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Massachusetts Department of
Agricultural Resources (MDAR)
Farm & Market Report
Vol. 84, No. 2, April / May
LOCAL NEWS
NEWS FROM USDA
IN EVERY ISSUE
New Programs are Blooming this Spring at your Department of Agricultural Resources.
Greetings!
With a recent tease of 60 degree weather, it’s apparent that Spring is finally making it’s annual appearance! Not that our winter was all that harsh, in fact it would have been one of the warmest on record if not for February being recorded as the 4th coldest on record! Regardless of our “dodging the (winter) bullet”, it’s still nice to see the longer days, warming temperatures and renewal of another planting season.
One sure sign of Spring’s arrival is the annual offering of Massachusetts Agriculture Day at the State House. This year’s celebration was held on March 28th. This event has come to be known as a “must attend” event for many of our State’s legislators who are able to enjoy a literal “taste” of our Commonwealth’s agriculture industry and, importantly, an opportunity to speak with representatives of the various commodity groups that comprise Massachusetts agriculture. Each year “Ag Day” grows in popularity and presence by an increasing number of commodity groups to the point where we will be looking for larger accommodations at the State House for the 2008 celebration. This year we were also fortunate to have our Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles and our Commonwealth’s Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray attend the event and speak about the great challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Massachusetts Agriculture. Of course this event would not be possible with out the great efforts of the many industry members who attend the event as well as the planning and development work by the Massachusetts Agricultural Promotion Board and the MDAR staff that have worked to make “Ag Day” such a great success. The Massachusetts Agricultural Promotion Board is comprised of representatives from the different Massachusetts commodity groups. Membership is open and participation of all sectors of Massachusetts agriculture is encouraged. Farmers who want to be certain that their interests are represented should contact our Director of Agricultural Development, Mary Jordan (617-626-1750 or mary.jordan@state.ma.us), for more information about the board and present representation.
“Ag Day” provided an opportunity to learn about the opportunities, concerns and challenges presently faced by Massachusetts agriculture. To that end, Massachusetts dairy producers were clear in their articulation of current economic concerns that they contend may impact the future of dairy production in our Commonwealth. As a result of those concerns and the delivery of a petition seeking relief that was delivered to MDAR on January 29th, the Department is currently engaged in an examination and investigation relative to the determination of whether a crisis exist within the Massachusetts dairy Industry. As part of the investigation, the Department has conducted two public hearings and collected volumes of testimony over a two month period. With the recent conclusion of the information gathering phase of the investigation, we are now preparing our report and will provide findings and recommendations by mid April.
Also by mid April, we will have a better understanding of what the MDAR
budget will look like for the 2008 fiscal year. By that time, the House
will have released its budget recommendations and we will be past “Step
3” of the 9 step process toward the development of the Commonwealth’s annual
budget. Following the House’s release of the Budget and the work of the
Senate Ways and Means Committee, the Senate will release it’s version of
the Budget (Steps 4 and 5). With the Senate and House Bills completed,
a joint House and Senate Conference Committee (Step 6) will develop a budget
for delivery to the Governor’s office who may exercise veto authority over
specific items within the budget (Step 7). The Legislature may then override
the Governor’s vetoes (Step 8) and then move to engross the Final budget.
As you may be aware, the Governor’s Budget was favorable for Agriculture,
including new resources to enhance agricultural extension activity and
continuation of support for Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance as
well as additional resources for industry economic development. Nonetheless,
although we have started with a budget that is good for to Ag, we have
a long way to go before we will have certain knowledge about the 2008 Budget.
In the mean time, we are working to bring new opportunities to the industry
that were presented by the 2007 fiscal year budget. As you’re reading this
message, we are currently reviewing the 21 proposals that were submitted
to the “AIC"(Agriculture Innovation Center) requesting nearly $5 million.
Considering the $2.7 million total funding that was committed to this solicitation,
the review team certainly has its work cut out for them as they review
and make recommendations for funding. Additionally, the Agricultural Marketing
Projects request for response has been issued with a deadline of May 4
and is offering $150,000 total funding toward the support of projects that
seek to improve a variety of marketing and promotion services for Massachusetts
Agriculture. We are also working internally to develop additional broad
scale promotion activities that will enhance consumer awareness and desire
for “Massachusetts Grown and Fresher!” products and provide greater details
on issues such as slaughter house availability and development that have
been identified by industry members as areas of particular interest at
this time.
Another “bright” spot for DAR is our current process to develop an Agricultural Energy Conservation and Alternative Energy Program. Through this program we will work with the Massachusetts farming community to increase energy conservation opportunities through new partnerships between state and federal agencies that will focus resources through a coordinated approach. This Ag energy initiative will work toward the identification conservation measures and, where feasible, the installation of renewable and/or alternative energy systems through a combination of energy audit and technical assistance services that will ideally work to reduce on farm energy costs. It’s our hope that this program will allow Massachusetts farms to reduce what has been identified by many as one of the highest and rapidly increasing costs for agricultural production.
As indicated by our experience at “Ag Day” and work toward the development of the new Ag energy initiative, partnerships and collaborations are a key component to success…but, in recognition that I’ve already taken more space than I should have, will save those updates and opportunities for my next F & M column. ‘til then here’s to sunny days and frost free nights!
Sincerely,
Scott J. Soares
Acting Commissioner
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The Farm Viability Enhancement Program is designed to assist farmers in improving the economic bottom line and environmental integrity of their operations through the development and implementation of business plans tailored to individual farm situations.
Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources,
the program has three phases: In Phase I, a farmer will work with a planning
team to develop a plan to increase on farm income and preserve the farm’s
environmental resources. In Phase II, awards of $25,000 up to $75,000 may
be available to a farmer to implement strategies from his or her plan in
exchange for completing selected elements of the plan and agreeing to restrict
the use of the farm to only agricultural uses by signing a five or ten
year Agricultural Covenant. Phase III is a reporting phase after completion
of the changes recommended in the plan.
Any Massachusetts farmer with at least 5 acres of land in agricultural production for the past three years 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, delivery vehicles and tractors, improving marketing structures, purchasing food processing equipment, and establishing a farm website.
Over 300 farms have received business planning and technical assistance from the Program in the past eleven years. The total value of awards to farms in the same time period exceeded $10 million. Nearly 26,000 acres of farmland has been placed under short-term Agricultural Covenants.
Applications are available by clicking on this PDF link AGR- FVEP-08-15, or you can request a copy of the application by calling the Farm Viability
Program at 617-626-1723. The deadline to submit applications is 3:00 PM,
Wednesday June 20, 2007.
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The Department of Agricultural Resources is requesting proposals from Massachusetts agricultural organizations and other groups that directly support agricultural initiatives, including commodity groups, agricultural fairs, cooperatives and non-profit organizations, to submit proposals on marketing projects that would enhance: 1) the promotion of a Massachusetts agricultural commodity or product and/or 2) the entire Massachusetts agricultural industry. Proposals should increase consumer-awareness and/or offer technical marketing assistance to one or more Massachusetts agricultural entities.
For a copy of the Marketing Grant RFR, please refer to the Department of Agricultural Resources website at www.mass.gov/AGR or click here. Deadline: 12:00pm, May 4, 2007. For a hard copy or specific questions
on the Marketing Grant program, please contact Mary Jordan (617) 626-1750
or email: mary.jordan@state.ma.us
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Offered at the UMass Cranberry Station, 1 State Bog Road, East Wareham
4 Sessions May 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2007, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
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 manage 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.
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 the Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP), the Pilgrim Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council and the University of Massachusetts Cranberry Station ( a facility of UMass Amherst). MDAR is underwriting a portion of the course fee, and will be offering limited additional 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 14 prospective farms to maximize group time, with the chance for some attendees to bring another person if space allows.
The registration cost of $125 includes all materials, guest speakers, access to the in-class library (as well as NESFI’s extensive library in Belchertown), and (for the selected 4 members of the class) an extra boost from targeted help on a key next step. You should have email and web access to take this course most effectively!
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, rchandler@umext.umass.edu, Phone: 413-577-0459
NOTES:
If you want to take Explorer but just can’t make it to this session on these dates, contact Rick Chandler 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 next 10-session NxLevel Course “Tilling the Soil of Opportunity” in January-March 2008 (The current courses are already started in Greenfield). Please call Rick to receive information and registration materials.
Because this course is sponsored and financially supported by a Massachusetts state agency, If you are from another state or are planning to farm in another state, we can only put you on a waiting list in case the course does not fill with in-state enterprises/residents. If you are then accepted, the fee will be $200 (still subsidized, but less so) and you will not be eligible for the post course paid technical assistance.
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Since September 2005 the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) has been working under a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) in the Commonwealth.
To make the process easy for animal owners, DAR made the decision to use existing “Barn Book” data as the source of information for NAIS. Barn book data is basically an annual livestock census taken by local animal inspectors and submitted to DAR. Using barn book data saves animal owners the trouble of going online and registering their premise.
At the onset of NAIS, USDA had stated that participation in the program would become mandatory. DAR followed the lead of USDA and began to upload barn book data to the USDA system. Since then some farmers have expressed concern about their privacy. In recognizing those concerns, USDA chose to convert the program to a voluntary system. At this point DAR ceased uploading data. From this time forward, DAR will inform animal owners of their intention to upload their premise data, and give the animal owner 30 days to notify DAR that they want to “opt out” of the NAIS Premise ID system. Notice will include instruction on how to opt out via mail, email, or a web system. The process is short and simple.
Approximately 1,445 premises were uploaded to the USDA system before the decision was made to convert to a voluntary system. Those individuals whose premises were uploaded were notified of their premise registration. Premises owners may have their registrations deleted from the system by contacting Joao Tavares at 617-626-1719.
Questions regarding the NAIS program should be submitted to Mike Cahill, Michael.Cahill@state.ma.us, who can be reached at (617) 626-1794.
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Farmers’ Market information for 2007 is currently being updated. Many new and existing Farmers markets are looking for vendors. For more information contact David Webber at 617-626-1754 or david.webber@state.ma.us.
Proposed/New Markets:
- Andover, Contact Suzanna Poland, 978-475-6159
- Cambridge/Kendall Square, Thursdays, 11:00am – 2:00pm, Seeking produce, meat, cheese, etc., Contact Rose Fisher, 617-577-7354 or rmfisher@m-g.com
- Falmouth, Contact Jay Zavala, 508-564-4140 or jayzavala@comcast.net
- Harvard, Saturdays, 9:00 am – Noon, Contact Jen Sundeen, jensundeen@charter.net
- Lowell, Burbecks Ice Cream Stand, Contact Gary Francis, 978-937-0772 or gary@garysicecream.com
- Needham, Contact Tara Gurge, 781-455-7523 or tgurge@town.needham.ma.us
- Provincetown, Saturday, 11:00 am - 4:00pm, on Commercial Street, next to
Town Hall. Contact Andy Pollock, 508-991-5185 or farmsilverbrook@aol.com
- Westford, Tuesdays, 4:00 pm – 7:00pm, Town Common, Contact Gloria Gilbert,
978-392-1424 or Gloria.gilbert6@verizon.net
- Westport, Saturdays, 8:00 am – Noon, July 7 to September 29, Seeking produce, plants, artisans, Contact Beth Easterly, 508-636-4427 or eaae@verizon.net
Existing Markets:
- Adams, Wednesday, 1pm – 5:00 pm, May 23 to October 24, Seeking eggs, honey,
maple syrup, garlic, Contact Emma Morin, 413-743-5613.
- Amherst/Boltwood Marketplace, Saturday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, April 2 to October 27, Contact Kathryn Grandonico, 413-253-7879 or info@amherstlincolnrealty.com.
- Ashfield, Saturday, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, May 26 to October 6, Seeking cheese, fruit, poultry, pork, Conatct Amy Klippenstien, 413-625-0011 or amy@sidehillfarm.net
- Auburn, Saturdays, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Seeking vegetables and fruit, Contact Ray Samek, 508-867-4763 or produceboy@aol.com.
- Ayer, Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, July 14 to October 27, Seeking all types of vendors, Contact Ruth Rhonemus, 978-772-5890.
- Barre, Saturdays, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, May 12 to October, Seeking produce, Contact Earl Cooley, 978-355-0140 or lisa_d_holloway@yahoo.com.
- Belchertown, Thursdays, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 31 to October 18, Seeking breads, fruits, berries, jellies, heirloom and organic vegetables, plants, herbs, farm type crafts, Contact Heidi Bradway, 413-323-0048 or heidissomethingmore@yahoo.com
- Berkshire Area/Lanesboro, Wednesday and Saturday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, Seeking organic products, asian produce, meat, cheese, fish, Contact Kenneth Wirtes, 413-499-1012.
- Beverly/Cabot Street, Mondays, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Seeking products other than vegetables and baked goods, Contact Melissa Dimond, 781-346-6726 or mdimond@thefoodproject.org.
- Boston/City Hall Plaza, Monday and Wednesdays, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Seeking cheese, meat, dairy, soap, Contact Jeff Cole, 781-893-8222 or jeff@massfarmersmarkets.org.
- Boston/Dewey Square, (Boston Public Market) Wednesdays, 11:30 am – 7:00 pm, Contact Jeff Cole, 781-893-8222 or staff@massfarmersmarkets.org.
- Brockton City Hall, Friday, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm, July 6 to October 26, Seeking fruit, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, herbs, Contact Janice Fitzgerald, 508-580-7123 or jfitzgerald@ci.brockton.ma.us.
- Brookline, Thursdays, 1:30 to Dusk, June 14 to October 25, Seeking mushrooms, Contact Arlene Flowers, 617-566-8005.
- Buzzards Bay, Friday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, July 6 to October 26, Seeking all products, Contact Edward Silvia, 508-982-8612.
- Cambridge/Central Square, Mondays, 11:30 am – 6:00 pm, Seeking soap, cheese, meat, dairy, eggs, Contact Jeff Cole, 781-893-8222 or staff@massfarmersmarkets.org.
- Cambridge/Charles Square, Firdays, Noon to 6:00, June 8 to November 16 and Sundays, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, May 20 to November 18, Seeking fish, eggs, Contact Tim Garboski, 508-446-5806 or afrmr@aol.com.
- Cambridgeport, Saturdays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, June 9 to October 27, Seeking fruit, eggs, cheese, Contact Tim Garboski, 508-446-5806 or afrmr@aol.com.
- Charlestown, Wednesdays, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, July 18 to end of October, Seeking all types of products, Contact Colleen Justice, 617-241-8866.
- Chelsea, Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Mid July to end of October, Seeking fish, Contact David Dumaresq, 978-454-3434 or ddumaresq@juno.com.
- Cohasset, Thursday, 2:30
pm - 6:30 pm. June 14 to October 18, Seeking farmers and other food vendors,
Contact Ana Abruzzee, 781-383-9539 or maemma143@comcast.net
- East Boston/Constitution Beach, Tuesdays, Contact Jackie Rosatto 617-276-7589 or constitutionbeach@yahoo.com
- East Charlemont, Friday, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm and Saturday, 8:00 am - Noon, May 25
to October 6th. Contact Ivy Palmer, 413-625-8174 or pitchforkfarm@yahoo.com
- Easthampton/Saturdays, 10am–2pm, June 2 to September 29, No fee for area
farmers and artists, Contact Alexei Levine, 413-529-2900 or info@themassageschool.org.
- Easthampton, Tuesdays, 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm, May 1 to October, Seeking fruit. Contact Jane Pepin, 413-527-5989 or janepepin@rcn.com.
- Easton, seeking to add new vendors for its established Farmers' Market,
especially certified organic growers and vendors selling meat, cheese and
other locally produced products. May October; Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Contact: Jean at 508-238-6049 or Jean@nrtofeaston.org.
- Framingham/Village Green, Thursdays, 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm, Seeking cheese, soap, eggs, meat, Contact Jeff Cole, 781-893-8222 or staff@massfarmersmarkets.org.
- Franklin, Friday, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, June 22 to October 12, Seeking bread, cheese, eggs, Contact Michelle Reid, 508-541-6301.
- Gardner, Thursdays, 9:00 am – Noon, May 10 to October 25, Seeking fruit, vegetables, asparagus, Contact Nadine Smith, 978-345-2661.
- Great Barrington, Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Seeking cheese, fish, Contact
Rose Levine, 413-528-8950 or rosemarylevine@yahoo.com.
- Greenfield, Saturdays, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm, End of April – October, Contact Devon Whitney-Deal, 413-625-9907, or devonwd@gmail.com. Seeking eggs, meat, cheese, hanging plants and any other annual/perennial flower plants.
- Groton, from 3 pm to 7 pm starting on July 6 - Oct. 5. As in years
past, it will be at the Williams Barn, 160 Chicopee Row, Groton, and we
are looking for dairy products, especially cheese, and for maple syrup
and jellies.
- Hingham, Saturdays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Seeking fall vegetables, corn and bakers. Contact Marti Amdur, 781-749-0691 or mamdur@comcast.net
- Holden, Tuesdays, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Seeking vegetables and small fruit, Contact Jacqueline Marsh, 978-874-0244.
- Holyoke, Thursdays, Noon – 5:00 pm, May 3 to October 24, Seeking beef, cheese, crafts, homemade goods, produce, Contact Jennifer Perez, 413-322-5510 or perezj@ci.holyoke.ma.us.
- Hopkinton, Fridays, Noon - 6 starting June 22, Seeking all types of vendors, Contact Beth Mezitt, bethm@westonnurseries.com or 508-435-6335
- Lawrence, Wednesdays, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, July 11 to October 31, Contact Rose Gonzalez, 978-974-0770 or rgonzalez@groundworklawrence.org.
- Lenox, Fridays, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Seeking pasta, cheese, fish, fruit, Contact Rose Levine, 413-528-8950 or rosemarylevine@yahoo.com.
- Lynn, Thursdays, 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Seeking prepared foods for lunch seeking customers, Contact Melissa Dimond, 781-346-6726 or mdimond@thefoodproject.org
- Mansfield, Thursdays, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, July 19 to September 27, Seeking bakery items, Contact Beth Flint, 508-339-7115 or bflint1@comcast.net.
- Marlboro, Day and Time to be announced, Contact John Riordan,
508-229-2010, or jriordan@marlborough2010.com
- Marblehead, Saturdays, 9:00 am – Noon, June 16 to October 20, Seeking dairy farm, fish, Contact Don Morgan, 781-631-1243 or dlmorgan@verizon.net, Seeking dairy farm, fish/lobster, produce.
- Marshfield, Fridays, 1-6pm, June 1 thru October @ Marshfield Fairgrounds. Contact person,
not manager. 617.645.1662, tmcalabrese@comcast.net.
- MA Turnpike, Various locations, May 17 through the fall, Seeking fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, Contact David Fenton, 413-572-3171 or dave.fenton@masspike.com.
- Natick, Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, June 9 to October 20, Seeking value added products, Contact Debra Sayre, 508-653-6596 or debra@sayre.com.
- Newton/Fridays, 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm, July 6 to October 26, Contact Judy Dore, 617-796-1525 or jdore@newtonma.gov.
- New Bedford/Brooklawn Park, Monday, 2:00 pm to Dusk, July 9, to October 29, Seeking organic products, Contact Karl Glosl Jr., 508-995-5019 or karlglosl@verizon.net.
- North Adams, Saturday, 8:00 am – Noon, July 14 to October 27, Contact Rod Bunt, 413-664-6180 or tourist@bcn.net.
- North Easton, Tuesdays and Saturdays, May 8 to October 30, Contact Jean Crandell, 508-238-6049 or jean@nrtofeaston.org. Seeking produce, plants, and cheese.
- Northfield, Thursday, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 31 to September 27, Seeking cheese, beef, poultry, fruit, crafts, Contact Linda Smiaroski, 413-498-2921 or lsmiaroski@earthlink.net.
- Orange, Thursdays, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 24 to October 18, Seeking cheese, prepared foods, jams and jellies, Contact Joseph Cuneo, 978-544-7834 or cuneovalleyview@aol.com
- Otis, Saturday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, May 12 to October 13, Seeking maple
syrup, honey, cheese, specialty products, Contact Jeannette Myer, 413-269-9931
or turtlerunfarm@webtv.com
- Plymouth, Thursdays, 2:30 pm- 6:30 pm, June 21 to
October, Seeking bakers, cooks and food crafters who prepare foods with local
and organic ingredients. Contact Barbara Anglin, 508-732-9962
- Quincy, Friday, 11:30 am – 5:00 pm, July 6 to October 26, Seeking produce, honey, cheese, meat, crafts, Contact Anneli Johnson, 617-479-1601 or annelijohnson@netzero.net.
- Rehoboth, Sunday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, June 17 to End of October, Contact Bob Peasley, 508-336-4779
- Revere Beach, Thursday, Noon – 6:00 pm, July 19 to October 25, Seeking produce, plants, baked goods, pastries, bread. Contact Mary Ann Zizzo, 781-485-6156 or mzizzo@partners.com.
- Rochester, Saturdays, May 5 to October 27, Seeking fruit, pottery, jewelry, cider, value added products, jams/jellies, cheese, meats, cranberries, Contact Meredith Ciaburri, 508-763-4905 or Meredith@theartisankitchen.com.
- Roslindale, Saturdays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Seeking produce, specialty products, flowers, plants, Contact Janice Williams, 617-327-4065 or director@roslindale.net, Seeking specialty products, additional farmers, flowers, plants.
- Sheffield, Fridays, 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm, May 11 to October 12, Seeking eggs, plants and flowers, Contact Barbara Davidson, 413-229-8091 or seffbarbara@yahoo.com.
- Somerville/Davis Square, Wednesdays, Noon – 6:00 pm, Contact Jeff Cole, 781-893-8222 or staff@massfarmersmarkets.org.
- Somerville/Union Square, Saturdays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, June 9 to October 27, Seeking products other than vegetables and fruit, Contact Jeff Cole, 781-893-8222 or staff@massfarmersmarkets.org.
- South Boston, Mondays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 28 to October 29, Seeking produce and baked goods, Contact Mary Lou Rosher, 617-464-5858 or marosher@sbchc.org.
- Springfield Cooperative, Saturdays, 7:00 am – 11:00 am, May 5 to October 27, Seeking summer vendors, any products from June through October, such as organic products, fruits and vegetables, Contact Al Fini, 413-786-1012 or finiplants@aol.com.
- Springfield/Tower Square, Friday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, June 1 to September 28, Seeking baked goods, fruit, vegetables, Contact Annette Scheidecker, 413-733-2171 or ascheidecker@towersquare.net.
- Topsfield, Saturday, 7:00 am – Noon, Seeking produce, Contact Jane Cook, 978-922-1648.
- Turners Falls, Wednesdays, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 9 to October 31, Seeking
vegetables, fruit, plants, grass fed beef, tree fruit, organic vegetables.
Contact Suzette Cobb Snow, 413-863-9026 or scobb.homeopath@verizon.net.
- Waltham, Saturdays, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, June 16 to November 3, Seeking mushrooms, seafood, turkey, goat cheese, Contact Marc Rudnick, 781-899-6230 or wfm@inspectorhomes.com.
- Ware, Saturday, 7:30 am – 1:30 pm, Mid May to Late October, Seeking all types of products, Contact Frank Tripoli, 413-330-7636 or Tripoli@hotmail.com.
- Worcester Common, Friday, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm, June 22 to October 26, Contact Andy O’Keefe, 508-753-7761.
- Worcester Eastside, Thursdays, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm, June 19 to October 25, Contact Andy O’Keefe, 508-753-7761.
- Worcester/Umass Medical, Tuesday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, July 10 to October 25, Contact Andy O’Keefe, 508-753-7761.
- Worcester Westside, Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 – 2:00 pm, June 18 to October 31, Contact Andy O’Keefe, 508-753-7761.
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This year's annual MassPike Farmer's Market Program will begin the week
of May 17, 2007 and run through fall 2007. We invite all Massachusetts
farmers to sell their freshly grown fruits and vegetables as well as their
made-in-Massachusetts products. On a first-come, first-served basis, free
selling space is made available at all eleven (11) service areas. Farmers
can sell their goods as long as they do not compete with the service area
stores and restaurants.
The service areas available for the Farmer's Market are located in Lee (east/west), Blandford (east/west), Ludlow (east/west), Charlton (east/west), Westboro (west), Framingham (west) and Natick (east).
If you are interested in participating in this year's program or have any
questions, please contact David Fenton at (413) 572-3171, Dave.Fenton@Masspike.com.
The MassPike is looking forward to a successful 2007 Farmer's Market program.
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Over the past month, news media reports indicate that thousands of honey bee colonies’ populations have collapsed throughout the United States. The terms “Fall Dwindling”, later evolving into “Colony Collapse Disorder” were coined by an apiary extension service working group at Pennsylvania State University. What essentially happened was that honey bee colonies’ populations completely disappeared, or in some cases just a cluster of worker bees and a queen remained in individual hives. Anecdotal reports from Pennsylvania commercial migratory beekeepers, wintering in Florida and Penn State Extension implied that this disorder was something new.
Since the detection of honey bee tracheal mites (HBTM) in 1984 and varroa mites (VM) in 1987, honey bee colonies have diminished by the thousands; feral colonies have all but disappeared. The term “colony collapse disorder” resembles a situation in honey bee population dynamics referred to by USDA-ARS scientist Hachiro Shimanuki as “parasitic mite syndrome”. This occurs when unchecked varroa mite populations vector excessive amounts of honey bee viruses, mainly chronic paralysis virus, between larvae, pupae, and adult bee stages while feeding on the bees’ haemolymph. Viruses cause extensive stress on honey bee immune systems. The act of feeding via a piercing sucking mouth part also leaves openings for opportunistic insect pathogens. As varroa mite populations grow, bee populations eventually crash, leading to colony collapse.
Commercial migratory beekeeping places significant stress on hives even without the presence of varroa mites. Before HBTM and VM, it was not unusual for migratory beekeepers to lose 25% of their colonies through queen loss caused by long distance transport, overheating, starvation, nectar and pollen dearths, and unfavorable weather conditions. Mites appear to be the fulcrum on which the industry balances. Commercial beekeeping is not an easy way to make income; expenses and exhaustion create constant stress.
From observations in ten apiaries located in Hampshire, Franklin, and Middlesex
Counties ranging from 1 to 78 colonies, 146 of 256 hives were still alive.
Mortality in 110 hives appeared to be due to starvation, and or varroa
mites. Colonies had not been adequately prepared for winter; i.e. varroa
mite controls had been applied when economic injury levels had been exceeded.
There was no evidence that starved out colonies had been supplementally
fed. All 78 colonies in one Concord apiary examined in mid-March contained
78 live prosperous colonies; varroa mite control measures had been effective
and winter stores deficiencies had been corrected in September 2006.
Good news for Massachusetts cranberry growers; after consult with three of four migratory beekeepers in Florida and Louisiana who pollinate cranberries, none of their hives are suffering from “colony collapse disorder” or “parasitic mite syndrome”. As Shimanuki once said, “when you control the mites, you will control the viruses”.
If beekeepers suspect that their colony populations are collapsing, contact
Al Carl, Chief Apiary Inspector at 617-626-1802 or 413-253-2414 or al.carl@state.ma.us
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Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) is currently accepting grower and buyer members for its 2007 Business-to-Business (B2B) Network and Buy Local Campaign. This year, two options are available for farms and buyers:
For farms and food businesses seeking to connect with new local wholesale suppliers/buyers (for example, farms seeking new restaurant buyers or food processors seeking locally grown product), B2B Network membership (Fee: $50) includes:
- Listing in and copy of the SEMAP B2B Directory (in print and online).
- Bi-Weekly fax or email B2B updates listing available and soon-to-be-available products.
- Access to and assistance of dedicated SEMAP Buy Local Coordinator to uncover new markets/suppliers and to facilitate buyer-grower meetings.
- Annual networking meeting for face-to-face connections with prospective business partners
For farms and businesses seeking to promote local products you grow or sell to the public, Buy Local Campaign membership (Fee: $50) offers:
- A packet of SEMAP's colorful “BUY FRESH, BUY LOCAL” materials for display at your business identifying you as a grower or buyer of local farm products: Posters, window decals, erasable price cards, and stickers.
- Listing in SEMAP bi-weekly consumer email updates on local products in season and where to find them.
- The benefit of an intensive public awareness campaign led by SEMAP to educate the public and generate press on the benefits of buying local farm products.
Want the best of both? Combined B2B & Buy Local Membership (Fee $75) includes All the benefits of SEMAP’s B2B Network PLUS our new “BUY FRESH, BUY LOCAL” marketing and promotional package.
To download the mailer (including details about both programs and an image of the new logo) and application form, visit our website at www.semaponline.org. For more information or to receive a mailed application form, contact:
Sarah Cogswell, SEMAP Buy Local Coordinator, (508) 542-0434, FX:(508) 295-6387,
scogswell@semaponline.org
*** Southeastern Massachusetts farms can also still be added to SEMAP's FREE Online Farm Guide. Check it out at our website, www.semaponline.org; create your own profile or call us.
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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL FARM TRANSFER PLANNING ASSISTANCE
As part of its new Farms Forever program, SEMAP (Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership) has raised funds to support low-cost, individualized farm transfer planning assistance for a limited number of Plymouth Co. farms. The goal of SEMAP’s Farms Forever program is to sustain working farmlands and to help new and second-generation producers to begin farming in Southeastern Massachusetts.
SEMAP is actively seeking farm applicants for this assistance. The farm transfer planning assistance will be provided by Land For Good, Inc., a New Hampshire-based nonprofit organization that specializes in farmland transfer and tenure. Funding for the program is provided by the A.D. Makepeace Neighborhood Fund. The program is currently limited to Plymouth Co. farms but SEMAP is seeking funds to support additional assistance for other Southeastern Massachusetts farms.
Applicants to Farms Forever can get help at two levels from Land For Good. The “Getting Started” level lasts from 3-6 months and involves an initial assessment; the creation of an action plan; referrals to attorneys and financial planners; and follow-up support. The “Start to Finish” package runs approximately 12 months and includes an initial assessment; an action plan; recruitment and coordination of service providers such as attorneys and financial planners; assistance with assembling documents; periodic consultations; follow-up and a final meeting. Funding from the A.D. Makepeace Neighborhood Fund covers two-thirds of the cost of services; farmers pay $150 for the first level of assistance and $300 for the second.
Local farms can apply with a brief 2-page application. Applications can be obtained from Sarah Kelley at SEMAP 508-295-2212 ext. 50 or skelley@umassd.edu, or by visiting SEMAP’s website at www.semaponline.org for a downloadable application.
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Massachusetts Pavilion at the New York Summer Fancy Food Show
Consider being an exhibitor in the Massachusetts Pavilion at the New York
Summer Fancy Food Show. To exhibit, you must be a member of the NASFT,
see details at www.fancyfoodshows.com. First time exhibitors are can receive a 50 % reimbursement for eligible expenses through the Branded Program for costs associated with the booth space and the exhibit, among others. www.brandedprogram.org Contact bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us for more information.
Buyers Mission to the Summer Fancy Food Show
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and Food Export USA Northeast are hosting the 2007 Summer Fancy Food Show Buyers Mission. This year 10 buyers from 6 countries are available to meet with you during one-on-one meetings on Saturday July 7, before the Summer Fancy Food Show begins. The buyers will be coming from Canada, the UK, Germany, Chile, Korea and the Middle East. This is a low-cost, low-risk opportunity to develop new sales, as well as understand the prospects for your products in international markets. For more information contact bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us
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This opportunity to sample and sell your products, Friday, September 28, 2007, is on the front lawn of the Massachusetts Building at The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) www.thebige.com, Springfield, Massachusetts. The Salute to New England Specialty Foods costs $100 to participate. You must bring everything for your exhibit including tables, décor, coolers, tents, etc. If you are interested, contact bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us
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The Franklin County CDC's Food Center program is putting on its second
annual Specialty food Show. There are still spaces available for the May
31 show being held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Northampton
from 12:00 Noon to 6PM. The show is nearly twice the size of last year,
and we expect to see an even larger number of buyers this year.
Last year, 35 exhibitors of specialty, natural, organic, and farm value-added products had a captive audience of more than 100 buyers. Among the attendees were representatives from co-ops, natural/specialty/organic stores, independent chains, and large players such as Whole Foods (nearly all of the individual New England stores), Associated Buyers, United Natural Foods, and brokers to the specialty food trade.
Don't miss out! If you have specialty products that you would like to exhibit, please contact Herb Heller at herbh@fccdc.org for registration details.
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Offered in cooperation with Fitchburg State College - Beginning Workshop:
Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - Ending Workshop: Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Each teachers must attend six additional workshops on the farm during the summer, keep a note book and complete a class project that will be presented on August 15th. Each workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please help us spread the word.
Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom is pleased to announce the second
summer graduate credit course in agricultural literacy training for educators.
Using Massachusetts farms as a classroom, learn how agriculture can enhance
curriculum, enthrall students and meet many MCAS requirements. This graduate
course offers agricultural-literacy training through fun, hands-on study
and investigation of agriculture education resources. It will assist new
educators and those who want to expand their classroom offerings as they
learn how to integrate agriculture into the classroom to create lessons
and reinforce MCAS concepts
This Summer Institute, title “Growing Agriculture in the Classroom” will meet of Wednesday, June 27th and Wednesday, August 15th at the Brigham Hill Community Farm in North Grafton from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each participant will also be asked to attend six additional workshops during the summer, selected from approximately 15 workshops on various agricultural topics offered at farms across the state. Participants must keep a journal of their summer agricultural journey and write an agricultural education unit, which will be presented at the final session on August 15th.
The 15 Farm workshops are now being developed and the list will be posted on this website as soon as it is completed. Workshops will cover topics such as Agricultural History; Aquaponics; Botany; Chickens and Embryology; Dairy; Energy Conservation; Economics; Farm Animals; Food Safety; Genetic Diversity; Marine Science; Natural Resources, Nutrition; Technology and more.
The fee for the eight-day course is $425 and includes all materials; farm workshops and tours; some meals, and three graduate credit credits or 67 professional development points from Fitchburg State College. Participants will receive a letter grade. Curriculum and MCAS standards covered by the lessons will be handed out as workshop materials. Each participant will be paired with a MAC Board members to give long-term access to agricultural resources and follow-up support.
Using Massachusetts Farms as your classroom, learn how agriculture can enhance your curriculum, enthrall your students and meet many of the MCAS requirements. Workshops offer hands-on, open-ended experiences, activities and resources related to a variety of agricultural topics. Participants will:
Learn that agriculture is a vital and important part of Massachusetts’ economy, community resources and history and then create community partnerships with local farms.
- Learn how to use agriculture in the classroom to create fun and relevant
lessons that reinforce MCAS concepts.
- Strengthen participants science background with fun hands on activities and use agriculture as the medium to teach science processing skills.
- Receive resources and hands-on activities related to agricultural topics and learn how to use them in the classroom and outdoor setting.
- Receive training in using various teaching technologies and website links
where one can find answers to questions.
All Workshops run from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Workshop Scheduled so far - More details and descriptions of our workshop
will be posted regularly at www.aginclassroom.org, click on Summer Graduate Course. Additional Workshops across the state
are being developed and will be added to this list.
Thursday, June 28, 2007 - Food Safety and USDA Food Safety Curriculum and
fruit farming (Linda Rohr), Ward's Berry Farm, Sharon
July 10, 11, or 12 (date to be set)
Sustainable Agriculture and Local Foods (Laura Grabski and staff from Dole and Bailey
Verill Farm, Concord and Dole and Bailey, Woburn
Wednesday, July 18, Herbs and Botany (Lynn Hartman), Hartman's Herb Farm,
Barre
Tuesday, July 24 - Gardening and Raising Farm Animals with School Children
in the Inner City, Embryology (Alice Armen and Eric Toensmeir), Nuestras
Raices, Inc., Holyoke
Tuesday, August 7 - Local Food and Renewable Energy (Deb Habib), Seeds
of Solidarity Farm and Education Center, Orange
Tuesday, August 14th - Pollination, Beekeeping, Fruits and Vegetables (Ken
Oles)
Cook's Valley Farm in Wrentham
For more info., contact Debi Hogan, P.O. Box 345, Seekonk, MA 02771, (508) 336-4426, www.aginclassroom.org.
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Whole Foods Market has begun a new initiative that will make $10 million available each year for low-interest loans to small, local agricultural producers. To qualify, producers must: meet Whole Foods Market's quality standards and animal compassion standards; and have a viable business plan and adequate cash flow to service debt. Priority is given to current vendors to Whole Foods Market. Additional information, as well as an application, can be found at the following website: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/locallygrown/lplp/index.html or contact Susan Phinney, Local Products Forager for the North Atlantic Region of Whole Foods Market, at 617-492-5500 or susan.phinney@wholefoods.com.
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The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is looking for growers
to help with wildlife habitat management. MassWildlife’s Landowner Incentive
Program (LIP) (MDFW) provides cost-share and technical assistance to private
landowners who manage their property for the benefit of declining wildlife
species. Most of the participants in the program are not active farmers,
but own old farm land. Some of these landowners maintain grasslands for
nesting birds. One of the issues they face in maintaining these fields
is finding growers to cut and harvest this hay, after July 15th or to have
livestock growers graze their animals on their fields.
To facilitate the connection between grower and landowner, the MDFW is planning to create a place on the LIP home page of the MDFW website for growers and landowners to share information. So if you are a grower looking for more hay or pasture for your operation you will be able to post your need on the site or if you are a landowner who is looking for someone to harvest your hay this will be the site to make the connection. It is hoped that both farmers and wildlife will benefit from this partnership effort.
For more information contact Ken MacKenzie at 508-389-6313 or email him at ken.mackenzie@state.ma.us or check out the LIP site, http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_lip.htm.
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Amateur photographers, farmers, who enjoy capturing local rural scenes,
farm animals and fresh produce are invited to enter the Massachusetts Agriculture
Photo Contest sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural
Resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Massachusetts
Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. Winning photos will be featured in the
2008 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar.
Twelve photos will be selected, one for each month. Photos will be selected
that depict the diversity of agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources
on the commonwealth’s farms throughout the year.
Winning photographers will be credited in the calendar, will be invited
to attend a winner’s ceremony at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big
E) in Springfield in September and tickets to the fair, and will receive
copies of the calendar.To view last year’s winners, click on Calendar at www.mass.gov/agr. Deadline for photographs: June 1, 2007.
For more details and an entry form (in PDF) for the 2007 Calendar photo
contest, click
here, or contact Rick LeBlanc, richard.leblanc@state.ma.us.
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USDA Announces Notice of Funding Availability for Energy Effeciency and
Renewable Energy Loans and Grants
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced March 21st the availability
of $176.5 million in loan guarantees and $11.4 million in grants to support
investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements by agricultural
producers and small businesses.
The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency loan and grant program was established under Section 9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill. It provides loan guarantees and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems or for energy efficiency improvements.
Loan guarantees cover up to 50 percent of a project’s cost, not to exceed $10 million. Grants are available for up to 25 percent of a project’s cost, not to exceed $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems.
Applications for grants must be completed and submitted to the MA/CT/RI USDA Rural Development state office in Amherst, MA postmarked no later than May 18. The deadline for submitting loan applications as well as for loan and grant combinations is July 2. For more information, refer to the announcement in the March 22 Federal Register or contact any state Rural Development office in Massachusetts, Connecticut or Rhode Island. Contact information is available at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ma.
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Eligible applicants are independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives,
agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business
ventures. Grants may be used for planning activities and for working capital
for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable
energy.
Value-Added Producer Grants can awarded for up to $100,000 for Planning Grants and $150,000 for Working Capital Grants. Matching funds must be at least equal to the grant amount which include in-kind contributions.
For more information on the program, you may access the Rural Development website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm, or contact Richard Burke in the Rural Development State Office at phone (413) 253-4319.
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Massachusetts nursery producers should be aware that the final date for a new applicant to apply for the 2008 nursery crop insurance is May 1, 2007, according to the Raleigh Regional Office, USDA Risk Management Agency. New applications for crop year 2008 may be accepted until May 1, 2007, with coverage beginning 30 days after receipt of your signed application. If a policy is purchased after May 1st, insurance attaches 30 days after the application is filed and the premium is prorated based on the time remaining in the crop year after insurance attaches. For existing policies, coverage will automatically attach on June 1, 2007. The crop insurance year runs from June 1 through May 31. Growers may elect to insure field-grown and container grown practices under separate policies; for example, one practice may be insured under the CAT policy and the other practice may be insured under a Buy-up policy. Crop insurance provides protection for field-grown and containerized nursery plants against losses due to adverse weather conditions, fire, and wildlife. Insurance premium subsidies have been significantly increased in recent years, particularly at the higher levels of coverage. Producers are strongly urged to contact a local crop insurance agent as soon as possible for a premium quote and additional details. For a list of crop insurance agents in your area, contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office or logon to the following Risk Management Agency web site: http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/
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Last Spring, the NE
state produced 874,000 gallos of maple syrup, 12% above the previous year's
production. NE states were responsible for 60% of national production in 2006.
When sugaring season is
winding down in April, approximately 2100 questionnaires will be mailed to New
England producers. Those who do not return their forms will be contacted by the
Concord, NH office and asked to complete the survey by telephone. The national
survey results will be available in the Crop Production
Report from Washington, D.C.
on June 11th. All reports are available on the internet at www.nass.usda.gov.
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IN EVERY ISSUE
-
TOWN OF SANDWICH - REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - LEASE OF ROBERTI FARM PROPERTY
- The Town of Sandwich is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease (up to 10 years) of the Roberti Farm property, a 6.3-acre former dairy farm off Tupper Road in Sandwich, Massachusetts. The premises is held for conservation and agricultural purposes. Future uses of the premises pursuant to the proposed lease must be consistent with these purposes. The RFP may be obtained Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning April 4, 2007 at the Town Administrator's Office, 130 Main Street, Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563, or by calling (508) 888-4910, or by e-mail at townhall@townofsandwich.net. Proposals will be received at the Town Administrator's Office until 4:00 p.m. (EST), Monday, May 7, 2007. A recommendation for award will be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for approval. The Town reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities if it is in the Town's best interest to do so.
- 2007 Farm Manager - for multi-site farms (20+ acres) in Dracut, serving immigrant and refugee beginning farmers. Manage field preparation, irrigation management, crop production, equipment maintenance, and supervision of farms. Provide training and technical assistance to farmers in areas of crop production, equipment management, and irrigation. 28 week position, from mid-April through mid-November. Previous experience in agriculture required with at least 3+ years experience operating tractors and other farm equipment. Experience working with diverse populations preferred. Flexible hours, part-time, custom work, or up to 30 hrs/week, $15 - 18 / hr. Send inquiries and experience to: Jennifer Hashley, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project,
9 Central Street, Suite 402, Lowell, MA 01852. 978-654-6745 or jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu
- For Sale—Boer Goats Registered, Grades, Full-Bloods, and Percentages. Open does, bred does, bucks, and kids. Hundreds to choose from. Arrowhead Farm, Newburyport 978-462-9482 or 978-465-8109. Email to dickchase@arrowheadfamilyfarm.com
- For sale: Native kiln-dried or green pine and hardwood lumber for barns, panelling, flooring. In-stock and custom sawed. MA Tree Farm of the Year, 1989. "Trees are green diamonds!" Green Diamond Systems, 125 Blue Meadow Rd., Belchertown, MA 01007. Phone (413) 323-4401., FAX 413-323-5193
-
Piglets for
sale, Ready May 1st, Dover, MA, (508)
785-2818
- Burroughs Farm in Boxborough, MA has 12 acres of prime soils available for a grower or for haying. Other land, building, and equipment are available. Proposals are also requested for sustainable cutting on 30 acres of hardwood and pine. 978-263-4346 or burroughsfarm@verizon.net.
-
ATTENTION BERRY GROWERS - Time to start planning your '07 season. Contact Empire Packaging for
all your berry packaging needs. Full line of Pick-Your-Own, pulp containers &
Wholesale shipper for Strawberries , Blueberries & Raspberries.
Empire Packaging. Your Packaging Resource (508) 426-7813 or (800) 562-5520.
-
Horse farm in Brimfield. looking for reliable, hourly laborer. Must have dependable transportation! Mucking stalls, daily turnout, etc. The more experience w/horses, the more I can pay. Need approx. 20hrs/week, call 413-245-7055.
- Offered: Caretaker duties in exchange for rent on 36 acre property only 10 minutes from downtown Northampton. Tend goat herd or other agricutural enterprise of your choice, cut grass, clear snow, tend coal stoves, etc. Duties can be very part time or potential to earn extra money depending on your skills. Nice bedroom with mountain view, private entrance, and private bath; share common areas with 2 other housemates. If the arrangement works out there is potential for private apartment and use of truck. Must have a car and be able to demonstrate good financial position. 413.539.0820
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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- April 13 & 14 - The Food Project is hosting its 3rd Urban Agriculture Conference entitled “Farming the City: Changing the Way We Think About Food, Hunger and Health"
at Roxbury Community College. More info at of the conference or to register
for the event, http://www.thefoodproject.org/agriculture/Internal1.asp?ID=551. You can also contact me with questions at 617-442-1322 x16, rnemec@thefoodproject.org,
http://www.thefoodproject.org
- April 18 - New England Culinary Tourism Symposium, Publick House, Sturbridge, www.culinarytourism.org/newengland
- July 18 - The 2007 MNLA and MFGA Summer Meeting & Trade Show, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston - 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM,
www.mnla.com, www.massflowersgrowers.com.
- August 10-12, The NOFA Summer Conference, Hampshire College in Amherst,
http://www.nofamass.org/conferences/s2007/index.php
If you have events you would like listed to our new calendar webpage, http://www.mass.gov/agr/events/coming_up.htm,
email Rick LeBlanc at richard.leblanc@state.ma.us.
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Published bi-monthly by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, Governor
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles
Department of Agricultural Resources, Scott J. Soares, Acting 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 June / July. Please send news, calendar
and/or classified information by May 25th to Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us, or fax to 617-626-1850.
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Easy-print version
of this issue
61A changes [PDF]
This years calendar cover - Photo winner Kent Boynton, honey bee and nectarine
blossom at Carlson Orchards, Harvard
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