Sustainability – Yarden of Eatin'

Community Supported Solar for Farms

February 9, 2022February 9, 2022Leave a comment

New Hampshire farmers face significant energy expenses. The Monadnock Region Community Supported Solar Project supports local farmers by ensuring a bright future in the face of climate change.

Farmers are the heart of our region: providing fresh produce, caring for the land, and nourishing our community. With farmers being key to our local food system and conservation priorities, it is crucial that they too are supported.

The Cheshire County Conservation District recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to support this program. All proceeds will go directly to making solar more accessible to local farmers.

Your donation today, increases the viability of local farms, advances the sustainability of our region, and in turn, strengthens our local food system!

Donate Today!

To learn more about Community Support Solar, visit https://cheshireconservation.org/solar.

Thank you for helping us support those who grow the food on our plate!

Community Supported Solar Project Moves into Next Phase

December 13, 2020December 13, 20201 Comment

CCCD now soliciting farmer interest for this net metering opportunity: Eighteen shares available to farms for purchase

The Cheshire County Conservation District is excited to announce that the Community Supported Solar array at Sun Moon Farm in Rindge has been installed and farmers are now being sought to sign up for shares in this net metering opportunity! This is a partnership with Sun Moon Farm, ReVision Energy, and the Monadnock Sustainability Hub, with funding from the Thomas W. Haas Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation.

This Monadnock Region Community Supported Solar Project is an effort to help local farmers stabilize and lower their costs of electricity. A number of agricultural producers in the Monadnock region have expressed interest in solar, but many do not have the capital to invest in the infrastructure and/or a good location for the PV system. The Community Supported Solar model allows for community investment to offset the costs of the participating farms.

The CCCD is now taking requests from local farms interested in purchasing shares in this net metering project. Shares are limited, so interested farms should contact Amanda Littleton at the CCCD sooner rather than later.

Currently, 18 shares are available for purchase on a first come, first served basis. Each estimated 5000 KWh produced will constitute one share. Farmers may purchase as many shares as they want, but the total output cannot exceed the total power the farm consumes on an annual basis. One share costs $4,523. Participating farms must be located in the Eversource NH utility service territory. To confirm eligibility, farmers can review the PUC utility coverage by town listings at: https://www.puc.nh.gov/Consumer/communitiesserved.pdf

If you believe your farm can benefit from lowered energy costs and you’re interested in this net metering opportunity but want more information – please join the CCCD at an upcoming Virtual Info Session on either Wednesday, January 6th from 3:30pm-5:30pm or on Thursday, January 14th from 10am-12pm. Both meetings will be held virtually on Zoom. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Please register online at: https://cssinfosession2021.eventbrite.com.

Interested farmers should contact Amanda Littleton directly at the CCCD to reserve their shares; first come first served until sold out. Either send an email to amanda@cheshireconservation.org or call 607-756-2988 x4 and leave a voicemail.

Come to Greenerborough May 5

April 22, 2018Leave a comment

From the Greenerborough Website

Greenerborough is more than just a fair. It is an annual event set to accelerate progress toward a future of resilience and sustainability. Learn how New England families can grow and choose food, energy, housing and lifestyles to improve our health and happiness. It’s free to visitors — though we do ask for donations at the door!

See full schedule and more.

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Village Roots Permaculture’s Barn Raising Crowdfunding Campaign

April 1, 2018April 1, 20181 Comment

The Local Crowd (TLC) Monadnock launched its sixth online crowdfunding campaign called the Village Roots Barn Raising project. Village Roots is a family owned and operated, regenerative farm on the Orchard Hill Community in East Alstead, NH.

Learn more and support this campaign today!

Owners Marty Castriotta and Ellen Denny share, “The beauty of a barn raising is that it is a community endeavor. We’ll mill the wood and cut the timbers. You help by contributing to the campaign that will pay for our roof, siding, sight work, gravel, electric and much needed refrigeration. Then you show up on raising day, if you wish, and we raise the frame together. In return, we will offer you a variety of rewards to reimburse you for your contribution.”

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