First, let me apologize for the delay in getting the June edition of the Farm & Market Report to you. We deliberatively held up this issue in hopes of providing news on the DFA operating budget, as the legislature completes its work.

I am happy to report that the department faired reasonably well through the reorganization plan that evolved through the budget process. Effective on July 1, we will be known as the "Department of Agricultural Resources", but will maintain all current statutory responsibilities. The operating budget was reduced again (we declined from $5.7 million in fiscal year 2001 to $3.7 million in FY04) but we've been extremely active in bringing federal funds to the department, so right now we are not planning any of the staff layoffs expected in most other state agencies. The staff at DFA is extremely dedicated to their jobs, and to providing you with the support system so important to our stakeholders. They would be very difficult to replace when the economy turns around, so I am making every effort to retain this superb staff.

The Department has played an important role in bringing several exciting programs and resources to Massachusetts agriculture. Through our Risk Management Program, several new crop insurance programs tailored to the Northeast are either in effect or expected to be approved soon. These include AGR-Lite, a way to insure your historic gross revenues from farming, as well as specific crop insurance policies for aquaculture, sweet corn and silage corn. We are cooperating with UMass Extension and the New England Small Farms Institute to educate our farmers about the value of crop insurance in risk management.

We have also received funding from the federal Center for Disease Control, to establish a sound program for animal disease surveillance and bio-terrorism response. Livestock producers will gain valuable assistance from the department in assessing individual farm vulnerabilities as our food safety and animal health inspections become even more important. The recent BSE case in Canada has only heightened awareness, and demonstrated the importance of animal records and tracking capabilities.

Massachusetts will be taking the lead with the five other New England States in applying to USDA to establish one of several "Agricultural Innovation Centers" to enhance farm transitions to value-added production and marketing. We believe that this program will allow us to expand our very successful Farm Viability Enhancement Program, Agricultural Business Training Programs, and local farm marketing initiatives. The latter will likely result in a statewide "Eco-Tourism" initiative, partnering our department with other environmental, tourism and business development agencies.

We are also seeking increased federal funds to match the state's commitment to farmland preservation, and additional EQIP funding to compliment the state's Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program.

Three of us from the department recently traveled to Delaware (without the use of state funds) to participate in the annual meeting of the Northeast Association on State Departments of Agriculture. I was honored to be elected Vice President of NEASDA; which I believe is a testimonial to the cutting edge programs that our department is known for. The meeting gave us several great opportunities to explore partnerships with other states and federal agencies, and I believe that this will pay further dividends for Massachusetts agriculture. Now all we need is a little sunshine, and warm weather! What a difference a year makes. Seems like a year ago we were worrying about a drought! That's farming. See you throughout the Summer!

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State Regulations Safeguard Against Monkeypox

Existing state regulations are helping to protect Massachusetts residents against the recent outbreak of monkeypox in the Midwest. MDFA's Bureau of Animal Health continues to work with the state Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement (DFWELE) and the Department of Public Health to enforce state regulations that safeguard against foreign animal and zoonotic diseases.

The Midwest outbreak occurred after an imported Gambian rat transmitted the virus to prairie dogs at a pet wholesaler in Illinois. The virus was later transmitted to humans who came in contact with the animals after retail purchase.

Pet shops in Massachusetts are not allowed to sell prairie dogs. Massachusetts wildlife regulations prohibit the importation of prairie dogs into the Commonwealth except under a permit from DFWELE.

The Bureau of Animal Health has checked with Illinois authorities and has determined that no prairie dogs or Gambian rats from the Illinois wholesaler have been sent to Massachusetts. A raccoon from this wholesaler was brought into Massachusetts illegally and has been confiscated by MassWildlife officials.

The risk of public exposure to monkeypox in Massachusetts is deemed to be extremely low. The likelihood that veterinarians will see animals with monkeypox is also extremely low, however guidance for veterinarians is available on the CDC website.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is found mostly in the rainforest countries of central and west Africa. The disease is called "monkeypox" because it was discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It can be transmitted from animals to humans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people can get monkeypox from an infected animal through a bite or direct contact with the infected animal's blood, body fluids, or lesions. The disease is related to smallpox but is rarely fatal and is much less likely to be spread from person to person.

For more information, see these web sites:

Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox/index.htm

Mass. Department of Public Health
http://www.state.ma.us/dph/cdc/epii/monkeypox/monkeypox.htm

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Attention Feed and Grain Stores Selling Poultry

All feed and grain stores selling poultry are advised to take precautions to protect poultry flocks against two serious poultry diseases that have broken out in the U.S. recently.

Low Pathogen Avian Influenza (AI), a respiratory disease of poultry, turkeys, gamebirds and waterfowl has been diagnosed in a commercial egg laying facility in the state of Connecticut (3-03). Signs to watch for are listlessness, respiratory stress diarrhea and low mortality.

Exotic Newcastle Disease (END), an acute rapid-spreading contagious respiratory disease of all birds has been diagnosed in some western states including CA., NV., AZ. And TX. as of April 9, 2003. END is a virus, it is characterized by respiratory distress (gasping), or diarrhea, or encephalitis (brain infection). Birds can die so rapidly that you may not see these signs. END is highly fatal to young chicks and it causes severe drop in egg production.

Birds that exhibit signs of these diseases should be reported immediately to the Department of Food and Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health at 617-626-1795.

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza and Exotic Newcastle disease highlight the importance of increased biosecurity and record keeping for all poultry facilities. Feed and grain stores should evaluate the record keeping and biosecurity on their premises.

All poultry should be inspected, at least, daily to insure they are in good health. Only clean shaving, cages, feeders and waters should be used in holding areas.
Birds should only be purchased from National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) approved flocks.
Only birds which are currently certified Salmonella Pullorum clean or approved by NPIP may move within Massachusetts, unless sold for immediate slaughter. Copies of these documents should be made available to anyone who purchases chicks, started pullets or mature birds.
All birds destined to enter an established flock should be isolated from that main flock for a minimum of 10 days.
All bird transportation crates should be clean prior to use, after use they should be cleaned and disinfected or disposed of.

Any time poultry is commingled there is a potential for disease spread. It is a requirement that a record of sales include name, address, phone number and amount purchased. This requirement would apply to birds purchased by the feed and grain stores. For more information, call 617-626-1795.

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DEM Announces New Rules for Forest Cutting Plans

In May, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management distributed a memorandum on new forester licensing requirements to all licensed foresters and loggers in Massachusetts. The memorandum establishes that forest cutting plans prepared under Chapter 132, Sections 42 et seq. (the Forest Cutting Practices Act) must be prepared by Licensed Foresters if the cutting plan affects land classified under MGL Chapter 61, Chapter 61A, or is certified under the Forest Stewardship Program.

This statement of policy is an extension of DEM's earlier determination that preparation of the management plans for these same properties must be done by Licensed Foresters. The only exception to this policy is for a landowner who may prepare his or her own forest cutting plan for forest land classified under Chapter 61, pursuant to the 304 CMR 11.04(2)(a), classified under Chapter 61A, or certified under the Forest Stewardship Program. The policy also notes that forest cutting plans prepared under any other circumstance are unacceptable and will be returned to the landowner, together with any other application materials. In addition, the plan preparer who is not the landowner or a licensed forester will be subject to fine.

For more information on this policy, contact DEM Chief Service Forester Jim Soper at 413-545-5751 or Jim.Soper@state.ma.us.

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Massachusetts Marketplace Festival Returns to Elm Bank

Saturday, August 2, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

The popular summertime favorite, Massachusetts Marketplace, is returning to Elm Bank this summer! Celebrating the quality and abundance of local agriculture, floriculture, specialty foods and crafts, the festival features the finest from Massachusetts' fields, farms, gardens and kitchens. Families flock to Elm Bank to enjoy a full day of sampling, activities and horticultural information for gardeners and gourmets. Event is produced by the Massachusetts Horticulture Society, with in-kind support from the Mass. Department of Food and Agriculture, at MHS headquarters, the Elm Bank Horticulture Center, on Route 16 in Wellesley, MA. To find out more, or to reserve exhibit space, call Carolyn Weston at 617-933-4984 or cweston@masshort.org. The event is held rain or shine.

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Farmers' Market Opportunities

Cummington: Hilltown Community Market Seeks Growers: The new Hilltown Community Market, will run Saturdays, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, from July 5th through September, at the Berkshire Trail Elementary School, Rte. 9, Cummington. The market offers locally grown (mainly organic) produce, fruit, perennials, maple products, a variety of crafts, and entertainment. All growers interested in participating in the market should contact Marge at Hilltown CDC, 413-296-9900 x12, or margep@hilltowncdc.org) for information and vendor applications. All prospective vendors must apply and be accepted for membership by Hilltown CDC.

Dover/Wellesley: A farmers' market will be held in conjunction with the Massachusetts Marketplace Festival on Saturday, August 2 at Elm Bank Reservation in Dover on the Wellesley line. Interested growers can contact Carolyn Weston at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 617-933-4984, cweston@masshort.org.

Hingham, May 17 to October 25, Saturdays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Contact Ted Paquette, 781-749-3444, or Ted_Paquette@attbi.com.

Mass Turnpike Markets Continue for 2003 Season: The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is once again making free space available to local farmers at all 11 of its service areas along the MassPike. Space will be made available on a first come, first served basis for farmers to sell farm products and goods that are made in Massachusetts and that do not compete with MassPike service area vendors. Interested growers can contact David Fenton at 781-431-5192 or email dave.fenton@mta.state.ma.us. The market will commence the week of May 11th and continue through the late fall.

Pepperell: Growers interested in attending a new farmers' market in Pepperell for the 2004 season can contact Ellie Maguire, 978-433-6908.

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A Salute to New England Specialty Foods

You're invited to sample and sell on the front lawn of the Massachusetts Building at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) as part of the Salute to New England Specialty Foods on Friday, September 26, 2003. There is no cost to participate, but you must bring EVERYTHING you need for your exhibit - tables, décor, coolers, tents, etc. The limited spaces are filled on a first-come, first served basis. You may request an application from: bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us.

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Flower Growers Summer Field Day

Join UMass Extension and the Massachusetts Flower Growers' Association at Flower Growers' Summer Field Day on July 29th, 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on the beautiful grounds at Elm Bank Reservation, Dover MA for an afternoon of trial gardens, grower to grower discussion, trade show and dinner.

The featured speaker is Chris Beytes, Editor for Grower Talks Magazine, who will give a presentation on the globalization of the floriculture industry and how independent garden centers can succeed during these times. Grower panels are very popular at field day and this year there will be two grower panels. Beytes will moderate a grower panel on the "The pros and cons of plant branding". Growers on another panel will share their experiences managing crop diversity for today's market. There will also be a review of new products for pesticide training. A trade show under the tents, tour of the bedding plant trial gardens, delicious lobster/clambake/chicken dinner and the MFGA benefit raffle will complete the day.

Preregister by contacting Tina Smith, 413-545-5306 or Paul Lopes 508-295-2212 ext. 24, UMass, or Bob Luczai, Mass. Flower Growers' Assoc. at 978-952-0116 or visit www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture and www.massflowergrowers.com.

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NEWS FROM USDA

Southern New England Grazing Events 2003

An on-going series of summer grazing events sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service continues, offering an opportunity to meet with fellow graziers and improve your skills while learning from other's experiences. These events are open to all interested seasoned or beginner graziers. Choose according to your interests and needs. Bring a picnic lunch for those that span the middle of the day. Cold drinks will be provided.

July 13, Sunday - Watson Farm, 455 North Pond, Jamestown, RI, Society for Preservation for New England Antiquities, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Hosts Don & Heather Minto raise grass-fed beef and sheep and have managed this farm for 24 years. Topics discussed will be improving animal efficiency on grass through improved genetics - importing cattle, embryo transfer, using ultrasound to determine fat distribution. RSVP by July 9 to Joyce Meader, Connecticut Cooperative Extension at 1-860-774-9600.

July 16, Wednesday - River Plain Dairy, 85 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Host Jeff Cone operates a grass-based dairy and recently improved his infrastructure through a cooperative grant. Topics here will include paddock layout, laneway construction, watering systems, and managing during the summer slump. The farm is located approximately 2 miles east of Lebanon on Rt. 207.

August 23, Saturday - Keldaby Farm, 12 Heath Rd. Colrain, MA, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Host Bob Ramirez raises Angora goats. Discussion topics here include weed control in pastures, controlling invasive species and unwanted introductions. Soil test results will be examined in relation to these problems.

For more information, contact Barbara Miller, 413-253-4380 or Joyce Purcell,860-774-8397 x 100, at NRCS; Sue Ellen Johnson, New England Small Farm Institute, 413-323-4531; Larry Shearer, NESARE, 413-624-3978, or Joyce Meader UConn Cooperative Extension, 860-774-9600.

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Funding for Risk Management Outreach, Research, and Education Partnerships

USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently published notification in the Federal Register on requests for proposals for $15.25 million in partnership opportunities to conduct targeted research, education and outreach projects.

These agreements are part of an overall effort outlined by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman to identify and develop new risk management tools and strategies, provide educational opportunities to underserved producers, and ensure the financial soundness of the crop insurance delivery system.

"Providing producers the best available information will assist them in better mitigating farm risks," said RMA Administrator Ross J. Davidson Jr. "As a result, we're striving to expand the risk management options and educational possibilities for all producers."

RFA for Community Outreach and Assistance Partnerships -- The Risk Management Agency (RMA) announces the availability of approximately $3.5 million for partnership agreements that will fund outreach projects to provide information and training to women, limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally under served producers. The closing date and time for receipt of an application is August 1, 2003 at 5:00 pm EDT. Applications received after the deadline will not be evaluated by the technical review panel.

RFA for Risk Management Education Partnerships -- The Risk Management Agency (RMA) announces the availability of approximately $7.75 million (total) for partnership agreements that will fund risk management and crop insurance education. The closing date and time for receipt of an application is July 28, 2003 at 5:00 pm EDT. Applications received after the deadline will not be evaluated by the technical review panel.

RFA for Risk Management Research Partnerships - The Risk Management Agency (RMA) announces the availability of approximately $4 million for partnership agreements that will fund risk management research activities. The closing date and time for receipt of an application is July 28, 2003 at 5:00 pm CDT. Applications received after the deadline will not be evaluated by the technical review panel.

The forms and information needed to prepare an application under the RFA for the above items can be found on the RMA website at www.rma.usda.gov. The application kit can be accessed by going to the "What's New" link found in the upper left side of the web page.

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U.S. & Canada Reach Agreement on Subsidized Canadian Dairy Exports to U.S.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an important settlement with Canada resulting in major revisions to Canada's subsidy programs for its dairy exports. The United States recently won a World Trade Organization (WTO) case that ruled that Canada was continuing to provide illegal subsidies to its dairy industry. As a result of the settlement, Canada has agreed to eliminate these subsidies. Consequently, Canada will no longer export subsidized dairy products to the United States and will significantly limit subsidized dairy exports destined to third countries.

"This is great news for American dairy farmers and processors. The playing field has been leveled. The Canadians have agreed to comply with the WTO decision and will stop exporting subsidized dairy products to the United States," said U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick. "I welcome Canada's quick action to comply with the WTO's most recent ruling, and fully expect Canada to abide by its WTO commitments on dairy exports."

"Canada's dairy subsidies have hurt U.S. producers and we are pleased that the WTO process has resulted in a positive solution," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman. "This agreement will allow our producers to more effectively compete in the marketplace."

Over a number of years, the United States has argued before the WTO that Canada's dairy programs provided export subsidies to its dairy processors and farmers above the level that Canada committed to in the WTO. In December 2002, the WTO ruled in favor of the United States confirming that Canada was continuing to provide illegal export subsidies with the sale of discounted milk to Canadian processors under its Commercial Export Milk (CEM) program. Canada's settlement of the case is also with New Zealand, which joined the United States in challenging Canada's dairy regime in the WTO.

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IN EVERY ISSUE

CLASSIFIED ADS

Help wanted: person to work in sales at our stand at the Boston City Hall Farmers' Market, Mondays and Wednesdays. Call Doris Mills, Noquochoke Orchards, Inc. 508-636-6230.

Rotary mower. Like new, 3 point hitch, 30" blade, needs 500 RPM. Cost new $600. B/O. 508-695-6922, fax 508-695-8109.

Beehive Equipment: extractor (2 frame, hand), all extracting equipment, 2 complete hives w/supers,frames, smoker, complete hive outfit, handbook everything but the bees. Asking $600. 978-297-1914.

Cheviot sheep. Great sheep for grass fed operation. Ewes and lambs. For sale $50 to $100 or will loan out to safe pasture to maintain or reclaim pasture areas. 508-882-3849 or maude882@earthlink.net.

On May 2 the barn at Sholan Farms in Leominster burned down and all orchard supplies were lost including: sprayer, picking supplies, wooden crates, bushels, etc. The most pressing needs are: sprayer, tiller, and a harrow. Contact Joanne DiNardo, 508-795-3291, joanne.m.dinardo@verizon.com, if you know where the farm can obtain any of these items.

Mowers for sale: 4 complete Roof mowers, 26" wheels, 8 HP engines; extras: 1 drive unit, 2 30" decks, wheels and other parts $2000.00 takes all 1-413-528-0050 or treefarm@bcn.net.

17' x 48' hoop house frame only includes heavy duty bows, ground post and ridge pipe. Delivered $654.66. Call Griffin Greenhouse Supplies 978-851-4346.

Empire Packaging Company Serving New England Farms & Orchards since 1989. Find out why so many growers choose Empire. Quality Packaging , Great Service at a Fair Price. 508-426-7813 or 800-562-5520.

REFRIGERATED & FREEZER WAREHOUSE SPACE available for sublease! Located on RT 138 in Canton 4 miles south of RT 93. Call Lynn at 781-575-8911.

Piglets for sale. Cut, ironed & ready to go in May. Dover, MA 508-785-2818.

ALL FREE: 50 ft. upright silo - you take down. Old gutter cleaner. Silage blower for upright silo. 413-625-2659.

We will help Massachusetts farmers with a free help-wanted ad in The Caretaker Gazette. We have Massachusetts subscribers who want to work on your farm. Contact:THE Caretaker Gazette, PO Box 540, River Falls, WI 54022 715-426-5500, www.caretaker.org.

Subscribe to the New England Farm Bulletin. $17/year includes 2 free farm classifieds or $17 in free information booklets, monthly publication, annual almanac, New England fairs and farmers' market directory, monthly farm classifieds and features, access to rare farm topics and more! NEFB, Dept. MA, PO Box 67, Taunton, MA 02780.

How to Place a Classified Ad

Classified ads are accepted free-of charge on a first-come basis. Limit: 25 words. Be sure to include a phone number. No display ads will be accepted. Only one ad per business/individual per issue, unless space permits. Ads may run in consecutive issues, space permitting. Ads must be of interest to Massachusetts farmers. The Mass. Dept. of Food and Agriculture reserves the right to refuse any listing it deems inappropriate for publication.

E-mail, fax or mail ads to: Farm & Market Report, Mass. Dept. of Food and Agriculture, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114, 617-626-1752 fax: 617-626-1850, e-mail: Diane.Baedeker@state.ma.us

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CALENDAR

June 27 - Open House, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the First Pioneer Farm Credit, ACA office, Bedford, NH, to celebrate a newly renovated office building and the continued success of the cooperative. The Bedford office serves the Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk and a large part of Worcester counties in Massachusetts. Meet all our staff and learn more about what FPFC can do for you! Please email beford.nh@firstpioneer.com if you will attend. For directions, call 1-800-825-3252 or visit www.firstpionner.com.

June 29 - July 1 - Summer Fancy Food Show, New York City - Jacob Javits Center. This year's Massachusetts pavilion will feature some 15 Bay State Companies - as well as the many other located throughout the two floors of exhibitors. To attend the show as a guest - visit www.fancyfoodshows.com. To exhibit, contact Bonita Oehlke 617-626-1753 bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us.

July 24 - Weed Identification Workshop, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at UMass, Amherst. A classroom presentation, potted weed herbarium and weed walk will help participates enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshop held rain or shine (lunch not provided). Sponsored by the UMass Extension's Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program, 413-545-0895, www.UMassGreenInfo.org.

August 1 - 1st Annual 4-H Open Golf Tournament, Holden Hills Country Club, Holden. Contact the Mass. 4-H Foundation, Inc., 508-881-1244, info@mass4hfoundation.org.

August 2 - Massachusetts Marketplace Festival, 10:00 am -4:00 pm at Elm Bank Reservation on the Wellesley/Dover line. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Contact Carolyn Weston, MHS, 617-933-4984 cweston@masshort.org.

September 20 - The Fifth Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival, "The Festival That Stinks," 10:00 am to dusk, at Forster Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange, MA 01364. Contact: suzanne@garlicandarts.com, or visit www.garlicandarts.org.

November 14-15 - 3rd Annual "The Soul of Agriculture: New Movements in New England Food and Farming" at the Northeast Regional Conference, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH. Presented by the UNH Office of Sustainability Programs' Food and Society Initiative and the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG). Visit www.sustainableunh.unh.edu or call 603-862-4088. Conference program and registration materials will be available this summer.

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About the Farm & Market Report

Published monthly by:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, Governor
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Ellen Roy Herzfelder, Secretary
Department of Food and Agriculture, Douglas P. Gillespie, Commissioner
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1700, fax 617-626-1850
www.mass.gov/dfa

Kent Lage, Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff, Kent.Lage@state.ma.us
Mary Jordan, Director of Agricultural Development, Mary.Jordan@state.ma.us
Richard Hubbard, Chief, Bureau of Land Use, Richard.Hubbard@state.ma.us
Steven Quinn, Chief, Bureau of Fairs, Steven.Quinn@state.ma.us
James Hines, Director of Dairy Services and Animal Health, James.Hines@state.ma.us
Dr. David Sherman, Chief, Bureau of Animal Health, David.Sherman@state.ma.us
Brad Mitchell, Director of Regulatory Services, Brad.Mitchell@state.ma.us
Diane Baedeker Petit, Farm & Market Report editor, Diane.Baedeker@state.ma.us

This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.

To unsubscribe or change your address, send an e-mail message to Diane.Baedeker@state.ma.us or call 617-626-1752.

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