham. The farm grows certified organic blooms for their flower CSA, farmstand and wholesale partners, with a focus on annuals, including dahlias. Courtney Mongell operates Mare Brook Farm in Brunswick with her husband Ryan. They grow specialty cut flowers, evergreens, and certified organic edible flowers and herbs FMI Links: Daybreak Growers Alliance Waldo County Bounty Maine Flower Collective About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 2/9/23: Collaborative Marketing Models first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/12/23: Maple Syrup Production

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 21:00:07 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: The January 2023 episode of Common Ground Radio is all about maple syrup production. Host Caitlyn Barker interviewed Jason Lilley, Assistant Extension Professor, Maine Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator. The two discussed the basics of getting a maple operation up and running, including tree identification, supplies needed, boiling and canning. Challenges facing the maple industry, including climate change and pests were also discussed. Guest/s: Jason Lilley, Assistant Extension Professor, Maine Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator FMI Links: Forest Trees of Maine Cooperative Extension Maple Syrup Production Proctor Maple Research Center Backyard Maple Production webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=89-tnQ7AlA8 Maine Maple Sunday About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 1/12/23: Maple Syrup Production first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/8/22: Maine Organic Dairy Farms Are In Trouble – How You Can Help

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 20:00:31 +0000

Producer/Host: Holli Cederholm Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: On the December 2022 episode of Common Ground Radio, host Holli Cederholm discusses the organic dairy crisis in the Northeast and how it is impacting farms in Maine with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s Organic Dairy and Livestock Specialist Jacki Martinez Perkins, who grew up on an organic dairy farm, and Annie Watson, who co-owns Sheepscot Valley Farm, an organic dairy in Whitefield, Maine. Watson also currently serves on the boards of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, and she is board president of the Maine Dairy Industry Association. Additionally, she is CEO and a founding partner of the Maine Organic Milk Company, a start-up working to bring organic dairy processing to the state. Tune in to hear why organic dairy farms are an important part of Maine’s landscape, why they’re in trouble and the ways that listeners can help support these farms to the benefit of Maine’s communities, local economies and the environment. Key Discussion Points: -Organic dairy industry -Origin of Livestock USDA organic rule -Cost of organic production -Organic dairy pay price -Where to buy local, organic milk -Farm Bill 2023 -Pasture health -Grass-fed dairy -Grain price inflation Guest/s: Jacki Martinez Perkins, who grew up on a small, award-winning, organic dairy in central Maine. She has worked in various aspects of the dairy industry including as an artificial insemination technician and a herd manager before becoming the organic dairy and livestock specialist for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). Her work includes supporting organic dairy and livestock operations through management and organic certification considerations as well as helping to develop policies regarding organic production. Annie Watson, who is a co-owner of Sheepscot Valley Farm, an organic dairy farm in Whitefield, where she lives with her husband, Mike Moody, and their three young sons. She currently serves on the boards of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, and she is board president of the Maine Dairy Industry Association. Additionally, she is CEO and a founding partner of the Maine Organic Milk Company, a start-up working to bring organic dairy processing to the state. FMI Links: Find Local, Organic Farmers and Producers Articles on Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Proposed Rule, and Origin of Livestock final rule in MOFGA’s The Organic Sprout newsletter — indd.adobe.com/view/04e87eab-9318-4e85-95fc-1dd7ddd5d605 Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership Maine Dairy Industry Association Ways to Support Organic Dairy About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 12/8/22: Maine Organic Dairy Farms Are In Trouble – How You Can Help first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 11/10/22: Creating School Gardens

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:00:40 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm, Caitlyn Barker Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: A panel discussion with three speakers on the topic of school garden creation, implementation and impact. Guest/s: David Wessels, garden coordinator at Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast, Maine Ryan Parker, Maine’s FoodCorps Impact and Partnerships Lead Brittany Layman, Director of Health, Wellness and Safety for RSU 22 and the Vice Chair of the Maine School Garden Network FMI Links: Maine School Garden network Maine Ag in the Classroom Maine Farm to School About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 11/10/22: Creating School Gardens first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

2022 Common Ground Fair Keynote Speaker (Sunday 9/26/22): Muhidin Libah

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:31:41 +0000

Producer: Pepin Mittelhauser Muhidin Libah Executive Director of Somali Bantu Community Association “Liberation Farms: Food Justice in Action” Muhidin Libah is the executive director of Somali Bantu Community and has been working for Somali Bantu communities since graduating from high school in 2002. Libah graduated from the University of Southern Maine in the spring of 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in natural applied science with a biology concentration and a minor in holistic health. Before he came to the United States in 2005, he taught elementary school for four years, teaching English, math, science and agriculture to grades three, five, six, seven and eight. Since he came to the United States he has been working with nonprofit organizations in his own community. Somali Bantu Community Association of Lewiston, Maine, is the third nongovernmental organization that he has co-founded, and Libah has consulted with seven other nonprofit organizations across New England and New York. His focus has always been food production, security and sustainability, and he wrote his thesis on that topic. Currently, he is the executive director of the organization, overseeing 11 programs in the community including the farming program, Liberation Farms, which has seen incredible success in the last two years. The mission of Liberation Farms, the Community Farming Program, is to provide new American farmers access to, and culturally-appropriate resources for, the means of sustainable food production for themselves, their families and their communities. In his keynote, he will speak to Liberation Farms as food justice in action. The farm is a demonstration of the success that is possible when marginalized communities have the opportunity to organize and lead themselves. It provides new American families struggling with food insecurity with the tools and resources to grow healthy, culturally appropriate foods for themselves and their community. This investment in growing nourishes body and soul as farmers ground into familiar traditions and meaningfully utilize their agricultural roots as they build new homes here in Maine.

The post 2022 Common Ground Fair Keynote Speaker (Sunday 9/26/22): Muhidin Libah first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

2022 Common Ground Fair Keynote Speaker (Saturday 9/25/22): Frances Moore Lappé

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:29:51 +0000

Producer: Pepin Mittelhauser Frances Moore Lappé Author, Activist and Co-Founder of Small Planet Institute and Food First “Connecting our Food Choices to Humanity’s Biggest Challenges” Frances Moore Lappé is the author or coauthor of 20 books, many focusing on themes of “living democracy” — suggesting a government accountable to citizens and a way of living aligned with the deep human need for connection, meaning and power. Her first book, “Diet for a Small Planet” published in 1971, has now sold three million copies. Lappé’s latest work is the 50th anniversary edition of “Diet for a Small Planet,” released in 2021. In this book Lappé integrates her life’s work of connecting food to freedom, including timely material from her 2017 book co-authored with Adam Eichen, “Daring Democracy: Igniting Power, Meaning, and Connection for the America We Want.” Lappé is co-founder of Oakland-based Food First and the Cambridge-based Small Planet Institute, which she leads with her daughter, Anna Lappé. The recipient of 20 honorary degrees, she has been a visiting scholar at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of California, Berkeley, and in 1987 received the Right Livelihood Award, often called the “Alternative Nobel.” She says, “In my keynote address to the Common Ground Country Fair I will talk about how the food choices we make each day connect us to humanity’s biggest challenges, from needless hunger to diet-related disease to the climate crisis and the undermining of democracy. Making these connections, we can fight despair and discover our power. I’ll share my journey of discovery — from my first ‘ah-ha’ that scarcity is not the cause of hunger to stories of self-empowered communities that have overcome hunger as they align with the Earth via regenerative practices. I will bring these lessons home, exploring solutions via what I call ‘living democracy.’”

The post 2022 Common Ground Fair Keynote Speaker (Saturday 9/25/22): Frances Moore Lappé first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

2022 Common Ground Fair Keynote Speaker (Friday 9/24/22): Maulian Dana

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:27:34 +0000

Producer: Pepin Mittelhauser Maulian Dana Tribal Ambassador for the Penobscot Nation “Tribal Sovereignty in Wabanaki Homeland: History, Policy, Connectedness, and the Next Generations” Maulian Dana serves as the first appointed Tribal Ambassador for the Penobscot Nation. She represents the tribe in local, state and federal government as an advocate and diplomat. Her background is in political science, activism, Penobscot culture, teaching and policy. She serves as the president of the board of directors for the Wabanaki Alliance, the co-chair of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Maine Tribal Populations, and is a member of the Maine Climate Council where she also co-chairs a subcommittee on equity. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maine and she received an honorary law doctorate from Colby College. She is the proud mother of three daughters Carmella, age 15, Layla, age 13, and Iris who was born this year on May 31. Addressing and bringing action to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirits and relatives is also one of her passions. Her policy achievements include helping to pass laws in Maine that eliminated racist Indian mascots, changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, and extended Violence Against Women Act federal provisions to tribes in Maine. Dana’s home, the Penobscot Nation, is one of five tribes that make up the Wabanaki Confederacy. The others are the Abenaki, Passamaquoddy, Mikmaq and Maliseet. There are five tribal communities in the land now called Maine and their ancestors have been stewards of this homeland for over 10,000 years. Their creation stories and cultural knowledge tell us that this land has sustained us since time immemorial. With this rich and deep relationship the Wabanaki have here with these lands there also is an undercurrent of injustice and trauma from the colonization era to the present day. Dana will address some of the reasons tribal sovereignty in Maine has such a complicated history and future. She will discuss the recent legislative session that found tribal issues making progress in some areas and facing barriers in others. This topic also brings to light how self-determination for the tribes is connected to every facet of life for Wabanaki governance, health, stewardship of Mother Earth, traditional wellbeing and spiritual resilience. She looks forward to exchanging in dialogue and is honored to join the Common Ground Country Fair speakers.

The post 2022 Common Ground Fair Keynote Speaker (Friday 9/24/22): Maulian Dana first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/8/22: Rebroadcast 2021 Common Ground Fair keynotes

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 20:00:35 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm, Caitlyn Barker Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. The September episode of Common Ground Radio is a rebroadcast of the 10/14/21 Common Ground episode. Featured are two of the keynote speakers from the 2021 Common Ground Country Fair. Karen Washington, of Rise & Root Farm and Black Urban Growers and Stacy Brenner, state senator and organic farmer at Broadturn Farm. Some of the topics discussed: Changing the food system Valuing our communities Land stewardship Guest/s: Karen Washington, co-owner and farmer at Rise & Root Farm and cofounder of Black Urban Growers Stacy Brenner, organic farmer at Broadturn Farm and Maine state senator FMI Links: 2022 Common Ground Country Fair Keynote speakers at the 2022 Common Ground Country Fair About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 9/8/22: Rebroadcast 2021 Common Ground Fair keynotes first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/11/22: Apples!

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 20:00:01 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Holli Cederholm, Caitlyn Barker Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. The August 2022 episode of Common Ground Radio is all about apples! Host Holli Cederholm is joined by Laura Sieger, orchard manager with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), and Lydia Pendergast, an orchard intern with MOFGA and self-described “fruit explorer.” They talked about the Maine Heritage Orchard, the importance of cultivar preservation, and how fruit exploration and genetic testing both play important roles in identifying apples at risk of extinction and protecting these fruits in perpetuity. -Historic apples -Fruit explorers -The Maine Heritage Orchard in Unity, Maine -Apple identification -DNA testing of apples -Apple propagation -Organic orcharding -Apples and climate change -Summer apples Guest/s: Laura Sieger, orchard manager, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) in Unity, Maine (mofga.org/maineheritageorchard) Lydia Pendergast, orchard intern with MOFGA and fruit explorer FMI Links: Maine Heritage Orchard Stewardship Apples, Fedco: fedcoseeds.com/trees/stewardship-apple-248 “What’s in a name? The importance of identity in heirloom apple tree preservation,” published in Plants People Plant and co-authored by Sieger, Pendergast, et al. North American Fruit Explorers Washington State University’s Apple Genome Project MyFruitTree, appleID: myfruittree.org Out On A Limb Apples (John Bunker) About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 8/11/22: Apples! first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 7/14/22: Farmers and Stress

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 20:00:49 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker, Holli Cederholm Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. The July episode of Common Ground Radio explores the issue of farmers and stress. Host Caitlyn Barker speaks with Abby Sadauckas, a farmer in southern Maine and member of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Farm Coaching Team and MOFGA Farmer Programs Director Ryan Dennett. Topics include land access, financial stability, mental health and many others. A variety of relevant resources are also provided. -Farmers and stress -Resources available to farmers -Mental health and farming Guests: Abby Sadauckas, co-owner of Apple Creek Farm and member of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Farm Coaching Team. Ryan Dennett, Farmer Programs Director, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association FMI: MOFGA Farmer Resources Labor Movement: labor-movement.com Labor Movement Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Maine Farmer Resource Network 211 Maine Farm Aid Farmer Resource Network Maine Farmland Trust Land For Good About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 7/14/22: Farmers and Stress first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/9/22: PFAS Contamination of Farmland in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 20:00:55 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker, Holli Cederholm Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio: A monthly hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This episode of Common Ground Radio digs into PFAS contamination of farmland in Maine. Host Holli Cederholm talked with Sarah Alexander, executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA); Ryan Dennett, MOFGA’s farmer programs director; and Caleb Goossen, crop specialist with MOFGA. The discussion covered the impact of PFAS contamination on Maine’s farmers as well as PFAS legislation enacted in Maine and how it can serve as a roadmap for other states also dealing with contamination from so-called “forever” and “everywhere” chemicals. Key Discussion Points: 1. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 2. PFAS contamination of farmland 3. PFAS contamination pathways 4. PFAS legislation in Maine 5. Farms impacted by PFAS 6. PFAS mitigation 7. PFAS testing for farms Guests: Sarah Alexander, executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA); Ryan Dennett, MOFGA’s farmer programs director; and Caleb Goossen, crop specialist with MOFGA. FMI Links: MOFGA’s PFAS resource page PFAS Q&A with Caleb Goossen: mofga.org/resources/toxics/pfas-contamination-in-maine PFAS policy recap “Webinar: Lessons from Maine: Food, Farms and Forever Chemicals” from Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy: iatp.org/watch-lessons-maine-food-farms-and-forever-chemicals EGAD Septage and Sludge Sites Map About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 6/9/22: PFAS Contamination of Farmland in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 5/12/22: Homesteading in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 May 2022 20:00:46 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Caitlyn Barker, Holli Cederholm Editing: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio: A monthly hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. The May 2022 episode of Common Ground Radio explores homesteading in Maine in conversation with homesteaders of varying levels and lengths of experience. Host Caitlyn Barker spoke with Sikwani and Nathan Dana of The Dana Homestead about living off the land in Solon, Maine, and how they use social media to share their homesteading journey. Later in the show, Barker is joined by Angela DeRosa who has been homesteading for decades in Wellington, Maine. -Homesteading in Maine -TikTok -Beginning homesteading experiences Guests: Sikwani Dana, The Dana Homestead, Solon, ME Nathan Dana, The Dana Homestead, Solon, ME The Dana Homestead TikTok Angela DeRosa, homesteader, Wellington, ME FMI Down East article about The Dana Homestead About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 5/12/22: Homesteading in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 4/14/22: Eating local foods in season in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 20:00:39 +0000

Producer/Host: Holli Cederholm The April 2022 episode of Common Ground Radio celebrates spring, and all the delicious foods of spring. Host Holli Cederholm spoke with local food enthusiasts about what seasonal foods they’re cooking up in their kitchens. Roberta Bailey of Seven Tree Farm in Vassalboro, Frank Giglio, kitchen production manager at Ararat Farms in Lincolnville, and Wendy Watson, kitchen manager at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) in Unity, shared their favorite spring foods and recipes, from nettle tea to salt-cured goose eggs. They also dished on their favorite methods for food preservation, with tips for those new to putting by the harvest. -Seasonal eating -Spring foods -Native and invasive wild edible plants -Cooking and recipes -Food preservation methods (fermenting, drying, salting, vinegar) -Gardening Guests: Roberta Bailey, Seven Tree Farm in Vassalboro, Maine; recipe columnist for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, the quarterly publication of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) Frank Giglio, kitchen production manager at Ararat Farms in Lincolnville, Maine Wendy Watson, MOFGA kitchen manager and food liaison for the Common Ground Country Fair FMI links: “Wild Spring: Recipes for Foraged Greens and Roots” by Roberta Bailey, Harvest Kitchen columnist “How to Plan Your Harvests for Food Preservation” by Roberta Bailey, Harvest Kitchen columnist The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener Ararat Farms recipes: araratfarmslincolnville.com/recipes MOFGA recipes Seasonal eating guides Click here to sign up for MOFGA’s monthly Local and Organic Kitchen Newsletter About the host: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 4/14/22: Eating local foods in season in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/10/22: ReTreeUs – Growing Trees of Fruit and Seeds of Thought

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 20:00:30 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Organic Food and Farming in Maine: ReTreeUs – Growing Trees of Fruit and Seeds of Thought -Planting school gardens and orchards -Aligning school gardens with curriculum and learning standards -Inspiring the next generation of ecological stewards Guests: Richard Hodges, Founder and Program Director, ReTreeUS Shelley Kruszewski, Program Coordinator, ReTreeUS About the hosts: C.J. Walke has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 3/10/22: ReTreeUs – Growing Trees of Fruit and Seeds of Thought first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/10/22: Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 20:00:53 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership (NOFFP) -Organic dairy production in the Northeast -Danone/Horizon’s contract cancellations with 89 organic dairy farms in the Northeast -Efforts to support the Northeast organic dairy farms FMI: www.saveorganicfamilyfarms.org Guests: Annie Watson, Sheepscot Valley Farm, Whitefield, ME Gary Hirshberg, co-founder and former CEO of Stoneyfield Farm Claire Eaton, Director of Natural Resource Markets and Economic Development, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) About the hosts: C.J. Walke has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 2/10/22: Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/13/22: Soil Carbon Farming

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:05:53 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Soil Carbon Farming -Carbon sequestration on organic farms -Linking soil health to crop health and human health -Ecological benefits of carbon sequestration Guest: Dr. Gladis Zinati, Director of Vegetable Systems Trial, Rodale Institute, Kutztown, PA About the hosts: C.J. Walke has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 1/13/22: Soil Carbon Farming first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/9/21: PFAS Contamination in Soils and Water Sources

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 20:00:05 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke -PFAS “forever chemicals” and their historic use in industry -How PFAS moves through, soils, crops and livestock -Current testing efforts and attempts at remediation in Maine MOFGA’s PFAS Maine Farmer Information and Support Guests: Ryan Dennett, Farmer Programs Director, MOFGA, Unity, ME Jacki Martinez Perkins, Organic Dairy and Livestock Specialist, MOFGA, Unity, ME Caleb Goossen, Organic Crops and Conservation Specialist, MOFGA, Unity, ME About the hosts: C.J. Walke has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 12/9/21: PFAS Contamination in Soils and Water Sources first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 11/11/21: Keynote Address from the 2021 MOFGA Farmer to Farmer Conference – Dr. Gladis Zinati – Rodale Institute

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 20:00:36 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Keynote Address from the 2021 MOFGA Farmer to Farmer Conference – Dr. Gladis Zinati – Rodale Institute -Gladis Zinati – “Linking Soil Health to Plant Health: Connecting the Dots” -Linking soil health to crop health and human health -Nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration Speaker: Dr. Gladis Zinati, Director of Vegetable Systems Trial, Rodale Institute, Kutztown, PA About the hosts: C.J. Walke has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 11/11/21: Keynote Address from the 2021 MOFGA Farmer to Farmer Conference – Dr. Gladis Zinati – Rodale Institute first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/14/21: Keynote Addresses from the 2021 Common Ground Country Fair – Karen Washington and Stacy Brenner

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 20:00:14 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke -Karen Washington – “Food Justice is More Than Growing Food and Feeding People” -Stacy Brenner – Farm Viability Through Land Justice and Farmworker Rights -2021 CGCF Keynote addresses Speakers: Karen Washington, Rise & Root Farm, Black Urban Growers Stacy Brenner, Broadturn Farm, Scarborough, ME About the hosts: C.J. Walke has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 10/14/21: Keynote Addresses from the 2021 Common Ground Country Fair – Karen Washington and Stacy Brenner first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/9/21: Traditional Foodways

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 20:00:11 +0000

Producer/Host: Holli Cederholm, MOFGA On this episode of Common Ground Radio, we discuss traditional food systems with Barry Dana. Barry is a former Penobscot Nation chief and an advocate for Penobscot values, traditional foodways, language revitalization and education, and environmental protection along the Penobscot River. Growing up on a Wabanaki reservation on the Penobscot River, he learned canoeing, basket making, snowshoe making, hunting, gathering, and other Native traditions from his elders. Barry studied forestry and education at the University of Maine – Orono. FMI links: Barry Dana’s essay, titled “Sovereignty for Native People” — referenced in this episode — is included in MOFGA’s book, “The Organic Revolution.” Copies of the book are available here Read an article about Barry Dana and traditional foodways here Learn about Barry Dana’s baskets at the Abbe Museum About the hosts: C.J. Walke has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 9/9/21: Traditional Foodways first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/12/21: “The Organic Farming Revolution,” a new book by MOFGA

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 20:00:06 +0000

Producer/Host: Holli Cederholm, MOFGA This episode of Common Ground Radio commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). To celebrate this milestone, MOFGA put together a 50th anniversary book called “The Organic Farming Revolution: Past, Present, Future.” In this episode, guest host Holli Cederholm dives into the pages of the essay collection — and, more specifically, focuses on essays that conjure up Maine’s harvest season and agricultural community — in conversation with two of the book’s contributors: Eli Berry, a member of MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair steering committee, who contributed an essay about creating common ground through the country fair, and apple historian John Bunker, whose essay talks about the democracy of the apple tree. FMI links: Pre-order “The Organic Farming Revolution: Past, Present, Future” here Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Common Ground Country Fair Crystal Lake Farm & Nursery Maine Heritage Orchard John Bunker’s books on apples Fedco Trees About the hosts: C.J. Walke has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

The post Common Ground Radio 8/12/21: “The Organic Farming Revolution,” a new book by MOFGA first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/10/21: Homesteading in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 20:10:04 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Homesteading in Maine -Growing your own food -Homesteading in urban areas -Homestead community building Guests\: Karen Marysdaughter, Bangor, ME Rhonda Welcome, Lubec, ME About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 6/10/21: Homesteading in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 4/8/21: Organic Gardening Basics

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:05:54 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Organic Gardening Basics -Soil management and fertility -Site selection and plant selection -Cover crops and green manures Guests: Caragh Fitzgerald, Associate Extension Professor in Agriculture, Maine Cooperative Extension Caleb Goossen, Organic Crops and Conservation Specialist, MOFGA About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 4/8/21: Organic Gardening Basics first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/11/21: Drawing Strength from the Pandemic

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:00:48 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Power to the People: Drawing Strength from the Pandemic -Common Ground Country Fair, Keynote Address, Sept 26, 2020 -Home gardening and self sufficiency -Building community during crisis Guests: Barbara Damrosch, Four Season Farm, Harborside, ME Chrissy Fowler, Moderator, Belfast, ME Bonnie Rukin, Moderator, Slow Money Maine About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 3/11/21: Drawing Strength from the Pandemic first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/11/21: Native plants in our landscape

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 20:00:39 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA -Cultivating native plants for healthy ecosystems -Methods to encourage the growth of native plants -Methods to control invasive plant species Guests: Cathy Rees, Native Gardens of Blue Hill, Blue Hill, ME Avy Claire, Native Gardens of Blue Hill, Blue Hill, ME Julie Beckford, Rebel Hill Farm, Liberty, ME Molly DellaRoman, 5 Star Nursery and Orchard, Brooklin, ME About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 2/11/21: Native plants in our landscape first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/14/21: Campaign to Stop GE Trees – American Chestnut

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 20:00:09 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA -History of the American Chestnut tree in our eastern forests -Genetic engineering of American Chestnut trees -Social and economic impacts of genetically engineered trees Guests: Anne Petermann, Executive Director, Global Justice Ecology Project Lois Melican, Massachusetts State Park System (retired) Denis Melican, Massachusetts State Park System (retired) About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 1/14/21: Campaign to Stop GE Trees – American Chestnut first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/10/20: Keynote Address – Common Ground Country Fair – 2020

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 20:00:57 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA Keynote address given on September 27, 2020 -Indigenous peoples food culture -New green revolution Guests: Winona LaDuke, White Earth Nation, Minnesota Sarah Alexander, Executive Director, MOFGA, Unity, Maine Beth Schiller, Dandelion Spring Farm, Bowdoinham, Maine About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 12/10/20: Keynote Address – Common Ground Country Fair – 2020 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 11/12/20: Keynote Address – MOFGA Farmer to Farmer Conference – 2020

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 20:00:43 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA a) Keynote address given on November 2, 2020 b) Climate resilient farming c) Climate change impacts on farms and food systems Speaker: Laura Legnick, Cultivating Resilience, LLC, Asheville, NC About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 11/12/20: Keynote Address – MOFGA Farmer to Farmer Conference – 2020 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/8/20: Farming While Black: African Diasporic Wisdom for Farming and Food Justice

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 20:00:06 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA Keynote Address – Common Ground Country Fair – 2020 given on September 25, 2020 Farming While Black: African Diasporic Wisdom for Farming and Food Justice Uprooting racism and ceding sovereignty in the food system Speaker: Leah Penniman, Soulfire Farm, Grafton, NY About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 10/8/20: Farming While Black: African Diasporic Wisdom for Farming and Food Justice first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/10/20: COVID-19 Impacts on Maine Agricultural Fairs

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 20:00:58 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA -Structure of Maine Agricultural Fairs -Decision making process in response to COVID-19 -Impacts on Maine agricultural sector and fair season Guests: Sarah Alexander, MOFGA, Unity, ME B) Missy Jordan, Maine Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Augusta, ME C) Barry Norris, Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs, Augusta, ME D) Sandra Savage, Union Fair representative, Union, ME About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 9/10/20: COVID-19 Impacts on Maine Agricultural Fairs first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/13/20: Keynote Address – Farmer to Farmer Conference – 2012

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:00:50 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke, MOFGA Program Topic: Keynote Address – Farmer to Farmer Conference – 2012 -History of MOFGA and organic farming in Maine -Growth of organic farming sector in Maine -Organic farming as we move into the future Speaker: Russell Libby, MOFGA, Unity, ME (in 2012) About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 8/13/20: Keynote Address – Farmer to Farmer Conference – 2012 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/11/20: Homesteading in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 20:32:57 +0000

-Growing your own food -Homesteading in urban areas -Homestead community building Guests: Karen Marysdaughter, Bangor, ME Rhonda Welcome, Lubec, ME About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 6/11/20: Homesteading in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 5/14/20: Organic Gardening Basics

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 14 May 2020 20:00:49 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke -Soil management and fertility -Site selection and plant selection -Cover crops and green manures Guests: Caragh Fitzgerald, Associate Extension Professor in Agriculture, Maine Cooperative Extension Caleb Goossen, Organic Crops and Conservation Specialist, MOFGA About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 5/14/20: Organic Gardening Basics first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 4/9/20: Coronavirus and Maine Farms

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 20:00:38 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Impacts of coronavirus on Maine farms Changes to farm markets and customer interactions Adjustments to farm operations moving forward Guests: Stacy Brenner, Broadturn Farm, Scarborough, ME Abby Sadauckas, Apple Creek Farm, Bowdoinham, ME Jake Galle, Apple Creek Farm, Bowdoinham, ME Christa Bahner, Bahner Farm, Belmont, ME About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 4/9/20: Coronavirus and Maine Farms first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/12/20 Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Native Plants in the Landscape

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:00:30 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Joel Mann -Definition of “native plants” and clarification of confusing terms -Benefits to wildlife and pollinators -Habitat restoration and conservation Guests: Heather McCargo, Wild Seed Project, Portland, ME Cathy Rees, Native Gardens of Blue Hill, Blue Hill, ME Astrid Bowlby, Honey Petal Plants, Brooks, ME About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 3/12/20 Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Native Plants in the Landscape first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/9/20: Real Organic Project

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 20:00:02 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: John Greenman -Creation of the Real Organic Project -History of organic farming certification programs -Current issues within the USDA National Organic Program Guests: Dave Chapman, Executive Director, Real Organic Project, Long Wind Farm, East Thetford, VT Eliot Coleman, Advisory Board, Real Organic Project, Four Season Farm, Harborside, ME Chris Grigsby, Director, MOFGA Certification Services, Unity, ME About the host: C.J. Walke, host of Common Ground Radio, has been involved in Maine agriculture for over 20 years and has worked in numerous capacities for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) starting in 2006. Since 2012, C.J. has worked as farm manager for College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farms in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he works with students to grow organic fruits, vegetables and livestock products. He holds degrees in park management/environment education and library science. Common Ground Radio debuted in June of 2010 and C.J. has been the show’s host since 2014.

The post Common Ground Radio 1/9/20: Real Organic Project first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/4/19: Military Veteran Farmers in Maine

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:00:09 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Joel Mann Key Discussion Points: a) Skills learned during service that transfer to farming b) Beginning farmer programs with veteran focus c) United Farmer Veterans of Maine (UFVM) Guests: Anne Devin, Maine AgrAbility, Chase Stream Farm, Monroe, Maine Richard Brzozowski, Food System Program Administrator with University of Maine Cooperative Extension Bob Sousa, Vice President of United Farmer Veterans of Maine (UFVM), Frankfort, Maine Sheila Foley, Treasurer UFVM, Attwood Farm, Poland, Maine

The post Common Ground Radio 10/4/19: Military Veteran Farmers in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/6/19: Accessing Local Foods and Eating Seasonally

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:00:24 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke NOTE: This program originally partially aired in August, but was interrupted when the station went off the air for tower repairs. -Definitions of “local” and eating seasonally -Resources on the availability of local foods in Maine -Resources to access local foods in Maine Guests: Katy Green, Communications and Outreach Director, MOFGA Katie Freedman, Food Programs Director, Healthy Acadia Kourtney Collum, Partridge Chair in Food and Sustainable Agriculture Systems, College of the Atlantic

The post Common Ground Radio 9/6/19: Accessing Local Foods and Eating Seasonally first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/7/19

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 14:15:47 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Studio Engineer: Amy Browne -Homesteading philosophy -Food preservation -Livestock on the homestead Guests: Rose Whitehead, Homesteader, Waldo, ME Sy Schotz, Homesteader, Belfast, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 6/7/19 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 4/5/19

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 14:00:41 +0000

Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Spring Gardens, Spring Soil Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Key Discussion Points: a) Spring soil preparation b) Cover cropping for spring c) Soil tillage or no-till practices Guest: Caleb Goossen, Organic Crops and Conservation Specialist, MOFGA, Unity, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 4/5/19 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/1/19

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:00:46 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Herbalism and Herbal Traditions Key Discussion Points: -Philosophy and practice of herbalism -Herbal medicine -Common plants and uses Guests: Kathryn Langelier, Herbal Revolution Farm and Apothecary, Union, ME Lauren Pignatello, Milk and Honey of Swallowtail Farm, Portland, ME Jillian Twisla, Hyllantree, Hope, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 2/1/19 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/4/19

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 14:00:04 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Keynote Address – MOFGA Farmer to Farmer Conference 2018 Key Discussion Points: a) Keynote address recorded on November 5, 2018, Point Lookout, Northport, ME b) Development and evolution of Pleasant Valley Farm over 30 years c) Farming with the extended family Guests: Paul Arnold, Pleasant Valley Farm, Argyle, NY Sandy Arnold, Pleasant Valley Farm, Argyle, NY

The post Common Ground Radio 1/4/19 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/7/18

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 14:20:23 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Hemp Production for Maine -Discussion of relevant terminology -Medicinal uses of cannabis and hemp -Material science applications of hemp Guest: Alexander Liebster, Prospect, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 12/7/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/3/18

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 14:12:35 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: John Greenman Organic Food and Farming in Maine: The Good Life Center Key Discussion Points: History of Helen and Scott Nearing Creation of the Good Life Center Educational programming on the Nearing legacy Guests: Warren Berkowitz – Farm Manager – Good Life Center, Blue Hill, ME Masanobu Ikemiya – Homesteader – Peace Farm, Bar Harbor, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 8/3/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 7/6/18

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 14:00:32 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: John Greenman Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Maine AgrAbility Program Key Discussion Points: a) Farming with disabilities b) Improving on farm efficiencies c) Resources for accessing programs and funding Guests: Richard Brzozowski – Project Director, Maine AgrAbility and UMaine Cooperative Extension Food System Program Administrator, Orono, ME Lani Carlson – Project Coordinator, Maine AgrAbility, Farmington, ME Shea Rolnick – Knotty Goat Soapery, Winterport, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 7/6/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/1/18

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:00:08 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Homesteading in Maine -Practices in homesteading -Food preservation (canning, freezing, drying) -Educational resources for self-sufficiency Guests: Fran Doonan and Dave Mussey, Winter Past Gardens, Stockton Springs, ME Karina Shorten, Sweet Haven Farm, Union, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 6/1/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/2/18

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 14:00:23 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Beginning Farmer Resource Network (BFRN) a) History of BFRN b) Availability of service providers and organizations c) Examples of on-farm implementation of resources Guests: Tori Jackson, U-Maine Cooperative Extension Tom Kielbasa, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Randy Canarr, Souder Station Farm, Winterport, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 3/2/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/1/17

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 14:00:08 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Organic Food and Farming in Maine: Keynote Address, 2017 MOFGA Farmer-to-Farmer Conference -Description of Three Springs Farm -Process of commenting on USDA/NOSB issues and agendas -Contemporary challenges to traditional organic farming movement Speakers: Jim Gerritsen, Wood Prairie Family Farm, Bridgewater, ME (introduction) Emily Oakley, Three Springs Farm, Oaks, Oklahoma (keynote address)

The post Common Ground Radio 12/1/17 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/6/17

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 14:00:40 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne History of Organic Farming in U.S. -History of organic farming in U.S. -Early days of organic certification and current federal regulations -Contemporary challenges to the historic view of organic farming Guests: Jim Gerritsen, Wood Prairie Family Farm, Bridgewater, ME Eric Sideman, Organic Crop Specialist, MOFGA, Unity, ME Diane Schivera, Organic Livestock Specialist, MOFGA, Unity, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 10/6/17 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/4/17

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 14:00:25 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Beekeeping and Honey Production -History of beekeeping -Honeybee hive management -Honey production and processing Guests: Peter Cowin, “The Bee Whisperer”, Hampden, ME Dr. Kourtney Collum, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 8/4/17 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/2/17

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 14:00:11 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Joel Mann Homesteading in Maine Key Discussion Points: a) Descriptions of guests’ homesteads b) Skill sharing and learning opportunities c) Building community Guests: John Twomey, The Howard Place, Montville, ME Elizabeth Siegel, Heritage Home Farm, Appleton, ME Emily Lowell, Feather Foot Farm, Aurora, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 6/2/17 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 4/7/17

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 14:00:06 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Organic Maine Wild Blueberries Key Discussion Points: a) History of blueberry cultivation in Maine b) Organic methods of blueberry production c) Current research in blueberries Guests: Nicolas Lindholm, Blue Hill Berry Co., Penobscot, ME Theresa Gaffney, Highland Organics, Stockton Springs, ME Frank Drummond, University of Maine David Yarborough, University of Maine

The post Common Ground Radio 4/7/17 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/3/17

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:00:58 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: MOFGA – El Salvador Sistering Committee Key Discussion Points: a) History of committee and work over past 20+ years b) Changes in agricultural activities over the years c) Environmental and social impacts of sugar cane production Guests: Jean English, MOFGA Karen Volckhausen, Happy Town Farm, Orland, ME Paul Volckhausen, Happy Town Farm, Orland, ME Willie Marquart, WERU

The post Common Ground Radio 3/3/17 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/3/17

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:00:40 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Legacy of Organic Agriculture Key Discussion Points: a) Keynote address from 2016 Farmer-to-Farmer Conference b) Organic farming principles and values c) Legacy of organic agriculture Guest: Recording of keynote address by Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont

The post Common Ground Radio 2/3/17 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/6/17

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 14:00:47 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Maine Legal Food Hub Key Discussion Points: a) Formation of the Maine Legal Food Hub b) Services available for farmers and food entrepreneurs c) Process of eligibility and assistance Guests: Phelps Turner, Attorney, Coordinator, Maine Legal Food Hub (www.legalfoodhub.org) Beth Boepple, Attorney, BCM Environmental & Land Law (www.nhlandlaw.com)

The post Common Ground Radio 1/6/17 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/2/16

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 14:00:57 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Farmland Access Key Discussion Points: a) Resources available for land tenure b) Transitioning farmland c) Agricultural easements Guests: Erica Buswell, Vice President of Programs, Maine Farmland Trust Jo Barrett, Maine Field Agent, Land for Good Richard Lee, Tender Soles Farm, Richmond, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 12/2/16 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 11/4/16

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 14:00:15 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Certified Clean Cannabis Key Discussion Points: MOFGA Certified Clean Cannabis (MC3) trial Creation of standards Future goals of trial program Guests: John Krueger, MOFGA Board member, Northport, ME Dawson Julia, East Coast CBDs, Unity, ME (www.eastcoastcbds.com) Erica Haywood, Love grown Caregiver Services, Farmington, ME (www.facebook.com/lovegrowncaregivers)

The post Common Ground Radio 11/4/16 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/7/16

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 14:00:05 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Maine Food Strategy Key Discussion Points: a) Maine Food Strategy framework b) Maine food policy c) Maine fisheries Guests: Tanya Swain, Project Director, Maine Food Strategy Erica Emery, Rustic Roots Farm Briana Warner, Economic Development Director, Island Institute

The post Common Ground Radio 10/7/16 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 7/1/16

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:00:41 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Pasture Management and Grazing Key Discussion Points: a) Fundamentals of pasture management b) Grazing habits of various livestock c) Soil fertility management Guests: Diane Schivera, Organic Livestock Specialist, MOFGA Rick Kersbergen, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Sustainable Dairy and Forage Systems

The post Common Ground Radio 7/1/16 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 5/6/16

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 May 2016 14:00:10 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Homesteading in Maine Key Discussion Points: a) Philosophy behind homesteading b) Building skills in resiliency c) Building sustainable communities Guests: Jason Tessier, Tessiers Farm, Skowhegan, ME Elizabeth Siegal, Heritage Home Farm, Appleton, ME Kathy Gaskin, homesteader, Morrill, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 5/6/16 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 4/1/16

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 14:00:14 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Soil Management in Organic Farming Systems Key Discussion Points: a) Basics of soil structure and composition b) Chemical and biological characteristics of soil c) Building and maintaining soil fertility Guests: Eric Sideman, MOFGA Bruce Hoskins, Maine Soil Testing Service Nicolas Lindholm, Hackmatack Farm and Blue Hill Berry Co., Penobscot, ME Paul Volckhausen, Happy Town Farm, Orland, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 4/1/16 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/4/16

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 14:00:14 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Farm to Institution Key Discussion Points: a) Farm to institution movement in New England b) Institutional success stories c) Challenges of getting more local food into institutions Guests: Riley Neugebauer, Farm to Institution New England Simca Horwitz, Massachusetts Farm to School

The post Common Ground Radio 3/4/16 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/4/15

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:00:35 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Keynote Address, 2015 Farmer-to-Farmer Conference, recorded 11/8/15 at Point Lookout, Northport, Maine Key Discussion Points: History of Butterworks Farm, Westfield, VT Changes in organic farming over past 40 years Guests: Jack Lazor, Butterworks Farm, Westfield, VT Ann Lazor, Butterworks Farm, Westfield, VT

The post Common Ground Radio 12/4/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 11/6/15

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:00:11 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Maine Heritage Apples Key Discussion Points: a) History of Maine heritage apples b) Efforts to cultivate and conserve heritage apple varieties c) Basics of fruit exploration Guests: John Bunker, Fedco Trees Todd-Little Siebold, College of the Atlantic

The post Common Ground Radio 11/6/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/4/15

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 14:00:12 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Solar Energy on Maine Farms Key Discussion Points: a) History of renewable energy production on farms b) Production of solar energy c) Cultural considerations Guests: Bill Behrens, ReVision Energy, Liberty, ME Anna Demeo, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME Steven Katona, MDI Clean Energy Partners, Bar Harbor, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 9/4/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/7/15

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 14:00:44 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne (assisted by Annabelle and Stella Walke) Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Growing Rice in the Northeast Key Discussion Points: a) Cultivation methods and techniques b) Fertility requirements and management c) Processing and storage Guests: Laura Hill, Integrated Biological Science Program, University of Vermont Ben Rooney, Wild Folk Farm, Benton, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 8/7/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/5/15

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 14:00:55 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne (assisted by Annabelle and Stella Walke) Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Pasture Management and Grazing Key Discussion Points: a) Pasture management in Maine b) Grazing practices for ruminants c) Forage production Guests: Rick Kersbergen, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Orono, ME Diane Schivera, Organic Livestock Specialist, MOFGA, Unity, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 6/5/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 5/1/15

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 May 2015 14:00:34 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Soils and Spring Garden Prep Key Discussion Points: a) Basics of soil structure and composition b) Chemical and biological characteristics of soils c) Building and maintaining soil fertility Guests: Eric Sideman, Organic Crop Specialist, MOFGA, Unity, ME Bruce Hoskins, Maine Soil Testing Service, U-Maine, Orono, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 5/1/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/6/15

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:00:25 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Biodynamic Farming Key Discussion Points: a) History of biodynamics b) Philosophy of biodynamics c) Biodynamic practices and techniques Guests: Deb Soule, Avena Botanicals, Rockport, ME Tom Griffin, Hope’s Edge Farm, Hope, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 3/6/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/6/15

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 14:00:39 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Key Discussion Points: a) History of CSA movement b) Structure of community supported agriculture c) Examples of CSA farms and programs Guests: Glenon Friedman, Bar Harbor Community Farm, Bar Harbor, ME Mike Bahner, Bahner Farm, Belmont, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 2/6/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/2/15

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 14:00:11 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Joel Mann Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Gleaning and Food Recovery Key Discussion Points: a) History of gleaning b) Grocery store inventory management c) Organic Recyclers, Healthy Acadia Guests: Chris Brown, Organic Recyclers, Brown Family Farm Tina Keagley, Healthy Acadia volunteer

The post Common Ground Radio 1/2/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/5/14

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 14:00:07 +0000

Producer/Host: Cheryl Wixson Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Cooperatives (Co-op) Key Discussion Points: a) History of cooperative business models b) Working examples of cooperative models c) Challenges and success Guests: Allen White, President, Island Employee Cooperative, Deere Isle, ME Betsy Garrold, FEDCO Jonah Fertig, Cooperative Development Institute Political Broadcast: No

The post Common Ground Radio 12/5/14 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/3/14

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 14:00:09 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Maine Heritage Apples Key Discussion Points: a) History of Maine heritage apples b) Efforts to cultivate and conserve heritage apple varieties c) Basics of fruit exploration Guests: A) John Bunker, Fedco Trees B) Todd-Little Siebold, College of the Atlantic

The post Common Ground Radio 10/3/14 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/5/14

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:00:04 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Joel Mann Program Topic: Antibiotic Use in Livestock Production Key Discussion Points: a) History of antibiotic use (human and animal) b) Concerns for human health c) Current policy on antibiotic use Guests: A) Don Hoenig, Extension Veterinarian, University of Maine B) Jennifer Obadia, New England Coordinator, Health Care without Harm C) Paul Volckhausen, Farmer, Happy Town Farm, Orland, ME

The post Common Ground Radio 9/5/14 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/1/14

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:00:30 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Joel Mann Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Land Access for Beginning Farmers Key Discussion Points: a) Beginning farmer resources in Maine b) Land access challenges c) Creative financial strategies Guests: A) Ted Quaday, Executive Director, MOFGA B) Jo Barrett, Maine Field Agent, Land for Good C ) Everett Ottinger, Farmer, Nettie Fox Farm

The post Common Ground Radio 8/1/14 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 7/4/14

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 14:00:04 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Permaculture as a Design Process Key Discussion Points: a) Permaculture as a systems approach b) Permaculture ethics and activities c) Statewide resources and gatherings Guests: A) Lisa Fernandes, Executive Director, The Resilience Hub B) Jesse Watson, Principle Designer, Mid-Coast Permaculture

The post Common Ground Radio 7/4/14 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/6/14

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:00:33 +0000

Producer/Host: C.J. Walke Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Organic Food and Farming in Maine Program Topic: Homesteading in Maine Key Discussion Points: a) philosophies b) political activism c) practices and techniques Guests: Betsy Garrold, homesteader Noah Dillard, homesteader Anneli Carter-Sundqvist, Deer Isle Hostel and Homestead

The post Common Ground Radio 6/6/14 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 4/4/14

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 14:00:16 +0000

Host: Cheryl Wixson Engineer: Joel Mann Program Topic: Backyard Rabbits Key Discussion Points: a) housing, selecting a breed b) food and nutrition c) cooking and eating Guests: Erin Bibles, rabbit owner Meg Anderson, Unity barn manager Diane Schivera, MOFGA lifestock specialist

The post Common Ground Radio 4/4/14 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/7/14

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:00:04 +0000

Host: Cheryl Wixson Engineer: Amy Browne Program Topic: Home beer brewing Key Discussion Points: a) how to begin, materials b) growing your own hops and other things c) bottling and testing! Guests: Dennis Fisher, author & farmer Joe Fisher, author & farmer Mia Strong, Strong Brewery

The post Common Ground Radio 3/7/14 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/4/13

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 14:00:53 +0000

Host: Cheryl Wixson Engineer: Joel Mann Program Topic: Backyard Orchards Key Discussion Points: a) preparing the soil b) varieties and types of fruit c) pests & diseases Guests: A) C.J. Walke MOFGA B) Phil Norris Clayfield farm orchardist

The post Common Ground Radio 10/4/13 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/6/13

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 14:00:17 +0000

Host: Melissa White Pillsbury Engineer: Amy Browne Program Topic: Celebrating Local AND Organic Farms, Foods and Products in Maine Key Discussion Points: a) variety and availability of Maine organic foods b) local farms and food businesses growing and developing c) challenges associated with committing to buying/using/eating Maine organic foods Guests: A) Philip McFarland, Cheryl Wixson’s Kitchen B) Jim Ahearne, Common Ground Country Fair, MOFGA

The post Common Ground Radio 9/6/13 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/7/13

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:00:51 +0000

Host: Dave Colson Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Homesteading Program Topic: Homesteading Key Discussion Points: a) History of homesteading b) Training c) tools and techniques Guests: A) Anu Dudley, Local (WALDO County) Homesteader and Farm and Homestead Day Volunteer B) Joe Dupree, Local (WALDO County) Homesteader and Farm and Homestead Day Volunteer

The post Common Ground Radio 6/7/13 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 5/3/13

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:00:12 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Chery Wixson, MOFGA Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Program Topic: Spring Gardening Chores Key Discussion Points: a) when to plant b) composting c)turning the soil Guests: Diane Schiveria MOFGA Jean English MOFGA Beedy Parker, Camden home gardener

The post Common Ground Radio 5/3/13 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/1/13

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:00:49 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Melissa White Pillsbury, MOFGA Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Program Topic: Ecological Gardening Key Discussion Points: a) ecological gardening principles b) using natives in the garden and landscape c) conservation of natural resources Guests by name and affiliation: A) Peter Beckford, Rebel Hill Farm B) Bill Errickson, Singing Nettle Farm and Conscious Elements Permaculture

The post Common Ground Radio 3/1/13 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/4/13

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:00:55 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Cheryl Wixson, MOFGA Program Topic: Sustainable Agriculture in Central America Key Discussion Points: a) What is happening in this area to support sustainable agriculture b) Why is this important in this region c) How does this fit into the overall food systems Guests: A) Karen & Paul Volkausen US El Salvador sister cities B) Florence Reed Sustainable Harvest International C ) Jan Morrill International allies against metallic mining in El Salvador

The post Common Ground Radio 2/4/13 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/4/13

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:00:26 +0000

Producers/Hosts: MOFGA staff A tribute to Russell Libby

The post Common Ground Radio 1/4/13 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 11/2/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:00:20 +0000

Host: Melissa White Pillsbury Engineer: Amy Browne Program Topic: Prepping the Garden for Winter Key Discussion Points: a) orchard management b) preparing perennial beds for winter c) indoor container gardening Guests by name and affiliation: A) Izzy McKay, Half Moon Gardens B) CJ Walke, MOFGA Call In Program

The post Common Ground Radio 11/2/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/5/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:00:28 +0000

Hosts: Andrew Marshall & Cheryl Wixson, MOFGA Engineer: Joel Mann Issue: Food & Farming in Maine Program Topic: Growing Garlic A) cultivation, site selection B) varieties & cooking C) pests and diseases Guests: Tom Vigue KiwiHill FArm Eric Sideman Maine Organic FArmers Call In Program: yes

The post Common Ground Radio 10/5/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/7/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:00:30 +0000

Producer/Host: MOFGA – Melissa White Pillsbury Topic: Teaching Kids about Food and Farming Why is it important to educate youth on farming and agriculture? What programs & opportunities exist for Maine youth to learn about food & farming? What’s happening on Friday at the Common Ground Fair for kids/school groups? Guests: Ellie Libby, Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Jim Ahearne, Common Ground Country Fair Director, MOFGA

The post Common Ground Radio 9/7/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground 8/3/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:00:15 +0000

Host: Cheryl Wixson, MOFGA Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Food, Farming & Agriculture in Maine Program Topic: Food processing *safe processes for home canning *low acid canning *pressure canning Guests: Jim Baranski Shalom Orchard & Winery Felicia Dumont University of Maine cooperative extension Call In Program: Yes

The post Common Ground 8/3/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 7/6/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:00:47 +0000

Producer/Host: MOFGA- Melissa White Pillbury Studio Engineer: Joel Mann Topic: Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring What have we learned since Silent Spring? What impact did Rachel Carson have on the environmentalist movement? What are the urgent environmental issues today? Guests: Kaiulani Lee, writer, actress, “A Sense of Wonder” Heather Spaulding, Deputy Director, MOFGA & Environmental Activist

The post Common Ground Radio 7/6/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 6/1/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:00:16 +0000

Host: Cheryl Wixson MOFGA Engineer: Joel Mann Program Topic: Maine Spirits Key Discussion Points (list at least 3): 1. difference between a wine & a spirit 2. history of spirits, how to make them 3. legal implications & licensing Guests by name and affiliation: A) Bruce Olsen Tree Spirits of maine B) Keith Bodyne Sweet Grass Farm Winery & Distillery Call In Program: Yes Political Broadcast: NO

The post Common Ground Radio 6/1/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 5/4/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:20 +0000

Host: Cheryl Wixson MOFGA Engineer: Amy Browne Program Topic: Seedlings Key Discussion Points: a. temperature requirements, last frost date b. soil mixes c light requirements, hardening off Guests: A) Andrew Marshall, MOFGA B) Dave Colson , MOFGA Call In Program: Yes

The post Common Ground Radio 5/4/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 4/6/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:00:17 +0000

Host: Cheryl Wixson MOFGA Diane Schiveria MOFGA Engineer: Amy Browne Program Topic: Backyard chickens Key Discussion Points: a. housing requirements, breeds b. feed, free-range, predators c.marketing eggs Guests by name and affiliation: A)Clifton Page B) Samuel Page Call In Program: Yes

The post Common Ground Radio 4/6/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/2/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:00:22 +0000

Host: Cheryl Wixson MOFGA Engineer: Amy Browne Broadcast Time: 10 AM – 11 AM Program Topic: Maple syrup Key Discussion Points (list at least 3): a. length of season, sugar content of trees b. maintaining the health of the sugar bush c.value added products, uses of the product Guests: MaryAnn Kinney Kinney Sugarhouse Paul Volkhausen Happytown Farm Call In Program: Yes

The post Common Ground Radio 3/2/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/3/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:24 +0000

Broadcast Time: 10 AM – 11 AM Program Topic:Family Cow Key Discussion Points: a)Requirements in terms of time b) feed, pasture, health, hay c) what to do with the milk Guests by name and affiliation: A) diane Schiveira MOFGA B) Megan Gerriston Wood Prairie Farm C ) Christine Baker Sunnyside Farm Call In Program: Yes Political Broadcast: NO Host: Cheryl Wixson MOFGA Engineer: Amy Browne

The post Common Ground Radio 2/3/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/6/12

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:49 +0000

Issue: Seeds Program Name: Common Ground Radio Hour Broadcast Date: January 6, 2012 Broadcast Time: 10 am Program Topic: Seeds Key Discussion Points (list at least 3): a) Seed varieties for 2012 b) Ideas for how to extend growing season c) Plants that serve as hosts for pollinators Guests by name and affiliation: A) Roberta Bailey, FEDCO Seeds B) Heron Breen, FEDCO Seeds C ) Paul Gallione, Johnny’s Selected Seeds Call In Program: YES Political Broadcast: NO Host: Melissa White Pillsbury & Russell Libby, MOFGA Engineer: Amy Browne

The post Common Ground Radio 1/6/12 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 12/2/11

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:00:30 +0000

Issue: Livestock processing in Maine Broadcast Time: 10 am Program Topic: Livestock processing Key Discussion Points (list at least 3): a) Opportunities to grow livestock markets in Maine b) Need for improved access to slaughterhouses c) Consumers are making a difference through their purchasing decisions Calls: Access to markets. Issues around distance to slaughterhouses. On-farm slaughter question. Guests by name and affiliation: A) Tom Gilbert, Herring Brothers, Guilford B) Ben Slayton, Farmer’s Gate Market, Leeds Call In Program: Yes Host: Melissa White Pillsbury & Russell Libby Engineer: Amy Browne

The post Common Ground Radio 12/2/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 11/4/11

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:00:08 +0000

Issue: Farm and Food Policy Program Name: Common Ground Broadcast Date: 11.4.11 Broadcast Time: 10-11 am Program Topic: Farm & Food Policy Key Discussion Points: a) Local Foods Act, HR 3286 b) Farm insurance c) Building local markets for food Guests by name and affiliation: A) Congresswoman Chellie Pingree B) Brian Snyder, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture C ) Katie Green, Cheryl Wixson, Russell Libby Call In Program: Yes Political Broadcast: No Host: Russell Libby Engineer: Amy Browne

The post Common Ground Radio 11/4/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 9/2/11

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:00:32 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Cheryl Wixson, Jim Ahearn, MOFGA Studion Engineer: Joel Mann Topic: Common Ground Country Fair Dates/purpose of fair. How is it orgainized? Needs, conversation, purpose Guests: Cynthia Thayer, Darthia Farm; Mathew Strong Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio 9/2/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/5/11

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:00:41 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Russell Libby and Cheryl Wixson, MOFGA Topic: 40 Years of MOFGA IAH–housing/new farmer, fishermen? Hancock– How do we balance local/organic with trade Port Clyde– How we connect with fishermen Guest: Ron Poitras, Small Potatoes Farm, Surry Call-in show

The post Common Ground Radio 8/5/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 7/1/11

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:00:17 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Melissa Pillsbury White, MOFGA Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Topic: Maine Food Independence Day How are we getting more Maine food on Maine plates? What projects/models are working to reach new people with local foods? How do we achieve food independence in Maine? Guests: Sara Trunzo, Unity College; Laura Binger, Food AND Medicine Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio 7/1/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 5/6/11

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:00:25 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Cheryl Wixson, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Topic: Public Policy How does the public (consumer) participate in the process? What can citizens do to protect themselves from toxics? What is the civics process of bills in the legislature? Guests: Andy O’Brien, State Representative, District 44; Jim Gerritson, Wood Prairie Farm, Bridgewater; Heather Spaulding, Associate Director, MOFGA Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio 5/6/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 3/4/11

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:00:58 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Cheryl Wixson & Russell Libby, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association staff Topic: Organic. What is the meaning of organic? What is organic certification? Why is it important? Guests: Mary Yurlina, Director of MOFGA Organic Certification ; Nicolas Lindhom, Hackmatack Farm & Blueberry Hill Berry Company Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio 3/4/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 2/4/11

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:00:40 +0000

Producer/Hosts: Maine Organic Farmers and Gardener’s Association (MOFGA) staff, Russell Libby and Cheryl Wixson Topic: Community Supported Fish What is “community supported fish”? Why is it important to support this industry? What are other ways to preserve the product? Guests: Evie Smith, PERC Glenn Libby, Port Clyde Fresh Catch Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio 2/4/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 1/7/11

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:00:57 +0000

Producers/Hosts: MOFGA Staff Melissa White Pillsbury, Cheryl Wixson and Russell Libby Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Topic: Farmer’s Markets in Maine How are farmer’s markets addressing transportation issues? What is the role of farmer’s markets in the community? How to improve roads? Guests: Tom Roberts, Snakeroot Farm, Pittsfield, Maine snakeroot.net Mark Guzzi, Peacemeal Farm, Dixmont, Maine, peacemeal@midmaine.com Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio 1/7/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 11/5/10

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:00:02 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Melissa White Pillsbury and Cheryl Wilson, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Topic: Local Food Movement and Local Food Coops What is a coop model? What roles do coops play in local food? Where do coops source from? Guests: Chris Grigsby, Belfast Coop; Tony Ortega, Blue Hill Coop Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio 11/5/10 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 10/1/10

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:00:33 +0000

Common Ground Radio 9/3/10

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Melissa White Pillsbury, Russell Libby, Andrew Marshall and Cheryl Wixson of Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) Topic: Common Ground Country Fair What are options for getting to the fair? What special speakers or events are happening at the fair this year? What volunteer opportunities are there? Guests: Jim Ahearne, Common Ground Country Fair Director; Mary Chamberlin, Common Ground Country Fair Volunteer Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio 9/3/10 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 8/6/10

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:00:37 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association (MOFGA) staff: Russell Libby, Melissa White Pillsbury, Andrew Marshall, Cheryl Wixson Topics: Organic Gardening/Farming, Pest Issues Around Tomatoes, Climate Change, Verticillium

The post Common Ground Radio 8/6/10 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio 7/2/10

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:00:13 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Russell Libby, Cheryl Wilson, Melissa White Pillsbury, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardener’s Association Topic: Food Independence Day! What is the history of the local food movement in Hancock County and in Maine? What are the challenges and opportunities for eating more Maine foods year ’round? What are you going to eat on Food Independence Day? Guests: Paul Volckhausen, Owner/farmer, Happytown Farm; Cary Hansen, co-owner, Cleonice & Table Restaurants Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio 7/2/10 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Common Ground Radio DEBUT! 6/3/10

info@weru.org (WERU-FM) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:00:05 +0000

Producers/Hosts: Andrew Marshall, Melissa White, Cheryl Wixson and Russell Libby of Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Topic: Intro to the new show What local foods are available and in season? How can they be found? What resources are available for new and beginning farmers in Maine? What options for local foods access are available for low-income folks? Guest: Jo Barrett, King Hill Farm, www.kinghillfarm.org FMI: www.mofga.org Call in show

The post Common Ground Radio DEBUT! 6/3/10 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.