Education

Education is an essential part of NEFU’s ability to carry out its mission. We strive to inform our current and potential members about the issues that most affect New England’s agricultural operations and ability to purchase good, local food. Read our educational materials, below.

Federal Conservation Programs: Partnering with New England Farms
In caring for the land and its associated natural resources, our region’s farmers have had a partner in the federal government since the days of the New Deal in the 1930s.

The Food Safety Modernization Act: What do the new laws mean for small farms and food producers?
The Act imposes a set of requirements on food producers and grants broad powers to the FDA to enforce those requirements. At the same time, there are exemptions for many farms and small-scale food producers.

Cooperative Enterprise: Building a More Resilient, Self-Sufficient New England
History shows that co-operative enterprise is a powerful means by which people — including farmers and other producers in particular — can further their own well-being in our market economy.

The “Buy Local” Carbon Credit Project: Preserving New England’s Capacity to Feed and Fuel Itself
New England Farmers Union Education Foundation is working to make greenhouse gas offsets derived from regional farmers and fishermen available to purchasers in New England and beyond.

Farmer’s Share
On average, farmers receive only 15.8 cents of every food dollar consumers spend. Learn more about how much farmers receive when you buy specific products at the supermarket.

National Farmers Union's Beginning Farmers Program
NFU's focus for this national program is to develop and encourage agriculture leaders from all backgrounds. Our new nationally focused program provides an opportunity for beginning farmers to acquire leadership and farm management skills.