Action Alert: Genetically Engineered SalmonFDA poised to approve genetically engineered salmon despite unknown risks to human health Comments due February 25, 2013 January 10, 2013 DNA of the top fish has been genetically engineered to produce growth hormones all the time for its entire life. People who eat this fish will be eating this DNA, along with the growth hormones. Despite overwhelming opposition from citizens and public interest groups to genetically engineered (GE) food, including 400,000 public comments opposing GE salmon, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced December 26, 2012 that it is prepared to give transgenic salmon its final stamp of approval. The FDA failed to address serious concerns about the safety of consuming salmon that has been genetically engineered to produce growth hormones at all times, allowing it to grow faster and bigger than natural salmon. The FDA has not conducted any safety testing, and merely assumes that the genetically engineered salmon is safe to eat. The FDA has also not considered the potential ecological and economic impacts of approving genetically engineered salmon. Salmon is an integral part of the ecosystem, and the accidental escape of genetically engineered salmon could devastate populations of native salmon, as well as the fish and marine mammals that depend on salmon for their food. Scientists have predicted that escaped GE salmon would likely wipe out wild salmon populations, which will destroy the livelihood of coastal communities that depend on fishing. Despite the fact that the vast majority of Americans do not want to eat genetically modified organisms, this salmon will not be labeled as such. Yet the Obama administration is willing to gamble with our health for the financial benefit of one biotechnology company. US citizens have the opportunity to comment to the FDA, expressing support or opposition to genetically engineered salmon. Instructions for submitting public comment: To submit your comment electronically: For the required field “Organization Name,” please enter “Citizen.” To mail your comment: Division of Dockets Management (HFA- 305) Include the following docket number in your mailed comment: FDA-2011-N-0899 Comments must be received by the FDA no later than February 25, 2013. Sample Letter To the FDA: Please do not approve genetically engineered salmon. The health risks of consuming salmon that has been genetically altered to produce growth hormones at all times are unknown. Your claim that genetically engineered salmon is safe to eat is based on an assumption, not on rigorous scientific investigation. The accidental release of transgenic salmon could be devastating to marine ecosystems and wild salmon populations. It is naïve to assume that no transgenic fish will escape into the wild. The National Academy of Sciences wrote that release of transgenic fish is “of immediate concern” and “might pose environmental hazards.” These impacts would likely be irreversible. I urge you to put human health, the environment, and the economic well-being of coastal fishing communities first. The FDA should rely on independent and credible science, not on science supplied by the corporation that stands to profit from your approval. Please delay approval of genetically engineered salmon until the results of independent scientific studies show that genetically engineered fish is safe to eat and harmless to the environment. Please also require the labeling of GE foods, to allow consumers to make an informed choice. Sincerely, [Your Name]Additional Action If you would like to do more, please contact your legislators, asking them to block the approval of GE salmon. To find contact information for your representative and two senators: House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ Senate: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm The Cornucopia Institute, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit farm policy research group, is dedicated to the fight for economic justice for the family-scale farming community. Its Organic Integrity Project acts as a corporate and governmental watchdog assuring that no compromises to the credibility of organic farming methods and the food it produces are made in the pursuit of profit.
The Cornucopia Institute P.O. Box 126 Cornucopia, WI 54827 www.cornucopia.org
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Kick Toxic Chemicals Out Of MA In 2013The journey to pass the Healthy Families and Businesses Act is off to a great start. Several state legislators have pledged to cosponsor this great bill, but we will need even more support to give this bill the running start it needs. Please write to your legislators now and ask them to co-sponsor the Healthy Families and Businesses Act. The Healthy Families and Businesses Act is a new version of the Safer Alternatives Bill, that you have helped us support in previous years. We all know someone living with cancer, asthma, learning disabilities, birth defects, or other devastating health problems linked to toxic chemicals. Massachusetts can protect the health of citizens and save in health care costs by passing legislation that would replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives wherever feasible. Cosponsoring the Healthy Families and Businesses Act is the best way your Senators and Representatives can help give it a strong start this session. Please write to your legislators today, and let them know you want to see this bill become law in 2013. Thanks for all you do. Sincerely, Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow 262 Washington Street, Suite 601
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40th Anniversary of the Endangered Species ActThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will honor the 40th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act with a year-long commemoration of the Act that has been so successful in stabilizing populations of species at risk, preventing the extinction of many others and conserving the habitats upon which they depend. The bald eagle, brown pelican, Lake Erie watersnake, American alligator and Maguire daisy are all species that were on the brink of extinction, but have successfully rebounded. The wood stork, Kirtland’s warbler, Okaloosa darter, black-footed ferret and Louisiana black bear are also listed species that are showing significant progress towards recovery. These species are just a few examples of those benefiting from the protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act and the dedicated people who work to ensure their continued existence. The Service launched a dedicated web site spotlighting the history and accomplishments of efforts to protect and recover America’s threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, found at www.fws.gov/endangered/ESA40/index.html. Throughout this year leading up to the 40th anniversary on December 28, 2013, the Service will celebrate stories of conservation success in every state across the country, provide information on the milestones of this historical law, share images and videos and provide opportunities for families to participate in free, educational activities together. To connect with the Endangered Species Program throughout the year via social media, please join us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. America’s fish, wildlife and plant resources belong to all of us, and ensuring the health of imperiled species is a shared responsibility. Learn more about the Service’s Endangered Species program, and explore what endangered species are near you, please visit www.fws.gov/endangered. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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Decrease in 2011 Toxic Chemical Releases in MassachusettsEPA’s most recent Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data is now available for the reporting year of 2011. In Massachusetts, the reporting data show that overall releases of pollutants to the environment have decreased since the previous reporting year (2010). TRI information is a key part of EPA’s efforts to provide greater access to environmental information and get information to the public as quickly as possible. TRI reporting provides Americans with vital information about their communities by publishing information on toxic chemical disposals and releases into the air, land and water, as well as information on waste management and pollution prevention activities in neighborhoods across the country. During 2011, the latest year for which data are available, approximately 18.96 million pounds of chemicals were released in the six New England states, a reduction of about 1,690,960 pounds. In Massachusetts, 433 facilities reported in 2011 approximately 3.2 million pounds (a decrease of 1,118,170 pounds). Approximately 58.58 percent of releases in Massachusetts were emitted to the air during 2011. Approximately 0.7 percent of releases in Massachusetts were released to the land during 2011. “EPA is proud of our long-term commitment of putting accessible, meaningful information in the hands of the American people so we can be informed about chemicals found in our own communities and neighborhoods,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “Environmental data such as TRI is fundamental to helping people protect the health of their families and themselves, and provides communities with valuable information on toxic chemical releases.” Each year, EPA makes publicly available TRI data reported by industries throughout the United States regarding chemical releases to air, water and land by power plants, manufacturers and other facilities which employ ten or more workers and exceed thresholds for chemicals. Reporting includes information on chemicals released at a company’s facility, as well as those transported to disposal facilities off site. TRI data do not reflect the relative toxicity of the chemicals emitted or potential exposure to people living in a community with reported releases. Facilities must report their chemical disposals and releases by July 1 of each year. EPA made the 2011 preliminary TRI dataset available on Oct. 31, 2012. Reporting under TRI does not indicate illegal discharges of pollutants to the environment. EPA works closely with states to provide regulatory oversight of facilities that generate pollution to the nation’s air, land and water. Effective review and permitting programs work to ensure that the public and the environment are not subjected to unhealthful levels of pollution, even as agencies work to further reduce emissions of chemicals to the environment. Enforcement efforts by EPA and states ensure that facilities that violate their environmental permits are subject to penalties and corrective action. Yearly releases by individual facilities can vary due to factors such as power outages, production variability, lulls in the business cycle, etc., that do not reflect a facility’s pollution prevention program(s). The top ten chemicals released to the environment on- and off-site during 2011 in Massachusetts were:
The ten facilities that reported the largest quantity of on- and off-site environmental releases in Massachusetts under TRI for 2011 were:
This year, EPA is offering additional information to make the TRI data more meaningful and accessible to all communities. The TRI analysis now highlights toxic disposals and releases to large aquatic ecosystems, selected urban communities, and tribal lands. EPA has improved this year’s TRI national analysis report by adding new information on facility efforts to reduce pollution and by considering whether economic factors could have affected the TRI data. With this report and EPA’s Web-based TRI tools, citizens can access information about the toxic chemical releases into the air, water, and land that occur locally. Finally, EPA’s first mobile application for accessing TRI data, myRTK, is now available in Spanish, as are expanded Spanish translations of national analysis documents and Web pages. TRI was established in 1986 by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and later modified by the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. Together, these laws require facilities in certain industries to report annually on releases, disposal and other waste management activities related to these chemicals. TRI data are submitted annually to EPA and states by multiple industry sectors including manufacturing, metal mining, electric utilities, and commercial hazardous waste facilities. EPA continues to work closely with the regulated community to ensure that facilities understand and comply with their reporting requirements under TRI and other community right-to-know statutes. EPA will once again hold training workshops throughout the New England region during the spring of 2013. Training sessions will be set up in each state. Further information will be available on our Web site. More information: – TRI in Massachusetts Fact Sheet (http://www.epa.gov/triexplorer/statefactsheet.htm) – Additional National information on TRI (http://www.epa.gov/tri/) # # # Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England (http://www.epa.gov/region1/newsevents/index.html) Follow EPA New England on Twitter (http://twitter.com/epanewengland) More info on EPA’s Environmental Results in New England (http://www.epa.gov/region1/results/index.html)
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Save Energy. Save Money.You can take a big bite out of the high cost and pollution of heating your home or business. Jane and Bruce Winn have cut their heating and electricity use about in half since 2005, and hope to further reduce their heating energy consumption (oil) further this year. The first step was to have a MassSave energy assessment. “Our light bulbs are all compact fluorescents or LEDs, most received for free from MassSave. Under a MassSave rebate program we got rid of our old refrigerator – a real energy hog – and bought a new one using a $300 energy efficiency rebate. The refrigerator paid for itself within the year.” said Jane Winn. “We took advantage of a cost share deal on air sealing and wall insulation for our house which cut our oil bills dramatically. The next steps will be more costly for us – solar hot water, photovoltaics, a heat pump, and switching from oil to used-veggie oil. But that is the long-term plan.” Throughout Vermont, heating efficiency has saved the average homeowner about $1,000 a year. (See a recent editorial here). Not only does improving your home’s efficiency save money, it reduces pollution. Every gallon of fossil fuel we don’t burn means less pollution. Please call (866) 527-7283 to see if you can schedule a no cost Home Energy Assessment. Learn how you can save up to 50% on your energy use all year. You could receive a 75% rebate up to $2,000 to complete recommended energy efficiency improvements. The less energy you use, the less your carbon foot print.
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Stop the Tar Sands Pipeline
Contact John Berkowitz for info about riding on a rented bus, or carpooling. This is the national rally for people to protest ExxonMobil and TransCanada’s plan to build a pipeline from northwestern Canada all the way down through Nebraska and Texas. President Obama will decide within a few months whether to grant a permit for these pipelines to be built. We must demand that he live up to his campaign promises to take action on climate change; approving these pipelines would be a disaster and deception.
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Be Part of the Movement for Rivers & Rights on March 14Everyone has a river story – and in celebration of the 16th annual International Day of Action for Rivers, we hope you will share yours with us. Whether you are a river activist, rafter, supporter, or all of these things, each of you has a love for rivers and a story that is unique. We will be bringing these stories together to celebrate the International Day of Action for Rivers on March 14, and to demonstrate and narrate the global importance of our rivers. The river of stories will be just one part of the March 14 International Day of Action for Rivers, which continues to grow each year. Last year, more than 150 events took place in 43 countries. In Mexico, actions across the country demanded that the government respect affected communities’ rights and halt plans for destructive projects such as La Parota Dam, which was officially cancelled in August 2012. The “Save Hasankeyf – Stop Ilisu!” campaign launched an international petition to stop Ilisu Dam on March 14, 2012. Just today the Turkish State Council ruled that the controversial project should be halted immediately. March 14 is a day to celebrate such victories, take to the streets, demonstrate and demand improvements in the policies and practices of decision makers that affect rivers and people, or simply bring your local community together to show love for a river. Above all, the International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life is a day to unite – by acting and speaking together, we demonstrate that our issues are not merely local but global. In 2013, add your voice to our collective story! Please email dayofaction@internationalrivers.org with your stories and planned action for March 14th. You can also visit our website to find actions happening in your region, and get involved. Find out more about our plans for gathering and sharing these river stories, along with some storytelling ideas and guidelines. For rivers and rights, Elizabeth Brink and Kate Ross For storytelling inspiration listen to our friend Daniel Ribeiro tell of his love affair with the Zambezi River in Mozambique. International Rivers, 2150 Allston Way, Suite 300, Berkeley CA 94704 USA
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Labor & Community Unite to Win!
The Western Massachusetts Jobs with Justice Educational, Organizing, & Membership ConferenceSaturday, March 2, 2013, 9:30am to 4:30pm (includes lunch) Holyoke Community College ~ Kittredge Center
Registration and other details coming!
There is no cost to attend this conference. It is fully underwritten by the grants and donations of generous supporters. You are invited to add your donation to theirs, now or at the conference. Please visit http://wmjwj.org/sustaining-western-mass-jobs-justice for more information on donations.
Keynote Speaker: Dale Melcher, retired Coordinator, the Labor Extension program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Tabling Opportunity for Progressive Organizations (send request to wmjwj@wmjwj.org)
Organizing Workshops & Plenaries
For more information: Western Mass. Jobs with Justice 640 Page Boulevard #101, Springfield MA 01104 v (413) 827-0301 wmjwj@wmjwj.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Founded in 1987, Jobs with Justice‘s mission is to improve working people’s standard of living, fight for job security, and protect workers’ right to organize. We believe workers’ rights are human rights and to be successful, we have to be part of a larger campaign for economic and social justice.
To that end, “J with J” has created a national coalition and a network of local coalitions that connect labor, community, student, and faith-based organizations and activists on workplace and community social justice campaigns. Western Mass JwJ – founded June 5, 1993 – is now a coalition of almost 70 organizations.
Let’s keep in touch – please check out our mailing lists at http://wmjwj.org/our-lists.
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Contact: Mary-Leah Assad (EEA/DOER) Catherine Williams (MassCEC) Ed Coletta (MassDEP) (617) 626-1809 (617) 315-9386 (617) 292-5737 Mary-leah.assad@state.ma.us cwilliams@masscec.com edmund.coletta@state.ma.us
Patrick-Murray Administration Relaunches Woodstove Exchange ProgramPopular renewable thermal program reopens with $800,000 in additional funding to swap out hundreds of old, inefficient stoves
WEST SPRINGFIELD – January 18, 2013 – The Patrick-Murray Administration’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs today announced the opening of the second round of the popular Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program, which provides up to $800,000 in rebates for the replacement of old, inefficient wood or coal-burning stoves for Massachusetts residents.
Residents who qualify for the program – which is administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) – will receive a voucher of either $1,000 or $2,000 to replace older non-EPA certified stove models with high-efficiency stoves that use less wood and release less air pollution.
A pilot version of the program opened on Dec. 27 and exhausted its $100,000 initial round of funding after just 12 days.
“The success of the pilot program shows the enthusiasm with which Massachusetts responds to opportunities to adopt clean energy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “With this second round of funding, we’re hoping more people can take part and bring the clean energy revolution into their homes.”
The second round of the program will be funded with $800,000 provided by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), with $300,000 available immediately and another $500,000 to follow. The second round of funding was announced at a kick-off event held at Fireside Designs in West Springfield, one of the program’s participating dealers.
“This program is another example of the Commonwealth’s commitment to clean air and clean energy,” said MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell. “The program will deliver localized air quality improvements to areas and neighborhoods where high-emitting stoves are operating for heating purposes. Replacing these units is particularly important in valley locations, which can experience elevated levels of fine particles due to temperature inversions.”
To qualify, residents must already have an existing woodstove to trade in and must receive approval for a rebate before purchasing the new woodstove. Woodstoves purchased before a rebate is awarded are not eligible for the program.
“These newer stoves are more efficient, saving families money on wood costs each month and provide better air quality, protecting our environment and public health,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt.
”Providing incentives to upgrade old, dirty stoves with cleaner, more efficient ones just makes sense,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “This woodstove change-out program also helps us meet our energy, environmental and economic goals. It is part of the investment Massachusetts is making in a clean energy future to improve our economy, grow jobs and reduce our impact on the environment.”
“Energy efficiency takes all shapes and sizes. This program is an important and innovative step in our efforts to reduce the amount of energy we use,” said Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “I am thrilled that the CEC has announced this second round of funding. With it, residents considering whether they should move ahead with the installation of energy efficient heating systems in their homes can take that step.” “I am pleased with the release of this second round of funding,” said Sen. Marc R. Pacheco, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “As we can see by the fact that the first round of funding was consumed so quickly, this program is not just a smart investment, but a popular one as well.”
“I am ecstatic that the Patrick-Murray Administration has continued funding for this program,” said Rep. Anne Gobi, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “Being able to reduce the cost of heating while providing greener energy efficiency is great for people and the environment.”
“We applaud the Patrick-Murray Administration for expanding this successful program,” said Jeff Seyler, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast. “Replacing older, high-polluting woodstoves with new efficient EPA-certified ones will result in significant reductions in air pollution and much less fuel being burned. This program will not only benefit the woodstove owners, but also their neighbors, especially those people living with asthma, COPD and other lung diseases.”
Low-income residents, who provide proof of enrollment in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), MassHealth, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) or Social Security Disability, are eligible for a $2,000 rebate, while other Massachusetts residents are eligible for a $1,000 rebate.
Residents can participate in the program by filling out an online application or submitting a paper application. Once it is approved, MassCEC will issue a voucher, which can be redeemed at any participating woodstove dealer in Massachusetts for a discount on the retail price of the stove. MassCEC will then reimburse retailers for the value of the voucher.
Residents can apply for a voucher, and access more information on the program, by visiting www.masscec.com/woodstove or calling or by calling 617-315-9340.
About DOER The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s energy supply within the context of creating a cleaner energy future.
About MassDEP MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
About MassCEC Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.
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Apply to be a Commonwealth Corps Host Site – Deadline 3/1/2013The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is pleased to release the 2013-2014 Commonwealth Corps Host Site Application. The application is now available on MSA’s website. The mission of the Commonwealth Corps is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages and backgrounds in direct service to rebuild communities and address unmet community needs. The Commonwealth Corps provides opportunities for skill building, leadership development and encourages and enhances a lifelong civic vocation for Corps members. Corps members provide direct service, build capacity, and recruit, organize and mobilize additional volunteers, thus building a grassroots movement of volunteers dedicated to service. Intent to Apply Due: February 6, 2013 Application Due (Electronic): March 1, 2013 Application Due (Hard Copy): March 7, 2013 (Both electronic and hard copy are required)
For questions regarding the application or Commonwealth Corps, please contact Susie Flug, Program Manager, at 617-542-2544, x202 or sflug@mass-service.org. Technical Assistance Sessions:
MSA will host optional Technical Assistance (TA) Webinar sessions to support interested organizations with the application process on Wednesday, January 30th at 2-3:30 pm and Thursday, January 31st 9:30-11 am.
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350MA Soil Carbon SubgroupPursuant to interest from the last 350MA.org meeting, leaders are happy to announce formation of the 350MA Soil Carbon subgroup. The corresponding Google group is https://groups.google.com/d/forum/350ma_soilcarbon. Membership is open to all. The purposes of this group are:
The focus now is on soil restoration and carbon capture, although ultimately we want to explore all forms of ecosystem restoration, including fisheries, and their resultant carbon sink benefits. —
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Rita Barron Fellowship at Charles River Watershed Association
The Rita Barron Fellowship is named in honor of the Charles River Watershed Association’s (CRWA) second Executive Director, who worked for fifteen years as a pioneering leader in river and watershed protection. The Fellowship provides an opportunity for a qualified candidate to work in an exciting and dynamic organization under the direction of some of the country’s leading water resources scientists. The Fellow will work closely with the science and advocacy staff of CRWA on a variety of ongoing projects and programs. Tasks are likely to include some or all of the following: working with and training local volunteers; supervising interns; conducting field work; maintaining field equipment; managing and analyzing data; producing maps and graphic presentation materials; researching, writing and editing scientific reports and grants; and public presentations to various audiences.
The Fellowship is a one-year, full-time position, and provides a stipend of $30,000 plus benefits for the work period. The Fellowship, now in its ninth year, provides a recent graduate an opportunity to work in a dynamic non-profit organization. This position is intended for a well trained individual entering the field of watershed science and management; individuals with significant experience in this field will not be considered for the position. The position will provide the right candidate with valuable real-world experience in water resources management, significant on the job-training and skill building, and opportunities to work with a variety of other environmental agencies and organizations both locally and abroad. The Fellow is expected to start on June 1, 2013. Outstanding candidates will be interviewed in February and March 2013.
More information available here. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and a resume by email no later than February 3, 2013 to: Julie Wood, Senior Scientist, jwood@crwa.org.
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NOAA’s Office Of Education Environmental Literacy Grants
NOAA’s Office of Education (OEd) recently issued a request for applications for environmental literacy grants: projects designed to build the capacity of educators to use NOAA data and data access tools to help K-12 students and/or the public understand and respond to global change. Successful projects will enhance educators’ ability to use the wealth of scientific data, data visualizations, data access technologies, information products, and other assets available through NOAA (plus additional sources, if desired) to engage K-12 students and/or other members of the public in a minimum of two U.S. states or territories. The deadline for applications to this funding opportunity is 11:59:59 pm EST on March 12, 2013. Applications must be submitted online via www.grants.gov. It is anticipated that awards under this announcement will be made by September 30, 2013 and that the projects funded under this announcement will have a start date no earlier than October 1, 2013. *Informational Webinar*
Two informational webinars with the program officers will occur on February 5, 2013 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm EST and February 6, 2013, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm EST. By noon EST on February 1, 2013, interested applicants should register by contacting oed.grants@noaa.gov and including in the Subject line of the email: “Register for Educator Capacity Building FFO Webinar” and providing the interested party’s name, institution, telephone number, email address and preferred webinar date in the body of the email. You will receive an email response from oed.grants@noaa.gov with the log-in information and date for the webinar. Whenever possible, individuals from the same institution should try to join the webinar from the same computer/phone line. *Additional Information* To read the full funding announcement, visit www.grants.gov.
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Biodynamic Winter Intensive 2013: Animals, Humanity and the Living Context of AgricultureA two week workshop for farmers, gardeners and others seeking a renewed relation to the land Week 1: February 10-15 at the Nature Institute Week 2: February 17-22 at Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center Conducted by The Nature Institute and the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center in partnership with the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association The Nature Institute and the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center are offering two complementary weeks of instruction to those seeking a fuller understanding of biodynamic agriculture. The first week will offer participants a way of becoming more perceptive land workers by deepening their observations of the qualitative and dynamic aspects of nature and by practicing flexible thinking in relation to animal and human development and evolution. The second week will extend these themes and introduce concepts and practices more specifically related to biodynamic agriculture, including: species-appropriate animal husbandry, holistic veterinary considerations, the evolution animals and man, the socio-economic context of agriculture, and the significance of farm individualization and the role of the biodynamic preparations.
The first week will be led by Craig Holdrege and Henrike Holdrege of The Nature Institute. Presenters for the second week will include: Steffen Schneider, farm manager at Hawthorne Valley Farm, Gary Lamb, author and vice-president of the Institute for Social Renewal, Hubert Karreman, large animal vet, author and national policy maker, and Malcolm Gardner, translator and editor of the central biodynamic text, Rudolf Steiner’s Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture.
Both week-long courses may be taken jointly or separately. Both weeks will begin on Sunday evening at 6PM at the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center with registration, supper and introductions to the week. This Winter Intensive is part of the two-year North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program and alternates with intensives focused on soils, plants and stars.
Fees are on a sliding scale: $250- $450 for each week; or $400 – $800 for both weeks. For a schedule of each week and more information, contact the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center, 518-672-7500 x 232; or email caroline@hawthornevalleyfarm.org.
This Winter Intensive has been developed as part of the North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program and fulfills one of its diploma requirements. It is open to the public. |