News

The Bulk Order, in its previous format, is no longer taking place. The legacy of the Bulk Order continues – not as a one-time order event, but as an ongoing member benefit that supports growers, and grows over time as we add more vendors and wholesale-level access. For 2026, we are connecting members to quality organic growing supplies with a direct-to-consumer purchasing option through our program partners: Progressive Grower and Fedco Seeds.

Representatives Matt Blumenthal and Gregory Haddad, Senator Mae Flexer, Community Members, and Activists Call for the state legislature to pass an Environmental Rights Amendment during the 2026 Legislative Session

On February 20, the Connecticut Appropriations Committee will hold their public hearing on Department of Agriculture funding appropriations. In the previous legislative session, they passed the Farmland Access Grant Program, which aims to help farmers overcome barriers to accessing land and create viable pathways for farm succession. However, there is currently no funding for staff to administer this program, which would effectively render the program non-operational. We urge concerned constituents to contact their state legislators - especially those who legislators also sit on the Appropriations Committee - and ask them to provide funding for these critical staff positions. 

The Seed Swap Table is where conference attendees can exchange seeds and diversify their gardens and farms with unique and regionally adapted varieties. The swap is open to all conference participants, from home gardeners to experienced growers. Participants are invited to bring labeled seeds to share and take home new seeds to try. The swap operates on a trust-based, give-and-take system — bring what you can and take what sparks your interest.

Maya van Rossum, founder and leader of the national movement for Green Amendments to state constitutions across the United States and Delaware Riverkeeper, will be speaking in a series of public town hall events across Connecticut. All of these events are free and open to the public. Light food and refreshments will be provided. Photo identification will be required to enter the Stamford Government Center. Key legislators from each part of the state are invited.

CT NOFA is proud to announce that Jim Riddle will be our 2026 Winter Conference Keynote Speaker. For more than 40 years, Jim Riddle has been a leader in the organic community, as a farmer, inspector, educator, activist, and policy specialist. During our keynote, Jim will discuss the deep roots of the organic movement - what inspired it, how it has evolved, and where it is today - and share scenes from organic farms around the world. Be prepared for an entertaining, enlightening, and thoughtful time, as Jim takes us on a journey through the organic world, near and far.

Each year, at our winter conference, CT NOFA confers the Bill Duesing Organic Living on the Earth award to a notable individual who or group which exemplifies the life mission of our founder, Bill Duesing, to improve and enrich our world through organic advocacy and practices. Nominees for this award are suggested by our community – that’s you!

The CT NOFA Winter Conference educational slate of workshops is made possible thanks to the interest and enthusiasm of our knowledgeable community members. Are you an expert on a topic that would be of interest to conference attendees? We’d love to hear from you.

Does your business or organization offer products or services that would be of interest to our conference attendees? Then join us at CT NOFA's 44th annual Winter Conference on March 7, 2026 to connect with 300+ farmers, home gardeners, and organic advocates from across the region.

Much happened for CT NOFA advocacy on the state level last week, including a strategy session for the Connecticut Environmental Rights Amendment, the annual meeting of the Working Lands Alliance with the Connecticut Commissioner of Agriculture, and a special session of the Connecticut General Assembly.

The organic agriculture movement may not be a new phenomena, but it is a vital one. Help support that movement by becoming a sponsor of our 2026 Winter Conference. In addition to helping us continue the fight for organic agriculture, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits leading up to and at the conference.

We're excited to announce that our 44th annual winter conference will be taking place March 7, 2026, at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. It will be proceeded by 3 days of virtual workshops, March 3-5. Tickets are available now!