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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260715T183000
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SUMMARY:Soil Health in Organic Systems Monthly Calls: Managing Summer Stress: Pests\, Pressure & Plant Resilience
DESCRIPTION:As crops hit peak summer growth\, they also face increasing pest and disease pressure and environmental stress. In this one-hour call\, we’ll discuss practical approaches to managing both biotic (e.g. pests and pathogens) and abiotic (e.g. extreme weather) stress through resilient growing systems\, integrated pest management (IPM)\, and biological approaches to crop health. We’ll also explore how observation\, timing\, and ecosystem balance can reduce pressure while supporting productive\, healthy plants. \nGuest speaker: Dr. Jaime Piñero is an Extension Professor of Fruit Entomology and Integrated Pest Management and Program Coordinator for the Sustainable Food & Farming Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on sustainable pest management\, insect ecology\, and developing practical IPM strategies that help growers reduce pesticide use while maintaining healthy\, productive crops. Through his research\, teaching\, and Extension work\, Jaime works closely with farmers across New England to advance biologically based approaches to pest management and resilient agricultural systems. \nRegister in advance for this meeting: \nRegister Online on Zoom\nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \n\nJoin NOFA/Mass for our monthly soil health calls\, where we explore the on-farm processes and practices that shape resilient\, thriving soils. Our facilitators will guide participants through practical strategies that influence soil integrity in organic systems. Each session offers space to ask questions\, discuss specific methodologies\, and learn directly from peers about what’s working on their farms. \nTopics range from organic amendments\, cover cropping systems\, reduced tillage and compaction mitigation strategies\, nutrient cycling\, soil biology and microbial life\, organic systems plans\, and other stewardship practices designed to strengthen the long-term health and productivity of your farm. \nDate: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month starting in March – September\n \nTime: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM \n\n  \n \nTOPP is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. Farmer-to-farmer mentorship\, workshops\, webinars\, field days\, technical assistance\, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production\, the certification process\, market opportunities\, and more. Read more and sign up to be a mentor or transitioning farmer mentee at organictransition.org
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/soil-health-in-organic-systems-monthly-calls-6/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Beginning Farmers,NOFA/Mass Community Call,NOFA/Mass Event,Online,Soil Health,TOPP
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ORGANIZER;CN="NOFA/Mass Ed Events":MAILTO:events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260729T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260729T193000
DTSTAMP:20260622T222219Z
CREATED:20260622T172405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T222219Z
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SUMMARY:Microplastics in Agriculture
DESCRIPTION:Microplastics are an increasing concern in agriculture\, with potential implications for soil health and food systems\, and both ecosystem and human health. This webinar is designed for farmers who want to better understand microplastics in agricultural soils\, as well as anyone concerned about the future of our food system and the health of the environment. Much of the research on this topic remains locked behind science journal paywalls or is communicated through highly technical language. The goal of this webinar is to make current research more accessible\, to raise awareness of this emerging issue\, and to help growers and community members leave with a clearer understanding of where microplastics come from\, how they affect agricultural systems\, and what actions can help address the problem.  \nRegister Online on Zoom\nIn this webinar\, we will: \n\nLearn about common pathways through which microplastics enter agricultural systems\nCover the impacts of microplastic contamination \nExplore strategies for reducing\, mitigating\, or preventing contamination\nDiscuss priorities for research\, policy\, and practical action to address microplastic pollution over the long term\n\n  \nAbout the Instructors: \nDavid Liu is a rising senior at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter\, NH. He has published research related to microplastics in agriculture and presented at the 2026 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference.  \nAbout the Project: \nThis webinar is part of David’s goal of educating as many people as possible about the risks and threats of contaminants in agriculture. This session is an attempt to connect the microplastics research David has done with the NOFA/Mass community. He will also be developing a fact sheet/tool kit for widespread access that covers all the different contaminants to agriculture.  \nAccessibility: \nThe webinar will be held on Zoom. Captions available. Please reach out to events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com with any questions. \n  \nRegister Online on Zoom\n  \nQuestions? \nIf you have questions about attending\, contact events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com. Questions regarding the content of the webinar can be directed to soilhealth@nofamass.dreamhosters.com. \n  \nSponsors
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/microplastics-in-agriculture/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,Online,TOPP,Webinars
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