[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 16 (Thursday, February 3, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMING ASSOCIATION OF VERMONT

 Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, today I honor the Northeast 
Organic Farming Association of Vermont. NOFA Vermont is a nonprofit 
association of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an 
economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the 
benefit of current and future generations. This year it celebrates its 
40th anniversary of helping farms thrive, making locally grown and 
organic foods available to all, and increasing consumer access at 
farmers markets across our Green Mountain State.
  NOFA Vermont was founded in Putney in 1971, making it one of the 
oldest organic farming associations in the United States. Today, they 
are proud to have more than 1,200 members throughout the State and to 
certify over 525 farms and processors to the USDA national organic 
program standards. They are passionate about increasing the acreage of 
certified organic land in Vermont, while also increasing access to 
local organic food by all Vermonters. The entirety of their programs 
strives to meet these goals, whether it involves working with schools 
to bring local foods into the cafeteria, or providing business planning 
services to farmers to ensure their businesses stay viable.
  With a vision that consists of small farms and agriculturally based 
businesses that are improving the ecology of Vermont foodscapes, where 
organic farms and gardens supply food to all members of their 
communities and where everyone knows their farmers, I see NOFA-VT as an 
exemplary national leader for the USDA campaign ``Know your Farmer, 
Know your Food.''
  Executive director, Enid Wonnacott, has led this exceptional 
organization for the past 30 years. She and her dedicated team offer 
technical assistance and revolving loan funds; and supply information 
on energy management, apprenticeships, and educational and electronic 
resources. They have built direct markets between farmers and consumers 
through the VT Farmers Market Association and have sponsored 
outstanding conferences yearly. This year they expect more than 1,500 
farmers to attend their winter conference, which is extremely well-run, 
worthwhile, and fun. They provide knowledgeable speakers, workshops 
brimming with information and healthy attitudes for the 21st century of 
farming.
  Finally, I have been very impressed with their commitment to 
Vermont's future and our children as NOFA-VT has been a significant 
partner in the advancement of the Vermont Food and Farm Education 
program, FEED. This critical program provides schools, farmers, food 
service directors, and community partners with technical assistance, 
training, and professional development to advance student achievement, 
improve childhood nutrition, and create community-based farm to school 
programs. It is through programs such as these that children are able 
to connect with the farm in their community, understand where their 
food comes from, and have the opportunity to eat local healthy food in 
their school meal programs.
  I offer my sincerest congratulations to NOFA-VT on the occasion of 
their 40th anniversary of service to our great State of Vermont and 
wish them many more years of continued success.

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