LOCAL NEWS

• Commissioner's Column
• Health Care Reform Act of 2006
• MDAR Announces Emergency Order in regards to Sheep and Goats
• New England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference and Trade Show - Successful Strategies for Growing Your Farm Business
• Exploring Your Small Farm Dream
• 2007 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar - now available
• Organic Dairy Workshops
• Organic Research Grants Available
• Request for Applications: IPM Partnership Grants for the Northeast
• North Atlantic Region Local Grower & Supplier Seminar
• Norteastern Mass. Farm Survey Results Depend On Your Response  
• SEMAP to hold its Third Annual Buyer/Grower Networking Event
• Get Better Sales at Farmers Markets - Attend CISA’s Farmers Market Workshop
• Meet with 22 Pre-Qualified Buyers in a One Day
• Green Tomatoes: Rubbish or Relish? Does Value-Added equal Added Profits?
• 2007 UMass Extension Green Directory - Now Available!
• Integrated Pest Management and Weed Management for Herbaceous Perennials
• International Tree Failure Database Workshop
• Do You Need Farm Labor? Want to Help Others Explore Careers in Agriculture?
• Mentoring Program
• Growing Fruit in the Home Garden Series

• USDA names new State Conservationist for Massachusetts
• Proposals are now being accepted for Year 2007 grants to be awarded through the USDA Federal State Market Improvement Program (FSMIP)

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Commissioner's Column

LET’S REFLECT ON THE PAST, BUT LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

By Douglas P. Gillespie, Commissioner
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

As we near the end of 2006, it is appropriate to look back and evaluate how we’ve done! We at MDAR take great pride in the work we do, and hope that we have played an effective role in the business of our stakeholders. Since I became Commissioner in April 2002, we have endured a severe budget crisis in state government, and now the beginnings of a return to stability. Throughout this period of nearly five years, I have been impressed at the effectiveness by which MDAR staff have been able to continue our work. I am proud of the following successes during this period:

• Achieved Massachusetts’ #1 national ranking in Direct Consumer Sales Per Farm, as reported in the 2002 US Census of Agriculture.
• Achieved Massachusetts’ #7 national ranking in Total Gross Direct Consumer Sales, as reported in the 2002 US Census of Agriculture behind CA, NY, PA, OH, MI and WA.
• Achieved a phase-out of importation, propagation and sale of 140 invasive plant species in Massachusetts, developed cooperatively with nursery industry.
• Established Massachusetts Farm-to-School Project – a networking of local farms with school foodservice – currently 15% of all students attend schools who buy from Massachusetts farms; partnered with Project Bread, MassDevelopment and Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation in this endeavor.
• Increased Farmers Markets statewide by 40 percent, including a pilot program to hold markets in state parks; created first MA Agri-tourism initiative in partnership with USDA Rural Development.
• Coordinated successful aerial pesticide spraying of ½ million acres in Southeastern Massachusetts for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in 2006
• Increased school and day-care facility compliance with Children & Family Protection Act from 19% as of June 30, 2002 to 74.4% on October 30, 2006 – Today, 95.85% of all schools, public and private, have IPM plans in place and 56.3% of day cares have the required IPM plans.
• Achieved increase in MEFAP funding from $6.28 million in FY03 to $12 million in FY07 to benefit over 417,000 constituents of Food Bank system, thanks to legislative support.
• Successfully advocated for over $50 million in federal funds to benefit Massachusetts agriculture since 2002.
• Funded UMass research of feasibility of switchgrass production as bio-fuel in Massachusetts.
• Maintained Massachusetts’ national model Farm Viability Enhancement Program through creative funding. Protected nearly 15,000 farmland acres with fixed term covenants at a cost of $436/acre.
• Established bio-security and disaster preparedness plans for agricultural sector
• Assisted farmers in creation of nearly 100 municipal Agricultural Commissions to provide local market and policy infrastructure to benefit local agriculture.
• Developed Massachusetts Agricultural Smart Growth Initiative to preserve and enhance Massachusetts farms through farmland preservation, farm viability, environmental stewardship and infrastructure support.
• Permanently preserved 12,257 acres in the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program at a cost of $4,122/acre.
• Creating Massachusetts Agricultural Energy Initiative to assist farmers achieve energy efficiency and alternative energy production income through renewable sources (approved in FY07, but awaiting approval of staffing).
• Participating in a five-state consortium (w/PA, NY, MD & VT) to create a federal dairy revenue insurance pilot program to stabilize dairy farm income.
• Completed internal MDAR operational efficiencies such as records digitization, reduction in managerial staff, and the integration of the mosquito control districts into the state system.

While we take great pride in our accomplishments, we anticipate further opportunities and challenges in the coming year! The Congress is likely to be writing the next five-year Farm Bill, and that’s always an opportunity for advocacy on behalf of the Northeast’s program needs. In my position as Vice President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), I am afforded many opportunities for input, and always look to enhance Massachusetts Agriculture on these occasions.

Alternative and renewable energy is going to be a hot item in the year ahead. Next to land values, I believe that fuel and energy costs for farmers are the top cost center on any farm. We need to afford our farmers with opportunities not only to control their own energy costs through solar, wind, bio-fuels, etc., but also to produce these as a marketable farm commodity in the future.

Assisting the next generation of farmers to succeed in Massachusetts will be another opportunity for us. With the average of farmers increasing, and land values making it prohibitive to establish a start-up farm, MDAR and other service providers will have to work cooperatively to ensure that opportunities exist for those wishing to enter the farming profession. One way might be a set-aside of some state-owned farmland for low-cost leases for startups; allowing a new business to grow and establish a customer base before taking on a mortgage.

Continuing to enhance opportunities in marketing will continue to be a vital role for MDAR. We are already partnering with the Harvest New England campaign and many other groups to hold the New England Agricultural Direct Marketing Conference on February 28 and March 1 in Sturbridge (see details in this issue), and we’ll co-sponsor with Norfolk County Agricultural School a Livestock Symposium on March 3. We are also updating and plan to reprint our popular Massachusetts Agri-Tourism Map.

Milk prices continue to be devastatingly low for dairy farmers, and we will continue to explore opportunities to shore up these businesses. I continue to believe that the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact is our best solution, and perhaps the change in Congress will allow the Compact to be considered once again. In the meantime, we continue to work on the revenue insurance pilot program, and have put any available financial resources to work for dairy farmers in the Farm Viability and Ag-Environmental Enhancement programs.

Finally, MDAR is revising its participation in the USDA National Animal Identification System (NAIS) in keeping with the recent federal announcement that NAIS will remain a voluntary program. Records for premise registration will continue to be gathered by MDAR, but prior to any submission to USDA, premise owners will receive notification with the opportunity to “opt out” of NAIS. MDAR will continue to maintain its state records, as we have for decades, to be utilized in instances of animal disease or other biosecurity matters. I trust that producers will understand and support our modifications to NAIS participation.

It’s always exciting and exhilarating to see our programs and services result in a stronger future for Massachusetts Agriculture! The above-mentioned thoughts are just a few that we are working on, as we are truly bullish on opportunities for the year ahead.

Happy Holidays To All!
Doug

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Health Care Reform Act of 2006

Sweeping changes in health care insurance have been enacted by the Massachusetts Legislature in an effort to provide universal access to health care in Massachusetts and the changes may affect farmers and their families across the state. Click on this link to see a brief review of the changes.

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MDAR Announces Emergency Order in regards to
Sheep and Goats

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has announced an emergency order (Emergency Order 1-AHO-06) directed toward those involved in the breeding, dealing, transportation, auction, or ownership of sheep and goats in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Order requires the official identification of all sheep and goats at the first time there is a change of ownership or at 18 months of age (as evidenced by the eruption of the second incisor), which ever occurs first. Official identification shall be defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) publication Scrapie Eradication Uniform Methods & Rules, or by other means as approved by the USDA for this purpose, and shall ensure that an individual animal can be traced to its flock of birth. The Order was instituted to assure that Massachusetts will retain its status as a “Consistent” (compliant) state with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The status of “Consistent” state gives producers the freedom to transfer the animals into other states. The USDA maintains a National Scrapie Program in order to prevent and minimize the spread of Scrapie.

MDAR will work to implement regulations to replace this Order in the near future.

Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). Infected flocks that contain a high percentage of susceptible animals can experience significant production losses. While there is no scientific evidence that scrapie poses a risk to human health, scrapie has significantly impacted the sheep industry costing an estimated $20 million a year in direct losses and millions of dollars more in lost potential markets and flock productivity. Over a period of several years the number of infected animals increases, and the age at onset of clinical signs decreases making these flocks economically unviable. Female animals sold from infected flocks spread scrapie to other flocks.

The presence of scrapie in the United States prevents the export of breeding stock, semen, and embryos to many other countries. TSEs are the subject of increased attention and concern because of the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, the link between BSE and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in people, and feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE) in cats in Europe. For more information, contact Patricia Cabral, patricia.cabral@state.ma.us, or 617-626-1786.

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New England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference
and Trade Show
Successful Strategies for Growing Your Farm Business

February 28 – March 1, 2007, Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Information Now On-Line: www.harvestnewengland.org/conference/index.htm

The New England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference and Trade Show is your best opportunity in 2007 to learn new marketing ideas and fine-tune strategies for your business success. You should attend if you are a grower, value-added producer, planner, economic developer, government leader, farmers’ market manager or interested in agriculture!

Conference highlights include nationally renowned agrimarketing expert, Jane Eckert speaking on how to “Market with More Creativity Than Cash.”

A lively and informative “Best of New England” panel will feature some of the top farm marketers from all six New England states.

“Kitchen Table Direct Marketing” will provide you with practical ways to combine sales and marketing thinking with the financial information that lets you know when things are really working – or not.

Over the two days there will be over 20 workshops with a wide range of marketing and business planning topics on culinary tourism, tapping into the group tour market, risk management, selling to local schools, festivals, internet marketing, export opportunities and lots more.

Value added workshops will let you know how the customer sees your products, what you can do to improve your brand, and conduct market research for a viable business.

Agricultural processors, manufacturers and producers will get the inside scoop on developing business plans and technical assistance.

Farmers' Market Managers from across New England will gather on February 28th for a special half-day workshop to discuss New Marketing Opportunities and Building Alliances, including how tools such as the Rapid Market Assessment and Sticky Economy Evaluation Device can help you strengthen your market.

For a complete agenda and to register go to www.harvestnewengland.org for more information and to download the registration form.

The New England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference and Trade Show is brought to you by Harvest New England and the New England State Departments’ of Agriculture in cooperation with Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), Cooperative Development Institute, Essex Buy Local, Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets, Massachusetts NOFA, Massachusetts Roadside Stand Association, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, University of Massachusetts Extension, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, Rhode Island Center for Agricultural Promotion and Education, Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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Exploring Your Small Farm Dream

Offered at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner
4 Sessions in Late March and Early April, 2007

Are you, or is someone you know considering starting an agricultural enterprise in Massachusetts?

• Do you need to test the feasibility of your idea before you invest?
• Is self employment right for you?
• Is there a market for your proposed product or service?
• What regulations will govern your enterprise and impact its cost?
• How will you manage the new risks associated with agriculture?
• How long can you afford to wait to break even– and how much contribution do you expect from this piece of your livelihood?
• Are there others in your family that share your vision and want to join you in its pursuit?
• What are the threats to your success?
• How will you know that you are on a sustainable track?

The Explorer Program is intended for those who are considering farming as a business. Its purpose is to help pre-venture, aspiring farmers learn what it would take to start and mange their own commercial agricultural businesses, and decide whether this is a path they really want to take. Explorer makes use of four guided group sessions, an acclaimed workbook, instructors experienced in starting ag businesses, and extensive supporting resources. It was created as a decision-making tool to help you establish the clear vision and goals you will need to guide a new agricultural venture. It will help you identify and assess personal motivations, business and farming skills, and available resources. The goal of Explorer is to help you decide whether starting an agricultural business is right for you and, based on that decision, to help you plan practical next steps.

Please join a congenial group of your peers at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner for four evenings March 7, 21 April 4, 18. This course is sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Agricultural Business Training Program, in cooperation with the Explorer creator, the New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI) in Belchertown – with additional support from Mount Wachusett Community College.

MDAR is underwriting a portion of the course fee, and will be offering paid technical assistance to up to four businesses that complete the course and are ready to move to the next step in their plan. Class size is limited to 12 primary participants to maximize group time, with the chance for some attendees to bring another person if space allows.

The registration cost of $100 includes all materials, guest speakers, access to the in-class library (as well as NESFI’s extensive library in Belchertown), and (for the lucky 4) an extra boost from targeted help on a key next step.

More information about the basic NESFI Explorer course is available on their website at:
http://www.smallfarm.org/explorer/index.htm

For a Registration Form, please contact: Rick Chandler, MDAR, 25 West Experiment Station, UMass, Amherst, MA 01003, Email: rchandler@umext.umass.edu, Phone: 413-577-0459

NOTE: If you want to take Explorer but just can’t make it to Gardner on these dates, contact the ABTP Director at the above address for other possible sites and dates in 2007-08.

If you would like to take advantage of MDAR’s other offerings in agricultural business planning for established farms, we are planning to offer our 10-session NxLevel Course “Tilling the Soil of Opportunity” in January-March 2007. Please call Rick Chandler (above) to receive information and registration materials.

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2007 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar - now available

Help promote Massachusetts agriculture with a colorful calendar for the new year. 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).

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)

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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Organic Dairy Workshops

The following series of organic dairy workshops will introduce farmers to the process of transitioning to organic milk production and specific organic dairy practices.

All workshops will be held at the Brigham Hill Community Barn in Grafton, Massachusetts, 10:00 – 2:30. The cost is $10 per person for each workshop ($5 for NOFA members). Lunch will be provided.

Thursday, February 1 - Introduction to Organic Milk Production
Organic dairy farmers and advisors will discuss the Organic Milk Market, Organic Certification Requirements and the Transition Process.
Register by January 25.

Thursday, March 8 - Introduction to Alternative Herd Health Treatments
Dr. Paul Detloff, Organic Valley’s resident D.V.M. and co-founder of Crystal Creek, a firm that supplies natural veterinary supplies and remedies, will discuss practical, alternative methods for preventing and treating illnesses.
Register by March 1.

Thursday, March 29 - Introduction to Organic Pasture Management
Organic dairy farmers and advisors will discuss organic rotational grazing systems, management intensive grazing systems, pasture fertility and soil health.
Register by March 22.

The workshops have been organized by NOFA/Mass and Baystate Organic Certifiers, with support from Organic Valley and Stonyfield Farm. If you would like a registration form or have questions, contact Kate Rossiter, NOFA/Mass Organic Dairy Coordinator, at (413) 625-0118, or Don Franczyk, Baystate Organic Certifiers, at (978) 297-4171.

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Organic Research Grants Available

Deadline December 15 - The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) funds research on organic farming and food systems and the dissemination of these research results to the greater agricultural community. Proposals must involve farmers or ranchers in project design and implementation and take place on working organic farms or ranches whenever possible. Additionally, proposals should articulate how the proposed research project will foster the improvement or adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF requests proposals which have objectives that are realistically achievable with a modest level of funding. The average grant awarded in OFRF's last full year of grantmaking was $10,360. OFRF will not fund a project for more than $15,000 per year. Info: http://ofrf.org/grants/apply.html

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Request for Applications: IPM Partnership Grants for the Northeast

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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North Atlantic Region Local Grower & Supplier Seminar

Free local products seminar sponsored by Whole Foods Market
Wednesday, January 17, 2007 & thursday, January 18, 2007
Location: Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman St., Greenfield, MA

Local Growers & Suppliers: Are you passionate about your product? Whole Foods Market is actively searching (foraging!) for local vendors to partner with in creating the future of natural food retailing. Specifically we’re looking for local producers who are passionate about the highest quality, most unique organic and natural foods that are made in the communities we serve. Join us for this free two-day conference as we address these topics and more:

Our growth and yours
How do I become a Whole Foods Market Vendor?
What do Whole Foods Market Quality Standards mean?
How can I change my production/ingredients to meet the standards?
What kinds of products is Whole Foods Market looking for?

Our resources shared
Creating an empowered culture
Being Green — environmental options for your business
Effective packaging, marketing and media relations
Competition in the marketplace — what it takes to succeed

Buyer appointments are available. To apply, email: na.newitems@wholefoods.com or call: Susan Phinney 1-617-492-5500 ext. 3232, Apply today! space is limited to 150.

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Green Tomatoes: Rubbish or Relish?
Does Value-Added equal Added Profits?

First Pioneer Farm Credit is bringing a 1-day jam-packed seminar to you about the feasibility of doing a value-added agricultural product. Objectives of the meeting include helping you to determine: Will I make money? Can I sell it? How will I make it happen? People who are already doing Value-Added, considering doing Value-Added in an existing business or a start-up agricultural venture or others interested are invited to attend. Presenters include Gene Gouthier, Rick Hermonot, Jon Jaffe and Joanna Samuelson. There will also be a case study done during the day and a farmer panel with moderator. The general cost of the seminar is $250, with an early-bird and other discounts available. Please join us Wednesday, January 17, 2006, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Sturbridge Host Hotel. Contact Brenda Emrick at First Pioneer, 1-800-562-2235 or brenda.emrick@firspioneer.com for more information and to make your reservations.

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2007 UMass Extension Green Directory - Now Available!

The 2007 UMass Extension Green Directory is a comprehensive guide to educational resources for Massachusetts Agriculture industry professionals. This 32 page guide is used as a reference document all year long!

The directory includes the following:

- Contact information for UMass Extension Agriculture Specialists and Faculty
- Upcoming UMass Extension conferences, seminars and workshops
- UMass Plant Diagnostic Lab submission information for insect, disease and cultural problems
- UMass Soil and Tissue Testing Lab submission information
- Pesticide License information, including test dates, training workshops, and how to get a pesticide license
- Phone Resources to Refer home gardener questions
- Extension newsletters, web sites and publications
- Frequently Used Phone Numbers related to agriculture

To receive a hard copy, send us your mailing address:
Email at greeninfo@umext.umass.edu;
Fax at 413-577-1620; or Call 413-545-0895, Also available online at www.umass.edu/agland

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Integrated Pest Management and Weed Management for Herbaceous Perennials

Sponsored by University of Massachusetts Extension, University of Connecticut Extension
and Northeast SARE

January 16, 2007, Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Topics will include IPM strategies to control key insects, diseases and weeds for the major types of perennials produced as well as new and emerging pests and diseases. Come learn how to use cultural controls, natural biological controls and environmentally friendly pesticides to produce healthy perennials - whether you are propagating perennials, growing them on in your greenhouses, producing container-grown perennials outdoors or selling perennials from your retail garden center.

Registration is $20 per person and includes educational materials and continental breakfast. Financial support is being provided with a grant from Northeast SARE. Three pesticide recertification credits.

For more information contact:
Tina M. Smith, University of Massachusetts, 413-545-5306, tsmith@umext.umass.edu
Paul Lopes, University of Massachusetts, 508-295-2212 ext. 24, lopes@umext.umass.edu
http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events.html

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International Tree Failure Database Workshop

January 13, 2007 (snow date January 20), 9 am to 1 pm, Holdsworth Hall, UMass Amherst

Have you ever wished you had more information on the common defects that make trees more likely to fail in a storm? Wouldn't it be nice if you could convince a client that their tree was hazardous because it had a defect that had caused many tree failures in the past? There's a way we can provide that information--by taking measurements on trees that have failed. The more people who record that information, the faster the information can be compiled to produce lists of common defects for particular species. That will help predict which trees on a property are really hazards. The International Tree Failure Database (ITFD) is the way to compile reports on tree failures from lots of arborists and urban foresters. In order to submit reports, you have to learn how to take specific measurements and enter them online. Dr. Brian Kane will cover that and go over how to identify defects that cause trees to fail. Participants will receive a username and password to submit tree failure reports online.

Registration is $75 (includes coffee, bagels, and parking). ISA, MCA, SAF, and ASLA credits have been requested. (No pesticide contact hours available).

For more information, contact the Landscape, Nursery, & Urban Forestry Program at (413)545-0895, eweeks@umext.umass.edu.

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Do You Need Farm Labor?
Want to Help Others Explore Careers in Agriculture?

The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (MORI) is partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture (MDAR) and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) to help refugees with farming experience get jobs in agriculture here in Massachusetts. We are looking for farm, greenhouse, and other agriculture entrepreneurs in the Springfield and Worcester areas that have labor needs and are interested in employing refugees. The goal is to help refugees get jobs on farms so they can learn about agriculture in Massachusetts and decide if they want to pursue it as a career.

MORI will gather farmers’ input and train refugees to work on their farms. MORI will facilitate the process, develop basic agriculture and language training based on agriculture-employer needs, place refugees on farms, work closely with refugees and farm-employers to solve problems as they arise, hold trainings to ensure refugees understand the operations they work for , and facilitate mentorship relationships. MORI will pilot the project on 1-4 farms near Springfield and Worcester, and work with up to 30 refugees. If you are in need of farm labor and are interested in learning more, please contact Larry Dixon for more information at 617.727.7888, x330 or larry.dixon@state.ma.us.

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Mentoring Program

Do You Want to Learn About Agriculture in Other Countries?
Do You Want to Help Others Learn About Farming in Massachusetts?
Would You Like to Mentor Refugee Farmers?

The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (MORI) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (USDA/RMA) are partnering in a project that will provide mentorship opportunities for refugee farmers. MORI is looking for farm, greenhouse, and other agriculture entrepreneurs in the Springfield and Worcester areas that are interested in mentoring refugees, many of whom have agricultural experience in their native lands.

The Commonwealth receives about 2000 refugees through the US Refugee Resettlement Program each year. About half of them worked in agriculture in their home countries. The project aims to train those interested in learning about agriculture in Massachusetts and develop mentor relationships so they can learn agriculture firsthand from successful farmers here.

But we need your help and want to hear from you! How do you define mentoring? What would you like to see in the project? How would you like to participate in the project? This is your chance to help develop this new initiative from the beginning!

MORI will coordinate, develop basic agriculture and language training based on mentor farmer input and needs, work closely with refugees and farm mentors to solve problems as they arise, and facilitate the relationships. We hope to pilot the project on 1-4 farms near Springfield and Worcester with up to 30 refugees. Possibilities may also exist in the Merrimack Valley. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Larry Dixon at 617.727.7888, x330 or larry.dixon@state.ma.us. In the coming months, we will hold meetings to hear your ideas and build the project.

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Growing Fruit in the Home Garden series

Little surpasses the joy of eating fruit from your own garden; however, growing those fruit is often a horticultural challenge. This year's Mass Aggie Seminars ("Growing Fruit in the Home Garden" -- February 10 - April 28, 2007) will help overcome the challenges with growing fruit at home. We will present programs on basic and advance apples and stone fruit (peaches, plums, and cherries), on blueberries and raspberries, on grapes, on identifying and controlling fruit pests, and even on grafting apples. Many of these Saturday sessions (such as pruning, grafting, and identifying pests) are hands on and should be both educational and fun. All sessions will be on Saturdays, and locations include Brooksby Farm in Peabody, Tougas Family Farm in Northborough, and UMass Cold Spring Orchard in Belchertown.

For a copy of the schedule, go to www.massaggieseminars.org or call the UMass Extension Fruit Program at (413) 545-2254.

Ellen Weeks, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program French Hall 230 Stockbridge Rd. Amherst, MA 01003, (413) 545-2685, www.umassgreeninfo.org

P.S. Registration for one (or more) of these seminars would make a great Christmas gift!

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NEWS FROM USDA

USDA names new State Conservationist for Massachusetts

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has selected Christine Clarke to serve as State Conservationist for Massachusetts. As State Conservationist, Clarke will oversee the federal agency’s programs, operations and staff in the Bay State, effective November 27th.

Clarke currently serves as Leader of the agency’s national Geographic Information System (GIS) Laboratory and as NRCS Geodata Coordinator in Beltsville, Maryland.  In this position she supports agency policy analysis and development needs, as well as business needs, related to spatial data. 

A Rhode Island native, Clarke began her career with the agency – then known as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) – in 1981 in the Newport field office as a soil conservation technician. She later served as a Soil Scientist with the U.S. Peace Corps and U.S. Agency for International Development in Jamaica. Upon returning from overseas, Clarke served as a Soil Scientist in Tolland and Hartford, Connecticut.

“I look forward to returning to New England and working with our staff and partners to serve the commonwealth’s conservation needs,” said Clarke. “I’m impressed by the wealth of experience in the NRCS Massachusetts staff and their strong commitment to the NRCS mission of ‘helping people help the land’.”

Clarke has served as Acting Director of the National Geospatial Development Center in Morgantown, West Virginia; Standards Lead for Geospatial One-Stop; NRCS representative to the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC); National Soil Digitizing Coordinator; and GIS Specialist, Morgantown, West Virginia. 

Clarke, who enjoys kayaking, gardening and anything outdoors, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island in Resource Development and Soil Science, and a graduate certificate from the University of Connecticut in GIS. She is a certified Soil Scientist.

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Proposals are now being accepted for Year 2007 grants to be awarded through the USDA Federal State Market Improvement Program (FSMIP)

The deadline for proposal submissions to the Department of Agricultural Resources is Thursday, February 1, 2007.

FSMIP grants are awarded to agricultural organizations for market development, market research, and marketing education projects.

This past year, the University of Massachusetts Building Materials and Wood Technology Program located at the Amherst Campus received a grant in the amount $36,670 to find and remove barriers to sustainable harvest and primary processing of Massachusetts native woods.

This USDA Federal grant program is administered through state departments of agriculture. For more information and/ or a copy of guidelines, contact Mary Jordan at (617) 626-1750 or email Mary.Jordan@state.ma.us.

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IN EVERY ISSUE

CLASSIFIED ADS

• Town of Dartmouth to Sell Souza/Lagasse Farm - The Town has issued a Request for Proposals for town-owned property commonly known as the “Souza/Lagasse Farm” on Hixville Road in North Dartmouth. The Town desires to sell the property in order to promote agricultural uses in the Town of Dartmouth. Request for Proposals documents are available for a fee of $5 at the Chief Procurement Officer’s Office at 400 Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA. 02747 and on the Town’s website at www.town.dartmouth.ma.us. Completed proposals must be received by the Town of Dartmouth by March 2, 2007. Inquiries may only be submitted in writing and should be addressed to: Susan Guiducci(508-990-2854), Chair, APTC at the address listed above.
• *2007 Farm Manager* - for multi-site farms (20+ acres) in Dracut, which serve as beginning farmer training sites for immigrant and refugee men and women. Manage all aspects of field preparation (plowing, disking, raised beds, laying plastic mulch), irrigation management, hoophouse construction, crop production, equipment management/maintenance, and supervision of farms. Provide training and technical assistance to new and continuing beginner farmers in areas of crop production, equipment management, and irrigation. 28 week position, from mid-April through mid-November. Previous experience in agriculture and tractor operations/maintenance required. Experience working with diverse populations preferred. 40 hrs/week, $16 - 18 / hr depending on experience. Valid drivers’ license. Send resume and cover letter to: Jennifer Hashley, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, 9 Central Street, Suite 402, Lowell, MA 01852. 978-654-6745 or email jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu.
• Newbury Family seeking farm in Essex County to grow vegetables - Newbury family desires to re-locate to farm property. We would like to purchase an agricultural property suitable for growing organic vegetables. Existing farmland with agricultural protection easement or conservation restriction already in place would be ideal. Condition of home is secondary to the land's suitability for growing. Please call Russ @ (978) 465-2913.

• Operations/Quality Manager - Natural foods manufacturer experiencing rapid growth is looking for an Operations and/or Quality Control professional to manage the strategic development and daily implementation of all operations, maintenance, sanitation, and pest control activities. Will develop and implement procedures for controlling and reducing conditions and behaviors that lead to safety hazards, non-conforming products and quality concerns. Will increase productivity of equipment lines and manage all necessary upgrades and improvements of equipment, personnel and methods. New England Natural Bakers is a values-driven company committed to improving the quality of life through its products and relationships. Please have at least 5 years manufacturing experience; food and HACCP expertise a plus. E-mail resume and letter of interest to Lisa Yerlig, Human Resources Manager: lyerlig@nenb.com.

• A new farmers' market is being planned by the town of Needham for the 2007 season. Contact Tara E. Gurge, at  (781) 455-7523 or tgurge@town.needham.ma.us for more information.
• Atlas Farm is a small family farm located in Deerfield, MA- 12 miles north of Amherst. We grow a wide variety of certified organic vegetables, herbs and flowers and sell our products at farmers' markets in Boston. Also sell wholesale to area grocery stores and grower co-ops throughout the season. Entering our 4th season of operation and are committed to growing high quality produce. Currently 11 acres are in production with plans for expansion in 2007. Seek an Assistant Farm Manager for the 2007 growing season to assist with all aspects of production as well as supervision of farm crew. Training by the farm manager will be provided. This is an ideal position for someone with previous farming experience looking to take on more of a management role. Salary is commensurate with experience. To begin the application process, submit a letter of interest to gideon@atlasfarm.com or mail to: Gideon Porth/Atlas Farm 8 Pine Street  South Deerfield, MA 01373
• For Sale: Large, vintage cider/wine press. Ready to use, well made. Too large for my needs. Has fruit crusher, two hardwood slate pressing cylinders, dbl lock press mechanism, cast iron base, bag for holding fruit. $300.00 Contact: Christine @ 508-898-3330 or wbrogirl@aol.com (have pics via email)
• We carry a full line of Retail and Wholesale packaging for the Orchards and Farms. (508) 426-7813 or (800) 562-5520. Empire Packaging Company. Your Packaging Resourse.
• 24 cow mobile headlock freeder in great condition.  Works well for feeding, worming and giving shots to a smaller herd or if your barn does not have headlocks for your cattle.  We have also used it for AI purposes.  Move cows from pasture to pasture.  $2250 Firm. Call 413-477-6656.

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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CALENDAR

• December 11 - SEMAP to hold its Third Annual Buyer/Grower Networking Event. 3-6PM at the Woodland Commons Building of UMass Dartmouth. www.semaponline.org for additional information.
• January 16 - Integrated Pest Management and Weed Management for Herbaceous Perennials - Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Contacts: Tina M. Smith, 413-545-5306, tsmith@umext.umass.edu, Paul Lopes, 508-295-2212 ext. 24, lopes@umext.umass.edu,www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events.html
• 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: New England Grows, Boston, www.negrows.org
• February 12 -17: North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Convention - Grow West 2007 NAFDMA and its Grow West partners in Alberta are pleased to invite you to attend the 23rd annual Convention. With keynote speaker Joe Pine, this convention is sure to reach a Rocky Mountain high! Calgary, Alberta, Canada; http://www.nafdma.com/Alberta/
• February 28 - March 1: New England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference and Trade Show, Sturbridge. Visit: www.harvestnewengland.org.
• March 6 and 7 - The 7th Massachusetts Organics Recycling Summit:  "Gaining Ground in Organics Recycling" Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, Marlborough. Join the MassDEP for a professional conference and vendor exhibit hall focused on organics waste reduction in Massachusetts. The second day includes off-site tours.  Last year's Summit attracted 225 professionals from 14 states! WHO SHOULD ATTEND:  Businesses and state and municipal governments seeking innovative solutions and cost-saving opportunities for managing organic materials such as commercially generated food waste and residential leaf and yard waste. 
  WEB SITE:  http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/orgsum07.htm
• 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!
• March 28: Agricultural Day at the Statehouse, Come one, come all, contact: Mary Jordan, 617-626-1759, Mary.Jordan@state.ma.us.

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About the Farm & Market Report

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

• Kent Lage, Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff, Kent.Lage@state.ma.us
• Mary Jordan, Director of Agricultural Development, Mary.Jordan@state.ma.us
• Brad Mitchell, Director of Bio-Security and Regulatory Services, Brad.Mitchell@state.ma.us

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 January 29th to Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us, or fax to 617-626-1850.