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Volunteer Committees at MOFGA - How You Can Get More Involved in the Association
An Organizational Development Report
By Heather SpaldingThe Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association relies on well over a thousand volunteers to coordinate all of its programs. While the vast majority of those helpers focus their energy on the three days of the Common Ground Country Fair, many take advantage of MOFGA’s year-round volunteer opportunities in Unity and throughout the state.
Volunteers lead and create policy for all of MOFGA’s programs, while paid staff carry out administrative duties for those programs. Committee size ranges from just a few on the executive committee of MOFGA’s board to150-plus on the fair planning team. Most committees meet regularly (usually monthly or bimonthly, depending on seasonal program activities) and discuss challenges and priorities facing the many program areas. Committee members are always interested in hearing ideas from new MOFGA volunteers.
Meetings are just a small part of the volunteer committee experience. Members of committees do substantive project work of all kinds - from helping with office mailings to creating display gardens to installing phone systems and other utilities. The amount of work that MOFGA’s volunteer committees accomplish in the course of a year is just astounding. The organization simply could not survive without the dedication of its volunteers.
As MOFGA works through its organizational development program, volunteers and staff are examining ways to strengthen internal and external communication, focusing keenly on MOFGA’s membership and diverse base of constituencies. All of the organization’s committees are participating in the development of a major MOFGA survey that will be conducted starting this fall. We will keep you posted as this process evolves.
If you have been thinking about getting more involved as a volunteer at MOFGA, please look at this summary of committees and see if something piques your curiosity. Maybe you’ll find the name of a friend or acquaintance who is involved with MOFGA; if so, ask him or her about volunteer experiences. In each committee summary, at least one staff person is listed as a liaison. Feel free to contact one of us in the office for more information about any of the volunteer possibilities. If you are not quite ready to join a MOFGA committee but would like to help out now and then, you might want to consider such clerical work in the office as filing, copying, stuffing envelopes or shelving books in the library. The MOFGA Certification Services LLC could especially use help with these tasks.
We always can use help at MOFGA and we hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for any contribution you can make!
MOFGA Board of Directors
Purpose: Like most boards of nonprofit organizations, MOFGA’s board of directors manages and controls the business and property of the Association. It supervises the work of the executive director and sets wages for all employees. It establishes goals and policies, sets priorities, adopts resolutions and reviews programs that further the purposes of the Association. In addition to attending regular board meetings, each board member participates in at least one of MOFGA’s many other volunteer committees, offering guidance and substantive work and serving as a liaison between the board and other committees.Officers: Lisa Turner (President), John Bunker (Vice President), CR Lawn (Treasurer), Amanda Beal (Recording Secretary) Other members: Nancy Chandler, Dave Colson, Mark Guzzi, Sam Hayward, Jason Kafka, Tom Opper, Steve Plumb, Martha Putnam, Eric Rector, Nancy Rosalie, Richard Rudolph, Polly Shyka, Lee Straw, Sharon Tisher and Herbert Williams. Contact information for all board members is available here.
Staff liaisons: Russell Libby (Executive Director), Heather Spalding (Operations Director)
Schedule of Meetings in 2003: January 14 (Special Board Meeting after MOFGA’s Annual Meeting); February 9 at 9:00 a.m.; March 2 (Special Board Development Meeting) at 9:00 a.m.; April 6 at 9:00 a.m.; June 1 at 9:00 a.m.; August 3 at 9:00 a.m.; October 19 at 9:00 a.m.; November 13 at 5:30 p.m.; December 7 at 9:00 a.m.
Volunteer opportunities: Being appointed to the MOFGA board is a formal process. Anyone who is interested in becoming a board member should discuss his or her interests with a member of the board nominating committee. See details about this committee below. Members of MOFGA are entitled to attend board meetings.
Executive Committee
Purpose: The executive committee of the MOFGA board consists of the board’s officers and three additional general members. Members of the executive committee meet during interim periods between MOFGA board meetings and have group authority to act for the Association in almost every matter except large, unbudgeted expenditures.Officers: Lisa Turner (President), John Bunker (Vice President), CR Lawn (Treasurer), Amanda Beal (Recording Secretary)
Other members: Tom Opper, Eric Rector, Nancy Rosalie
Staff liaison: Russell Libby (Executive Director)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: March 13 at 3:00 p.m.; May 8 at 4:00 p.m.; July 10 at 4:00 p.m.; September 11 at 3:00 p.m.; November 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Nominating Committee
Purpose: The nominating committee recruits individuals to serve on the MOFGA board. In advance of MOFGA’s Annual Meeting, the nominating committee announces a slate of potential officers, general members of the executive committee, and board members at large, who agree to serve if elected.Officers: John Bunker (Chair)
Other members: Lisa Turner, CR Lawn, Dave Colson, Eric Rector
Staff liaison: Russell Libby (Executive Director)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: May 8 at 2:00 p.m. Schedule of subsequent meetings will be determined at this meeting.
Finance Committee
Purpose: MOFGA’s finance committee prepares and presents an annual budget for the Association, analyzes the Association’s financial condition, and reports its findings to the board of directors. It provides continuity in the financial affairs of the Association during transition between treasurers.Officers: CR Lawn (Chair)
Other members: Eric Rector, Lisa Turner
Staff liaisons: Russell Libby (Executive Director), Janice Clark (Office Manager)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: Budget review meetings in August, October and November.
Agricultural Services
Agricultural Services Committee
Purpose: The agricultural services committee, currently in development, provides guidance for MOFGA's agricultural services programs, which include technical services and marketing activities. The committee is identifying technical support and marketing priorities for farmers and other MOFGA members.Officers: Mark Guzzi and Dave Colson (Co-Chairs)
Other members: Martha Putnam, Herb Williams, Sally Merrill, Austin Moore
Staff liaisons: Russell Libby (Executive Director), Eric Sideman (Technical Director)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: March 14. Meetings will be limited through the growing season and will likely resume in October.
Public Policy
Public Policy Committee
Purpose: The public policy committee reviews existing and pending federal and state legislation relevant to organic gardening and farming, sustainable agriculture, natural resource protection and food safety, and informs the board of directors of the results of this review. The committee may introduce and support legislation, subject to authorization by the board of directors. It occasionally drafts and disseminates action alerts to MOFGA’s membership when controversial legislation is being considered in the State House or in Washington, D.C.Officers: Sharon Tisher (Chair)
Other members: Spencer Aitel, Billi Barker, Deb Doten, Jean English, Martha Gottlieb, Nanny Kennedy, Beedy Parker, Lesley Poole, Eric Rector, Nancy Ross, Bob Sewall
Staff liaison: Russell Libby (Executive Director)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: May 8 at noon. Other meetings will be scheduled as needed.
Volunteer opportunities: Politically active volunteers may have an interest in joining this committee and taking part in legislative initiatives. The committee often needs help drafting and circulating action alerts relating to specific pieces of legislation or committee hearings. It also can use help organizing the Public Policy Teach-In at the Common Ground Country Fair.
Fundraising
Fundraising Committee
Purpose: The fundraising committee is responsible for developing and pursuing a long-term fundraising campaign for the Association.Officers: Eric Rector (Chair)
Other members: Lisa Turner, Polly Shyka, CR Lawn, Nancy Rosalie
Staff liaisons: Judi Gardner (Membership & Development Director); Russell Libby (Executive Director)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: March 13 at 2:00 p.m.; May 8 at 3:00 p.m.; July 10 at 3:00 p.m.; September 11 at 2:00 p.m.; November 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Volunteer opportunities: The fundraising committee can always use help organizing fundraising events. Many organizations throughout the state invite MOFGA to have exhibits at various local events. These are perfect volunteer opportunities, as they help the organization spread information about its programs while creating important relationships with communities and other organizations. As the membership & development division of the organization takes shape, lots of opportunities to help with mailings to members and to help sell MOFGA and Common Ground Country Fair merchandise will likely occur.
Sistering Committees
MOFGA-El Salvador Sistering Committee
Purpose: This committee maintains a relationship between MOFGA and two Salvadoran grassroots organizations working toward sustainable agriculture. The committee explores issues such as organic certification, free trade, marketing, etc., that affect farmers in both countries. Several delegations from Maine have visited El Salvador. A group of six delegates from El Salvador will be visiting Maine and participating in the Common Ground Country Fair this September.Officers: Paul and Karen Volckhausen (Contacts)
Other members: HB Garrold, Heath Garrold, Lucy Funkhauser, Bambi Jones, Scott Howell, Jean English, Jesse Harper, Richard Rudolph
Staff liaison: Russell Libby (Executive Director)
Meetings in 2003: The committee meets monthly, recently on April 27 and May 31. The next meeting is on June 22, time and place to be announced.
Education Committees
Educational Programs Committee
Purpose: MOFGA’s educational programs committee provides the Association’s constituencies with educational opportunities in the forms of publications, events and programs regarding the rationale, history, practices, philosophies and environmental and health benefits of organic agriculture. It strives to promote the availability of practical knowledge about organic farming and gardening while making the connection between healthful, local food and sustainable community building. The committee works independently and in coalition with other groups to offer programming that is accessible, is geographically diverse, and takes place throughout the year. The committee also provides direction for MOFGA’s journeyperson and apprenticeship programs, which train people to become skilled organic farmers and gardeners.Officer: Richard Rudolph (Chair)
Other members: Billi Barker, Amanda Beal, John Bliss, Sarah Bullett, Nancy Chandler, Rosey Guest, Anne Johnson, Teresa Johnston, Barbara Piel, Richard Rudolph, Polly Shyka, Keith Zaltzberg
Staff Liaisons: educational programs director; Heather Spalding (Operations Director)
Schedule of meetings: Second Monday of each month at 10:30 a.m., October through May, and at 6:30 p.m., June through September. Adjustments are made for Monday holidays, and the September meeting will take place on the 8th due to heavy Fair set-up activity on the second Monday of that month.
Volunteer opportunities: The committee appreciates help with all aspects of MOFGA’s developing educational programs division. Opportunities exist to help organize events, write and edit publications, and coordinate farmer training programs.
Orchard Committee
Purpose: Through workshops and demonstration orchards, this committee teaches organic orcharding to the MOFGA membership and to the public at large. Officer: John Bunker (Chair)Other members: Mark Fulford, Steve Page, Bob Sewall, Jack Kertesz Staff liaisons: educational programs director; Russell Libby (Executive Director) Schedule of meetings in 2003: As needed.
Volunteer opportunities: The committee needs help maintaining the demonstration orchards at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center. Volunteers also may assist with organizing workshops.
Low Impact Forestry Committee
Purpose: The low impact forestry committee oversees MOFGA’s woodlands for the purposes of sustainable harvesting, instruction about safe and appropriate woodsworking skills, and demonstration of proper forest management practices. These activities take place primarily during the Common Ground Country Fair in September and the Low Impact Forestry Workshops in November. MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center is a comfortable venue for the November workshops, where foresters of all backgrounds come together and share experiences and passion for working in the woods.Members: Peter Hagerty (Low Impact Forestry Workshops coordinator), Sam Brown and Mark Albee (Common Ground Country Fair Forestry Program coordinators), Barrie Brusila (MOFGA forester), Donnie Webb (horse logging expert), John Cullen (Chainsaw Safety Program), Pete Stratton and Donald Nickerson (teaching staff coordinators)
Staff Liaisons: educational programs director; Russell Libby (Executive Director)
Schedule of Meetings in 2003: April 23 at 11:00 a.m.; morning of September 20 (at the Fair).
Volunteer opportunities: Lots of opportunities exist for volunteers to help with logistics of forestry programs being offered at the Common Ground Country Fair. The committee also needs volunteers to help coordinate the Low Impact Forestry Workshops in November. The committee will arrange for volunteers to work in the kitchen or the woodlot in lieu of a workshop registration fee.
Publications Committee
Purpose: This committee reviews and makes policy recommendations about MOFGA publications including: the website; the quarterly newspaper; membership newsletters; pest reports; technical bulletins; fact sheets; market reports; press releases; calendars of events; and free special editions of our newspaper.Officer: Eric Rector
Other members: Tom Roberts, Jean English, Tim Nason
Staff liaison: Heather Spalding (Operations Director)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: March 26 at 9:00 a.m.; April 30 at 9:00 a.m.; and May 28 at 9:00 a.m. Monthly meetings for this ad hoc committee are necessary now, as we have not reviewed MOFGA publications policies in several years. As this article goes to press, the schedule for future meetings has not been made. The long-term plan is to have at least one yearly review meeting. If you are interested in participating in this committee, please contact the MOFGA office for more information. Volunteer opportunities: Regardless of the committee meeting schedule, ongoing volunteer opportunities exist for publications work at MOFGA. Specifically, we need help with: website maintenance and design; proofreading; solicitating advertising; illustrations; writing articles for the newspaper; and developing and managing a listserve.
Events Committee
Purpose: The events committee provides continuity for the workshops, conferences, festivals, dinners and other gatherings that MOFGA hosts. Members work to ensure that all related committees are apprised of developments relating to specific events at the Education Center in Unity and at other venues throughout the state.Officer: Eric Rector (Chair)
Other members: Steve Plumb, Nancy Rosalie
Staff liaison: Heather Spalding (Operations Director)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: April 30 at 11:30 a.m., and October 23 at 5:00 p.m. Volunteer opportunities: The October meeting is open to anyone who coordinates any event at MOFGA or who has an interest in helping organize MOFGA events. Discussion at this meeting will help clarify roles and responsibilities of interested volunteers.
Landscaping Committee
A summary of this committee appears in the Buildings & Grounds section of this article.Farm Committee
A summary of this committee appears in the Buildings & Grounds section of this article.Common Ground Country Fair Committees
Fair Steering Committee
Purpose: The fair steering committee is responsible to the MOFGA board for the annual presentation of the Common Ground Country Fair. The committee provides leadership for the large corps of volunteers on the fair planning team. It makes decisions on policy and issues relating to the Fair, and plans for the future of the Fair, making proposals to the MOFGA board. The steering committee implements the policies and goals of the Association through the Fair. It maintains current and historical records, giving an overview of the operation of the Fair.Officers: Dennis Merrill (Chair), Lisa Hawkins and Amy LeBlanc (Recording Secretaries)
Other members: Joe Auciello, John Belding, Andy Bray, Jim Buckle, John Bunker, Leslie Burhoe, Mary Chamberlin, Wes Daniel, MaryLynn FitzSimons, David Gardner, Betsy Hart, Barry Magda, Tom Opper, Steve Plumb, Nancy Rosalie, Keith Zaltzberg
Staff liaison: Barbara Luce (Fair Coordinator)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: Second Thursday of every month, except January, when the committee has its "Marathon Meeting" on a Sunday early in the month. Regular Thursday meetings are at 5:30, September through March, and at 6:30, April through August. Volunteer opportunities: Members of the fair steering committee are appointed on an annual basis, although all meetings are open to interested people. Generally, folks join the steering committee after they have participated in the fair planning team for a few years.
Fair Planning Team
The fair planning team is comprised of every person who coordinates some aspect of the Fair. Membership is open to any volunteer wishing to assume a leadership role in coordinating Fair volunteers for a specific area of the Fair.
Officers: Dennis Merrill (Chair), Lisa Hawkins and Amy LeBlanc (Recording Secretaries) Other members: Amos Alley, Crystal Ashland, Joe Auciello, Shlomit Auciello, Barbara Balkin, Amanda Beal, Lucy Behnke, John Belding, Cynthia Beneski, Paul Birdsall, David Blocher, Wendell Blodgett, Kim Bolshaw, Christopher Bovie, Jim Bowers, Alex Bradstreet, Amy Bradstreet, Donna Bradstreet, John Bradstreet, Andy Bray, Rea Brennan, Herbie Brewer, Sam Brown, Sue Buck, Jim Buckle, Obie Buell, John Bunker, Leslie Burhoe, Mike Burns, Madeline Cantwell, Mary Chamberlin, Joseph Charnley, Jack Cole, Dave Colson, Peggy Connell, Marada Cook, Mary Ellen Cooper, Wes Daniel, Noel Dechar, Wendy DeCroteau, Glen Dewitt, Richard Dickey, Patti Dowse, Dawna Doyon, Maureen Drouin, Anu Dudley, Bob Egan, Perley Emery, Jean English, Chris Fabian, MaryLynn FitzSimons, Robin Fowler, David Gardner, Kristen Gardner, Ernie Glabau, Martha Gottlieb, Jim Grant, Skip Green, Suzanne Griffiths, Mark Guzzi, Peter Hagerty, Greg Hallee, Dan Hamilton, Betsy Hart, Frank Heller, Marie Hickey, David Hilton, Theresa Hoffman, Richard Royer, Skip Howard, Eric Howard, David Howe, Valerie Jackson, Anne Johnson, Wendy Karush, Donna Kausen, Genevieve Keller, Jack Kertesz, Judy Kirk, Faye Krause, Gary Lawless, CR Lawn, Beth Leonard, Sari Lindauer, Joanna Linden, Bill MacDonald, Barbara MacLennan, Barry Magda, Robert Martin, Mort Mather, Roy Miller, Lisa Miller, Jeff Miller, Scott Monroe, Nick Mukai, Paul Murray, Tim Nason, Ansley Newton, Philip Norris, David Olarsch, Tom Opper, Beedy Parker, Jim Peary, Nat Peirce, Bob Pelletier, Stacy Pelletier, Ellis Percy, Susan Pierce, Fred Pinette, Steve Plumb, Martha Putnam, Elizabeth Radliff, Eric Rector, Cathy Reynolds, Stuart Reynolds, Ham Robbins III, Fred Robie, Nancy Rosalie, Mary Anne Shyka, Richard Silliboy, Spike Stein, David Stevens, Matthew Strong, Peggy Strong, Mike Tansey, Don Thamert, Cynthia Thayer, Ellen Tipper, Sharon Tisher, Lisa Turner, Paul Volckhausen, Robert Weyer, Mary Weyer, Bill Whitman, Flo Wilder, Jeanne Young, Keith Zaltzberg Staff liaison: Barbara Luce (Fair Coordinator)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: May 10 at 10:00 a.m.; July 12 at 10:00 a.m.; September 17 at 6:00 p.m. (potluck supper); October 9 at 6:00 p.m. (potluck supper)
Volunteer opportunities: The fair planning team is always looking for new members to help coordinate every area of the Fair. For just about every area of the Fair, small subcommittees meet from once to several times a year. A few areas really need extra help now. They include: Composting & Recycling; the Children¹s Area; Entertainment; Audio/Visual Presentations; Agricultural Equipment Dealers; Low-Impact Forestry; Livestock; and Agricultural Demonstrations.
Fair Food Committee
Purpose: The fair food committee is responsible for evaluating food vendor applications and ensuring that food vendors have the infrastructure they need to operate smoothly during the Fair. The committee reviews and develops guidelines for the area continually and strives to create guidelines that support Maine’s organic farming community and provide incentives for vendors to use Maine-grown, organic ingredients.Officer: David Gardner (Chair) Other members: Kristen Gardner, Marada Cook, Frank Heller, Martha Putnam, Eric Rector, Barbara MacLennan, Kim Bolshaw, Bill Whitman, Betsy Hart
Staff liaison: Barbara Luce
Schedule of meetings in 2003: Meetings are scheduled as needed, but at a minimum, there is an application review meeting in early January; a meeting to review conditional acceptances in February; a vendor confirmation pack and mapping meeting in early August; a review meeting in late October; and a food vendors meeting and potluck supper on first Wednesday in November.
Volunteer opportunities: Membership on this committee is determined annually, although meetings are always open to the public. The committee needs the most help with logistics during the Fair weekend. Familiarity with Fair guidelines and challenges associated with running food concessions are necessary.
Buildings and Grounds Committees
Buildings and Grounds Committee
Purpose: The buildings and grounds committee develops long-term planning strategies for the facilities at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center and the 250-plus acres that go with it. The committee develops and oversees a budget for maintenance and new projects, and meets regularly to help the administrative staff prioritize projects. Buildings and grounds works closely with related subcommittees, namely landscaping, farm and, to some extent, orchard and low impact forestry (see descriptions below).Officer: Steve Plumb (Chair)
Staff liaisons: Rick Kipp (Maintenance), Heather Spalding (Operations Director)
Other members: Spencer Aitel, Sarah Bullett, John Bunker, Rene Burdet, Wesley Daniel, Jack Kertesz, Ellis Percy, Steve Plumb, Nancy Rosalie, Bill Whitman, Keith Zaltzberg Schedule of meetings in 2003: Second Thursday of February, April, June, August, October and December, always scheduled just before Fair steering committee meetings.
Volunteer opportunities: Many opportunities exist to help with maintenance of buildings and grounds all year. Many of our large-scale utilities are managed totally by volunteers, so we especially appreciate those who have training in electrical systems, plumbing, carpentry, and farm equipment repair. Our long-range plans entail constructing new buildings, so architectural and construction talents are also welcome.
Landscaping Committee Purpose: The landscaping committee maintains perennial and herb gardens on MOFGA’s property.
Officer: Helen Tirone (Chair)
Other members: Kim Bolshaw, Lloyd Brace, Barrie Brusila, John Bunker, Eric Evans, Mark Fulford, Ernie Glabau, Jack Kertesz, Rani Lyn, Patrick Manley, Noah Wentworth
Staff liaisons: Rick Kipp, Heather Spalding (Operations Director)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: To be determined
Volunteer opportunities: During the growing season, gardeners are always welcome and needed to help manage the many beautiful gardens around our property. In the late fall, we also need help putting the gardens to rest for the winter.
Farm Committee
Purpose: The farm committee meets annually prior to the growing season and is responsible for coordinating and planning land use at MOFGA from year to year. All people, committees and groups intending to do any farming or gardening work on MOFGA property are strongly encouraged to participate in this meeting.Officer: Steve Plumb (Chair)
Other members: Paul Birdsall, Nancy Brucker, Barrie Brusila, Sarah Bullett, John Bunker, Wesley Daniel, Ernie Glabau, Peter Hagerty, Ed Hamel, Rick Kersbergen, Jack Kertesz, CR Lawn, Donald Nickerson, Steve Plumb, Cathy Reynolds, Helen Tirone, Keith Zaltzberg
Staff liaison: Russell Libby (Executive Director)
Meeting in 2003: April 10 at 2:30 p.m. The 2004 meeting is scheduled for February 12, preceding that month’s buildings and grounds committee meeting.
Orchard Committee
A summary of this committee appears in the educational programs section of this article.
Low Impact Forestry
A summary of this committee appears in the educational programs section
MOFGA Certification Committees
MOFGA Certification Services LLC Board of Directors
Purpose: The LLC board implements a convenient and recognizable means of certifying farmers who practice organic growing, harvesting and processing according to standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program Rule. The LLC board is appointed by the MOFGA board.Officer: Eric Rector (President)
Other members: Dave Colson (MOFGA board member), Paul Volenik (public member)
Staff liaison: Mary Yurlina (Certification Coordinator)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: February 12 at 9:00 am; May 21 at 1:00 p.m.; August 13 at 1:00 p.m.; November 12 at 9:00 a.m.
Certification Advisory Committee
Purpose: The certification advisory committee serves to inform MOFGA Certification Services LLC about the concerns and challenges facing Maine’s organic farming community, especially as those challenges relate to the USDA-mandated National Organic Program.Members: Spencer Aitel, Dave Colson, Jim Gerritsen, Jason Kafka, Rick Kersbergen, Kathy Newkirk, Henry Perkins, Eric Rector, Tin Smith, Paul Volckhausen, Paul Volenik
Staff liaison: Mary Yurlina (Certification Coordinator)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: Members of this committee do not meet as a group but offer advice to the LLC as needed. Members do participate in meetings of the LLC board of directors.
LLC Review Committee for Dairy Farms
Purpose: Members of this review committee evaluate dairy farm applications for organic certification. They ask questions of farm inspectors, rate applications, and formulate recommendations regarding non-compliance, granting or revoking certifications. Recommendations then are forwarded to the LLC board for final decision making.Officer: Spencer Aitel (Chair)
Other members: Rick Kersbergen, Henry Perkins
Staff liaison: Mary Yurlina (Certification Coordinator)
Schedule of meetings in 2003: Traditionally, the review committee has met once a year to review applications. Given the rapid growth in Maine’s number of organic dairy farms, additional review meetings are likely this year.
Volunteer opportunities: The committee could use help with the application review process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that members of this committee have adequate experience and training to perform as reviewers.
LLC Review Committee for Large Farms
Purpose: Members of this review committee evaluate organic certification applications from farms that gross $5,000-plus annually. Officer: Dave Colson (Chair) Other members: Jim Gerritsen, Jason Kafka Staff liaison: Mary Yurlina (Certification Coordinator) Schedule of meetings in 2003: This review committee meets once a year, generally in May. Volunteer opportunities: The committee could use help with the application review process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that members of this committee have adequate experience and training to perform as reviewers.
LLC Review Committee for Small Farms
Purpose: Members of this review committee evaluate organic certification applications from farms that gross less than $5,000 annually. Officer: Paul Volckhausen (Chair) Other members: Kathy Newkirk Staff liaison: Mary Yurlina (Certification Coordinator) Schedule of meetings in 2003: This review committee meets once a year, generally in May. Volunteer opportunities: The committee could use help with the application review process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that members of this committee have adequate experience and training to perform as reviewers.