New England Farmers Union

06/17/2026

July 1st deadline to apply for the National Farmers Union Beginning Farmer program. Thanks Neighboring Food Co-op Association for helping spread the word.

NFU’s Beginning Farmer Institute is a free, 10-week online program that helps you build a solid foundation for your farm or ranch business.

06/02/2026

Produce Safety Rule information for visitors on the farm, animals on the farm, packaging and displaying produce, and more.

05/28/2026

The deadline has been extended for the 2026 NFU–Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) Internship! Interns will work directly with national staff, support family farmers and Tribal communities through government relations, communications, education, and membership.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the role is filled.

Learn more at https://nfu.org/about/careers/nfu-naaf-internship-program/

01/23/2026

Check out NECAFS online handbook for produce buyers that clarifies the complex landscape of food safety regulations and standards across states in the Northeast and North Central regions.
The Produce Safety Handbook for Buyers summarizes the produce safety landscape in the Northeast and North Central regions, and helps buyer navigate each state's produce safety audit and inspection information.
https://buyers.necafs.org/node/2?fbclid=IwY2xjawPgXadleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeyU7kznl9eul-YcZNfDlCsWMoQNvGL9AEy22IGzfNZPr2PC19ZlW3ZwOgwkc_aem_fF5mklWURi4t7-dHu0E3Jg

Image Glossary of Terms and FAQ Provides a glossary of produce safety-related terms that are commonly found within the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, as well as clarification on frequently-asked-questions such as the difference between audits and inspections. Learn more Image Plain Language Overview of t...

01/15/2026

Annual Meeting: February 18, 2026
Join New England Farmers Union Members for our Annual Meeting as we look back on 2025, consider updates to our policy book, and plan for food system advocacy in 2026!

As we welcome 2026, it is more important than ever that we work together to advocate for better food system policy. When you join or renew with the New England Farmers Union, you are helping us work with the Neighboring Food Co-op Association to…

Support Food Security. We work to connect local producers with markets and ensure that families have access to health, nutritious, affordable food.
Strengthen Rural Communities. We support reinvestment in our rural hospitals and mental health resources, improved broadband connectivity, and our postal service for rural communities.
Fight Consolidation of our Food System. Our regional producers and processors need more direct access to markets, greater transparency from buyers, and more stable prices for dairy and other farm commodities.
Combat Climate Change. Farmers need the resources, technology, and information necessary to adapt to climate change - and a seat at the table and a strong voice in the development of climate policies and programs.
Grow Our Co-ops. We work to protect and promote cooperative business and advocate for policies that will help our co-ops and credit unions grow.

These efforts are vital for the future of our regional food system and economy. But we need your help by helping us grow our membership. We hope you’ll consider joining or renewing with the Farmers Union and help us spread the word with your friends and neighbors at this critical time!

Please join us online on February 18, noon to 2 p.m.
Please register ahead: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Q3ZIMkrKTy2cLFgHPVhAVA #/registration

For more information and to check your membership status, please visit https://newenglandfarmersunion.org.

01/07/2026

Join New England Farmers Union Members for our Annual Meeting as we look back on 2025, consider updates to our policy book, and plan for food system advocacy in 2026! Read more and to register: https://nfca.coop/enewsjan26/

12/18/2025

Image Glossary of Terms and FAQ Provides a glossary of produce safety-related terms that are commonly found within the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, as well as clarification on frequently-asked-questions such as the difference between audits and inspections. Learn more Image Plain Language Overview of t...

12/16/2025

Join in tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec 17th for Food Safety Virtual Office Hours, co-hosted by the New York Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence and the IFS@CU. More info:
https://cals.cornell.edu/institute-for-food-safety

You are registering to join a general session of Food Safety Virtual Office Hours, co-hosted by the New York Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence and the IFS@CU. This session of Dairy and Food Safety Virtual Office Hours will provide a timely Formula Safety Update in light of recent industry....

12/10/2025

Looking for a Grower Training Course? Check out the on-line and in-person options. https://cals.cornell.edu/produce-safety-alliance/training/grower-training-course/upcoming-grower-trainings
or resources at Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety informational page:
https://onfarmfoodsafety.rutgers.edu

Keep up with the latest news on this dynamic topic that impacts growers on multiple levels. Developing a farm food safety plan is a good idea for all growers, and may be required as part of food safety audits if you sell to certain buyers.

12/01/2025

Held annually, the NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting provides an opportunity for regional partners to connect in person to discuss current training, education and outreach trends and activities related to the FSMA associated Produce Safety Rule and the Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule.