The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) is a non-profit association of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations.

NOFA-VT was founded in Vermont in 1971 and is the oldest organic farming association in the U.S. We focus on six key areas: Agricultural Education, Community Food Security, Organic Certification, Promotion, Social Action, and Technical Assistance.

Dairy Technical Assistance Program

Some of the biggest challenges for farmers when transitioning to organic dairy production are learning new ways to manage the health of their herd and the fertility of their soils. Organic farming strives to create a healthy farm system; one that will enhance the biological activity of their soils and have a positive affect on the quality of life and production of their animals.

Ongoing dairy technical assistance includes:

• Visitsto farms interested in making the transition to organic dairy production.
• Workshops offered throughout the year on animal health & nutrition, soil health, growing grains & forages, and organic dairy certification.
• Grants of up to $200 per farm are available for educational purposes to assist the farmer in becoming a better farm manager.
• Resources for organic livestock and dairy production includes a resource listing, animal health products listing, numerous articles on livestock health and land management, and an economic comparison of organic and conventional dairy production.
• Farmer Mentors work with certified producers as they make improvements in their farm system.
• Feedback to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on issues important to organic livestock and dairy issues.
• Coordination of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, providing a quarterly newsletter, web site (www.nodpa.com), and administrative support for the Vermont Organic Milk Producers Association

Apprentice and Willing Workers Program

Having the opportunity to work on an organic farm is a valuable and rewarding form of education. Vermont farms offer exciting learning opportunities whether you are looking for a more structured experience (apprenticeship) or general farm work (willing worker). To aid interested individuals in their search for farm experience, NOFA publishes a directory each year of Vermont farms looking for apprentices and willing workers. You can use the directory to contact farms and find a situation that fits the farming experience you are looking for. NOFA does notprovide a placement or matching service but we are happy to serve as a resource if you have questions or concerns along your search.

Applicants in the program receive:

• A directory of over 65 farmers looking for apprentices and willing workers. Each farm has a half page listing which describes the farm, skills to be learned, area of expertise, and contact info. The farms also give specifics about work situation, room/board, wage, and dates of the position.
• Full day apprentice training and gathering held early in June as well as other apprentice gatherings and farm tours throughout the summer.
• Free Admission to all NOFA-VT summer on-farm workshops. Workshops are held June-September and cover a wide range of organic gardening and farming topics. The workshops are led by local farmers and held on farm.

To apply, complete the application (available on our website or by contacting the office) and return with $25 application fee. While there is not a deadline for applying, t he majority of apprenticeships are available from spring to fall. In addition, there are some early spring opportunities on maple syrup operations and some dairy farms have year round placements.

Financial Assistance: Green Mountain Growers Revolving Loan Fund

NOFA-VT offers a revolving loan fund to farmers that farm with sustainable agricultural practices; organic farmers; farmers that are interested in making the transition to sustainable management practices; and/or farmers that are interested in making the transition to organic management.

or More Information:
NOFA-VT
P.O. Box 697
Richmond, VT 05477
Phone: 802-434-4122
email: info@nofavt.org
website: www.nofavt.org