Inaugural Small Farm Summit Featuring Joel Salatin Inspired Hundreds
There was standing room only for Virginia farmer Joel Salatin’s keynote address at the Small Farm Summit at SUNY College at Old Westbury on April 15, 2011. Nearly 600 gardeners, farmers, health and energy advocates, students, teachers, and interested individuals packed the auditorium for this inaugural event in support of sustainable local agriculture and growing the local food source.
Mr. Salatin, a third-generation alternative farmer, was at one time a feature writer at the Staunton, Virginia newspaper, The News Leader, then returned to the farm full-time in 1982 and continued refining and adding to his parents’ ideas. A self-described “Christian-libertarian-environmentalist-capitalist farmer,” his Polyface Farm uses environmentally responsible, ecologically beneficial, sustainable, though unconventional, methods. His riveting, fire-and-brimstone address debunked ten myths about farming—ranging from “farming is environmentally harmful” (use of appropriate farming practices is responsible land and water stewardship) to “farmers are dummies” (in fact, they have to be some of the smartest, most resourceful people in our community to survive and prosper).
The day was filled with 20 bustling workshops led by 72 expert panelists presenting a wide range of topics ranging from food and farm policy to raising honeybees, to starting an organic or school garden. Plenty of opportunities for discussion and networking enhanced participants’ understanding of the breadth of issues facing farmers and Long Island and New York City residents in pursuit of local food sources. Attendees’ awareness was further improved through dozens of educational exhibits and demonstrations staffed by a variety of non-profit, commercial, university, and municipal organizations.
Decorations, provided by the North Country Garden Club, featured an educational display complete with a blue pickup truck, live chickens, fresh eggs, manure, and Muttontown vegetables grown from seed. The Sylvester Manor Worksongers played delightful live music throughout the day and included fiddlers, banjo players, drummers, and guitarists. They wrote a special “chicken song,” honoring Joel Salatin, which was received with laughter and cheers from the audience.
Like all successful events, the Small Farm Summit would not have been possible without the many volunteers who gave their time and energy in the days leading up to the Summit, as well as the six months of planning that preceded this inspiring day.
North Shore Land Alliance, convener and primary organizer of the event, is most grateful to the Land Trust Alliance / New York State Conservation Partnership Program, Whole Foods Market, Karma 411, the Center for Social Innovation at Adelphi University, NOFA-NY, and Lisa Mitten for their financial support.
The Land Alliance strives to help people understand the incredible value land brings to our daily lives. The ability to grow more food locally leads to a more sustainable community which will benefit us all.
