LOCAL NEWS
NEWS FROM USDA
IN EVERY ISSUE
It Never Slows Down For The Summer!
by Douglas P.
Gillespie, Commissioner
Agriculture in Massachusetts never has a shortage of challenges, but so
far 2006 is well ahead of the usual pace! DAR is attempting to be
pro-active on behalf of farmers in several regards.
The excessively wet Spring and Summer has led to a federal disaster declaration
in several Massachusetts counties. Working with USDA-FSA, we have
gathered data so that on July 28 Governor Romney signed a letter to USDA
Secretary Mike Johanns requesting a disaster declaration statewide.
The Secretary's decision is pending at press time, but such a designation
will make available low interest loans and other relief.
I have been working with my counterparts in the Northeast to get additional
disaster relief for farmers in the USDA appropriations bills pending in
Congress. While we have a strong case and need, gaining approval
in these budget times will be extremely difficult. However, we continue
this multi-state effort and suggest that farmers request support from their
congressional representatives and senators.
The low milk prices nationally have hit our dairy producers real hard,
and I have been working to find some solutions to this crisis. Vermont
and Connecticut recently approved one-time subsidy payments to dairy farmers,
and it has been suggested that Massachusetts do the same. However,
without some prospect for solving the crisis, our legislature is unlikely
to approve a bandaid. I believe that a short term subsidy payment
will need to be packaged with some crop insurance requirement, and stablization
fund that farmers contribute to when prices improve, in order for support
to be strong enough to enact a program. I continue to work with legislators,
cooperatives and farmers to find a feasible solution.
DAR has responsibility to supervise the statewide mosquito control activities,
and 2006 has been a bumper year for mosquitos. As we go to press, we are
undertaking the first fixed-wing aerial spraying for mosquito control since
1990 in parts of Plymouth and Bristol counties. I am extremely
proud of the department staff, as we were able to reach out to farmers
within a few hours of the spraying decision to provide as much information
as possible regarding protections and post-spraying wait times for harvesting
food crops. Certified organic farms were excluded from the spray
areas, because DAR staff had previously collected GIS coordinates on these
sites. We also excluded fish hatcheries, critical areas in priority
habitat for rare and endangered species, and surface waters. While anxiety
rates go up with any pesticide application, we believe that we have taken
proper precautions so that this spray event properly protects public health
without undue harm to our environment.
Work on the 2007 Farm Bill continues, and I had the pleasure of hosting Ralph Grossi, President of American Farmland Trust for a stakeholders meeting last week. AFT has conducted an incredibly extensive outreach effort in developing their farm bill concepts, and many of their results are quite favorable to the Northeast. I'll continue to network with other states and all of our stakeholder groups as we attempt to draft federal farm policies that reflect the true needs of agriculture and the consuming public.
On a very favorable note, the Department will be working with the UMass
Center for Agriculture to implement a Agricultural Innovation Center program,
thanks to recently enacted legislation at the state level. More details
on this effort next time!
[back to table of contents]
The Department of Agricultural Resources(DAR) invites agricultural operations to submit responses for possible consideration of funding in the 2007 Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP). The response form is now available online at www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep
The purpose of AEEP is to provide support to agricultural operations in Massachusetts for the mitigation and/ or prevention of impacts on natural resources, including water and air, that may result from agricultural practices. While primarily a water quality program, AEEP will also fund practices that promote energy efficiency, conserve water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Farmers selected to participate are reimbursed for the approved costs of materials used to implement conservation practices which improve water quality, conserve water or reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to $25,000
Since 1999, DAR has funded 211 projects in 24 watersheds statewide. Growers and producers have received over $2 million to help them address environmental concerns on their farms. Funding for FY 2007 has yet to be appropriated.
Examples of funded projects in previous rounds include the installation of animal manure waste systems, pesticide storage facilities, fencing to keep livestock out of wetlands, energy efficient pumps, solar pumps, trickle irrigation systems, and water control structures to hold chemigation water on cranberry bogs. Information about projects funded in previous years can be found at the AEEP website www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep
For FY 2007, the AEEP program has adopted a rolling application process.
Initial applications will be accepted up until August 21, 2006.
After the August
deadline, applications can be submitted for consideration on a monthly basis up
until November. To be eligible for consideration in that month's review,
applications must be received by the following dates: September 20, 2006 for
review in September; October 20, 2006 for review in October; November 20, 2006
for review in November. Complex construction projects may not be eligible after
the August deadline. All funding is subject to availability and appropriation.
For more information: Farmers interested in discussing a potential response should contact Gerard Kennedy at 617-626-1773 or gerard.kennedy@state.ma.us.
[back to table of contents]
Governor Mitt Romney has proclaimed August 20 - 26, 2006 Massachusetts
Farmers' Market Week.
The week will kick off on Monday, August 21 at Boston’s City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market during which the annual statewide tomato contest and festival will be held. The Governor’s proclamation will be read at 12:30 pm.
In the proclamation Governor Romney cites farmers’ markets’ contributions to heighten public awareness of the agricultural diversity of Massachusetts and the benefits of buying local and preserving open space. “It’s befitting for the citizens of Massachusetts to recognize the continued contribution of farmers’ markets to local consumers, as well as their positive impact on the economy of the Commonwealth,” says the Governor.
[back to table of contents]
The 22nd Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest will be held at Boston’s City
Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market on Monday, August 21st 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 22nd or drop their entries
off with the corresponding registration form to one of several locations
around the state on August 19th or 20th. These tomatoes will be brought
in to Boston on Monday. For the complete details, including contest criteria
and a registration form, go to: http://mass.gov/agr/markets/tomato_contest.htm
The 22nd Annual Tomato Contest is sponsored by the New
England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and Massachusetts Department of
Agricultural Resources.
[back to table of contents]
Local chef Didi Emmons and The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets will co-host a four-course vegetarian feast to help fund farmers' markets on Monday, August 21st at 6:30pm. The dinner will take place at Veggie Planet restaurant in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA (candlelit tables w/ 8 people per table). The event is a benefit for The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets (FMFM) the non-profit which has been connecting farms, families, and communities across the state for over 25 years.
For $65 per person, diners will enjoy a 4-course meal featuring Massachusetts-grown
produce and WINE, with 90% of the proceeds going directly to benefit FMFM.
NOW HERE'S WHAT YOU‚RE WAITING FOR....
MENU
Four Salads at Play
Black quinoa walnut taboulleh with three mints
Zucchini and fennel carpaccio salad, sea salt, and shaved Hillman aged
goat cheese
Eggplant sungold tomato tartar
Fresh nasturtium and cilantro salad
Summer Soup
Green gazpacho with crunchy corn and lemon verbena
Hot Course
Marinated tomatoes, zucchini, local ricotta or quark, and Berkshire blue pizza
Roasted carrot, garlic, potato and escarole melange
Cold and Sweet
Creamy panna cotta w/ local berries and rhubarb and wild rose sorbet
Menu subject to change according to availability, TO PURCHASE TICKETS, e-mail Maya, the FMFM Office Coordinator, at staff@massfarmersmarkets.org or call (781) 893-8222.
[back to table of contents]
Note: This list is constantly being updated. Contact David Webber at 617-626-1754 or david.webber@state.ma.us for more information.
- East Boston, Satuday farmers' market in East Boston at Constitution Beach, Contact Jackie Rosatto, (617) 276-7589 or constitutionbeach@yahoo.com
- Gloucester, Harbor Loop, Thursdays from 5-8 PM, August 10 - 31st., Contact: Christine Rasmussen at 978-281-0309 or chrisras@gis.net
- Greenfield, Saturdays, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm, Seeking eggs,
cheese, meat, fruit and vegetable producers. Contact Devon Whitney-Deal, 413-625-9907 or devonwd@gmail.com
- Marlboro Farmers' Market seeks additional vendors, Fridays, 1-6, Contact Susan
Alatalo, 508-229-2010 or susanalatalo@yahoo.com
-
- Roxbury/Dudley
Town Common, Tuesdays, Noon - 4:00 pm, Contact Karen Marshall, 617-541-3900, x 231,
kmarshall@madison-park.org
- South
Boston,
Mondays, Noon – 6:00 pm. Contact Mary Lou Rosher, 617-464-5858 or marosher@sbchc.org. Seeking baked goods
- Swampscott (Proposed), Whole Foods Market, contact Ginny Kopacz at (781) 592-2200 or Ginny.Kopacz@wholefoods.com
- Ware Saturdays, 7:30 am - 1:30 pm, Opens August 26, Contact Frank Tripoli,
413-330-7636 or tripoli@hotmail.com
[back to table of contents]
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking farmers interested in selling products to campers and visitors at 3 state parks this season. Producers of fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs, jams and other products that would appeal to campers and park visitors are welcome.
Locations include Otter River State Forest,
Baldwinville, Salisbury Beach State Reservation and Nickerson State Park in
Brewster. For more information about each
location, contact:
Ray
Faucher, Salisbury State Reservation, 617-719-8048 or ray.faucher@state.ma.us
Michael Travaglini, Otter River State Forest, (978)-939-8962 or michael.travaglini@state.ma.us
Don
Matinzi, Nickerson State Park, 508-888-2899 or don.matinzi@state.ma.us.
[back to table of contents]
Whole Foods Market is interested in
partnering with local growers - both organic and conventional - for upcoming
season. Farms may be supplying one store or more, based on size of farm and
ability to deliver.
We are interested in telling your story as a local farmer. If you are interested,
please contact Dave Legere at Whole Foods Market in Bellingham at 508-966-3331
or e-mail at dave.legere@wholefoods.com
[back to table of contents]
Since 1918 the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has had the privilege of maintaining and operating the Massachusetts State Exposition Building that is located on the Eastern State's Exposition Fair Grounds. Now just 12 years away from our centennial celebration, the mission of the building remains the promotion and exhibition of the agricultural interests of our Commonwealth. To that end, and consistent with the many changes and diversification opportunities that have been explored by our agricultural sectors, we are excited to extend an invitation to all agricultural commission members, buy local campaigns, friends and supporters of agriculture to come to the "Massachusetts Building" during the 2006 Big E to mix a little bit of business and pleasure!
The Department of Agricultural Resources will have an informational booth in the Massachusetts Building this year and we are looking for volunteers who would be interested in spending some time in the Massachusetts Building to help us educate the public about agriculture in our Commonwealth. Volunteers will be provided with parking and admission passes that will allow access to the Massachusetts Building. Volunteers are free to come early or leave late in order to also enjoy the many sites, sounds and tastes that define what has been referred to as the Greatest New England Fair!
To sign up or for more information about this opportunity please contact
Scott Soares at 617-626-1730,scott.soares@state.ma.us or Rick LeBlanc, 617-626-1759, 413-545-2353, richard.leblanc@state.ma.us.
[back to table of contents]
Friday, September 29, Massachusetts Building, The Big E (Eastern States Exposition)
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 special event. There is no cost to participate except a refundable deposit, 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. You
must be setup by 8 am on Friday, September 29, 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. Confirmation information will be sent via email if
possible.
There is a requirement for a deposit of $100, made to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts/MA Building Trust. The check will be returned to you on the day of the event. If you cancel without notifying us the check will be deposited. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. For additional information or to sign up contact Bonita Oehlke – 617-626-1753 – Bonita.Oehlke@state.ma.us
[back to table of contents]
The New England Greenhouse Conference will be held November 1-3 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts with a trade show on November 2nd and 3rd. Wednesday, November 1st, is a pre-conference day featuring in-depth workshops and short courses.
Come hear about the Successes and Challenges of Using Wood Heat for Greenhouses. Many growers in New England are turning to wood as a source of fuel to heat their greenhouses. Learn about the differences between burning wood chips and logs and about the different types of furnaces that are available. Hear what has worked and what hasn’t from our panel of growers (Fred Green, Stow Greenhouses, Tom Pinchbeck, Pinchbeck Roses and Paul Seymour, Western Growers).
Or, discover wind and solar technology options for greenhouses that are available today and learn about rebate programs that are available with the session “The Future is Here: Solar and Wind Energy for Greenhouse Businesses” presented by The Wind Technology Company.
Or maybe you are interested in Exploring Alternative Energy Systems for Greenhouses? Come learn more from our panel:
· Bill Nelson from Nelson Farms, who has been burning used cooking and automotive oil to heat greenhouses at this farm.
· Frank Phillips from Clean Burn, who will provide insight as to what these new furnaces, can do.
· Tom Michelman, from Boreal Renewable Energy Development, who recently completed a study using wind energy to supply energy needs of greenhouses.
· John Bartok, Professor Emeritus, University of Connecticut, who conducted a cost analysis using geothermal cogeneration to heat greenhouses.
Reduce your oil and electric bills and begin your move toward energy independence by attending this year’s greenhouse conference.
To be added to our mailing list to receive the 2006 New England Greenhouse Conference Program or for more information, contact: Cindy Delaney, Show Coordinator, 1 Main Street, No. 36, Winooski, VT 05404, Phone: 802-655-7769, Fax: 802-655-7769 Email: delaney@sover.net or visit our web site: www.negreenhouse.org.
[back to table of contents]
Mass. Law requires that all foodservice establishments have on staff at
least one full time manager/supervisor who holds a CURRENT food safety
certificate.
A special ServSafe certification course will be held on Wednesday, August
16, 2006, from
8:30am-6:00pm, at:
Hartman's Herb Farm
1026 Old Dana Rd.
Barre, MA 01005
The program will cover:
- New info on food allergies
- Guidelines for employee hygiene
- New stricter guidelines for handling ready-to-eat foods
- Cleaning and sanatizing procedures
- Effective methods for safe and sanitary food preparation, holding, and
service including changesin cooking and holding temperatures.
The program will be given by Eric F. Nusbaum, Ph.D., CHA. Dr. Nusbaum has
managed clubs, hotels and restaurants in the United States and Switzerland
and presented more than 400 Food Safety Training Programs.
Registration can be made by calling (413)774-2786 or on line at www.wheelwrightconsultants.com
Fee is $150.00 including: Text, handouts, coffee breaks, and examination
fee. Text and directions to the site will be mailed upon receipt of registration.
Payment is due with registration or at the beginning of the program.
[back to table of contents]
Sponsored by The University of Massachusetts Extension Agriculture and
Landscape Program,
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) and Donald Campbell Associates
We will be exploring renewable energy systems for farms and greenhouses this summer and fall through a series of twilight meetings. Plan to join us for one or all meetings to learn how alternative energy sources might fit into your business. These meetings will provide information on funding opportunities and feature vendors and experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience. For more information, including opportunities for sponsorship, or to pre-register, contact Tina Smith, Extension Floriculture Program, 413-545-5306, tsmith@umext.umass.edu or Ruth Hazzard, Extension Vegetable Program, 413-545-3696, rhazzard@umext.umass.edu.
Wind and Solar Energy
Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Lion Spring Farm, 236 Dedham, St. Dover, MA
Host: Bob Loebelenz - Lion Spring is a small diversified farm, now engaged
in the breeding of Massachusetts Thoroughbred horses. The farm also grows
vegetables and herbs for local gourmet restaurants and have a collection
of chickens who supply farm fresh eggs for retail sales. On site there
is a 4.8 kilowatt photovoltaic system and 3.1 kilowatt wind turbine all
feeding a battery bank.
Additional Speakers:
Henry Dupont, Lorax Energy Systems - on licensing and choosing turbines
Warren Leon, Renewable Energy Trust - on state funded opportunities for
renewable energy
Don Campbell, Consultant, Donald Campbell Associates - Don will talk about
the process of fitting a farm’s needs to the types of renewable energy
systems currently available
Field Corn Biomass for Heating Greenhouses
Wednesday, October 4, 2006 - 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Kosinski Farm, Westfield, MA
Host: Mike Kosinski, Kosinski Farm - Kosinski Farm grows 140 acres of blueberries,
apples, grain corn, vegetables and tobacco. Five greenhouses provide flower
and vegetable plants for retail sales at their farm stand and use in the
field. Blueberries, apples and butternut squash are major wholesale crops.
Mike began heating one greenhouse with his own corn three years ago and
has been expanding his use of corn for heat each year. This year he is
installing two larger stoves with automated auger stoking systems. Field
corn fits well into his vegetable rotation. The corn is dried off-site
and trucked back to the farm. His production costs are about $60-$65 per
ton of corn, which is about one-third of the cost of heating oil ($2.45
per gal.) based on energy costs per BTU.
More details at:www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events_archive/06_twilight_energy.htm
[back to table of contents]
August 24 - Location: UMass Amherst
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 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.
5 pesticide contact hours available for categories 29, 36, 37, and Applicators License. MCLP and MCH credits will be offered.
Cost $95/person (pre-registration required, space is limited). Registration is first-come, first-served through the mail. Registration forms are also available online at www.umassgreeninfo.org or call (413) 545-0895.
[back to table of contents]
UMass Extension, in cooperation with researchers at UMass Amherst, will assess deer ticks for the presence of Lyme Disease. There is a fee of $35 per sample. To submit a sample, follow the directions at the UMass Extension tick diagnostics website at www.umass.edu/agland/diagnostics/lyme_disease.htm (or Google: UMass Extension Tick).
After submission, results will be reported within 10 business days. BE ADVISED: If someone has been infected by a tick bite, symptoms may begin to occur even before the results of tick testing are available. People should not to wait for tick testing results before seeking medical advice should any symptoms develop. For specific information, contact: Dr. Craig Hollingsworth, (413) 545-1055, chollingsworth@umext.umass.edu
[back to table of contents]
The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) is holding its 32nd annual summer conference this August in Amherst, Massachusetts on the grounds of Hampshire College. With 218 different workshops, the conference is set to be featured in Hobby Farms Magazine as one of the best conferences for small farmers. Conference organizers say that the workshops, the pre-conference on food and farming education, the social events, and the all organic meals will make for a creative, educational, and festive occasion. The conference will take place from August 10-13, 2006.
Sister Miriam Therese MacGillis of the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, N.J. will deliver the keynote address on the theme, “Holding our Farms in Hope; Keeping Faith in our Farming.” In 1980, Sister Miriam founded Genesis Farm, a learning center where people gather to search for more authentic ways to live in harmony with the natural world and each other. As her home and livelihood, the Farm practices biodynamic methods of agriculture, and was among the first farms in the U.S. to organize a Community Supported Agriculture venture. Since then, Genesis Farm has grown to support nearly 300 families. The keynote is set for August 11th at 7p.m.
Michael Docter who founded the Food Bank Farm will be giving a workshop
about the techniques he uses on his Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
farm. Efficiency is crucial on his Hadley farm, where he says, "our
mission is to give away half of the produce we grow to shelters in the
area." Without relying on any grant money, Docter reports that the
farm donated 200,000 pounds of organic vegetables to the food bank last
year. The other half of the food is sold to the CSA's 650 shareholders.
Another workshop will highlight a program called Fertile Ground, which teaches kids how to grow food at the Williamsburg Elementary School. Conference presenter and director of the program, Catherine Sands says Fertile Ground has made a partnership with a program called "Protectores de la Tierra (Earth Protectors) Youth Leadership Program," which is based in Holyoke at Nuestras Raíces. "We are bridging the rural and urban through our common love of growing food. These programs empower children to make good healthy food choices and they teach appreciation of cultural differences. Kids connect with the earth, with each other, and with the broader community." Sands said.
This year the NOFA Pre-Conference is titled, “Sprouting the Seeds of the Next Generation: Food and Farming Education.” Organizers have planned the event to help farmers from throughout New England share their ideas and expertise about on-farm education programs, adult farming education and connecting classroom learning with practical agricultural knowledge. It will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 10th and 8 a.m. to Noon on Friday, August 11th.
A mini-conference will run concurrently with the Pre-Conference – Thursday,
August 10th from 1-5 p.m. and Friday, August 11th from 8 a.m. to Noon.
For specific details, contact Liana Hoodes at the National Campaign for
Sustainable Agriculture: 845-744-2304 (phone/fax) or Liana@hvc.rr.com. On the web at: www.sustainableagriculture.net or register for FREE on the NOFA Summer Conference registration form.
Visit the Website! Check out www.nofamass.org and click on the Summer Conference link to learn all about this year’s
event and to register online! For more information, contact NOFA Summer
Conference Coordinator Julie Rawson at 978-355-2853 or nofa@nofamass.org. For a full schedule of pre-conference events and conference, visit www.nofamass.org.
[back to table of contents]
The Massachusetts Association of Roadside Stands and Pick Your Own has
launched the newly updated web site. The website design connects consumers
with up to date information about member farm stands and pick your own
farms and orchards.
The site is organized by categories and includes an interactive push-pin
map of the state with links to member farms and their web sites. The home
page is designed so that consumers can get information about products of
interest in one click, search for farms by name and search for farms by
location.
The Massachusetts Association of Roadside Stands and Pick Your Own is a
membership association that supports farms in Massachusetts with direct
marketing and enhances the livelihood of member farms while promoting farm
fresh products within Massachusetts.
Please visit the new site at www.massfarmstands.com
Any farmer is welcome to join at any time. Membership is $75 per year.
[back to table of contents]
August 18 & 19, 2006 at the Organic Dairy Research Farm, Durham, UNH
This year’s Field Days event is sponsored by Horizon Organic, Organic Valley Family of Farms, Stonyfield Farm Inc, OCPP/Pro-Cert Canada Inc and Lakeview Organic Grain and will be held at Huddleston Hall, University of New Hampshire, 73 Main St, Durham, NH, with a field trip to their Organic Dairy Research Farm.
The event kicks off on Friday afternoon, August 18th, with a tour of the new UNH Organic Dairy Research Farm with Chuck Schwab, Professor of Dairy Nutrition, UNH, and Kevin Brussell, Farm Manager, who previously worked on his family’s fifth-generation, 500-acre Illinois farm. They will share their vision for this exciting project as they guide the tour around the two adjoining UNH-owned farms, the Burley-Demeritt Farm and the Bartlett-Dudley Farm. Together, the two farms provide over 130 acres of cropland and over 170 acres of woods, trails and permanent pasture, of which 215 acres are certified organic. New facilities will include a milking center with parlor and holding area, a pack barn for 80 cows, a small feed mill attached to a 3-sided shed for equipment, feed and bedding storage, and a small loafing shed for the heifers’ winter housing.
Saturday proceedings start at 9:00 am with a welcome by New Hampshire Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets and Food, Steve Taylor, and USDA Associate Deputy Administrator Mark Bradley.
Following the welcome, nationally-recognized Lancaster County PA dairy
practitioner, Dr Hubert Karreman, VMD, will talk about the natural treatment
of cows.
Gary Zimmer, president, Midwestern Bio-Ag, Spring Green, Wis., will follow Hue and will talk about how healthy soils produce healthy feed for healthy livestock, and will offer practical ideas on what works well in New England.
After a deli-style lunch, attendees will travel to the Stonyfield Farm
facility for a tour hosted by Nancy Hirschberg, Vice President of Natural
Resources for Stonyfield Farm. Nancy oversees the environmental initiatives
at Stonyfield, including working with organic farmers and suppliers.
For more information, Ed Maltby, NODPA Executive Director, Tel: 413-772-0444, Cell: 413-427-7323, Fax: 866-554-9483, emaltby@comcast.net, www.nodpa.com.
[back to table of contents]
Berkshire Grown is hosting a Farm to School mini conference on Saturday October 14. Attendees will learn from a panel of professional food buyers and distributors on how the school food system works, they’ll learn about the value of good nutrition from area wellness specialists, pediatricians and nutritionists, and will hear from Farm to School success stories from groups throughout the Northeast. Contact Berkshire Grown for more event details, info@berkshiregrown.org.
[back to table of contents]
Directory located at http://www.umassd.edu/semap/partner/
The SEMAP Service Providers Directory was created to improve access to
existing support services for agriculture in Southeastern Massachusetts. Over 70
organizations are listed, including federal/state government agencies, town
Agricultural Commissions, University programs, other educational institutions,
business & economic development agencies, commodity and advocacy groups,
support/information/nonprofit groups, land conservation organizations, and
food/restaurant trade groups.
Directory listings include complete contact
information, a quick-reference check-off of types of assistance and information
supplied by the organization, and a more detailed description of services. The
online version can be searched by organization type or alphabetically.
The 2006 update of the print and online SEMAP Service Providers
Directory was made possible by the Massachusetts Crop Insurance Education
program and by our advertisers, Coastline Trust, First Pioneer Farm Credit,
Murtha Cullina LLP, Land for Good, and On the Farm. Thanks to all our sponsors
and advertisers, intern Deanna Levanti for her hard work on the update, Dan
Hazlitt for creating the online version, and SEMAP's Technical Assistance
committee for oversight and review of the update process.
The print
version of the Directory was also recently released. A print copy of the
Directory is available at no charge from SEMAP, and copies will shortly be
distributed to all listed agencies and advertisers. To request a copy, notify us
of any corrections, or suggest any other organizations that should be considered
for future versions, please email skelley@umassd.edu.
Edible
Boston – A New Quarterly Publication Focusing on the Foods of the greater Boston
Area
Edible Boston ia an exciting new quarterly magazine celebrating the abundance of local
foods, season by season, with profiles of the farmers, retailers, chefs,
restaurateurs, wine makers, and food artisans who champion the local foods
and natural resources of the region.
Edible Boston joins Edible Communities’ national network of food magazines
dedicated to publishing in distinct culinary regions, including Cape Cod,
California’s Ojai Valley, Sacramento, Long Island, the Chesapeake Bay and
Phoenix, Arizona. Selected in 2004 by the editors at Saveur magazine for
its annual “Saveur 100” list, Edible Ojai (the original Edible Communities’
publication) was also picked by the International Association of Culinary
Professionals as the top consumer education publication. Edible Communities
has been honored with seven prestigious awards from the MarCom Creative
Awards organization for excellence in publishing and communications.
Edible Boston will feature regular columns including “Cooking Fresh” —providing
readers with information on what is fresh, month-by-month, along with recipes
to enhance the pleasure of their freshness. “Notable Edibles” seeks
out local food and wine finds, spotlighting unique products, retailers
and organizations throughout the greater Boston area.
Edible Boston is owned and published by Brookline resident, Ilene Bezahler.
Her background in food began very early, growing up in a family that enjoyed
food, wine and cooking. After leaving the corporate world in 2001,
she applied her marketing skills to the agricultural world as Marketing
and Wholesale Manager at Allandale Farm, Boston’s last working farm.
Edible Boston is published quarterly, in the summer, fall, winter and spring.
For more information go to
www.edibleboston.net.
[back to table of contents]
Whether your favorite pets are Labradors, llamas or lizards, plan now to
attend the 22nd annual open house at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
at Tufts University from 10am to 3pm, on Saturday, Sept. 9. You’ll get
a behind-the-scenes look at the marvels of modern veterinary medicine,
as well as see various types of animals in action. Admission and parking
are free, and refreshments will be available for purchase. The event will
be held rain or shine.
Canines of all types will strut their stuff in police dog demonstrations,
dog agility exhibitions, and carting dog demonstrations. Sheep shearing
and other agricultural exhibitions will also entertain and enlighten you
about life on the farm. And kids of all ages will like having their beloved
but bedraggled stuffed animals stitched or bandaged at the Teddy Bear Clinic.
In addition, self-guided tours of the school’s Henry and Lois Foster Hospital
for Small Animals, Hospital for Large Animals, and campus farm will show
you how Tufts’ Cummings Veterinary School teaches students and cares for
approximately 28,000 animals per year.
For more information, call 508-839-5395, X-84899, or visit the Open House link on Tufts’ web site at: www.tufts.edu/vet.
[back to table of contents]
The Department is pleased to announce a $36,670 grant by the USDA – Federal
State Market Improvement Program (FSMIP) to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst,
in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation,
Mount Wachusett Community College, and the Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative
to identify barriers to expanding local production and marketing of forest
products as well as development of a strategic plan.
The FSMIP funds may be requested for a wide range of research projects
that help to market, transport and distribute U.S. food and agricultural
products. Federal funds awarded to any project must be matched by
non-federal funds or in-kind resources. USDA is particularly interested
in proposals that involve collaboration among the states, universities
and producers, and in proposals that have state, regional and national
significance.
In the 2006 Grant funding period, there was 27 matching
grants awarded with a total amount of $1,333,530 supporting agricultural market
research and demonstration projects to 25 states.
For more information on the FSMIP grant opportunity, contact Mary Jordan
at (617) 626-1750 or by email: mary.jordan@state.ma.us.
[back to table of contents]
Start Date: September 2006 - Part Time Program Associate/Consultant
Now in its third year, the Mass. Farm to School Project is seeking an additional consultant due to greatly expanded school interest and farm activity. The Program Associate will work closely with the Project Manager and assist with efforts aimed at increasing the amount of locally grown food purchased for consumption by Massachusetts students, kindergarten through college.
The Program Associate should be flexible, self-directed, reliable, expert with Word and Excel, and enjoy working with the public as well as doing detail-oriented projects. The Associate will perform clerical tasks, provide individualized assistance to farmers and schools, do research and create databases, and help with both workshop and public relations planning and implementation. Familiarity with farming issues and/or school food service is preferred. Events planning, farm product sales, or community organizing background would be helpful.
Position is 18 hours per week for the duration of the 06-07 school year (September through June), with some flexibility in schedule and work site; possible additional hours, pending funding. Use of your own laptop or pc may be preferable. Hourly consulting fee paid is $20. Project is based in Amherst.
The Mass. Farm to School Project is a collaborative venture of the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources, MassDevelopment, Project Bread and other community supporters.
Send letter, names of at least two references, and resume to:
Kelly Erwin, Mass. Farm to School Project, 16 Applewood Lane, Amherst MA
01002 or kelerwin@localnet.com. Deadline for submission is August 30, 2006.
Please do not call.
[back to table of contents]
Nathan “Nat” Chandler, former Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department
of Food and Agriculture died at the age of 83 of pneumonia at his summer
home in Small Point, Maine on June 22nd. Mr. Chandler helped bridge a longstanding
division between the agricultural and environmental communities. While
Commissioner, Mr. Chandler also started the “Countryside Radio Program”
on WBZ-AM Radio, a weekend morning talk show dedicated to agricultural
topics that reached listeners in 38 states. Shortly after leaving his position
with the Department, Mr. Chandler was appointed to the newly created agricultural
adviser position at the Environmental Protection Agency and served under
the Ford, Carter, and Regan Administrations.
Born in Clinton, Mr. Chandler was a graduate of Groton School and Yale University. He was a member of the Navy ROTC at Yale and entered the Navy during the World War II as a lieutenant junior grade. Mr. Chandler was stationed in the Pacific for three years and was promoted to 2nd lieutenant. After the war, Mr. Chandler returned to his family farm at Meadowbrook Orchard in Sterling. Under his ownership, the farm harvested 15 varieties of apples specializing in the Macintosh apple. Mr. Chandler was past president of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association.
Besides his wife Nancy, Mr. Chandler leaves his three sons, David of Sterling,
Massachusetts, Peter, of North Yarmouth, Maine, John of Istanbul; a brother,
John Jr. of Phippsburg, Maine; a daughter, Sarah Chandler McColloch of
Portsmouth, R.I.; 10 grandchildren; and four great-children.
Boston Globe, July 12, 2006, page 18.
[back to table of contents]
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the designation of the entire State of Vermont as a primary natural disaster area, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for low-interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). Note: Massachachusetts has applied for the entire state and is awaiting
its destination.
All 14 counties in Vermont were declared a primary natural disaster area due to severe weather conditions, including excessive rainfall and flooding that occurred from May 1, 2006, and continuing. In addition, also eligible because they are contiguous are the following
counties in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York:
Massachusetts : Berkshire, Franklin
New Hampshire: Cheshire, Grafton, Coos, Sullivan
New York: Clinton, Rensselaer, Essex, Washington
All counties listed above were designated natural disaster areas on June
23, 2006, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible
for EM loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible
counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for
the loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider
each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent
of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety
of programs available, in addition to the emergency loan program, to help
eligible farmers recover from adversity.
USDA has also made other programs available to assist farmers and ranchers, including the Emergency Conservation Program, Federal Crop Insurance and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.
Interested farmers may contact their local USDA Service Centers for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.
[back to table of contents]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a guide entitled "Pre-Harvest
Security Guidelines and Checklist 2006" to help agricultural producers
enhance security at the farm level. These practical measures help to protect
against natural disasters, as well as the unintentional or intentional
introduction of plant or animal diseases.
"We work on many fronts to ensure that our nation continues to provide the safest food supply in the world," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner. "While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to protecting agriculture, recommendations in this guide can be beneficial to a variety of types and sizes of agricultural operations."
Food and agriculture biosecurity is an important component of USDA's mission. Improving awareness through enhanced outreach and communications is a key element of USDA's homeland security efforts. The voluntary guidelines and checklists were developed based upon recommendations made by producers throughout the United States. Guidelines have been developed for general agriculture; dairy; crops; cattle and poultry security.
This guide is the latest in a series of materials produced by USDA to bolster food and agriculture security. USDA continues to work closely with its federal, state and local government partners as well as industry stakeholders to develop sector-wide guidelines. For instance, guidance has been issued by USDA for food processors and distributors, and for agricultural transporters in coordination with the trucking industry.
Agriculture and food account for 13 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, 18 percent of its employment and $140 billion in revenue. USDA continues to work with its federal, state, local partners as well as industry in protecting the nation's agriculture and food production, from threats such as natural disasters and either the naturally occurring, intentional or unintentional introduction of diseases and pathogens as they do not respect geographic borders. The interconnected global food system contributes to our nation's economic strength by improving production and marketing efficiency and providing timely responses to consumer needs.
USDA's local Farm Service Agency Service Centers are distributing the "Pre-Harvest Security Guidelines and Checklist 2006" to agricultural producers throughout the country. For more information about USDA's homeland security efforts, go to www.usda.gov/homelandsecurity.
[back to table of contents]
Summer is a good time for habitat assessment. Massachusetts landowners
who would like to protect or restore valuable ecosystems and wildlife habitat
on their property may be eligible for technical and cost-share assistance
to install conservation practices through the federal Wildlife Habitat
Incentives Program (WHIP).
Through the WHIP program, landowners may receive up to 75 percent of installation costs for conservation practices. WHIP was authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill and is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
According to Massachusetts WHIP program manager Beth Schreier, summer is the best time to assess wildlife habitat. “Now would be a good time for landowners to contact their local NRCS office for assistance in assessing habitat on their property,” said Schreier. “Plant identification, for example, is much easier at this time of year when things are growing and there’s no snow cover.”
Interested landowners should contact their local NRCS field office at a USDA service center for more information. USDA service centers are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture. General program information is available on the NRCS Massachusetts website at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov.
Eligible lands include privately owned land and occasionally state and local government land. Target areas in Massachusetts include early successional habitats (grasslands, shrub lands, and young forest), freshwater wetlands, upland oak forest, pitch pine/scrub oak habitat, coastal habitats, and rivers and streams. Examples of conservation practices eligible for WHIP cost-share funding include early successional habitat development and management, projects enhancing fish passage, wetland restoration and riparian buffer establishment.
“NRCS conservationists are available in offices across the state to help Massachusetts landowners to develop and implement a conservation plan,” said State Conservationist Cecil B. Currin. “USDA remains committed to providing conservation tools and resources to ensure that Bay State land remains healthy and productive.”
NRCS has seven Massachusetts field offices in Greenfield,413-772-0384 ext 3, Hadley, 413-585-1000
ext 3, Holden, 508-829-4477
ext 3, Hyannis, 508-771-6476, Pittsfield, 413-443-1776 ext 3, Westford, 978-692-1904 ext 3, and West Wareham, 508-295-5151
ext 2, which work with local conservation districts and other partners to serve farmers and landowners throughout the commonwealth.
[back to table of contents]
IN EVERY ISSUE
-
- FOR SALE: Rain-Flo 1400 Water Wheel transplaner, 4 row model, exc. cond but
needs tanks and punch wheels. $450. Fort Hill Farm, Paul 860-350-3158.
- Organic pullet replacement hens and cockrels for
sale. Please email ctw1949@aol for more information.
- FOR SALE -Deli case, Refrigerated produce units, Beverage refrigerators
galss front, Glass front display freezers, sandwich slide, 20 quart mixer,
and much more! Located in Amherst and New Salem. Email greenmrkt@aol.com or call 978-544-7911
for info.
-
Four acre organic farm in central Amherst, for rent to the right individual or group. Great growing area and great flower gardens. 19 room farm house, with four bathrooms, subdivides into four units easily.$2500. per month plus utilities. Cheapest rent around to right group, with great growing potential. Contact
DonnaSchaper@gmail.com.
- Nine acre field in Richmomd, MA (nr. Pittsifield) that I willing to let a farmer take the hay off of provided he cuts and removes the hay. The field has been farmed regularly, and is in good condition. Ted Andrews, edandrews@earthlink.net, (646) 764-8702.
-
Cheese Vat, International Machinery Exchange, 75 gal.duo-vat $ 8,000.
Bulk Tank, 150 gal. Muller, round, $ 800. Horse drawn farm equipment, all
rebuilt. New Idea 10 A manure spreader metal tires, John Deere Mower excellent
condition, Wooden wheel Dump rake, one row Corn planter, Farm/log Wagon,
heavy duty, oak, quality craftsmanship. Colrain, 413-624-3646.
- Four sheep that we need to donate to a good home. 2- two year olds and 2- 3 year olds. The land I am keeping my sheep on is being sold and I would like to find a good home for my sheep. All documents up to date. Call 617-908-1058 or mbcarbeck@verizon.net.
-
Tractor-- red and yellow 1958 Ford with front bucket/shovel and back
rake/harrow
Tractor 1939 Massey Ferguson gray with harrow. Both were in
running condition but cannot guarantee. contact: (413)443-2048
or e-mail
terrigorman1@aol.com -
Offering 85.5 beautiful acres with mature nursery grown trees: white birch,
maple, red maple, hemlock, arborvitae, laurel too many to mention. Also
includes approximately 5 acres domestic blueberry bushes. several different
varieties of early and later. Looking to sell nursery land and trees or
just nursery stock in total or selectively. contact (413) 443-2048 or e-mail
terrigorman1@aol.com.
- Offering 12 acres nursery with many varieties of mature nursery grown trees.
Beautiful riverfrontage. contact (413)443-2048 or e-mail terrigorman1@aol.com
-
Offering at 50% discount supplies for blueberry picking and sales: 21/2
flats 500 per flat, 40 cases BBS green pulp pints, 100 wooden carriers
to hold green pints to pick into. Total discounted price, $1250.00. Contact
(413)443-2048 or e-mail
terrigorman1@aol.com
How to Place a Classified Ad
Classified ads are accepted free-of charge on a first-come basis. 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,
Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us.
[back to contents]
- August 8 -12 - 2006 Tri-National Agricultural Accord, Banff, Alberta, Canada, For details about the meeting including preliminary agendas, please visit
www.triaccordxvi.com/main-eng.html. Companies that market organic and natural products might want to exhibit
at the show and forum, www.tryhealthyforum.com/eng-main.html.
- August 14 -
Farm Pond Construction – A Twilight Meeting, 5:30 p.m, Northfield.
Craig Hollingsworth; 413-545-1055, chollingsworth@umext.umass.edu
- August 17 - The NOFA Organic Lawn & Turf Course, at the South Shore Vocational Technical High School in Hanover, MA. This one-day intensive course trains landscape professionals to practice organic lawn and turf care (without the use of synthetic pesticides or soil amendments). It is recommended for landscapers, municipal employees and anyone wanting to learn specific methods of organic lawn and turf care. Visit www.organiclandcare.net to register
online, or contact Kathy Litchfield (MA course) at 978-724-0108,
kathylitch29@yahoo.com.
- August 22 - Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association Annual Meeting, Wareham
Hilary Sandler;
508-294-2212
- August 24 - Grassy Weeds: a more in-depth look - UMass Amherst. Cost $95/person (pre-registration required, space is limited). Registration is first-come, first-served through the mail. Registration forms are also available online at www.umassgreeninfo.org or call (413) 545-0895.
- August 24 - *Bramble Field Day * 3pm – 7pm at Nourse Farms, Whately , www.noursefarms.com. Please pre-register by calling or emailing Sonia Schloemann at 413-545-4347
or sgs@umext.umass.edu so we will have adequate food and refreshments. 2 pesticide recertification
credits have been awarded for this meeting. No fee.
- September 21 - 4-H "Fare" at Allandale Farm, Brookline, 4:30 - 7:00pm, www.mass4hfoundation.org. Includes exhibits, Boston chef food tastings, wine, hayride. $25, proceeds
to 4H youth development programs in Massachusetts.
- September 21 - Massachusetts Day at the Big E, if interested in having a booth or activity, contact Steve Walsh, 617-973-8586.
- October 12 - 14 - Northeast Cattle Association Annual Fall Gathering, Eastern States Exposition. Mallary arena, Spectators welcome, no admission charge. Great opportunity
to speak with breeders and see a sampling of their stock. www.highlandcattle.org/nehca
- November 1-3 - New England Greenhouse Conference, DCU Center in Worcester, with a trade show on November 2nd and 3rd. Wednesday, November 1st, is a pre-conference day featuring in-depth workshops and short courses. To be added to our mailing list to receive the 2006 New England Greenhouse Conference Program or for more information, contact: Cindy Delaney, Show Coordinator, 1 Main Street, No. 36, Winooski, VT 05404, Phone: 802-655-7769, delaney@sover.net or visit: www.negreenhouse.org.
[back to contents]
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 October / November. Please send news, calendar
and/or classified information by September 25th to Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us, or fax to 617-626-1850.
Sign up to receive the Farm & Market Report via e-mail (send blank
email)