CT Community Farm Network

What’s a community farm? Broadly defined, it is a “farm that has a public service mission beyond producing agricultural products - education, food donations, etc.”

Recently, a gathering of farm-based educators was held at CT NOFA’s Winter Conference.  It was decided that a network of farm-based educators would be useful in Connecticut, essentially reviving the Connecticut Community Farm Network. 

This network is for all of the community farms in Connecticut, and will provide a way to exchange information, ideas, photos, and questions. If you would like to be a part of this crucial network, please sign up at http://www.farmbasededucation.org/group/connecticutcommunityfarmnetwork

Salem Community Garden

Located in New London County, Salem Community Garden was first introduced in 2009.  Home to almost 20 plots, the garden is open to residents and has attracted community groups like the Girl (and Boy) Scouts and members of the Mom’s Club.  Volunteers in the garden range in age from school children to senior citizens.  The fire department installed the water tank and the Lions Club helped start the garden.  Each plotholder takes a turn mowing the area and participates in a community day.  Talk about a community working together!!

Those involved have put together a nice blog to follow along with the progress all year.  There’s even a nice story of a 10-year old girl named Carley who maintained her own plot!

As of Feb. 27th, there were still 2 plots available so be sure to visit the website and find out how you can reserve one! You can visit the site here - http://salemgarden.wordpress.com/

Elm City Market

Here's a neat idea...a community-owned food co-op. What's this mean? Well a co-op (or cooperative) is "an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise."  In simpler terms, it is any business owned and operated by its members that operates for their benefit. In this case, Elm City Market will be a functioning full-service grocery store in downtown New Haven, a city which had been without one for a while. Because its a co-op, the Elm City Market will provide the food that its members want, meaning as a member you can demand more local and organic produce!!

Mission: Elm City Market aims to become a valued and thriving New Haven business that improves the quality of life for its members, employees and community.
To achieve this, they will:
1. Improve the health and well-being of local communities by providing a diverse selection of the highest quality affordable, natural, organic and conventional products
2. Strengthen local and regional food systems by sourcing from local and regional producers whenever possible
3. Offer a rewarding shopping experience and caring workplace for our customers, employees and suppliers
4. Reflect the diversity of our members and the community where we do business
5. Place an emphasis on constant improvement to evolve alongside our community and membership

 Construction underway (as of Nov. 2010)

You do not need to be a member to shop at the Elm City Market, but with your membership you'll be able to have a say in how the business is run, a potential refund down the line when the business is profitable, monthly member specials, discounts at local businesses, subscription to a monthly newsletter, and more!  Memberships cost $200, and can be paid in-full, or a payment plan, with a reduced plan for those on a limited income. To find out more about, please visit

http://www.elmcitymarket.coop/

Coventry Regional Farmers' Market

 Farmers’ Markets are popping up all over the state, and we couldn’t be happier!  One market that’s been doing it for years and has really built itself up is the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market.  It is located at the Nathan Hale Homestead at 2299 South Street in Coventry, CT.

About to begin its 8^th year, this market now draws in 65,000 visitors each year.  The summer market is open every Sunday from 11-2, starting in June and going until October.  It’s home to over 50 vendors, including local farms and artisans, with goods ranging from fruits and vegetables to jewelry and soaps.  Believe it or not, they WILL have something for everyone.

So what about the winter time?  Don’t worry because there is also a winter market at the Coventry High School, which features over 30 farms and specialty food producers.  This market runs from November through March.

But wait, that’s not all!  They have a weekly e-newsletter with info on vendors, events and programs, and more.  And there’s a nice photo gallery which captures the lively spirit that the market draws each week.

So even if you don’t live near Coventry, make some time one weekend this summer to go visit.  You won’t be disappointed!  For a full list of information, check out their site at http://coventryfarmersmarket.com/.

Connecticut Department of Environmental Pollution Protection Program

The latest edition of the Pollution Protection (P2) Program’s quarterly newsletter , P2 View, is now out.  Inside, you’ll read recent projects around the State Capitol, how some of Connecticut’s cities are becoming sustainable, the future of plug-in electric vehicles, re-using wastewater, a company recycling old car windshields,  and a calendar of some environmental events in CT in the next months leading up to spring.  The new edition can be found here.

The P2 Program covers everything from climate change, managing and reducing waste, landscape stewardship, green building, and renewable energy.  There's also a link to a page for "Houshold Alternatives for Reducing Toxic Products in Your Home".  You can find back issues of the newsletter on the site as well.  For more information on P2 View and the DEP’s Pollution Prevention Program, please visit

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2708&q=324072&depNav=|