Join NOFA/Mass and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures for this workshop spotlighting innovations in season extension and connect growers with appropriate grants, loans, and technical assistance providers in the Northeast. Topics include planning and installing a Climate Battery (an innovative heat transfer system) under a greenhouse, using renewable fuels to heat greenhouse benches via hot water cycling, and efficient and effective methods for constructing and moving caterpillar tunnels.  Participants will also receive an update from NRCS representatives on application process and status of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and other resources available to support farmers in extending the harvest season.  

Join NOFA/Mass and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures for this workshop spotlighting innovations in season extension and connect growers with appropriate grants, loans, and technical assistance providers in the Northeast. Topics include planning and installing a Climate Battery (an innovative heat transfer system) under a greenhouse, using renewable fuels to heat greenhouse benches via hot water cycling, and efficient and effective methods for constructing and moving caterpillar tunnels.  Participants will also receive an update from NRCS representatives on application process and status of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and other resources available to support farmers in extending the harvest season.  

With Presentations by

Jeremy-Barker Plotkin is the co-owner and operator of Simple Gifts Farm in Amherst, MA. He grows 18 acres of vegetables on a 50-acre integrated vegetable and livestock farm and offers his produce year-round through a farm store and year-round CSA share options. His winter production infrastructure includes three heated greenhouses, five unheated hoop houses, and two 300-foot caterpillar tunnels. Jeremy holds a M.S. in Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences.

Jim Schultz is the co-owner and operator of Red Shirt Farm in Lanesborough, MA. He began farming as an apprentice on small farms around New England, but put farming on hold to raise a family and teach in the public schools for 26 years. Now he farms full-time on 13 acres raising no-till vegetables and pastured livestock including heritage chickens, turkeys, and pigs. The farms infrastructure includes a heated propagation house, an unheated high tunnel and Climate Battery SolaWrap greenhouse. Jim holds a B.S. in Ecological Agriculture and a M.S in Education.