Join the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (nofanewyork) and the Young Farmers Coalition of Western New York at @dirtrichcsa (12318 Springville Boston Road, Springville, NY 14141) on August 24th for a two-part event: an educational presentation about making a living in farming at 4:30 pm, followed by a tomato tasting at 6:00 pm. You're welcome to attend just one portion of the event or come for the whole thing! All farmers, not just organic farmers, are invited.

At 4:30, farmers Laura Colligan and Ryan Leggio will talk about the history of Dirt Rich Farm, which Laura started in 2015, and how they grew the farm business to the point where they were finally able to make a living from farming without off-farm jobs by 2021. Dirt Rich Farm is a Certified Organic vegetable farm with 2 acres in production, growing for a 150 member CSA, a farmers market, a farm stand, and sales to local businesses. You'll also hear from USDA NRCS about NRCS programs that support small and beginning farmers and NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC about organic certification.

Dirt Rich Farm grows 20 different varieties of tomatoes, so at 6:00 pm, we'll do a tomato tasting to try all the different varieties and choose our favorites as a group. If you're a farmer or gardener, we encourage you to bring some of your top varieties for the group to taste, too! A light meal with Dirt Rich Farm vegetables will also be served. Please bring your own plates, cups, utensils, and something to sit on.

RSVPs aren't required, but are appreciated, as they will help us determine how much to make for dinner. You can RSVP to Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell.edu or 716-640-0844.