LOCAL NEWS
NEWS FROM USDA
IN EVERY ISSUE
DAR Undertakes Major Environmental Initiative On Invasive Plants
by Douglas P. Gillespie
Invasive plants are everywhere, and are raising havoc with the native ecology.
We'll likely never recover from the Purple Loostrife that has choked out
much of our wetlands vegetation, and that's just one example. But we can
start heading in the right direction by eliminating the import, propagation
and sale of invasives, once sound science has determined just what species
are truly a threat in New England. That's just what the Department of Agricultural
Resources is undertaking, by proposing an order to this effect.
I want to congratulate the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association leadership for stepping forward to work hand in hand with us on this issue. While the draft order being circulated for comment may not be totally to their liking, the organization's board is on record endorsing the intent of this action. To me, this demonstrates that the nursery industry is sensitive to the environmental concerns, and wants to promote itself as environmentally-friendly. It is rewarding to me to take a serious issue like invasives, and be able to work in partnership with the industry to make real progress.
What we propose in the order is, effective January 1, 2006, to ban the importation into Massachusetts of more than 140 species of invasive trees, shrubs and plants. The list comes from the federal invasive plant list, culling out the plant species that can't survive in Massachusetts anyway. The list also reflects studies done at the University of Connecticut for the MA Invasive Plant Advisory Council, chaired by MNLA Executive Director Rena Sumner. About a dozen of the listed species are commonly sold at nurseries and garden centers as ornamentals. To reduce the financial impact on Massachusetts growers with existing plant stock in their nurseries, we will be proposing a one-year phase out on sales of invasive herbacious species, and a three-year phase out on woody species. However the importation ban would be effective January 1, 2006 on all listed plant species.
We are accepting comments on the draft order until September 1, at which time we will make revisions and release the order publicly. Comments can be sent to Trevor.Battle@state.ma.us. A complete list of the proposed banned plants can be found at www.mass.gov/agr.
While on the topic of our nursery industry, I want to congratulate MNLA,
the Mass. Flower Growers Association, and the Ecological Landscapers of
MA for a fantastic joint summer meeting at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.
The buzz at that meeting demonstrated what a vibrant, forward-thinking
industry we have in Massachusetts, and it made us all proud!
Keep cool and work towards a bountiful harvest season!
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by Scott Soares
Thankfully, the Alexandrium bloom (a naturally occurring dinoflagelite
bloom commonly referred to as “red tide”) that caused the closure of most
of the Commonwealth’s shellfish harvest areas has dissipated and our shellfish
farmers are back to harvesting their bivalve crops. Although most of our
growers were not able to harvest during what is typically the period of
greatest demand, it appears that the demand and prices have come right
back to pre-closure levels. With that in mind and based upon industry demand
we have continued to support a range of marketing initiatives that extol
the high quality and great varieties of Massachusetts farm raised shellfish.
To that end, and thanks to the Southeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center
at Barnstable County Cooperative Extension and the great work of the Center
for Business Research at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, the “Cape
Cod and the Islands Cultured Shellfish” marketing effort is well underway
with a web page in development, a commercial that’s currently airing on
more than a dozen cable channels and ongoing promotional assistance for
growers of Massachusetts cultured shellfish. To view our commercial and
for more information about the marketing events that have already taken
place please visit the CBR web site, (http://www.umassd.edu/cbr/).
There’s still plenty of “summer” left which means many more great opportunities for farm raised clam boils, clams casinos, oysters Rockefeller or little necks or oysters on the half shell! To help you enjoy our great products, courtesy of Woodbury’s Inc. of Wellfleet, MA, click here .... or you can steam them or grill them…Personally, I prefer them freshly
shucked “au natural” but on the grill with a bit of butter, garlic, white
wine and a dash of pepper runs a close second…or you can try the following
courtesy of the Massachusetts Aquaculture Association (http://www.massaqua.org)...
Linguine with WOW Clam Sauce
(Submitted by Trustee/Nancy Meads)
3 doz. Littleneck clams
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
4 large cloves garlic, sliced
½ Cup dry white wine
½ bottle clam juice
4 Cups seeded dice tomatoes
3 scallions thinly sliced
½ Cup torn basil leaves
12 oz. Linguine pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
Rinse clams and set aside. Heat oil in large pot over low heat. Add garlic and cook for 3 min. Add wine and clam juice, simmer 5 min. Add clams, cover and steam shaking pot until opened. Transfer clams to a large serving bowl. Sauté tomatoes, scallions and basil in pot for 5 - 10 minutes then pour over clams. Cook pasta then add to clam mixture. Serve immediately.
Easy "Garlicky Grilled" Littlenecks
(Submitted by Trustee/Heidi Gallo)
Rinse and scrub 2 - 4 dozen Littleneck Clams. Preheat gas grill. In aluminum
pan, placed on low on one side of the grill:
Melt ½ stick of butter
Add:
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
½ cup white wine
3 cloves minced garlic
2 Tbsp. Chopped fresh parsley
½ t. grown oregano
Place littlenecks on the other side of the grill on high. Close cover and check every few minutes for clams that have popped open. Carefully remove the open clams to reserve juices in shell, and place in the aluminum pan on the other side of the grill.
Serve as an appetizer with fresh bread for dipping. ENJOY!
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Coastal Community Capital Executive Director Jeannine Marshall announced
July 18th the creation of a $250,000 emergency loan fund to help the state's
aquaculture industry recover from losses sustained due to recent red tide
bed closures. Backing for the fund comes from MassDevelopment, the state's
finance and development agency.
"Because they are considered farmers, aquaculturists are not eligible
for Small Business Administration loans available to fishermen who lost
income due to the red tide algae bloom that closed most shellfish beds
in New England," said Marshall. "With beds recently reopened,
big losses and the summer half over, the shellfish growers need support
now."
"We've had some experience in seafood industry financing and know
that it's important to get money out when it's needed," said MassDevelopment
President and CEO Robert L. Culver. "We've worked with the group at
Coastal Community Capital before, so we knew we could count on their help
to reach the state's aquaculture community."
The Red Tide Aquaculture Loan Fund will be administered by Coastal Community
Capital, a division of Cape and Island's Community Development, based in
Centerville on Cape Cod.
Fixed-rate, four percent loans are available for individuals and
businesses engaged in shellfish growing who have suffered losses due to
red tide contamination. The maximum loan is $25,000, with a maximum term
of five years and interest only through May 2006. Aquaculturists should
contact Jeannine Marshall at 508.790.2921.
Coastal Community Capital is a decade-old, community development financial
institution promoting economic development through small business growth.
Its mission is to provide loan capital and technical assistance to those
who create jobs and businesses. Its core activities include management
of the region's small business loan fund through Coastal Community Capital
and entrepreneurial support through the EntreCenter. Coastal Community
Capital has successfully closed millions of dollars in socially responsible
loans since our founding. The EntreCenter is the central point of contact
linking entrepreneurs interested in growing their businesses with free
resources.
MassDevelopment, the state's finance and development authority, partners with businesses and local officials to stimulate growth across the Commonwealth. In Fiscal year 2004, the agency arranged financing for or managed 201 projects statewide totaling more than $1.25 billion. These projects supported the creation of more than 5,500 jobs and 2,445 housing starts.
For more onformation, contact, Scott J. Soares, Aquaculture Program Coordinator, 617-626-1730, scott.soares@state.ma.us.
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The 2005 Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP) awarded
$350,000 to 39 farmers to install best management practices to protect
water quality, conserve water or improve air quality. A summary of the projects funded can be
found on the Department’s website. This
is the largest number of farmers assisted in the seven-year history of the
Program. A new aspect of the program
this year was awarding funding to three shellfish growers. The Program continues to evolve in an effort
to better meet the needs of growers.
Farmers in Massachusetts are keenly aware of the need to be good
environmental stewards and they continue to strive to make decisions on their
operation that have good economic and environmental impacts.
Funding for AEEP in Fiscal Year 2006 (July 1 2005 to June
30, 2006) has been approved!! The Department will make available $300,000 for qualified projects.
The application (Request For Response) should be available later this summer.
For more information on the program please call the Susan Phinney at 617-626-1772 or email her at susan.phinney@state.ma.us.
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Saturday and Sunday, August 20th and 21st
With MDAR’s continued efforts in promoting agriculture tourism, as a component
of eco-tourism, MDAR is one of the co-sponsors of the 1st Great Northern
Tier Geocaching Tournament: North Quabbin Region. Serious Geocachers and
those brand new to the sport alike will enjoy this two-day event based
at The Trustees of Reservations' picturesque North Common Meadow in Petersham, MA.
What is Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing)? Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS (Geographic Positioning
System) users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage
of the wonderful features and capability of a GPS unit. For more information
visit, www.geocaching.com.
This event is sponsored by Congressman John Olver's Office, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, Greenfield Community College, MassCountryRoads.com, MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources, MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, New England Forestry Foundation, New England Naturalist Training Center, North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce, North Quabbin Woods and The Trustees of Reservations.
The public is invited to join the hunt for “caches” hidden throughout the
North Quabbin Region's forests, parks, farms and cultural sites using a
hand-held GPS unit and a list of coordinates. Classes will be available
on GPS use and GPS units will be available for rent and for sale. Come
for the competition or just come for the fun. Local prizes and coupons
for area attractions will be given away to winners and participants.
If you would like information regarding sponsorship or participation, contact
Rick LeBlanc, 617-626-1759, Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us.
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The National Association of Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) Annual Conference will be held October 26-29 in Plymouth, Massachusetts at the Plymouth Radisson Hotel. The conference is being hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, WIC Nutrition Program. and Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The NAFMNP is a non-profit association with membership consisting of member states and partners who administer both the WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs. Approximately 140 attendees are expected for the conference which will bring together state agricultural department representatives, WIC and senior program staff, and USDA Personnel.
Conference highlights include a Keynote address by Under Secretary for USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Eric Bost; a nutrition education roundtable and workshops on group nutrition education strategies, EBT, community partnerships, communication and advocacy, senior regulations and compliance and program design strategies.
An in-depth, interactive workshop entitled “Using Social Marketing to Promote Farmers’ Markets: How Do We Begin?” will precede the conference on Wednesday afternoon. Led by the social marketing firm, Policy Studies of Cambridge Massachusetts, and using examples from the Massachusetts WIC Social Marketing Campaign, participants will work in groups where they will learn the steps necessary to design, implement, and evaluate an effective social marketing campaign.
Wil Bullock, Jr will share his vision of how youth can be become part of the solution for issues such as obesity and food access during Thursday’s lunch. At just 24 years old, Wil is a nationally recognized speaker and advocate for food access in urban communities as well as a W.K. Kellogg Food and Society Policy Fellow. Vern Grubinger from the University of Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture will point attendees “Toward a Healthy Food System” in his talk during Friday’s lunch.
The NAFMNP’s annual meeting will be held Friday morning and a visit to the Clasky Common Farmers’ Market in New Bedford and a local cranberry farm will conclude the conference on Saturday.
Evening activities include an optional Colonial Lantern walking tour through Plymouth’s historic district on Thursday evening and a 17th Century Harvest Dinner at historic Plimoth Plantation on Friday night.
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program began in Massachusetts in 1986. Currently, the program serves over 110,000 WIC participants and seniors in Massachusetts with about 240 farmers and over 100 farmers’ markets participating. Nationally the programs serve over 2.3 million WIC participants and 16,000 farmers at 2,345 farmers; markets.
For more information with a complete agenda and schedule go to www.nafmnp.org or contact David Webber at 617-626-1754.
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Mark your calendars and spread the word! Plan to join acclaimed chef Didi
Emmons and The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets on August 15th
at 7pm for a feast of New England’s summer bounty. The dinner will take
place at Veggie Planet restaurant in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. The
event is a benefit for The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets
(FMFM), a non-profit which has been connecting farms, families, and communities
for over 25 years.
For $60 per person, diners will enjoy a 5-course vegetarian meal featuring Massachusetts-grown products, with 90% of the proceeds going directly to benefit FMFM. Each course will be paired with a Massachusetts wine or hard cider chosen by wine expert Eden Stone. Highlights of the menu include Tomato Gazpacho, Millet Cake with Blue Cheese, Roasted Apples, Kale, and Leeks, and Peach Blueberry Gratin with Maple Ice Cream. To purchase tickets, e-mail FMFM Office Coordinator Greg Bodine at greg@massfarmersmarkets.org or
call (781) 893-8222. We hope to see you there!
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Farmers from across Massachusetts will go stem to stem at Boston’s City Hall Plaza, Monday, August 22nd during the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association’s 21st Annual Tomato Contest. This friendly competition is designed to heighten awareness of one of the most popular local crops of the summer months – tomatoes.
Chefs, food writers, produce buyers and other experts will judge the tomatoes
on flavor, quality, color and shape, with categories including slicing,
cherry, heirloom and heaviest. Growers are encouraged to bring in their
tomatoes to the contest on the 22nd or drop off their tomatoes at one of
five locations across the state. Tomatoes, that are dropped off, will be
brought into Boston the day of the contest.
For more information, and a list of drop-off locations and registration information click here, or contact David Webber at 617-626-1754 or david.webber@state.ma.us.
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Boston Public Market Association Opens Seasonal Market on Old Northern
Avenue Bridge
An exciting new waterfront market on Fort Point Channel in Boston opened July 7th at the Old Northern Avenue Bridge off Atlantic Avenue. Fresh local produce and specialty products will be offered every Monday and Thursday, 11:30 A.M. to 7 P.M. rain or shine. A project of the Boston Public Market Association and hosted by the City of Boston, the marketplace is viewed as a first step toward the establishment of a permanent year-round public market for Greater Boston. Cooperating in the enterprise is the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets.
The historic steel framed bridge, a gateway to the glorious Boston harbor, offers a unique setting for the colorful display of products from local Massachusetts farms. The unique structure was built to provide access to the rapidly expanding Boston waterfront and is a reminder of the city's maritime history. It is the only operable and unaltered swing bridge of its kind.
Fresh food markets are operated on various bridges in Europe, most notably in Venice, according to market organizers who also note that fresh New England seafood is offered nearby at various commercial firms and at several popular restaurants. Shoppers at the market will discover an outstanding array of products including farm fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, an array of baked goods, bottled milk, cheese, butter, local pork, spices, jams, jellies, and flowers.
Recently appointed executive director of the Boston Public Market Association is Howard Leibowitz of Jamaica Plain. Chairman of the twenty member board of directors of the association is Gregory Bialecki of Newton.
A limited amount of spaces are still available for interested producers. A tree fruit and organic grower is needed for Mondays. Contact Jeff Cole at 781-893-8222 for more information.
Markets Seeking Vendors
- Chelmsford, Wednesdays, Contact Chris Laughton, 978-251-4001
- Fitchburg, Tuesday and Fridays, Contact Clayton Ayotte, 978-597-6995
- Groton, Fridays, Contact Lili Ott, 978-448-1192
- MA Pike, various locations, Contact David Fenton, 781-431-5192
- Quincy, Fridays, Contact Anneli Johnson, 617-479-1601, Seeking tree fruit
- Turners Falls, Contact David Detmold, 413-863-8666, Seeking organic produce.
Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week to be Held August 21-27
Farmers’ Markets and their contributions to local agriculture and communities
will be featured during Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week, August 21 –
27. The week will kick off at the City Hall Farmers’ Market in Boston on
Monday, August 22, where a proclamation from Governor Romney will be read
during ceremonies at 12:30pm. Earlier that morning, tomatoes from farms
across the state will be judge by food writers, chefs, produce buyers,
and other experts during the 21st Annual Tomato Contest sponsored by the
New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association. For more information,
contact David Webber at 617-626-1754 or david.webber@state.ma.us.
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Friday, September 30, 2005
Massachusetts Building, The Big E (Eastern States Exposition)
Springfield, Massachusetts
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 during the 17 day Big E! www.bige.com. There is no cost to participate except a refundable deposit to hold your space, but you must bring EVERYTHING you need for your exhibit - tables, décor, coolers, tents, etc.
- There is no electricity.
- The space is 10 feet by 10 feet.
- The hours are 9 am - 5 pm with the option to stay until the fair closes at 9 pm if you like.
- You must be setup by 8 am on Friday, September 30, cars can be driven
in front of the Massachusetts building for set up.
- One vehicle and personnel entry tickets will be provided, along with a layout, detailed map of the Avenue of the States at the Big E and other details.
- If there are more requests to participate than space available, companies will be assigned on a first-come, first served bases.
- Companies who respond promptly will be included in pre-fair publicity.
For additional information and to sign up contact Bonita Oehlke - 617-626-1753 - Bonita.Oehlke@state.ma.
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This 12 workshop series offers you many of programs to develop market opportunities for meat and poultry products. Any producer or processor searching for returns above those available through commodity markets should attend. Sessions include information to upgrade your product line to be competitive in the value-added marketing area. Producers who have recognized the profit potential of the market should attend, as well as commercial, custom meat and poultry processors, culinary professionals, culinary and vo-tech students considering a career in meat food processing or any other individual or organization interested in producing branded or value-added meat and poultry products.
For more information, visit: www.Vermontagriculture.com, or click here for New England Value-Added Meat and Poultry Products Workshop
Brochure[PDF].
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New applications are being recieved for the Branded Program. Sign up now
for this program to offset 50% of your costs related to export development.
The Branded Program is a cost-share funding program that provides financial
assistance to help northeastern food and agricultural exporters promote
their products in international markets. Participants in this program receive
50% cost reimbursement for a variety of overseas marketing and promotional
expenses.
http://www.foodexportusa.org/services/branded.htm
For more information, contact Bonita Oehlke at 617-626-1753, or at Bonita.Oehlke@state.ma.us.
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Shades of Autumn, an annual celebration of the harvest season at Tower Hill Botanic Garden will be on Saturday, October 8, through Monday (Columbus Day), October 10. Tower Hill will be turned into a virtual farmland, featuring beautiful displays of garden produce and a farmer's market, and taste-testing tours of the famous antique apple orchard-with 119 varieties of pre-20th Century apples. Activities also include children's crafts, and a special "BubbleMania" presentation by Casey Carle.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden is a perfect place to spend the weekend with
family and enjoy the glorious colors of fall in New England. Admission
is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and youth under 19; children under 6 years
of age are always admitted free. Tower Hill is located at 11 French Drive
in Boylston, MA, 3 miles north of Exit 24 from Route 290. For a complete
schedule, call 508-869-6111 or sign on to www.towerhillbg.org.
Tower Hill welcomes inquiries regarding local farm and food or craft producers
who might wish to exhibit and sell their products. There is no fee to participate.
Please contact Janice Watkins at 508-869-6111 x 46 for details.
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The Middlesex Conservation District holds a sale of bulbs and perennials
to raise money to fund MCD programs. Order bulbs to plant this fall so
you will have a spectacular display next spring! The selection this year
includes some old favorites as well as some exciting new items for your
gardens. The deadline for orders is August 26, 2005 and the pick-up days will be
September 23rd and 24th at the 4-H Fairgrounds, South Chelmsford Rd., in
Westford, MA.
Offerings include daffodils, tulips, specialty bulbs, perennials, along
with hardgoods such as compost bins, deer repellent, kitchen scrap buckets,
fertilizer, and garden gloves.
To place an order, visit www.middlesexconservation.org, or call 978-692-9395 to request a brochure.
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The Preservation Mass Barn Task Force invites you to participate in its “Preserve Mass Barns!” 2005 Conference. Join us on Saturday, October 29th, from 9AM to 4:15PM at the Doyle Center in Leominster, MA.
The conference this year will focus on numerous topics of interest to barn owners, preservationists and others in need of information on barn repair and construction.
The Preservation Mass Barn Task Force has assembled a roster of acclaimed professionals who will address subjects requested at last year’s conference, including a Historic View of New England Barns, Barn Foundations, Roofing for Barns and Care and Maintenance of your Barn.
Given last year’s successful gathering, this will be an event you will not want to miss! Please watch for registration details by mail or go to “Barn Task Force” on www.preservationmass.org.
Persons interested in reserving display tables to introduce their barn preservation goods or services may contact Erin Kelly at Preservation Mass (617) 723-3383.
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Below please find direct web links to Pest Messages and Management Updates from UMass Extension's Agriculture and Landscape Program. These messsages provide horticultural professionals and growers throughout Massachusetts the information necessary to manage the current insects, diseases, weeds and cultural problems occurring in the field and landscape. Management strategies are included. Also listed is contact information for the UMass Soil and Plant Tissue Testing and Plant Diagnostic Laboratories.
For Cranberry Growers:
www.umass.edu/cranberry/news/ipmmessage/
ipmmess.shtml
For Vegetable Growers:
www.umassvegetable.org/alerts/pest/index.html
For Greenhouse Growers:
www.negreenhouseupdate.info
For Landscape Professionals and Nursery Growers: www.umassgreeninfo.org/landscape_message/
landscape_message.html
For Turf Managers and Golf Course Superintendents: www.umassturf.org/mangement_updates/2005.html
For Tree Fruit Growers: www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/healthy_fruit/index.html
For Small Fruit Growers: www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/berrynotes/index.html
UMass Plant Diagnostic Laboratories: www.umass.edu/agland/services/plant_diagnosis.html
UMass Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory: www.umass.edu/agland/services/soil_testing.html
UMass Pesticide Education Programs: www.umass.edu/umext/programs/agro/pesticide_education/
RECERTIF/recertification.html
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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, AMHERST
January 2 - February 17, 2006
Applications are now available for the 75th annual UMass Winter School for Turf Managers. Preferred application deadline: September 16, 2005.
UMass Winter School furnishes turf managers with the concepts essential to the maintenance of high quality turf, while instilling a sense of environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility. The dynamic curriculum is designed specifically for working professionals associated with the management of golf courses, athletic fields, parks, industrial, municipal and private grounds, fine lawns and landscapes.
Students are immersed in a full-time program scheduled Monday through Friday for seven weeks. University of Massachusetts faculty and distinguished guests teach a combination of classroom, laboratory, group project and discussion activities. Topics include: basic and advanced turf management; disease, insect and weed management; calculations, budgeting and personnel; soils; basic trees and shrubs; golf course design and construction; and irrigation. All students attend all courses. Close-knit classes offer an opportunity to learn from the experiences of fellow students and to form relationships that will last a lifetime.
A Certificate of Completion is awarded to those who satisfactorily complete the program requirements. Enrollment is limited. A high school diploma is required for admission.
Winter School for Turf Managers has been approved for: pesticide re-certification and re-licensing contact hours; 23 Continuing Education Units (CEUs); Education Points or CEUs according to program standard for the Certified Sports Field Manager Program; and GCSAA Class A certification or renewal of certification.
Winter School is internationally renowned and geographically diverse. Established in 1927 by Professor Lawrence S. Dickinson, this course was the first of its kind and has made an outstanding contribution to turf management around the world. The Class of 2006 will celebrate as the milestone 75th graduating class (Winter School was on hiatus from 1941-1943). Many UMass Winter School for Turf Managers graduates hold positions as superintendents of prestigious golf courses, managers of other fine turf areas and in associated aspects of the turf industry throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe.
Information and applications can be found at www.umassturf.org or by contacting the UMass Amherst Winter School for Turf Managers, Continuing Education, 100 Venture Way, Hadley, MA 01035, tel (413) 545-0530.
For questions concerning course content, contact Mary Owen, UMass Extension, at 518-892-0382 or mowen@umext.umass.edu.
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July 28, 2005 - Broadleaf and Grassy Weeds (Bilingual - English & Spanish) - Wellesley, MA
August 11, 2005 - Broadleaf and Grassy Weeds - Cape Cod
September 1, 2005 - Grassy Weeds - Amherst, MA
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 Specialist Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their identification skills of both broadleaf and grassy weeds. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshops for identification of both broadleaf and grassy weeds will take place July 28, and August 11, with the July workshops presented in Wellesley, and the August workshop on Cape Cod. The July 28 workshop will be given in English and translated into Spanish, but otherwise is the same as the two other workshops. On September 1 in Amherst, the workshop will focus on the often confusing identification of annual and perennial grassy weeds. All workshops will be held 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine. Cost is $90 per person; lunch is not provided. Pre-registration required; space is limited. Four pesticide contact hours available; MCLP and MCH credits will be offered. For more information, call (413) 545-0895 or e-mail kcarroll@umext.umass.edu.
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Sixteen members of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program(PESP)
were recognized for their efforts in preventing pollution and reducing
pesticide risk at a ceremony July 15 in Arlington, Va. The 2005 "PESP
Champions" used most or all of the following integrated pest management
(IPM) strategies to reduce the human health and environmental risks associated
with pesticide use: (1) sampling to accurately determine pest population
levels; (2) training and demonstrating IPM practices; (3) employing cultural
practices such as crop rotation or removing food and habitat for structural
pests; (4) controlling or managing pests through biologically based technologies;
(5) applying less toxic or reduced-risk pesticides such as insect growth
regulators; and (6) using conventional pesticides only when absolutely
necessary.
The 2005 "PESP Champions" are:
Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program, Selkirk, N.Y.; Bay Area Storm water Management Agencies Association, Oakland, Calif.; Central Coast Vineyard Team Paso Robles, Calif.; Edison Electric Institute, Washington, D.C.; General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.; Glades Crop Care, Inc., Jupiter, Fla.; IPM Institute of North America, Inc., Madison, Wis.; Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission, Lodi, Calif.; New England Vegetable & Berry Growers Association, Methuen, Mass.; North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, San Francisco, Calif.; Steritech Group, Inc., Charlotte, N.C.; Southwest School IPM Technical Resource Center, Dallas, Texas; University of Wisconsin - Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, Madison, Wis.; U.S. Department of Defense, Washington, D.C.; U.S. Hop Industry Plant Protection Committee, Moxee, Wash.; and Walnut Marketing Board, Sacramento, Calif.
Launched in 1994, the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program is a voluntary public/private partnership to reduce pesticide risk. More information on the accomplishments of the 2005 PESP Champions is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Health and Human
Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced recently
a new collaboration with states and private industry to protect the nation's
food supply from terrorist threats.
"Ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply is a top priority for the President Bush and USDA," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "This partnership demonstrates our commitment as government and the private sector work together to protect our agricultural commodities from terrorism. We look forward to working with our partners."
The Strategic Partnership Program Agroterrorism (SPPA) Initiative supports President Bush's requirements directing the government to work closely with states and industry to secure the nation's food supply. Announced today at the Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council meeting, four pilot visits will be conducted in September and October. The purpose of these visits is to assess and identify vulnerabilities in the agriculture and food sectors.
"As one of the lead federal agencies charged with protecting our nation's food supply, the FDA fully supports this initiative encouraging a closer working relationship with our partners in federal and state government, as well as the private sector to make the nation's food even safer," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Lester Crawford. "This partnership brings together all of the organizations that have the best knowledge and abilities in safeguarding the food we eat starting from the farm all the way to our kitchen tables."
Over the next year, teams of federal and state officials will travel to all 50 states to meet with all sectors of the food chain. Together, the federal, state and private industry partners will discuss security issues from farm-to-table and consider ways to better protect our food supply.
"We are pleased to participate in this important initiative to enhance the overall security of our nation's food and agricultural infrastructure," said Robert Stephan, Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "The health of our citizens and our economy depend on our ability to conduct assessments, validate field information and provide guidance that can be shared with our federal, state and local, tribal as well as private sector partners."
These visits will help the federal partners better consider how states and industry can protect the food supply, gain more information about the food industry's protection needs and assist government and private industry in refining its efforts including research and development goals.
This effort is the second major joint initiative for the federal partners. In May 2005, FBI, with the support of DHS, USDA and FDA hosted the first ever International Symposium for Agrosecurity in Kansas City, Mo.
Additional information about agrosecurity can be found on USDA's Web site at http://www.usda.gov/homelandsecurity; the FDA Web site at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/bioterrorism.html; and the DHS Web site at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=43&content=3802.
USDA News, oc.news@usda.gov, 202 720-4623,
For full story: http://www.usda.gov/2005/07/0279.xml
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IN EVERY ISSUE
-
Green Mountain Technologies introduces the Compost Calc™. This compost
recipe calculator software takes the guesswork out of composting by helping
you predict the success of your compost batches beforehand. For use
at home, institutions, or the industrial compost site, this no-hassle,
click-on software allows you to choose the quantity and feedstocks from
the included library. The Compost Calc estimates the overall bulk
density, moisture content, and Carbon:Nitrogen ratio of your recipe.
You can even add your own custom feedstocks to the library and save all
your recipes for later reference. Windows and Mac compatible.
Mention this newsletter and receive the Compost Calc for only $19.95, or
2 for $30.00 (suggested retail $29.95). Call (800) 610-7291
or
www.gmt-organic.com
for more information.
- Organic herb, flower and heirloom vegetable plug trays for sale on
Cape Cod. Contact THE HERB FARM for availability list, veronica_worthington@yahoo.com,508-364-5821
- FREE FIRE WOOD, Yours to cut and haul in Boxford MA
I need you to clear the trees from the edge of the field where I will be
planting vegetables in spring '06.
Call Maria at 978-887-5774.
-
9+/- acres w/large farmstand & greenhouse.$500K. Contact Dot Dineen
at 413-846-0671, 413-567-7200.
- For Sale: Rain-Flo 1400 Transplanter $900.00, Rain-Flo 2600 raised bed mulch layer
with fertilizer hopper $1,900.00. call 978-264-4168.
- For sale: Farmstand Business and/or equipment: Scales, register, countertop, baskets,
boxes etc...508-487-4551.
-
For sale, used hay equipment. New Holland 472 haybine, vicon cm 165 rotary mower, deutz fahr ks 1.5 rotary rake, plus more.Keirstesd Farm, Russ at 781-585-5470.
-
Strawberry & Blueberry Growers - Empire Packaging carries a full line of berry packaging. Waxed PYO Trays , Pulp Quarts , Pints & 1/2 Pints along with wholesale shippers. Call Dave Enos (508) 426-7813.
- OnTheFarm consultants provide assistance in planning and problem solving to those involved in the animal industries including producers, municipalities, governmental agencies and the legal profession. Bill Graves and Bob Duby, 413-369-4679 or onthefarm0248@msn.com.
- Need help on the farm? Massachusetts farmers can place a free help-wanted ad in THE CARETAKER GAZETTE. Just email caretaker@caretaker.org or call (830) 336-3939.
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
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- July 30 - Massachusetts Marketplace Festival - Dover. Showcase your fresh produce, specialty foods, plants flowers
and crafts, Michelle at (617) 933 4982, mross@masshort.org.
- August 11-14 - 31st Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association Summer Conference, Hampshire College, Amherst, Click here for more information.
- August 18 - Reading, Writing, and Growing, 3-6pm. A back to school workshop featuring school greenhouses, season extension,
and "Farm to School" curriculum ideas. Includes farm-fresh snacks
prepared and served by youth. Geared towards educators, all are welcome.
PDPs available. Free, but email solidarity@seedsofsolidarity.org.
- August 20 & 21 - The Great Northern Tier Geocaching Tournament: North Quabbin Region, at The Trustees of Reservations' picturesque North Common Meadow in Petersham. Click here for details.
- August 22 - Massachusetts Tomato Contest, City Hall Plaza, Boston.click here for more info.
- September 15 - Washington D.C., one-on-one meetings with international buyers of natural/organic
products, Bonita Oehlke at 617-626-1753, or at Bonita.Oehlke@state.ma.us.
- September 16 - 18, Natural Products Expo East, Washington D.C., Contact: Bonita Oehlke, 617-626-1753, Bonita.Oehlke@state.ma.us.
- September 22, Massachusetts Day at The Big E. Contact: Steve Walsh, 617-973-8586, steve.walsh@state.ma.us.
- September 30, Salute to Specialty Foods, Massachusetts Building at The Big E. Contact: Bonita Oehlke, 617-626-1753, Bonita.Oehlke@state.ma.us
- October 26 - 29, National Association of Farmers' Markets Nutrition Programs 13th Annual
Conference, Plymouth. Contact: David Webber, 617-626-1754, david.webber@state.ma.us.
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Published bi-monthly by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, Governor
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Stephen R. Pritchard, 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
This
publication is available in alternate formats upon request.
Next issue to be published for September/October. Please send news, calendar
and/or classified information by September 9th to Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us, or fax to 617-626-1850.
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