We may not consider the crucial role our farmers play in our health and the health of our planet, but they are the “first responders” of our food supply and caretakers of the land. Join us for a panel discussion with farmers and agriculture organizations in our community to learn more about the connection between farming and clean water. As consumers, we have more choices than ever about the food we eat and the values we support with our dollars. Find out how you can make choices that support local organic and regenerative farmers who are dedicated to healthy food, healthy land and clean water.

Moderator

Diana Martin – Director of Communications & Marketing, Rodale Institute
Diana started as the Director of Communications & Marketing at Rodale Institute in January 2016 and oversees the Institute’s branding and outreach, including consumer education. Diana graduated with a degree in journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and specializes in nonprofit marketing & communications. The tenth generation of her family to live in Lancaster, PA—an area with rich farmland and a hot spot for organic agriculture—Diana became passionate about issues in food & farming while backpacking around the world and WWOOFing (interning) on organic farms.
Today, Diana is particularly passionate about supporting family farmers, building resilient food systems, climate change, and intersectional environmentalism. Since beginning her role at Rodale Institute, some of Diana’s career achievements include starting Organic Farmers Association (focused on representing organic farmers on policy issues in DC), launching the Regenerative Organic Certification with partners, expanding Rodale Institute to 7 locations in 4 states, beginning a new longterm research trial & consumer education on farming and clean water, and helping to create Rodale Institute’s farmer consulting program. In her free-time, Diana enjoys skiing, traveling, and hiking with her dog Willow.

Panelists

Lisa Blazure – Soil Health Coordinator, Stroud Water Research Center
Lisa is an experienced conservation professional who advocates for improving soil health to achieve water quality goals and enhance the economic viability of agriculture. She works for Stroud Water Research Center and serves as the coordinator for the Pennsylvania Soil Health Coalition to foster collaboration among numerous stakeholders involved in soil health education and research. Lisa networks with a broad range of colleagues to implement conservation practices and organize educational programs.

• M.S. Environmental Science, Aquatic Ecology focus – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
• B.S. Biology – Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
• Soil Health Coordinator – Stroud Water Research Center, January 2020 to Present
• Environmental Specialist, Larson Design Group, January 2000 to May 2008
• Water Quality Specialist, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, May 1993 to November 1997
• Chesapeake Bay & Nutrient Management Technician, Clinton County Conservation District, May 2008 to December 2019

Jeb Musser – Director of Land Protection, Lancaster Farmland Trust
Jeb is responsible for carrying out LFT’s farmland preservation program, on-farm conservation programs, fee for service activities, and grant management. Jeb is a member of the Lancaster Clean Water Partners Watershed Action Team, serve’s on the Lancaster County Planning Commission, and is a certified FAA Part 107 drone pilot. Jeb is a graduate of Millersville University; he also has a professional certificate in Geographic Information Systems from Pennsylvania State University and a certificate in Drones for Land Trust Monitoring from Duke University.

Emily Newman – Organic Crop Consulting Program Manager, Rodale Institute
Emily helps farmers transition to organic, including clients in Lancaster County. She has a broad understanding of organics from consumer products to farming practices, and could speak to the PA Farm Bill’s efforts around clean water, challenges farmers face to transitioning to organic, private-public partnerships addressing those challenges, and how consumers can support famers in our area. Emily lives in Lancaster City.

How to Participate

Registration is required. Attendees will receive an e-mail with a link to access the presentation via Zoom the day of the event. Conservancy staff will be on hand starting at 10 minutes prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.