Dec 2, 2025

Growing Our Region: Northeast Organic Farming Symposium goes virtual Dec. 16-17

The Growing Our Region: Northeast Organic Farming Symposium will be held virtually on Dec. 16–17, 2025. This free, two-day event provides organic growers across the Northeast with a chance to access practical, research-based guidance without leaving their farms.

Each day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering hour-long webinars covering a range of topics, from soil health and pest management to crop planning, market development and regulatory compliance. The symposium is designed for experienced growers looking to refine practices as well as those expanding into new crops or production systems.

December 16 sessions

• Biological Control and IPM in Cropping Systems — Dr. Maryam Nouri-Aiin of the University of Vermont explores integrated pest management and biological control strategies to build resilient, ecologically balanced cropping systems.
• No-Till Cover Cropping for Intensive Small-Scale Farms — Yoko Takemura of Assawaga Farm shares techniques for integrating cover crops into intensive rotations without tillage to enhance soil health and productivity.
• Connecting Organic Farmers With Buyers and Markets — Joe Dickson of Lot 49 Advisors and McKenna Hayes of Food Connects highlight strategies for connecting farms with buyers and navigating certification, distribution, and market access.
• Cover Crops and Living Mulches for a Resilient Farm — Helen Atthowe of Woodleaf Farm presents on using cover crops and living mulches to improve soil fertility, support beneficial insects, and reduce labor demands.

Dec. 17 sessions

• Growing Organic Chestnuts as a Commercial Crop — Brian Caldwell of Hemlock Grove Farm and Russell Wallack of Breadtree Farms provide guidance on commercial chestnut production and certification.
• Organic Strawberry Production on a Mixed Vegetable Farm — Alby Brandon of Brandon Family Farm shares lessons from years of growing organic strawberries within diversified operations.
• FSMA Produce Safety Rule Requirements and Inspections — Meredith Melendez of Rutgers Cooperative Extension discusses practical approaches to achieving compliance with FSMA standards on small, diversified and organic farms.

Takeaways for growers

Led by regional experts, each session combines hands-on experience with research-based knowledge, offering actionable strategies to improve productivity, manage resources efficiently and maintain high-quality crops. Participants can also network with peers and explore solutions to common challenges in organic production.

Because the symposium is entirely online and free, growers can access all sessions from their farms.

Registration and full details are available on the event website.