MDAR - Farm and Market Report

Amateur photographers who enjoy capturing local rural scenes, farm animals and fresh produce are invited to enter the Massachusetts Agriculture Photo Contest sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. Winning photos will be featured in the 2005 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar to be published later this year.

Twelve photos will be selected, one for each month. Photos will be selected that depict the diversity of agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources on the commonwealth’s farms throughout the year. To view last year’s winners, visit www.mass.gov/massgrown.
Winning photographers will be credited in the calendar, will be invited to attend a winner’s ceremony at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) in West Springfield in September and will receive tickets to the fair and copies of the calendar.

The Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar will also feature facts and figures about Bay State agriculture, horticulture and conservation, as well as other useful resources for students and teachers. The calendar will be available to schools across the commonwealth and at selected public events this fall.

Deadline for submissions is August 31, 2004. For copy of entry form and rules, click here or contact Rick LeBlanc, 617-626-1759, or at Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us.

20th Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest to be held August 16th at Boston's City Hall Plaza

The 20th Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest will be held at Boston’s City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market on Monday, August 16th in conjunction with the City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market and the start of Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week. Tomatoes will be judged by a panel of experts on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape. Always a lively and fun event, the day is designed to increase awareness of locally grown produce.

Farmers who want to submit entries can bring tomatoes to the City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market by 10:15 am on August 16th or drop their entries off with the corresponding registration form to one of several locations around the state on August 14th or 15th. These tomatoes will be brought in to Boston on Monday. For the complete details, including contest criteria and a registration form, click here.

The 20th Annual Tomato Contest is sponsored by the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

Massachusetts wins Presidential Wine Taste - Off

In the June 18, 2004 Wall Street Journal, Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher wrote “Tastings: The War Between the Grapes --- The Candidate's State With The Winningest Wines - which pitted wines of the presidential candidates' home states against each other. Here are a few excerpts:

“Our real point, of course, isn't about politics or even state-to-state competition. It's just another way for us to emphasize that good wine is being made all over the U.S. these days.”

Massachusetts has 18 wineries, including those that make fruit wines. Chicama Vineyards, on Martha's Vineyard, was founded in 1971 and was the first bonded winery in the state, according to its owners, Catherine and George Mathiesen. In general, the Massachusetts industry appears to be low-key, more of a mom-and-pop operation. Sometimes this can be good, of course -- handcrafted wines are often special -- but the far superior size of the Texas industry gave us pause.

When the wines were unveiled (after tasting), we were surprised. The first three wines we liked so much, including the outstanding sparkler, were all from Westport Rivers Winery in Massachusetts, which is family-owned. Westport Rivers is the state's largest producer of vinifera wines, and its first vintage was 1989, according to Rob Russell, who manages the vineyards for his parents

One of our favorite Chardonnays also was from Massachusetts, from Nashoba Valley Winery, in the town of Bolton, less than an hour from Boston. Located in the heart of apple country, Nashoba is a major tourist destination. It has a restaurant and gift shop, and it makes more than 20 varieties of wines, several beers and distilled spirits. The Chardonnay is its only vinifera wine, said winery owner Richard Pelletier.

So, the bottom line: It's a clear victory for Massachusetts. You read it here first. What do the campaigns think of this?

Here's the important point: Don't wait for someone from your state to be a presidential candidate to try local wines. The passionate winemakers in every state need, and deserve, your vote of confidence.

You can contact wine@wsj.com or bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us for a copy of the article.

Branded Program Funds to Offset costs at U.S. Trade Shows and Other Promotional Opportunities

Branded Program increases exporting opportunities for small food and agriculture companies.

In Massachusetts, small food and agriculture companies can rely on the Food Export USA-Northeast Branded Program to offset costs for first time exhibitors at major U.S. trade shows and many other promotional activities. Many foreign buyers attend U.S. trade shows.The mission of the program is to promote American-made products overseas and to support small companies to begin export sales.

Once a company pre-qualifies for this cost-share funding program, they can receive up to 50% reimbursement for a range of eligible international marketing and promotional activities such as:

To become a part of the Branded Program, a company must pre-qualify to show that their product has ingredients that are at least 50% of U.S. origin. A marketing plan must also be approved. Both Food Export USA Northeast and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources can provide assistance with the process. The Branded Program is funded through the Market Access Program (MAP) from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

Questions about the program or application process can be directed to Bonita Oehlke at bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us or 617-626-1753 or Suzanne Milshaw at 215/829-9111. Additional information on Food Export USA-Northeast Branded Program and the pre-qualification worksheet is available at www.brandedprogram.org.

Food Export USA-Northeast is a private non-profit association composed of member state agricultural promotion agencies including Massachusetts that offers services to help U.S. food and agricultural companies promote their products in foreign markets.

Nursery businesses and flower growers - meet Japanese buyers at SNA

Would you participate in one-on-one matchmaker meetings with horticultural buyers from Japan on August 13th at the Southern Nursery Association (SNA) 2004 Trade Show in Atlanta? You do not have to be an exhibitor to attend.

Exporting makes good business sense, even in today's market when most growers are struggling to keep up with the booming demand here at home. Foreign markets open possibilites to move oversupplies of plants or sell varieties that are no longer popular in the US, but may still be in demand overseas. More than simply increasing sales, opportunities also include obtaining new plant cultivars for the US market or learning about new foreign production technology.

Japanese consumers represent the world's second largest market for plants, behind the U.S. Japan is the fifth largest market for U.S. nursery products. Japanese buyers are becoming familiar with horticultural products from regions of the U.S. and recognize similar growing zones. There is interest in plants that flower early or late, fragrance, new varieties as well as the familiar standbys. There is a movement away from the traditional Japanese garden to European and U.S garden styles that makes the market attractive for U.S. growers.

This year's Buyer's Mission at SNA offers an excellent low-cost, low-risk opportunity to make sales or explore the sales potential of your plant material in the Japanese market.

There are a limited number of appointments which will be filled first-come, first-served. For more information: bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us or call 617-626-1753.

MNLA ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS

The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association's "Environmental Leadership Award" recognizes individuals who have consistently provided informed leadership in dealing with complex environmental issues. This year's 2004 recipients were recognized for their wisdom, impartiality and willingness to make difficult decisions that contribute to the quality of life of each citizen in the Commonwealth.

MNLA was pleased to present this award at MNLA's 94th Annual Meeting held recently at the Top of the Hub in Boston, MA. The "Environmental Leadership Award" the association's highest honor was presented to Senator Therese Murray; Representative Anthony J. Verga; and Representative Edward G. Connolly. In addition to the ceremony at MNLA's annual meeting, the award also includes the planting of a tree in the recipients name at a location designated by them. This planting will take place in early spring or fall with a brief ceremony at the site.

The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc. (MNLA) is an organization of professionals dedicated to helping the citizens of the Commonwealth, plan, develop and maintain the private and public landscapes of Massachusetts. It is MNLA's goal to provide this service to the public in a manner consistent with sound environmental practices. We recognize that a partnership with the governmental, educational and environmental communities is the most effective way to achieve that goal.

For more information on MNLA, our members or the presentation of the Environmental Leadership Award, please feel free to visit our website at: www.mnla.com

For more information contact the MNLA office at 413-369-4731.

MNLA ANNOUNCES 2004 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc. elected the 2004 Board of Directors at their recent Annual Meeting at the Top of the Hub in Boston, MA. The officers are: President, John Lebeaux, MCH; Shrewsbury Nurseries, Shrewsbury, MA; Vice President, Jeffrey Willman, MCH; Bigelow Nurseries, Northborough, MA; Treasurer/Secretary, Michelle Harvey, MCH; Lakeview Nurseries, Leominster, MA.

The MNLA Directors are: Philip Boucher, MCH; Tranquil Lake Nursery, Inc., Rehoboth, MA; Mark Sawyer, MCH; Weston Nurseries, Inc., Hopkinton, MA; Christopher Kennedy, MCH; Kennedy’s Country Gardens, Inc., Scituate, MA; Tom Bradley, MCH; Emanouil Brothers, Chelmsford, MA; Skott Rebello, MCH; Harborside P.S., Dartmouth, MA; Jim Connolly, MCH; Northeast Nursery, Inc., Peabody, MA; Mary Hallene, MCH; Sylvan Nursery, Inc., Westport, MA; and Mary Jesch, Cornucopia Gardeners, Framingham, MA.

For more information on MNLA or our members, please feel free to visit our website at: www.mnla.com.

A Salute to New England
Specialty Foods

A Salute to New England Specialty Foods will be held Friday, October 1, 2004, at the Massachusetts Building at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E), West Springfield, Massachusetts during the 17 day fair. You’re invited to sample and sell on the front lawn of the Massachusetts Building as part of the Salute to New England Specialty Foods. There is no cost to participate, but you must bring EVERYTHING you need for your exhibit - tables, décor, coolers, tents, etc.

October may seem a long way off - but if you can soon commit to A Salute to New England Specialty Foods, The Big E public relations staff will send out targeted press releases to local newspapers promoting your company’s participation. You can also be apart of the advertising in the official Big E program book. Check your schedule and make plans to attend.

To sign up or for additional info., contact Bonita Oehlke - 617-626-1753 or at Bonita.Oehlke@state.ma.us

UMass Extension
Weed Identification Workshops

Correct weed identification is an important first step in the development of an effective weed management program. Using a classroom presentation, potted weed herbarium and weed walk, UMass Extension Educator Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshop held rain or shine (lunch not provided), 9 am - 3 pm. Cost is $90/person (pre-registration
required as space is limited).

Two locations:
July 15 - Elm Bank, Wellesley
August 5 - UMass, Amherst

4 pesticide contact hours available; MCLP and MCH credits will be offered.

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For a registration form go to www.umassgreeninfo.org. Cost is $90 per person.

The New England Small Farm Institute offering Summer workshops

NESFI is offering three workshops as part of the upcoming Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) 2004 Summer Conference. Remember that you must register for the conference to attend these workshops. To register: contact Dennis or Audrey Cronin at 508-799-2278 (before 9PM); just show up at Hampshire College and register on-site when you arrive; or register online at www.nofa.org/conference/2004/index.php. If you have any questions regarding NESFI's workshop offerings contact Eric Toensmeier at (413) 323-4531 or erict@smallfarm.org.

Exploring the Small Farm Dream with Eric Toensmeier
Saturday August 14th 8:00-9:30 am

This is a short version of the Exploring the Small Farm Dream course. Participants will be introduced to goal-setting, self- assessment, and the risks and rewards of farming. The goal is to assist participants to decide if starting a farm as a business is right for them.

Access to Land with Kathy Ruhf
Saturday Aug. 14th, 10:00-11:30 am

Access to land is one of the most significant barriers to farm entry and development. In this workshop, you will learn about various ways to find and get onto farms and farmland. The presenter will talk about "tenure" options and strategies, and non-traditional approaches and partners. There will be plenty of time for Q & A and discussion of real-life situations.

Mechanizing Your New Small Farm with Matt Rulevich and Arnie Voehringer Sunday August 15th, 1:00 to 2:30 pm

Whether you have inherited a barn full of used equipment or have a pocket full of money and plan to buy new, decisions you make about equipping your new small farm will have important consequences for your new farm business. Honest assessment of your own aptitudes, skills and interests is as important as assessing the equipment needs of your farm enterprise. Will you do your own primary tillage? Will you take responsibility for maintaining and repairing your tools and equipment? This workshop will help you begin to ask and answer important, basic mechanization questions.

For serious equipment nuts, a tour of the White Oak Farm shop (4:00 pm) with overnight campout at NESFI and a day in the shop and field with Arnie (Monday, Aug. 9) are options. If you're interested, call Arnie at 413-323-6821.

Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project

The Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project is collaboration between Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the University of Massachusetts Extension Landscape and Agriculture Program. The goal of the project is to educate professionals in forestry, horticulture, and agriculture about the impact of exotic pests and how to scout for new exotic pests that pose a threat to Massachusetts. We offer presentations at meetings, newsletter articles, pest information on our website, on-line pest reporting, and an email pest alert system.

Please visit the project’s website at www.massnrc.org/pests to sign up for email pest alerts, report a pest, or to browse pest fact sheets.
For more information, contact Julie Callahan at Callahan@ent.umass.edu or 413-577-0809.

Pest Alert: Sudden Oak Death

There have been recent news reports about Sudden Oak Death (SOD), caused by the fungus Phytophthora ramorum. SOD is a severe disease of oak and tanoak in certain Pacific Northwest fog forest areas. In March 2004 Phytophthora ramorum was found in two large ornamental nurseries in southern California (Monrovia Nursery in Azusa and Specialty Plants Inc., in San Marcos). This detection demonstrates that the pathogen is not necessarily limited to the moist coastal regions of northern California and southern Oregon. At least one of the two nurseries distributes nursery stock nationwide, including Massachusetts. To date, Phytophthora ramorum has not been found in Massachusetts, though it has been positively identified in Florida and Georgia.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is monitoring this situation carefully. A number of surveys are planned by MDAR, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) nationwide and in Massachusetts to check for the presence of Phytophthora ramorum in nurseries and natural forest areas.

This pathogen has a wide range of host plants, including rhododendron, viburnum and camellia, which are potential "carriers" of the fungus when plants are transported. The damage on non-oak hosts involves minor leaf spotting and twig dieback. However, infections on these non-oak hosts may contribute to a rapid build-up of the fungus in the environment serving, therefore, as a reservoir of inoculum, which in turn infects woody tissues of oaks and tanoak trees.

The number of confirmed positive facilities, from the national and other surveys, is 118 in 14 states. Fourteen states continue to impose quarantine regulations over and above those ordered by PPQ on California, and in some cases Oregon, Washington or British Columbia.

For more information about SOD and Phytophthora ramorum check out: www.massnrc.org/pests/ and hit the Search for Pest Info button for pictures and more details.

New England Apple Association receives Northeast Farm Credit Award

New England Apple Association receives $3000 towards the production of a poster / brochure on New England apple varieties to be used in the 6-state region for the 2004 harvest.

Northeast Farm Credit institutions awarded $34,000 to thirteen organizations. The grants will help the recipients carry out programs to promote Northeast agriculture, support youth programs, and generate a greater understanding of the agriculture industry to the non-farm public.

The funds were provided as part of the Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement Program which supports programs and projects to enhance the food and fiber industries in the Northeast.

For more information about the AgEnhancement Program and on how to apply for a future grant, contact Annmarie LaZazzera, CoBank, PO Box 9061, Springfield, MA, 01102, 413-821-0233.

Massachusetts Youth Dairy Teams take Honors at Dairy Quiz Bowls across the County!

Congratulations to the Massachusetts Youth Dairy Teams for receiving honors at several Dairy Quiz Bowls across the country. At the National Milking Shorthorn Convention held in Plano, Texas, the Massachusetts Team placed third and did extremely well in the written portion of the contest. In less than a week after being in Texas, the New England Junior Team (consisting of members from Massachusetts and New Hampshire) took sixth place at the National Holstein Convention in Omaha, Nebraska. The Senior New England Team (consisting of members from Massachusetts and Maine) placed fifth out of eighteen teams from across the country.

Once again earlier this month, the Teams representing Massachusetts and New England did quite well in placing sixth at the National Guernsey Convention in Fishkill, New York. The Massachusetts College Students Team place first at this competition.

The Team members came back inspired from meeting fellow dairy cattle enthusiasts and stronger future competitors for the Dairy Quiz Bowls.

Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom Workshops

Join us for one of more of our summer workshops and try out some hands-on activities for the classroom while you explore local farms. Each workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and highlights a different area of agricul-ture with exploration of work that takes place at that farm. The fee of $30 includes pdp’s, lunch and all materials. Contact Debi Hogan for reservations and more information, 508-336-4426.

Wednesday, July 21, learn everything there is to know about goats and farm animals. Ann Starbard of Crystal Brook Farm in Sterling, will offer an overview of what it takes to raise goats, milk them, make goat cheese and market to local farmer’s markets. In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Davis Farmland, Maze and Petting Zoo. Tour the farm, meet more than 40 kinds of animals and learn about the education and entertainment that takes place there.

Wednesday, July 28th, travel to Red Fire Farm in Granby. Morning focuses on beekeeping and pollination activities for the classroom. Following a farm luncheon, tour the organic farm and farmstand with owner Ryan Volaind. Learn about Community Supported Agriculture, organic farming, marketing and the more than forty types of vegetables and fruit, including fifty varieties of heirloom tomatoes, grown on this fifty-acre farm.

Tuesday, August 10, visit Stockbridge Farm in S. Deerfield, which features over 3,000 lavender plants. Join owners John & Mary Ellen Warchol and partner Denise Lemay on their century-owned family farm. These teachers with grade K-12 experience will offer several classroom activities. Tour the lavender fields and herb gardens while learning about growing herbs. Then prepare items for an herbal lunch during a culinary workshop. Finally, explore some creative craft applications using herbs.

Tuesday, August 17, visit Red Apple Farm in Phillipston. Spend the morning learning about apples and apple trees. We’ll explore seasons in the orchard, pest management, botany, pollination, nutrition and more through hands-on activities for the classroom. After a farm lunch, Al Rose will show off the farmstand, vegetable fields, small fruits and orchards, at this fourth generation pick-your-own farm. Originally planted in 1912, the orchards now offer more than 2000 fruit trees - with 48 different varieties.

NEWS FROM USDA

USDA Releases 2002 Census of Agriculture

USDA has released the data from the 2002 Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Based on a mail survey and telephone follow up to every American agricultural operator selling more than $1,000 worth of agricultural products in the census year, the results show half of the nation’s farms and ranches have Internet access and nearly 39 percent report using a computer for their farm business.

According to the census, 90 percent of farms are operated by an individual or family, with the number of corporate farms declining by 18.4 percent from 1997 to 2002. Direct sales to consumers increased 37 percent from 1997 to a total of $812 million, and the value of organically produced commodities reached almost $393 million. The data also provide detailed, comprehensive agricultural facts for every county in America and on very specialized or small-scale agriculture.

USDA Secretary announces counties eligible for emergency loans due to abnormally cold winter

Rural Business-Cooperative Service Announces Rural Cooperative Development Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) has announced the availability of approximately $5 million in Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) funds for fiscal 2004. Of this amount, up to $1.5 million will be targeted to small, minority producers through their cooperative businesses. The RCDG program aims to improve the economic condition of rural areas through the development of new rural cooperatives, value-added processing, and other rural businesses that help create and retain jobs. The deadline for applications is 4:00 eastern time on July 26, 2004, and grants of up to $300,000 will be awarded by September 30, 2004. For further information, contact the agency contact for your state.

IN EVERY ISSUE

CLASSIFIED ADS

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 Agricultural Resources 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 Agricultural Resources, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114, fax: 617-626-1850, e-mail: Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us

CALENDAR

About the Farm & Market Report

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, Governor
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Ellen Roy Herzfelder, Secretary
Department of Agricultural Resources, Douglas P. Gillespie, Commissioner
251 Causeway St., Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1700, fax 617-626-1850
www.Mass.gov/agr

Massachusetts Department of
Agricultural Resources

Farm & Market Newsletter

Vol. 81, No. 3 , June / July 2004

In this issue:

Commissioner's Column

Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar Photo Contest