FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 22, 2006

The Northeast Organic Farming Association presents "The Organic Apple," a workshop that will help small scale orchardists and those that want to grow some backyard trees overcome the challenges of growing this fruit using organic practices.

This workshop will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2006, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. (doors will open 9:00 a.m.) and will be held at Bible Hill Farm, an organic farm & orchard in Warner, NH.

Please use the NOFA-NH website, www.nofanh.org for location & directions and a registration form.

In this workshop, participants will learn about pruning, pest dynamics, soil health, good varieties and apple pleasures:

* discuss the key role understory management of plants, nutrients and beneficial microorganisms plays in the organic orchard

* demonstrate renewal pruning techniques first-hand

* look at variety and rootstock choices

* identify insect and disease dynamics from a holistic perspective aimed at achieving maximum diversity

* explore the use and limits of kaolin clay for curculio and borers

* look at how to make a small apple business viable by focusing on heritage and regional varieties, value-added products and the "community orchard" model

* and if there¹s enough time, we¹ll end the day with a rambunctious wassail!

Taught by Michael Phillips, a farmer, writer, researcher, consultant, speaker and author of the newly revised book, "The Apple Grower: A Guide for the Organic Orchardist." Phillips lives and works with his wife Nancy and daughter Grace on Heartsong Farm in Northumberland, NH.

He raises his apples at their Lost Nation Orchard: this two and a half acres of young trees supplies a community of shareholders with both dessert and juice fruit. The Phillips family grows a wide array of vegetables and medicinal herbs for this same community-based market.

Discounted Early Registration by May 5: $30 for NOFA members, $40 for non-members. After May 5, Add $10 per person.

Work Exchange available for a reduced fee, contact us!

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of NH is a group of farmers, gardeners, landscapers and consumers working to promote healthy food, organic farming, gardening and land use practices and a cleaner environment.

NOFA-NH 4 Park St., Suite 208, Concord, NH 03301 (603) 224-5022
nofanh@innevi.com nofanh@innevi.com
www.nofanh.org

------------------------------------------------------

Please visit the Beginner Farmers of NH website at www.beginnerfarmers.org for information on meetings, workshops and related events, current member benefits, county information, etc.