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Massachusetts Department of
Agricultural Resources (MDAR)
Farm & Market Report
Vol. 83, No. 5 , October / November
LOCAL NEWS
NEWS FROM USDA
IN EVERY ISSUE
Help Choose the Design Now!
To cast your vote, send an email to mgreendale@yahoo.com and indicate whether you like #
1, #2, or #3 by October 23rd. If you’d like to be notified when the plates
go on sale, let us know that, too. Please include your name and postal
address.
The final design still needs the approval of the Registry and is subject to some changes. Then we can start selling the plates for $40. The entire process can take up to a year.
Proceeds from the sales will go to the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources to be distributed among agriculture related organizations and projects.
1. By Sirius Designs of Monson, MA.
Cow based on illustration by Dana Gaines of Martha’s Vineyard.
2. By Sirius Designs of
Monson, MA.
3.
By Corey Tougas from Alive and Dreaming Designs
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As the number of Agricultural Commissions increase across the state (89
as of June 28, 2006) we strive to support the work that you do.
Resources:
The Pilgrim Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Area Council, Inc. and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is pleased to provide Massachusetts’ Agricultural Commissions (AgComs) with the following new guidance documents:
- Conflict Resolution Skills - Training for Massachusetts AgComs
- Effective Meeting Management - Guidance for Massachusetts AgComs
- Creating Useful Work Plans - A Guide for Massachusetts AgComs
We would like to thank Joe Freitas & Irene Winkler for making these materials available to us and for the continuous support they have given to Agricultural Commissions. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agricultural (MSPA) for providing the grant funding necessary to produce these resource materials. Copies of these documents are available at www.pilgrimrcd.org, click on “Ag Commissions” and you will find the following available for your use:
- A Toolkit for Organizing an Agricultural Commission
- A Handbook for Agricultural Commissions
- Building Relationships with Town Boards and Staff
- Conflict Resolution Skills
- Effective Meeting Management
- Creating Useful Work Plans
We would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that a Massachusetts AgCom Website is in the process of being developed. It is being planned and designed by members of Massachusetts’ AgComs. The website is intended:
- To be a central point for all AgComs to refer to for information and tools
they need to pursue their work and to see what other AgComs’ have accomplished.
- To share AgComs successes, projects and challenges.
- To highlight what AgComs are doing; “case studies”
- To facilitate regional and/or statewide AgCom actions, activities &
projects.
- To inform AgComs of timely events and activities needing action (Urgent
Issue Notification mechanism), and what’s coming.
- To be a resource for cities and towns needing information about AgComs
(how to organize/what they are doing).
- To celebrate local agriculture and to make new members feel supported and
confident.
Training:
Training and Networking Sessions for existing AgComs are being planned
for Saturday Nov. 4, 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM at Hampshire College Red Barn,
Route 116, South Amherst and Saturday Dec. 9, 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM at Hancock
Shaker Village, Route 20, Pittsfield/ Hancock.
Support:
Some of the many AgCom support organizations include: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Massachusetts Farm Bureau, CISA, Pilgrim RC&D, Patriot RC&D, American Farmland Trust and a host of others that can be found at www.mass.gov/agr/agcom/index.htm.
For more information:
- Irene Winkler, (Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes & Nantucket
counties) 508-295-1317 x130, irene.winkler@ma.usda.gov.
- Peter Westover, (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden & Hampshire counties),
413-665-4077, westover03@comcast.net.
- Cheryl Lekstrom (Essex, Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk & Worcester
counties), 508-835-2452, clekstrom@mac.com.
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Eighty-nine communities in the state have created, or are in the process
of creating, an Agricultural Commission. The farmers promoted the Commissions
because they felt agriculture needed more of a voice in local government
since many environmental, health, planning, and zoning issues affected
their businesses daily. Farmers from other communities are available to
meet with folks who are interested in exploring what a Commission does
and how one is formed.
Four Regional Informational meetings have been scheduled to inform farmers
and local officials about the benefits of such commissions and how to organize
and maintain them. The goals of the Commissions are to advocate for farm
interests and improve communication with local government.
- October 17, 7:00 PM, North Grafton, Brigham Hill Community Farm, 37 Wheeler
Road, 01536.
- October 23, 7:30 PM, Petersham, Harvard Forest, Fisher Museum, 324 North
Main Street. 01366.
- October 30, 7:00 PM, Walpole, Norfolk County Ag School, 400 Main Street,
02081.
- November 2, 7:00 PM, Littleton, Reuben Hoar Library, 41 Shattuck Street,
01460.
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SEPTEMBER 6 THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2006
The Farm Viability Enhancement Program is a technical assistance and business planning program designed to assist farmers in improving the economic bottom line and environmental integrity of their operations.
Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the Program (through a team of professionals and advisors) helps farmers to prepare a business plan, and then awards of $20,000 up to $60,000 may be available to a farmer to implement strategies in the plan. In return, the farmer agrees to restrict the use of the farm to agricultural uses only by signing a five or ten year Agricultural Covenant.
The purpose of this second Request For Response (application) announced in Fiscal Year 2007 for the Farm Viability Enhancement Program, is to address the needs of Massachusetts farmers that are confronted with adverse cyclical market conditions that substantially stress the farm’s viable operation and/or threaten its continued existence. Twenty-five farms have been selected for participation in the Program from the spring open application period. Up to ten additional farms may be selected during this special fall open application period.
“With high fuel costs, poor weather and low market prices, among other factors, this season is turning out to be a difficult year for a number of Massachusetts farms,” said Commissioner Douglas Gillespie. “We’d like to offer the option for some farmers to look at the long term sustainability of their farms through the Farm Viability Program planning process and capital it could provide to implement successful business strategies.”
Any Massachusetts farmer with at least 5 acres of land in agricultural production is eligible to apply but greater acreage is more competitive in the farm selection process.
Typical uses of funds from the Farm Viability Program include building or repairing farm structures, modernizing field equipment and tractors, improving marketing structures and equipment, and assisting with diversification and value-added initiatives.
For more information and to download an application click here.
To have information and a copy of the application mailed to you, call the Farm Viability Program at 617-626-1723 and leave your name and address.
The deadline to submit applications is 3 P.M., Tuesday, October 17, 2006.
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The Department is accepting
applications for funding under the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement
Program (AEEP).
AEEP funds conservation practices that prevent impacts on water quality, promote
energy efficiency, conserve water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. The deadlines for
submission of applications for monthly review are October 20 and November
20.
For an application form go to the AEEP website:
http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep/index.htm
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Successful Strategies for Growing Your Farm
Business
February 28 - March 1, 2007 Sturbridge, Mass.
Growers from across the Northeast will
convene at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center in scenic Sturbridge
Massachusetts on Wednesday, February 28 and Thursday, March 1, 2007 for the New
England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference and Trade Show.
This unique marketing conference targets
New England farmers interested in learning new marketing ideas or fine-tuning
strategies for business success. Over the course of two days, there will be over
20 workshops with a wide range of marketing and business planning topics to be
covered. Agritourism, farmers' markets, internet marketing, value added and
testing feasibility are just some of the workshops planned. A half-day workshop
especially designed for farmers' market managers is also planned.
The morning of February 28 will feature nationally
recognized agrimarketing expert Jane Eckert.
Raised on her family's apple orchard outside of St. Louis, Jane earned
a degree in business and went on to executive marketing positions for eighteen
years. As the former Vice President of Marketing of Eckert's Country Store
and Farms in Belleville, Illinois, she developed the property into one
of the most successful retail and entertainment farms in America. Today
it is a top tourist attraction that draws over 500,000 guests annually.
Honored with the 2004 Outstanding Leadership Award
from the North American Farmers Direct
Marketing Association, her professional approach to
promotion, advertising, public relations and merchandising gave Eckert's a
strong brand identity widely recognized and respected throughout the
region.
A full trade show will provide farmers with
information on the latest products and services. Specialty food producers from
across the Northeast have also been invited to take part in the trade show to
showcase unique local products perfect for roadside stands.
The conference is sponsored by all six New
England State Departments of Agriculture and Harvest New England, in cooperation
with:
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With funding from the MA Department of Agricultural Resources, The Center for Ecological Technology (CET) is coordinating an Agricultural Pesticide Collection for western MA farmers. The collection is part of the South Berkshire Household Hazardous Waste Collaborative scheduled collection taking place at on Stockbridge Road(Route 7) across from Monument Mountain High School . Farmers can bring agricultural pesticides for no charge but there may be a per farm limit of 55 gallons or pounds depending on the number of participants. This collection will allow farms to safely dispose of these chemicals. Pre-registration is mandatory. Contact Jamie Cahillane no later than October 11th at 413-445-4556 ext. 14 or jamiec@cetonline.org.
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2007 Agriculture Calendar Published
The winning photos from this year’s Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar
Photo Contest have been selected and published in the 2007 Massachusetts
Agriculture Calendar. The calendar, published by Massachusetts Agriculture
in the Classroom, Inc, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department
of Agricultural Resources and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,
features a winning photograph each month, plus several honorable mention
winners in selected places.
The calendar also includes sponsorship from MA Farm Bureau, MA Maple Producers Association, MA Fairs Association, MA Nursery and Landscape Association, MA Flower Growers Association, MA Association of Roadside Stands and Pick Your Own Farms, MA Fruit Growers Association, MA State Grange and Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA).
Winners were honored in a ceremony on Massachusetts Day, September 21,
at the Eastern States Expostion (The Big E) in front of the Massachusetts
Building. Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs Robert Golledge
and Commissioner of Agricultural Resources Douglas P. Gillespie presented
the winners with certificates. Each winner also received two tickets to
the The Big E, a “Massachusetts grown…and fresher!” logo hat and two complimentary
calendars.
This year’s Massachusetts Agriculture Photo Contest winners and their photos
are:
- January - Linda Hoffman, Harvard, apple tree pruning at Old Frog Pond Farm, Harvard
- February - Marion Beaudry, Whately, alpaca at North East Alpacas Farm, Whately
- March - Adell Donahue, Southampton, maple syrup in heart-shaped bottle at South Face Farm, Ashfield
- April - Arturo Villarreal, Cambridge, sheep in field at Allen Farm, Chilmark, Martha’s Vineyard
- May - Kent Boynton, Harvard, honey bee and nectarine blossom at Carlson Orchards,
Harvard
- June - Kent Boynton, Harvard, Jersey cows at Stillman’s Dairy Farm, Lunenburg
- July - Carol Purinton, Clinton, daylilies in neighbor’s backyard
- August - Jennifer Hashley, Boston, Mrs. Kim Harvesting Cilantro at White Gate Farm in Dracut
- September - Wendy Faneuff, Ashland, “rainbow of apples” at Tougas Family Farm, Northboro
- October - Sandra Pipczynski, Hadley, Malinowski Farm, Hatfield
- November - Linda Hoffman, Harvard, old rooster taken at Old Frog Pond Farm, Harvard
- December - Robert Conway, Wareham, cranberries in snow at Round Swamp Bog, Middleboro
Honorable Mentions:
- Glen Cook, Amesbury, snow shoeing in the orchard (January)
- Julian Robinson, Oak Bluffs, Norwegian draft horses at play at Takemmy Farm, West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard (February)
- Joseph Kalinko, Springfield, maple buckets at Rice Fruit Farm, Wibraham (March)
- Joseph Kalinko, Springfield, peach Blossoms at Rice Fruit Farm, Wibraham (May)
- Sarah Pipczynski, Deerfield, asparagus bunches at Pipczynski Farm, Hadley (June)
- Frank Tadley, Arlington, orange peppers, Arlington Farmers Market (August)
- Debbie Papalia, North Andover, field of sunflowers, at Colby Farm, Newburyport (September)
- Patience Taylor, Plymouth, A.D. Makepeace, Wareham (October)
- Pia Nielsen, Rutland, “Louigi, the Kashmir goat at Alta Vista Farm, Rutland (November)
The winning photos portray local farms and products throughout the seasons. The calendar also includes Massachusetts agriculture facts, conservation facts, agriculture and horticulture related events and websites, and a chart showing when local crops are in season.
Calendars may be purchased for $10 each($5 wholesale for orders over 5);
proceeds will benefit Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, a non-profit
organization that works with teachers throughout the state in developing
classroom materials. Send a check payable to Massachusetts Agriculture
in the Classroom(MAC) with your name and address to: Calendar, MAC, c/o
Debi Hogan, PO Box 345, Seekonk, MA 02771.
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November 1, 2 and 3, 2006 - Worcester, MA
2007 - 2008 New England Greenhouse Floriculture Guide - A Management
Guide for Insects, Diseases, Weeds and Growth Regulators
The 2007-2008 New England Greenhouse Floriculture Guide will be available for sale at the New England Greenhouse Conference and Expo. This Guide is prepared every two years and published by New England Floriculture Inc. in cooperation with the six New England State Universities. This reference guide includes labeled products used in the greenhouse production of ornamental plants. The Insect Management section outlines strategies for the biological control of common greenhouse pests, such as "Bio Control of Aphids, Fungus Gnats, Mites, Thrips and Whiteflies". The guide also includes complete information on growth regulators, weed and algae control and disease management of greenhouse crops.
The guide is prepared by faculty and staff involved in floriculture research and Extension at the six New England State Universities. It will be for sale at the New England Greenhouse Conference for a reduced conference rate of $15 per copy. After the conference, it will be available for $25 per copy.
Pesticide applicator recertification credits will be available for each day of the conference for the six New England States plus New York and Pennsylvania.
To purchase a guide directly send a check for $25.00 payable to New England Floriculture Inc., UMass Experiment Station, PO Box 569, East Wareham, MA 02538.
To receive registration information for the 2006 New England Greenhouse Conference and Expo 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
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The Crop Dairy Livestock Committee members of University of Massachusetts
Amherst Extension selected Robert and Martha Richardson in Warren as the
Massachusetts 2006 Outstanding Dairy Farm. The Richardsons were honored
at the Green Pastures Awards Banquet held September 15 at the Big E. They
were honored on along with the honorees from the other New England States.
The Green Pastures Award Program is in its 58th year and recognizes outstanding
dairy farm management, forage crop management, and for leadership in the
agricultural industry.
The Rocky Acres Farm is located atop the picturesque hills of the town of Warren and adjacent to the Quaboag River. At an elevation of over 1000 ft, every field on the farm offers a view and of the surrounding countryside. Bob Richardson is the second generation to farm the property, and has been operating the farm since 1976. The farm is a grassed based operation and Bob is practices rotational grazing and seasonal milking on this family run farm. “Rotational grazing was a practice that has evolved on our farm” Bob says. When the farm was purchased the land had been used for corn. With wet autumns and rising prices, baleage, worked very successfully. “We then realized that the cows could harvest their own grass even more efficiently than we could.” With that success, it took seven years to change the herd to over seasonal production. “The break in January and February provides us with catch up time. Calving is mostly in March and April, before the field chores are in full swing, so our calves and moms get most of our attention and they are put out to graze on the highest quality spring grass.”
The pastoral system consists of 100 acres of grass hay and 60 acres of pasture. Bob is involved in almost all farming operation and their son Brian oversees of most all of the breeding program and helps with maintenance at the farm. Martha is working as medical technologist at the local hospital, but that doesn’t prevent her from lending help with field work including mowing hay, and all the paperwork and financial tasks.
Bob has been a past Director of the Worcester County Farm Bureau, and member of the Worcester County 4-H Center Committee. Marty has been a 4-H leader and volunteer for 30 plus years, as well as past chairperson of the Worcester County 4-H Advisory Board. The Richardsons are current farmer representatives from Massachusetts to the Northeast Pasture Consortium. They have also been recipients of quality milk awards from AgriMark. This family takes pride in their farm operation, and are well deserving of this award.
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The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center is pleased to
announce the availability of funding through its IPM Partnership Grants
Program for 2007 (FY 2006 federal funds). A Request for Applications (RFA)
is posted on the Center’s website at http://northeastipm.org/abou_fund.cfm .
Approximately $465,000 is available to support projects that will address or develop regional IPM priorities and will further the mission of the Northeastern IPM Center (http://NortheastIPM.org/). The Center is seeking applications for six project types:
(1) IPM Working Groups (2) IPM Priorities (3) Regional IPM Publications
(4) IPM Planning and Assessment Documents (Tactics Surveys, Crop Profiles,
Pest Management Strategic Plans [PMSPs], and IPM Guidelines) (5) State
Network Projects (6) IPM Minigrants
This year the IPM Partnership Grants Program particularly encourages extension proposals and projects involving small states, 1890 institutions, environmental groups, grower groups, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
ELIGIBILITY: Private individuals, public and private institutions or organizations, businesses, and commodity groups are encouraged to apply. The primary project director must be from the northeastern region.
DEADLINE: December 15, 2006. See the complete RFA for full submission instructions.
If you have questions or need paper copies of the RFA, please contact grants
manager John Ayers, Co-director of the Northeastern IPM Center, Pennsylvania
State University (phone 814-865-7776; fax: 814-863-8175; email jea@psu.edu).
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Opportunities to join one of two 2006 Agricultural Business Clusters are
closing shortly. Judith Gillan, of New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI),
has announced that two groups, to be convened this fall in the Belchertown/Granby
and Greenfield areas, are nearly full. One or two openings remain in each
group. The clusters are jointly sponsored by NESFI and the Massachusetts
Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR).
According to Rick Chandler, Director of Agricultural Business Training for MDAR, clusters are composed of up to a dozen emerging agricultural entrepreneurs who meet to work and learn together to develop their agricultural businesses. Gillan notes that “this truly is hands-on learning, where each farmer’s knowledge and participation becomes part of the learning experience.”
Cluster facilitator, Ray Belanger of Fish Park Consulting, will guide business learning for each group. His goal is to build a learning network among cluster participants in which each person’s strengths are used to help others. Funding for Massachusetts’ Ag Business Clusters is provided by the USDA Risk Management Agency.
For further information, contact NESFI at 413-323-4531.
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Upcoming "New Grape Grower Workshop" with Mark Chien and Tony Wolf on November 2nd, 2006 from 8:00am to 5:00pm at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, NH.
Dr. Tony Wolf (Virginia Tech) and Dr. Mark Chien (Penn State) are offering a one-day workshop for beginner and prospective grape growers. This course offers a broad overview of commercial vineyard development into the third year including economics and marketing information, equipment and supply requirements as well as all the basics from site selection and preparation to planting and tending your vines through their third year of growth. This seminar is not a substitute for your own learning initiatives or any extended training/education you may have an opportunity to acquire, but it is a good overview of what is involved with getting a commercial vineyard started in the New England. If you are considering planting a vineyard, or you have just recently done so, you will benefit from the information provided in this course.
Cost is $100 per person with a reduced rate of $50 for a second registration from the same farm or family. This price includes many handouts and resource materials, as well as lunch and refreshments. Many thanks to Zorvino Vineyards for hosting this exciting event. Registration payable with mailed in registration or at the door. Checks made out to UMass.
For registration or information, please contact Sonia Schloemann at 413-545-4347 or sgs@umext.umass.edu.
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Green School is a comprehensive certificate training program for Green
Industry professionals taught by UMass Extension Educators and Faculty.
This course is designed for landscape, turf, and other horticultural practitioners
wishing to gain an understanding of horticulture fundamentals and strategies
and their relation to environmental quality. Green School attendees learn
about sustainable approaches to turf and landscape management in managed
environments. Green School's curriculum is based on research and emphasizes
environmental stewardship and integrated pest management (IPM). Participants
will develop an understanding of how proper management practices impact
natural resources such as soil and water. Participants learn how to make
environmentally appropriate decisions related to turf and plant selection,
plant maintenance, pest and nutrient management.
Choose 1 of 2 sections: Landscape Management or Turf Management. Green School begins on October 31, 2006 and runs for 12 sessions until December 12th. Classes will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Milford, MA (exit 19 off Rt. 495).
For more information and a registration form, go to:
http://www.umassgreeninfo.org/programs/green_school.html
Alternatively, call UMass Extension's Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry
Program at 413-545-0895 or e-mail greenschool@umassgreeninfo.org. UMass
Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program French Hall 230
Stockbridge Rd. Amherst, MA 01003 413-545-0895 www.umassgreeninfo.org
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University of Massachusetts Extension announces the availability of its
ever popular Garden Calendar for 2007, themed "Choosing the Right
Plants."
Consumer surveys have shown that most households spend very little time planning their garden, including the planning of plant purchases. Yet, adding plants to the outdoor and indoor garden should be based on more than whimsy. It should be a carefully thought-out choice based on explicit needs, habitat characteristics, and plant growth requirements. When choosing plants, their suitability to the site should be at least as important as personal preference for color, shape, foliage, and flowering. The 2007 UMass Garden Calendar presents plants chosen by the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry staff for foliar color, seasonal effectiveness, and adaptability to specific growing environments. Each image is accompanied by a description of the plant's useful characteristics. As with previous year's calendars, the 2007 UMass Garden Calendar also provides daily tips on the management of landscapes, gardens, and garden pests. For more details, go to www.umassgardencalendar.org.
To order send $11.00, payable to UMass, to UMass Outreach Bookstore, 101 University Dr. - Ste. A4, Amherst, MA 01002-2385. Bulk orders of 10-49 copies are available at $7.00 each, while orders of 50 copies or more cost $6.00 each, plus shipping and handling. For an order form and chart of shipping charges, go to www.umassgardencalendar.org
For more information, contact the UMass Outreach Bookstore at (413) 545-2717 or the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program at (413) 545-0895 or eweeks@umext.umass.edu.
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First Pioneer CEO Bill Lipinski announces that FarmStart, LLP has approved
its first investments in working capital for two young farmers located
in northeastern Massachusetts and northeastern New York State.
FarmStart is a new venture with a mission to provide investments of working capital in farm businesses and farmer cooperatives that show sound promise for business success. It is a limited liability partnership owned and capitalized by First Pioneer Farm Credit, ACA of Enfield, Connecticut and CoBank, ACB of Denver, Colorado.
“FarmStart is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the US,” notes First Pioneer Chairman Scott Markham. “In recent years, directors and staff recognized a gap in lending programs for young and beginning farmers. Farm land and buildings can either be leased from a retiring farmer or purchased through a long-term mortgage. Similarly machinery, equipment, and livestock can either be leased or financed through secured loans. However, there was no good source of working capital for the first year’s production cycle for individuals with no business track record and/or credit history. The alternatives were to operate hand-to-mouth or to accept a credit card offer that showed up in the mail. Neither of these approaches is good business.”
FarmStart can invest up to $50,000 for working capital purposes for a young or beginning farmer, e.g., insurance, workers compensation payments, fuel, vet expenses, seed, fertilizer, greenhouse materials, containers, and anything else required to produce the first year’s crop or livestock product. Veteran First Pioneer Business Consultant Don Rogers observes “So many times these producers start in a negative cash flow position on Day 1 and with no operating line of credit are unable to develop good cash flow practices. I envision them using the FarmStart investment like an operating line during the investment part of the production cycle, and then paying it down during the harvest part of the production cycle.”
Applicants are required to provide a detailed business plan that demonstrates their ability to successfully use the investment and to repay it in full within five years. Its goal is to not only provide the initial working capital investment but to also enable the start-up farmer to establish a positive business and credit history during this phase of his/her business career. Within five years time, recipients should be positioned to “graduate” to a conventional line of credit from First Pioneer or CoBank.
Young and beginning farmers located within First Pioneer’s service area who are interested in FarmStart should contact their local First Pioneer branch office. (See http://www.firstpioneer.com/about/branch.htm) Start-up cooperatives interested in this program should contact any CoBank office. (See http://www.cobank.com/find/agoffices.html)
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Amy Cotler, of Fresh & Company, a culinary education and consulting business, has received a grant to help boost statewide farm-to-school sales, through the on-line and print publication of a Farm-to-School Cookbook. The book, which will include recipes, preparation tips, farm-purveyor contact information and several farm-to-school classroom lessons, will be tested in targeted cafeterias — both with school food service directors for ease of use, and with school children for a “thumbs up or thumbs down” on general appeal and flavor.
This grant was made possible from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural
Resources (MDAR) and Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture. Further
financial and administrative support came from Green Pastures Fund, Four
Winds, Inc, and The New England Small Farms Institute.
The grant project will
utilize Ms. Cotler’s skills as both a small farms advocate and a culinary
professional. Cotler is former director of Berkshire Grown, a non-profit
promoting connections among farms, chefs and community members. Last year, she
worked in schools across Massachusetts on the Get Fresh, Get Local grant to
introduce schools to local farm projects, and with the Chefs Collaborative
national project in targeted regions to develop buying networks between farms
and restaurants and schools. Her food-related activities include work as a
cooking teacher, one-to-one culinary coach, cookbook author, recipe developer
and food forum host for The New York Times on the Web.
To increase the
accessibility and usefulness of the Farm-to-School Cookbook, it will be
developed collaboratively with an advisory board of representatives from key
organizations: Kelly Erwin, Managing Consultant for the Massachusetts Department
of Agricultural Resources’ Farm to School Project; Kate Millett, Executive
Director of Nutrition Programs and Services for the Massachusetts Department of
Education; Lynn Petrowski, School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts
representative and food service director at the Middleborough Schools; Odille
Carpenter, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher in the Southern Berkshire
Regional School District; Claire Kozower, Somerville Nutrition Outreach
Coordinator; and Tammy Jervas, Richmond School food service director. All of the
state’s five Buy Local Campaigns are part of the project’s support
team.
“Having children eat more locally produced foods through their
school food service has several benefits - locally grown food not only tastes
GREAT - it boosts farm sales and the Massachusetts economy and it helps children
learn to eat healthy at a young age when eating habits are formed. Amy’s project
to create a food service tested cookbook will boost farm sales and bring
healthier foods into the schools. I am proud the Department of Agricultural
Resources is partnering with Amy Cotler and others such as the Department of
Education, the School Nutrition Association and buy local campaigns throughout
the state. These partnerships and Amy's project make the Department's Farm to
School Project an innovative model for others to emulate,” says Department of
Agricultural Resources Commissioner Douglas P. Gillespie.
Through
statewide collaboration and practical kitchen work, the Farm-to-School Cookbook
will provide a carefully tested and useful support for school service
professionals to add fresh farm products to their menus — a win for farmers, our
local economy and a new generation of children.
Ms. Cotler welcomes other regional food directors and farmers who are interested
the project to contact her. She is currently looking for post-grant
funding to further generate farm sales to schools in Massachusetts. Contact,
Amy Cotler, Fresh & Company, amy@freshcotler.com, www.freshcotler.com or 413
232
7174.
Regional Context: Why new farm-to-school opportunities are growing.
New
opportunities for farmers to increase their sales and for children to enjoy
healthier school lunches have been opened by a number factors — the relatively
new Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Farm-to-School Project,
the bill Berkshire Representative Daniel Bosley authored that included a public
bid preference for locally grown produce, a federal mandate to use more fruits
and vegetables in the schools, and a growing interest in childhood nutrition,
fueled by an epidemic in childhood obesity.
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WHO? Chef Vittorio Ettore and The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’
Markets (FMFM)
WHAT? “Savor the Seasonings” ~ the 5th annual Fall Benefit Dinner for Farmers’ Markets
WHERE? Bistro 5 restaurant, 5A Playstead Road, West Medford, MA
WHEN? Monday, October 23, 2006 at 6:30pm
WEB ADDRESSES: www.massfarmersmarkets.org/// www.bistro5.com
The full bounty of New England’s harvest is hitting farmers’ markets across Boston. That means it’s time for FMFM’s 5th annual “Savor the Seasonings” benefit dinner, coming up Monday, October 23 at 6:30pm at Bistro 5 in Medford. Mark your calendars and tell your friends, because this will be an unforgettable meal. Chef / Owner Vittorio Ettore and his Chef de cuisine Amos Ettore will prepare a fall feast of New England grown products benefiting The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets (FMFM). The Ettore’s enthusiasm for local food promises that the menu will be a labor of love.
For $125 per person, diners can support local farmers while enjoying a four-course meal, with wine, which showcasse local products. The menu will begin with a carrot-vanilla soup, followed by a pumpkin risotto. The main course will highlight an artful preparation of locally raised meat, accompanied by seasonal vegetables. The meal will conclude with an apple crepe with ginger ice cream and caramel sauce. Each course will be accompanied with a thoughtfully paired wine from Bistro 5’s wine cellar.
To purchase tickets, e-mail the FMFM Office Coordinator at staff@massfarmersmarkets.org or call (781) 893-8222. Bistro 5 is about 10 minutes from Boston by car, and conveniently located steps from the West Medford stop on the Lowell commuter line from North Station.
The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets helps harness the power of markets to improve regional farm viability, consumer nutrition, and community support of agriculture. Farmers’ markets improve the livelihood of farmers, strengthen local economies, and invigorate the communities they serve. FMFM facilitates farmers’ access to consumers, and consumers of all income levels’ access to the taste and health benefits of fresh local produce. For more information about FMFM, and for a complete listing of farmers’ markets statewide, visit www.massfarmersmarkets.org.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and
Nutrition Service (FNS) has announced
proposed changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants and Children (WIC) food packages that reflect recommendations made by
the National Academies of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM).
The current WIC food
packages were designed to supplement participant’s diets with foods rich in five
nutrients—vitamins A and C, calcium, iron and protein—because those nutrients
were lacking in the diets of the WIC target population when the program first
began in 1974.
The proposed changes
largely follow recommendations made by the IOM in the final report of its review
of the WIC food packages, WIC Food Packages: Time for a Change, as well as the
latest nutrition science and the Dietary Guidelines. Under the proposal, the
food packages would be revised to add new foods such as fruits and vegetables
and whole grains, while amounts of some current foods would be modified.
WIC provides pregnant,
breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five with
nutritious supplemental foods. The program also provides nutrition education and
referrals to health and social services. About eight million participants
receive WIC benefits each month. Federal food costs for the program were $3.6
billion in fiscal year 2005.
Notice of this
proposed rule will be published in the August 7, 2006 Federal Register. A copy
of the proposed rule can be found at www.fns.usda.gov/wic/.
Consideration will be given to comments received up to and through 90 days from
the publication date.
Comments may be
submitted by any of the following methods:
-
Mail: Send comments to
Patricia N. Daniels, Director, Supplemental Food Programs Division, Food and
Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 528, Alexandria, Virginia
22302
-
Web site: Go to
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic. Follow
the online instructions for submitting comments through the link at the
Supplemental Food Programs Division Web site.
-
E-mail: Send comments
to WICHQ-SFPD@fns.usda.gov. Include
“Docket ID Number 0584-AD77, WIC Food Packages Rule,” in the subject line of the
message.
-
Federal eRulemaking
Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for submitting comments.
All written comments
submitted in response to this proposed rule will be included in the record and
will be made available to the public. All written submissions will be available
for public inspection at the address above during regular business hours (8:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) Monday through Friday.
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Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced last month 20 grants totaling
$900,000 to establish, expand or promote local farmers markets, roadside
stands, and similar agricultural ventures under the new Farmers Market
Promotion Program (FMPP). Two awards were give to New England states.
"Farmers markets are popular throughout the country and beneficial for both farmers and consumers," said Johanns. "It gives farmers another outlet to sell their products, and consumers access to fresh, locally grown food."
The goal of the FMPP is to increase domestic consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products while providing support to farmers. USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers the program. These first-time grants are authorized under the recently amended Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976.
These grants will assist regional farmers markets authorities; local governments;
nonprofit and economic development corporations; and tribal governments
in 17 states in carrying out a variety of projects. AMS will award funding
for the following two New England states projects:
MASSACHUSETTS - $61,275 to the Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, Inc. (CISA), of South Deerfield, Mass., to develop a new direct marketing channel for farmers by creating a community supported agriculture (CSA) program for workplace employees in western Massachusetts, while providing training and hands-on agricultural production and marketing experiences for new immigrant farmers and other small-scale agriculture producers.
VERMONT - $62,538 to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont
of Richmond, Vt., to improve the profitability of direct-to-consumer farm
marketing activities in Vermont by conducting an assessment of existing direct
marketing channels for farm products; to provide technical training to local
producers on value-added product development, merchandise displays, and market
development for fall/winter crops; and to developing the technical capacity of
Vermont farmers markets to accept food stamps.
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Deputy Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner recently announced that 32 grants
totaling $4.6 million have been awarded to community organizations to help
low-income Americans to eat healthfully.
"These grants give more Americans access to nutritious foods," Conner said. "They are innovative programs that increase self-reliance of communities by giving them the opportunity to create partnerships and programs to meet their own food, farm and nutrition needs."
Community Food Projects (CFP) awards will aid non-profit organizations
in 19 states and one territory to carry out projects to help low-income
communities. This year, for the first time, small grants of up to $25,000
were awarded for planning projects to help communities assess local needs
and build collaborations that will lead to community food security projects.
The grants are administered through USDA's Cooperative State Research,
Education and Extension Service (CSREES).
The CFP grants, first administered in 1996, help eligible private, nonprofit entities that need a one-time infusion of funds to carry out community food projects. Projects are funded for one to three years in amounts ranging from $10,000 to $300,000. The grants require a dollar-for-dollar match in resources. The matching amounts come from a variety of sources including the grantees, partnering collaborators or local agencies. Funds have been authorized through 2007 at $5 million per year.
The fiscal year 2006 grant awards in Massachusetts are:
United Teen Equity Center, Lowell, Mass., $290,000.
Somerville Community Corporation, Somerville, Mass., $25,000.
Groundwork Lawrence, Lawrence, Mass., $24,435
CSREES advances knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities by supporting research, education, and extension programs in the Land-Grant University System and other partner organizations. For more information, visit http://www.csrees.usda.gov.
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IN EVERY ISSUE
-
Dexter heifer and cow, 2 and 3 yrs., purebred, $500 and $600 Plymouth, NH 603-536-3983 or plymplan@verizon.net.
- Wanted – Standing holiday greens, Fir, Holly, Arborvitae, Mountain Laurel, and others. We will cut, collect, and clean up! Overgrown Nursery/Christmas Trees a possibility. Closeness to central Mass. a plus, but we can travel for larger volumes. Contact Ed Bemis, Bemis Farms Nursery, 508-885-4247, ebemis@BemisFarmsNursery.com.
-
Bull for sale. Registered 3 year old polled hereford bull from good bloodlines. Very dark in color and gently Weights approx. 1600 lbs. Asking $1,500.
Cow for sale. She is not registered, but comes from
good blood. She is about 4 years old. She has a heifer calf with her. However, i
am keeping the calve. She is breed back to the reg. bull above. Asking $650.
Will take $2,000 for both. Contact Sidney J. Pires Jr., baystateappraisers@comcast.net.
- 3+ Farm Acres for Use - S. Acton, MA
Attention Experienced Farmers - Historically farmed sandy loam acreage - bounded by
perennial brook for irrigation - Located close to South Acton Commuter
Rail Stop, Route 2, and Route 495. Suitable for: berries, fruit orchard
annuals or perennial crops, CSA, tree farm, wildflowers, or hay. Only experienced
Farmers for Long- term & generous lease commitment. CONTACT: The Hadley
Farm 978 621-7935, hadleyfarm@verizon.net.
- CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) is looking for a Development
Director to implement and evaluate CISA’s fund development plan. 5+years fundraising experience preferred. Send resume and cover letter to CISA, 1 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, MA 01373 or to jennifer@buylocalfood.com. A complete job description can be found at: www.buylocalfood.com. Closing date October 16, 2006 or when filled. EOE/AA.
-
Assistant Farm Manager - for 2+ acre organic farm, therapeutic and vocational training site for homeless men and women. Assist manager in all aspects of production, sales, and supervision of client workers. From mid-April through mid-October 2007. Previous experience in agriculture needed and working with special needs populations preferred. $565 per week salary. Valid DL. Resume and cover letter to:
Jean-Claude Bourrut, Long Island Shelter, P.O. Box 220648, Boston, MA
02122. 617-534-2526 x304. Jcbourrut@bphc.org
- Small-scale farmer looking for a minimum of 5 acres of tillable land in Massachusetts (greater Fitchburg area). Access to irrigation for growing specialty greens desired. Looking to rent, establish long-term lease, or possibly purchase. Please contact Nou Yang at 978-502-5763.
-
Need a property caretaker for your farm? Massachusetts farmers can run
a free caretaker-wanted ad in THE CARETAKER GAZETTE. Please call (830)
336-3939 or visit www.caretaker.org.
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.
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- 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
- October 18: Seminar Opportunity - “Chips After Beer” with Stacy Madison of Stacy’s Pita Chips and Erica Eurkas of Accion, sponsored by the Massachusetts Specialty Foods Association at the Sam Adams Boston Brewery, Jamaica Plain, MA
Cost is $25. MSFA members, $35. Non members. Schedule: 4:30-5:30 PM - tour of Sam Adams Boston Brewery 5:30 –6:00PM Networking and Refreshments 6-8PM-Seminar Speakers. More Info.: www.msfa.net or call 800-813-5862.
- October 21 - 22: The 17th Annual Harvest Festival on the Sturbridge Town Common.Crafters and Specialty Food Vendors Opportunity. The festival held on the
Sturbridge Town Common on Saturday, October 21 from 10am – 5pm and Sunday,
October 22 from 11am – 4pm. If you have any questions, please contact the
Tri-Community Area Chamber of Commerce (508) 347-2761 or info@sturbridge.org.
www.sturbridge.org.
- 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.
- November 29: Athletic Field Symposium: Specification, Design, Construction and Renovation of Sports Fields, 8AM - 4PM, Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Contact: Mary Owen (508) 892-0382; mowen@umext.umass.edu or Jason Lanier
(413) 545-2965; jdlanier@umext.umass.edu. Registration includes workshop
admission, continental breakfast, lunch, and a guided tour of Gillette
Stadium. Be sure to register early (by 11/24), as seats are limited and
first-come-first-serve! Cost is $225 per person up to Nov. 10; $250 after
Nov. 10. For complete symposium information, or to register online or by
mail, go to www.umassturf.org.
- January 18-20: 2007 NYS Farmers’ Direct Marketing Conference, Owego, NY. For more information, call the NYSFDMA office at 315-475-1101, diane99@dreamscape.com or call the NY Farms! office at 607-659-3710, or nyfarms@clarityconnect.com .
- February 6-8: NE Grows, Boston, http://www.negrows.org/
- February 28 - March 1: New England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference and Trade Show, Sturbridge. Visit: www.harvestnewengland.com.
- March 17-19: The 23rd annual New England Products Trade Show (NEPTS). This juried wholesale buyers trade show is a premier event featuring
only New England made giftware, home furnishings, and gourmet specialty
foods, as well as complementing vendor services. More than 300 companies
of all sizes participate in this nationally known event, which draws more
than 2,000 buyers from across the country and beyond. Held in Portland,
Maine, this unique wholesale event is known for its friendly atmosphere
and quality products. For exhibitor, sponsor, or buyer information, please
contact Giraffe Events at 800.638.6787 or info@giraffeevents.com. Visit
the show web site at www.nepts.com to register today!
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Published bi-monthly by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, Governor
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Robert W. Golledge, Jr., 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.
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