| FEBRUARY 26, 2011 -- Connecticut's Fairfield County Farm Bureau is hosting an agricultural workshop, led by three experts and open to the public, that will provide information on organic farming/gardening, greenhouse and hydroponic vegetable growing techniques, and current information on livestock farming.
As the growing trend continues of increased demand for locally-grown food, organic vegetables, and farmers’ markets, the Fairfield County Farm Bureauwill host an Agricultural Workshop on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at the Bethel Extension Center from 10 AM to 1:30 PM.
The Fairfield County Farm Bureau’s goal with this workshop is to support the public’s interest and demand for locally-grown vegetables and food, by providing expert information that will assist local area farmers, as well as back-yard gardening enthusiasts, in their agricultural efforts.
The three expert speakers presenting talks are all respected agricultural leaders in Connecticut, and cover the range of the most popular and in-demand locally-grown food items.
Guy Beardsley is an organic farmer and owner of Guy’s Eco-Garden and founder of the Shelton Farmers’ Market, who will provide information on“The Best Soil Amendments for Successful Organic Growing.”
Michael Keilty is a livestock farmer, UCONN Agricultural College research associate and co-author of the book Alternative Health Practices for Livestock,who will address the rapidly expanding issue of, “Current Trends in Connecticut Livestock Farming.”
Dr. Martin Gent is a greenhouse and hydroponic crop growing expert at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, who will provide information on,“Successful Greenhouse, Hydroponic, and High Tunnel Growing Techniques.”
Current agricultural trends that have created a growing demand from residents for fresh, locally-grown vegetables, meats, and food products includethe proliferation of very popular Farmers’ Markets across the state, the “Farm to Chef” program linking area chefs to local farmers toprovide locally-grown food to Connecticut restaurants, and the concern from citizens to know where their food comes from and that it was grown under safe, environmentally-friendly practices.
As these popular trends in local agriculture continue to grow, Bruce Benedict, owner of Benedict’s Home and Garden Agricultural Supply and Fairfield County Farm Bureau member said, “Since supporting local agriculture has become so popular it is important to provide people with accurate information so they can beas successful as possible in their efforts. The thing that encourages both professional farmers and home gardeners to continue is a successful harvest,where they can see the actual fruits of their labor. These workshops help both farmers and gardeners to do just that.”
In an effort to continue to educate area farmers and local residents of popular agricultural practices, this workshop is open to all interested participants of every level of professional farming or back-yard gardening.
This agricultural workshop will take place on: Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Bethel Extension Center. Location: 67 Stony Hill Road, Bethel CT. Time: Registration 9:30 to 10:00 AM. Workshops from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. A light lunch will be served at no extra cost. The all-inclusive workshop fee is $20 for Farm Bureau members and $25 for non-members. People are invited to join Farm Bureau at the door and receive the member’s discount. Online Registration is encouraged at www.cfba.org
Reservations or more information can be obtained by calling 203-261-5536. Fairfield County Farm Bureau is a non-profit, grass roots membership organization dedicated to preserving agriculture and farming in Fairfield County and the state through active member outreach. |
