Common Ground Radio

WERU-FM
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Bimonthly

Discussing issues related to certified organic farms and sustainable food systems. From the audio archives of Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, ME - http://weru.org/

  1. Aug 13

    Common Ground Radio 8/13/26: Feeding Volunteers at the Common Ground Country Fair

    Hosts: Ivonne Vazquez Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: ?For the August episode of Common Ground Radio, we look forward to the 50th annual Common Ground Country Fair, hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and taking place in Unity, Maine on Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27. We’re looking behind the scenes at the tremendous efforts to feed the thousands of volunteers who power each year’s fair. We will learn about what it takes to procure food, organize, cook, clean, and repeat throughout the three-day event. Guest/s: Deb Paredes Martinez, MOFGA’s Common Kitchen manager and Fair food liaison. Devon Salisbury, lead Common Kitchen coordinator. Jeremy Peskoe, lead Common Kitchen coordinator. Sarah eSBee Buhlman, Common Kitchen coordinator. FMI- www.mofga.org/about-the-fair/ www.mofga.org/why-volunteer/ About the hosts: Sarah Alexander is the executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), where she advocates for organic agriculture, a healthy environment, local food production, and thriving communities. Sarah has worked on issues related to food sovereignty, clean energy, public water systems, genetic engineering, and local food security. Her background is in community organizing, strategic campaigning, and legislative campaigns, having previously worked with Food & Water Watch, Green Corps, the White Earth Land Recovery Project, Shepherd’s Corner Farm, and the American Community Gardening Association. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has since worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland, and Italy, and founded her own small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. Previously, she managed a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers; hosted “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and contributed to The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Seth Kroeck is an organic grower at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick, Maine. Seth is an active member of the Organic Farmers Association, Real Organic Project, and the Maine Grain Alliance, and is committed to supporting and building regional food systems. He serves on the board of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). Ivonne Vazquez is passionate about native plants, pollinators, DIY, sustainability, the environment, and sharing gardening knowledge. She is a Licensed Registered Maine Guide/Recreation, Basic Gardening Instructor at Bangor (Maine) Adult Ed, and native plant nursery grower/owner at Bas Rouge Farm & Forge in Orono, Maine. Ivonne sits on the boards of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the Maine School Garden Network, and Fedco Seeds. The post Common Ground Radio 8/13/26: Feeding Volunteers at the Common Ground Country Fair first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

  2. Jul 9

    Common Ground Radio 7/9/26: 50 Years of Common Ground

    Hosts: Seth Kroeck, Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: For 50 years, MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair has been a gathering place for a movement rooted in organic agriculture, food justice, environmental stewardship, and the belief that communities can build healthier futures together. One of the most visible and enduring expressions of that movement has been the Fair’s posters. In this month’s episode of Common Ground Radio, we’re honoring this legacy with a special two-part conversation about art and agriculture, and an exhibition of all 50 Fair posters, called 50 Years of Common Ground. Join us to hear from Amy Hausmann, director of the Maine Arts Commission; Mary Weitzman, membership and development director of MOFGA; and Brenda McGuinness, the 2026 poster artist. Guest/s: Amy Hausmann, director of the Maine Arts Commission Mary Weitzman, membership and development director of MOFGA Brenda McGuinness, artist FMI- Common Ground Country Fair — www.mofga.org/about-the-fair/ Common Ground Country Fair poster archive — www.mofga.org/common-ground-country-fair-old-posters/ “Fifty Years of Common Ground” exhibition catalog — store.mofga.org/products/fifty-years-of-common-ground 50 Years of Common Ground exhibition in Augusta — www.mofga.org/event-calendar/50-years-of-common-ground/ 50 Years of Common Ground exhibition in Waterville — www.mofga.org/event-calendar/50-years-of-common-ground-waterville/ Meet the poster artist — www.mofga.org/stories/community/2026-common-ground-country-fair-poster-artist/ About the hosts: Sarah Alexander is the executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), where she advocates for organic agriculture, a healthy environment, local food production, and thriving communities. Sarah has worked on issues related to food sovereignty, clean energy, public water systems, genetic engineering, and local food security. Her background is in community organizing, strategic campaigning, and legislative campaigns, having previously worked with Food & Water Watch, Green Corps, the White Earth Land Recovery Project, Shepherd’s Corner Farm, and the American Community Gardening Association. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has since worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland, and Italy, and founded her own small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. Previously, she managed a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers; hosted “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and contributed to The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Seth Kroeck is an organic grower at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick, Maine. Seth is an active member of the Organic Farmers Association, Real Organic Project, and the Maine Grain Alliance, and is committed to supporting and building regional food systems. He serves on the board of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). Ivonne Vazquez is passionate about native plants, pollinators, DIY, sustainability, the environment, and sharing gardening knowledge. She is a Licensed Registered Maine Guide/Recreation, Basic Gardening Instructor at Bangor (Maine) Adult Ed, and native plant nursery grower/owner at Bas Rouge Farm & Forge in Orono, Maine. Ivonne sits on the boards of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the Maine School Garden Network, and Fedco Seeds. The post Common Ground Radio 7/9/26: 50 Years of Common Ground first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

  3. Jun 11

    Common Ground Radio 6/11/26: Meet the New Common Ground Radio Hosts!

    Host: Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: Three new cohosts will be joining MOFGA’s Common Ground Radio, MOFGA’s monthly conversation about local food and organic agriculture on WERU Community Radio. In this this special get-to-know-you conversation, current host Holli Cederholm chats with MOFGA Executive Director Sarah Alexander, and MOFGA board members Ivonne Vazquez and Seth Kroeck. With backgrounds in organic agriculture, gardening with native plants, community organizing, and more, this new crew brings fresh voices and perspectives to the show. Guest/s: Sarah Alexander Ivonne Vazquez Seth Kroeck FMI- Organic gardening resources — www.mofga.org/trainings/gardening/ Beginning gardener resources — www.mofga.org/trainings/gardening/beginning-gardener-resources/ Vegetable planting calendar — www.mofga.org/resources/gardening/seed-planting-calendar/ Common Ground Country Fair — www.mofga.org/about-the-fair/ 50 Years of Common Ground — www.mofga.org/about-the-fair/mofga-50th-annual-fair/ About the hosts: Sarah Alexander is the executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), where she advocates for organic agriculture, a healthy environment, local food production, and thriving communities. Sarah has worked on issues related to food sovereignty, clean energy, public water systems, genetic engineering, and local food security. Her background is in community organizing, strategic campaigning, and legislative campaigns, having previously worked with Food & Water Watch, Green Corps, the White Earth Land Recovery Project, Shepherd’s Corner Farm, and the American Community Gardening Association. Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has since worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland, and Italy, and founded her own small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. Previously, she managed a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers; hosted “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and contributed to The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Seth Kroeck is an organic grower at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick, Maine. Seth is an active member of the Organic Farmers Association, Real Organic Project, and the Maine Grain Alliance, and is committed to supporting and building regional food systems. He serves on the board of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). Ivonne Vazquez is passionate about native plants, pollinators, DIY, sustainability, the environment, and sharing gardening knowledge. She is a Licensed Registered Maine Guide/Recreation, Basic Gardening Instructor at Bangor (Maine) Adult Ed, and native plant nursery grower/owner at Bas Rouge Farm & Forge in Orono, Maine. Ivonne sits on the boards of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the Maine School Garden Network, and Fedco Seeds. The post Common Ground Radio 6/11/26: Meet the New Common Ground Radio Hosts! first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

  4. Apr 9

    Common Ground Radio 4/9/26: Gardening for Food Security

    Host: Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: With food prices on the rise, alongside federal cuts to food aid programs, many of Maine’s families face difficulty putting food on the table. Meanwhile, the growing season is upon us and home gardeners can help strengthen food access in their communities by partnering with local food relief organizations, from food pantries and cupboards to community meal programs and share tables/sheds. This month on Common Ground Radio, we’re discussing gardening for food security and ways that Mainers can help get healthy local food to those in need. Our guests are Mattie John Bamman, the communications coordinator for Waldo County Bounty, and Kate Garland, a horticulture professional with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Guest/s: • Mattie John Bamman. • Kate Garland. FMI- • Waldo County Bounty Give & Take Program — waldocountybounty.org/give-and-take-tables • Waldo County Bounty Grow A Row Pledge — waldocountybounty.org/wcb-grow-a-row-pledge • Veggies for All Gleaning Program — waldocountybounty.org/gleaning • University of Maine Cooperative Extension offices — extension.umaine.edu/county-offices/ • Maine Harvest for Hunger — extension.umaine.edu/harvest-for-hunger/ • Maine Home Garden News — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2026/03/30/maine-home-garden-news-april/ • Victory Garden for ME series — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/victory-gardens-for-me/ • Publications from UMaine Extension — extension.umaine.edu/publications/ • Videos from UMaine Extension — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/resources/ About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 4/9/26: Gardening for Food Security first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

  5. Mar 12

    Common Ground Radio 3/12/26: Seed Saving with Will Bonsall

    Host: Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This month on Common Ground Radio, we’re discussing how and why to save seeds — from annuals like your favorite heirloom tomato to the more complicated biennials, like carrots and beets. Saving your own seed can be cost-effective, and also allows you to select for traits specific to your tastes, like sweetness, as well as gardening conditions and climate. Host Holli Cederholm talks with seed saving legend Will Bonsall, author of “Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical Self-Reliant Gardening” and the director of the Scatterseed Project, a project dedicated to preserving thousands of genetically diverse crops well-suited to Maine’s seasons and soils. Guest/s: Will Bonsall FMI: MOFGA’s Seed Swap & Scion Exchange — www.mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/seed-swap-and-scion-exchange “Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical Self-Reliant Gardening” by Will Bonsall — www.chelseagreen.com/product/will-bonsalls-essential-guide-to-radical-self-reliant-gardening Seed Saving resources — www.mofga.org/trainings/gardening/seed-saving About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 3/12/26: Seed Saving with Will Bonsall first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

  6. Feb 12

    Common Ground Radio 2/12/26: Honoring Black History Month

    Host: Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: On this episode of Common Ground Radio, we’re celebrating Black History Month and revisiting a conversation from 2023 discussing “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists,” a book of essays and interviews by Leah Penniman that explores Black people’s spiritual and scientific connection to the land, waters, and climate. Guest/s: – Leah Penniman, farmer and author of Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists and Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land. – Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro and author of Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors. FMI- • “Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists” by Leah Penniman — blackearthwisdom.org • “Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land” by Leah Penniman — www.farmingwhileblack.org • “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” by Rue Mapp — www.chroniclebooks.com/products/nature-swagger • Outdoor Afro — outdoorafro.org • Soul Fire Farm — www.soulfirefarm.org About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 2/12/26: Honoring Black History Month first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

  7. 12/11/2025

    Common Ground Radio 12/11/25: Gardener to Gardener

    Host: Holli Cederholm Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This episode of Common Ground Radio goes behind the scenes of Gardener to Gardener, a new conference for gardeners to learn from one another. Hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the inaugural event will take place on February 8 in Portland, Maine. It is an exciting opportunity for gardeners of all experience levels to connect with other growers, as well as university faculty, agricultural scientists, and service providers around a range of gardening topics. We also dive a bit deeper into two topics that will be covered at the conference, Planning & Mapping Your Garden, and Soil Health 101. List of subjects: – MOFGA’s Gardener to Gardener Conference – Gardening – Resources for organic gardening – Planning and mapping your garden – Soil health 101 Guest/s: Madi Whaley, MOFGA’s educational programs coordinator. Rebecca Long, coordinator of Horticulture Training Programs for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Ivonne Vazquez, the owner/grower at Bas Rouge Farm & Forge, a native plant nursery. FMI- – Gardener to Gardener — mofga.org/event-calendar/gardener-to-gardener-2026 – Climate Change & the Garden: Resources — mofga.org/trainings/gardening/climate-change-gardening-resources – Beginning Gardener Resources — mofga.org/trainings/gardening/beginning-gardener-resources – Bas Rouge Farm & Forge Gardening Classes — basrougefarm.com/gardening-classes – Understanding Astronomy — physics.weber.edu/schroeder/ua/sunandseasons.html – Maine Home Garden News — extension.umaine.edu/gardening/maine-home-garden-news – Cooperative Extension Garden & Yard — extension.umaine.edu/gardening About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 12/11/25: Gardener to Gardener first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

  8. 09/11/2025

    Common Ground Radio 9/11/25: Growing Great Garlic in Maine

    Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: This episode of Common Ground Radio is all about garlic! Garlic grows from cloves, which are planted in the fall. Mature heads of garlic are then harvested the following summer. From seed selection to fertility to mulching practices, Brittany Hopkins of Wise Acres Farm shares how she cultivates a healthy, certified organic garlic crop in Kenduskeag, Maine. List of subjects: – Gardening – Growing garlic – When to plant garlic – Mulching – Garlic disease – Garlic harvest and curing Guest/s: Brittany Hopkins of Wise Acres Farm. FMI- – Garlic disease — mofga.org/resources/garlic/garlic – Garlic disease — fedcoseeds.com/resources/pests-and-diseases/nematodes-and-white-rot – When to plant garlic in Maine — mofga.org/resources/garlic/when-to-plant-garlic – Growing garlic in Maine — extension.umaine.edu/publications/2063e – Maine Seed Garlic Directory — extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/garlic/maine-seed-garlic-directory – UMaine Garlic bulletins — extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/garlic – Plant disease diagnostic testing — extension.umaine.edu/ipm/plant-disease/plant-disease-diagnostic-testing About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a lo0ng-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. The post Common Ground Radio 9/11/25: Growing Great Garlic in Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

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About

Discussing issues related to certified organic farms and sustainable food systems. From the audio archives of Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, ME - http://weru.org/

Information

  • Creator
    WERU-FM
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    142
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 WERU-FM
  • Show Website
    Common Ground Radio

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