Farmers are on the frontline of climate destabilization. How do we bring their voices to the table where climate action is being discussed? NOFA/Mass Policy Director Marty Dagoberto will facilitate a discussion with agricultural policy advocates and NOFA farmer-members to help answer these questions. What climate impacts did they feel this past season? How are they adapting? How can we work together so that the farmers’ voices on climate policy are heard on Beacon Hill and in DC?
Presenters:
Marty Dagoberto (he/him) serves as a community organizer, educator and activist working to promote regenerative organic agriculture, food sovereignty and pesticides reduction. As Policy Director, he is a registered lobbyist in the state legislature, communicates with the organic movement through monthly newsletter columns and speaking engagements, and facilitates multiple statewide coalitions. Marty studied genetics at WPI and cares for land within the ancestral lands of the Pocumtuck.
Chelsea Gazillo (she/her) directs AFT’s Working Lands Alliance project in Connecticut, including research and education, policy development, grassroots and direct advocacy, outreach, and communications. Prior to joining AFT, Chelsea served on the Bridgeport Food Policy Council and Farmers Market Collaborative, and as lead researcher for SIT Graduate Institute’s Real Food Challenge Campaign. Chelsea holds a BA in International Affairs and a MA in Sustainable Development.
Stephen Taranto (he/him) is a devout Interdisciplinary Ecologist who has worked at the multiple intersections between food and farming systems and biodiversity conservation for more than 20 years in the US and Latin America. As Program Coordinator, Stephen focuses on crafting CISA’s initiatives related to climate change and resilience in the face of dramatic social and ecological transition.
Jeff Cole (he/him) is a 9th generation farmer with over 25 years experience. He has deep roots in agriculture and focuses on creating systemic change through collaboration, education,
and building networks of support. In addition to being The Carrot Project’s Client Services Specialist, he also works part time as the MA Food System Collaborative’s Agricultural Network Coordinator. More recently, Jeff has opened his farm’s land and infrastructure to beginning, immigrant, and refugee farmers . He has a degree in Economics from Bates College.
Nataka Crayton (she/her) is a lifetime advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice, particular for communities of color. Mrs. Crayton has developed youth programs, led several community development projects, and was instrumental in helping to create the Urban Farming Institute. Through loving leadership she inspires and empowers neighbors to grow their own food and cook healthy meals. She is also growing her nursery business and works as a landscaper and private chef.
Ariana Taylor-Stanley (she/her) serves as Associate Director of Grassroots Organizing for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. She also co-owns and operates Here We Are Farm in Trumansburg, NY, growing vegetables for CSA and farmers markets. She is active in her community as part of several grassroots racial justice and food sovereignty projects.
This workshop recording comes from the 2022 Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts chapter (NOFA/Mass) Winter Conference.
Visit nofamass.org to learn more about NOFA/Mass and become a member.