NOFA/RI Announces Workshop on Crop Rotation and Soil Fertility

CRANSTON, RI – The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island (NOFA/RI) is pleased to announce the next Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) workshop focused on soil fertility and crop rotation with “Raise Better Vegetables with Chickens in Crop Rotations” on Tuesday, June 23 starting from 5:30 -7:00 p.m. In case of rain, this workshop will be held on June 30 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Find full details at nofari.org. John Kenny will host the workshop at Big Train Farm, 35 Pippin Orchard Rd, Cranston, RI. This free workshop will be open to everyone.

John Kenny will explain how rotating 125 organic chickens around his 2-acre certified organic farm has improved produce yields at Big Train Farm. Beginning and experienced growers will learn how to improve soil biology, fertility and specialty crop yields by including a chicken tractor in their crop rotation plans.

This 2-acre farm is one of seven incubator farms at Urban Edge Farm, owned by Southside Community Land Trust. Established in 2008, Big Train Farm sells produce and eggs through a 25-week mix-and-match CSA and wholesale accounts. CSA customers may also purchase weekly shares of fruits, flowers, meats and breads from other growers, producers and restaurants.

John is a NOFA/RI Organic Farm Advisor specializing in tractor operations, soil test interpretation and field planning. Each year John offers a 3-part workshop on Soil Health and Plant Science for farmers and gardeners. His courses include basic soil science, crop science and soil maintenance principles focused on organic growing techniques. He also hosts workshops on agriculture, natural science and field botany.

CRAFT Workshops
The CRAFT workshop series shares grower experiences and best practices between farmers, farm workers, apprentices and gardeners.

These workshops are free thanks to a generous Farm Viability grant from the RI Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture which seeks to enhance farmers’ ability to grow and market their specialty crops. Everyone is welcome. Registration is not required for CRAFT Workshops.

Organization
Formed in 1990, NOFA/RI is an organization of farmers, consumers, gardeners and environmentalists working to promote organic farming and organic land care practices. NOFA/RI fosters a healthy relationship to the natural world through educational workshops, advocacy and participation in local and regional events. NOFA/RI works to increase the acreage of land sustainably and organically managed and to provide access to local organic food for all Rhode Islanders. Learn more about NOFA/RI at nofari.org or email nofari@live.com.

NOFA/RI is affiliated with six other NOFA chapters through the NOFA Interstate Council. This growing regional association of seven state chapters representing over 5,800 farmers, farm workers, apprentices, gardeners, chefs and consumer members. Learn more about the NOFA Interstate Council at nofa.org.

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