A word from our sponsor . . .

For about a year now, I have been on the board of a truly remarkable organization. The Vermont chapter of the Northeast Organic Farmer's Association (NOFA-VT) "is a non-profit association of consumers, gardeners, and diversified farmers who share a vision of local, organic agriculture. Through education and member participation, NOFA-VT works to strengthen agriculture in Vermont."

But that little mission statement doesn't really do justice to the breadth and positivity of the work done by the extremely talented (and under compensated) staff of NOFA-VT. I mean, check out all the stuff NOFA-VT does, all with about 6-10 staff people (depending on how you count). Food education in schools, transitioning conventional farms to organic practices, certifying organic goods for consumers, providing technical assistance and resources for established and young farmers, creating and supporting markets for local, healthy food -- I mean, this is great work that is making the world a cleaner, healthier, and hopefully happier place.

Now, I am trumpeting the glory of NOFA-VT for two reasons. First, I spent some time on Monday at a board retreat, and as a result I am inspired by the work being done by both the NOFA-VT staff and the other board members (all of whom are significantly more accomplished than I am, at least when it comes to working in the agriculture community.)

But second, I have taken it upon myself to attempt to raise some money for NOFA-VT. Not that I really know how to do that. I mean, I don't know the first thing about fundraising, but I figured I would start by asking.

So I am asking any family and friends out there to make a donation to NOFA-VT in the name of Old Shaw Farm instead of getting me a Christmas gift. I am serious. And this comes from someone who really, really likes getting Christmas gifts. But, in the end, there really isn't too much stuff I need, and I would be happier knowing that some new resources are going to NOFA-VT. So I don't want anything on Christmas morning -- except a check to NOFA-VT for $5, $10, or I guess I could accept anything up to $10000000, if you would like.

And for the two or three of you out there in blog-land who hadn't planned on getting me a gift, anything would be appreciated. If you like this blog, send a check made out to NOFA-VT for $5 and I can forward it. Seriously. For some strange reason, between 100 and 200 people check this blog everyday, and most months we have about 500-600 unique visitors. If everyone gave $5, that would be . . . let's see . . . carry the one . . . well, a lot of money.

So, how do we do this? The easiest way would be to send a check made out to NOFA-VT to Old Shaw Farm, P.O. Box 181, Peacham, VT 05862. I will then bundle the 500 $5 checks and get them to the powers that be at NOFA-VT.

The other way is to bypass Old Shaw Farm altogether, and become a NOFA-VT member. In some ways, this is might be better, because building our membership base is crucial to NOFA-VT's long term survival, and pumped up membership numbers make the organization more attractive to bigger, institutional donors.

If this doesn't work, we may try the bake sale next.

I thank you, everyone who cares about a safe and healthy food system thanks you, and the Earth thanks you!!!

P.S. Before anyone mistakenly thinks this is all about altruism, it isn't. The fact of the matter is that our farm has directly benefited from NOFA-VT's technical assistance programs, conferences, and market building efforts. So helping NOFA-VT helps organic farmers, which includes us.

P.P.S. I also hope it is obvious that we ourselves will be giving to NOFA-VT until it hurts.