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Massachusetts Department of
Agricultural Resources (MDAR)
Farm & Market Report
Vol. 84, No. 4, August / September
LOCAL NEWS
NEWS FROM USDA
IN EVERY ISSUE
“Moving at the speed of “Agriculture”
Greetings!
With Fair Season and Farmers Markets now in full swing, the ongoing demands of forage harvest for dairy and livestock operations and the harvest of the increasing varieties of fruits and vegetables that have and are coming into season, agriculture in our Commonwealth is moving rapidly, necessarily keeping pace with the progress of our seasons. Similarly, and in part why there’s been a bit of a delay in the posting of this edition of the Farm & Market Report, the Department of Agricultural Resources has been pacing industry with our inspectional, licensing and service programs and buzzing with new initiatives and opportunities that we are pursuing in an effort to extend services and benefits to agriculture and our Commonwealth at large. To that end, I’ll use my time with you through this edition to provide a few highlights of current and upcoming events and activities that I hope are of interest to you.
As I mentioned in my previous column, the Massachusetts Dairy Revitalization Task Force has convened for its first meeting where we were presented with a snap-shot overview of the Dairy industry’s current status and some forecasting of where the industry may be headed. As a result of this first meeting the Task Force has mapped out an aggressive meeting schedule to accomplish the work of identifying near and long term strategies for prosperity of Commonwealth’s Dairy industry. In an effort to provide updates and announcements relative to the efforts of the Task Force we have developed a web page that can be reached through http://www.mass.gov/agr/dairy/task_force.htm that will provide viewers with meeting agenda, meeting locations and minutes of meetings. We intend to provide segments of each meeting to allow public comments and welcome members of the public to attend these important meetings.
Importantly, Governor Patrick recently released his five-year capital spending
plan that included at least $50 million per year for land conservation,
beginning with the current fiscal year, which began July 1. This funding
represents a 65 percent increase over annual land protection spending during
the previous four years, and 24 percent over annual spending from 1993
to 2003, adjusted for inflation. For the Department of Agricultural Resources,
this commitment has significant impact on our Agricultural Preservation
Program and the Farm Viability Enhancement Program, providing a minimum
of $11 million annually for both programs and furthering our ability to
provide the Massachusetts agricultural community with farm-land development
alternatives that preserve our precious agricultural resources and serve
to further the sustainability and profitability of farming in our Commonwealth.
This investment in agriculture in addition to a favorable fiscal year 2008
operating budget, serve as an indication of the opportunities that lie
before agriculture and a clear statement of the broad support from the
Patrick administration and our legislature for Massachusetts agriculture
Also under the heading of “Opportunities” for Massachusetts agriculture, we are looking forward to the imminent launch of a comprehensive agricultural energy audit program that will identify on-farm energy conservation opportunities and, where possible, integrate renewable and/or alternative energy strategies. Many agricultural community members have already responded to or met with our alternative/renewable energy program coordinator. As a result of that contact, in their efforts to reduce operating costs and develop more profitable businesses, our agricultural industry has taken steps to investigate and implement energy conservation measures and remains very interested in the opportunities that this program will provide. Accordingly, I encourage the industry’s continued interaction with this program and look forward to the benefits that this effort will provide Massachusetts agriculture.
Other upcoming opportunities to watch for are related to our continued efforts to develop a “virtual” Massachusetts Agricultural Innovation Center (AIC). As a result of the 2007 fiscal year AIC there are currently 32 projects underway across our Commonwealth that have undertaken a variety of activities to fulfill the primary objective of the AIC, namely to enhance economic development opportunities that will ensure the continued viability and growth for Massachusetts agricultural interests. While we are looking forward to the impact of those efforts, we are also preparing to release the 2008 requests for response that will seek additional proposals for projects that will grow our Commonwealth’s agricultural economy. To that end, we anticipate release of a solicitation for the 2008 AIC and the 2008 Agricultural AIC Marketing grants in the near future. Combined requests for the 2007 programs totaled more than $6.5 million for the $2.85 million offered and although the 2008 program was funded at a reduced level, we expect a similar overwhelming response. After they are posted, both the AIC and the Agricultural AIC Marketing grants will be posted and available for viewing on the Commonwealth Procurement System at www.comm-pass.com.
Still under the heading of “Opportunities”, as you’ll read in this edition of the F&M, the long awaited and greatly anticipated creation and release of the Massachusetts Agricultural Specialty License plate has been accomplished! As of this writing we have only just begun to roll-out Massachusetts own “Ag Tag” and we are currently planning press events for the announcement and public unveiling of this great statement for support of Massachusetts agriculture. Although there are immediate opportunities for the broad variety of agricultural support groups and organizations to benefit from the initial sales of the “Ag Tag”, we also envision the establishment of a grant program that will be sustained as a result of the plate sales and renewals and provide benefits to Massachusetts agriculture into the future.
Finally, I would like to invite any and all who are interested in learning more about Massachusetts agriculture and the variety of what our State has to offer by way of agricultural products, travel, tourism and Massachusetts made products to come by and visit us at the Massachusetts State Exposition Building at the Eastern State’s Exposition 2007 edition of the “Big E”. For just shy of 90 years, we are proud to have offered exposition space at the “Massachusetts Building” for exhibits that provide educational opportunities as well as a “taste” of what our Commonwealth has to offer. We would particularly like to see you on Massachusetts Day at the Big E that will be held on September 20 this year, please consider joining us and special guests for our special day!
Sincerely,
Scott J. Soares
Acting Commissioner
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Calling the 134 farmers’ markets across the Commonwealth “essential to
the vitality of Massachusetts farms,” Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed
August 19-25 Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week. The week officially kicks
off Monday, August 20, when Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary
Ian Bowles will read the Governor’s proclamation at the 23rd Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest at Boston’s City Hall Plaza Farmers’
Market.
Farmers’ markets “help heighten public awareness of the agricultural diversity
of Massachusetts and the benefits of buying local and preserving open space,”
according to Governor Patrick’s proclamation. Shoppers have access to an
array of freshly-harvested fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, as well
as local farm items such as maple syrup, honey, eggs, turkey products,
baked goods, jams and jellies.
“By purchasing these products directly from farmers,
consumers support local agriculture and gain a clear understanding about where
their food comes from and how it’s produced,” Secretary Bowles said.
Markets Looking for Vendors:
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The 23rd Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest will be held at Boston’s City
Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market on Monday, August 20th in conjunction with the
City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market and the start of Massachusetts Farmers’
Market Week. Tomatoes will be judged by a panel of experts on flavor, firmness/slicing
quality, exterior color and shape. Always a lively and fun event, the day
is designed to increase awareness of locally grown produce.
Farmers who want to submit entries can bring tomatoes to the
City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market by 10:15 am on August 23rd or drop their
entries off with the corresponding registration form to one of several locations
around the state on August 18th or 19th. These tomatoes will be brought in to Boston on Monday. For the
complete details, including contest criteria and a registration form, go
to: http://mass.gov/agr/markets/tomato_contest.htm
The 23rd Annual Tomato Contest is sponsored by the New
England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and Massachusetts Department of
Agricultural Resources in cooperation with the Federation of Massachusetts
Farmers’ Markets.
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Support your local farmers by purchasing the Massachusetts Agriculture
specialty license plate. Proceeds from these plates will go to the Massachusetts
Agricultural Trust Fund.
The Trust will fund programs and services that
help farmers remain on the cutting edge in today’s market, like innovative
practices, research, improvements in managing resources, marketing, training and
education. Proceeds will not be used to subsidize individual farmers or the
state’s Department of Agriculture.
By purchasing this plate, you help
preserve 520,000 acres of open space and the beauty of Massachusetts, our
heritage, and local farming families. You protect 13,545 jobs and the value
local agriculture has on our economy while reaping fresher and better tasting
food. And you help shrink our carbon footprint by reducing the distance our food
travels to market (normally 1,300 miles).
Total cost to transfer
registration to an “ag tag” is $60 ($20 RMV fee to swap the plate plus $40 for a
specialty plate). Renewals are $81 every two years ($41 RMV registration fee,
and $40 for the specialty plate fee that continues to go to the Trust
Fund).
A portion of this sale can be targeted to any agricultural organization
listed at the Ag Tag website: www.mass.gov/agr/agtag. All proceeds will go to the Agricultural Trust for distribution. To target $15 to a specific organization,* check one of the boxes in the downloadable form [PDF]. Otherwise, proceeds will stay with the Trust for future programs.
Make checks payable to Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles for $40.
Complete this downloadable form [PDF] and mail with your check to: Massachusetts Agricultural Trust, c/o Mary Greendale, P. O. Box 6443, Holliston, MA 01746-6443. $28 of this price is tax-deductible. Please note: we will send checks to RMV when we have sold 1,500 plates. That may take up to one year. Your check will be outstanding in your account for that time.
Supporting Agriculture Organizations: There will be an opportunity in the next couple week to reserve plates numbered from 10-99 (maybe higher) for your associations. This would be an opportunity to raise extra funds for your organizations. If interested in the lottery for these low numbers, contact Mary Greendale, mgreendale@yahoo.com. There will also be marketing materials available soon for groups to use at events and meetings.
Keep watch for updates at the Ag Tag website: www.mass.gov/agr/agtag.
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Do you know the 10 top reasons to eat locally grown? With the MassGrown and Fresher campaign being launched this summer by the Department of Agricultural Resources, state citizens from the Berkshires to the Cape will know why they should buy locally and where and how they can do so.
Throughout the year, the idea to “buy local” will be spread across the
Commonwealth. With the help of Moore and Isherwood Communications, Inc.,
a New Bedford based public relations firm, advertisements featuring anything
and everything from Farmers’ Markets to wineries will be seen in newspapers
and viewed online at Boston.com's food and Explore New England websites.
The expected unveiling of a local agriculture-based Passport Program next
spring will further help to bring consumers to Maple Sugar Houses, Corn
Mazes, and everything in between.
A major goal of the MassGrown and Fresher promotional campaign is to drive consumers to www.mass.gov/massgrown as their one stop resource for sources of locally grown and produced products. MDAR will welcome the increase in online traffic with its newly redesigned consumer website. With new navigation tools, additional links, and expanded resources, the site will more effectively meet the needs of interested consumers, producers, and web surfers.
As you look for MassGrown and Fresher campaign promotions over the next few months, remember that the #6 reason to eat locally grown is to preserve open space. To discover the other reasons, visit the MassGrown website at www.mass.gov/massgrown or click here to download the poster [PDF].
If you want help in promoting your Massgrown, feel free to visit the Massgrown logo page for free Massgrown materials: www.mass.gov/agr/markets/logos. For more information on the MassGrown and Fresher campaign, please contact
Rick LeBlanc at (617) 626-1759 or Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us.
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The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is continuing
to update the information on Hay and Lamb/Wool producers.
The Hay directory specifically highlights Massachusetts farmers who produce
and sell hay, straw, and grain products throughout the Commonwealth. The
directory allows the department to identify the uses of farmland, and thus
more effectively provide resources for farmers. With the directory, the
department is also able to assist consumers in finding local producers
of a variety of items.
The Lamb/Wool directory highlights Massachusetts farmers who produce and sell lamb and/or wool products to the public. Again, this directory will help the department to better understand the state's agricultural industry and its needs. Information will also be provided to consumers, helping them to more efficiently find sources of lamb and wool products. If you have any lamb or wool related events, we would be happy to link them within this webpage.
Surveys regarding the two directories went out earlier this year. If you have not received one and would like to be included in either directory, please contact Rick LeBlanc, Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us, 617-626-1759, 413-545-2353.
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The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources invites Massachusetts agricultural operations to submit proposals to fund and implement conservation practices through the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP). The purpose of AEEP is to support the mitigation and/ or prevention of negative impacts to the Commonwealth’s natural resources that may result from agricultural practices. The application for FY 2008 is now available at http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep/
AEEP is a competitive, re-imbursement program that funds the acquisition of materials only. Labor costs and the acquisition of equipment are among the costs not eligible for re-imbursement.
Practices funded under AEEP include those which prevent direct impacts on water quality, ensure efficient use of water, address agricultural impacts on air quality and promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. For more information on previously funded practices visit the AEEP website: http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep/
Reimbursement of up to $30,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis.
Persons submitting successful proposals will be required to sign a contract
with Agricultural Resources. All projects must be completed by June 30,
2008. Satisfactory receipts for costs of approved materials must be submitted
to Agricultural Resources. NOTE: All funding is subject to appropriation.
Deadlines: Initial responses must be received at Agricultural Resources
no later than 4:00 PM on July 27, 2007. Responses may be submitted after
July 27, 2007 up until October 19, 2007 and will be reviewed and awarded
on a rolling basis, at the end of each month, subject to the availability
of funds. Proposals must be received at least ten days prior to the end
of the month for consideration of funding in that month reviews as shown
below:
Review Period - Deadline
August, 2007 - 4:00 PM, August 20, 2007
September, 2007 - 4:00 PM, September 20, 2007
October, 2007 - 4:00 PM, October 19, 2007
Proposals which involve complex construction work requiring engineered designs may only be considered in the July 27 round of applications. Complex construction proposals include, but are not limited to, heavy use areas, roofs, bridges, windmills, barnyard runoff and drainage projects.
All questions should be directed to: Gerard Kennedy, TEL: 617-626-1773,
gerard.kennedy@state.ma.us, www.mass.gov/agr/pesticides/water
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“The business community should be aware of the potential of hurricane damage
in the Commonwealth,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Acting
Director Ken McBride. “Each business owner should prepare or review their
own Recovery Plan. MEMA provides some important safety tips for business
owners. ‘Business as usual’ will not happen without good planning.”
- Review your property insurance with your insurance agent. Take photographs
or make a video of your business establishment, both inside and outside.
- Determine and establish a written Hurricane Preparedness Plan for your
business and its contents. Coordinate this plan with local and state officials.
Specify the conditions under which the plan will be implemented.
- Test your plan, reviewing it annually. Establish an employee-training program
on your Hurricane Plan.
- Make plans for protection of your computer files, including a back-up system
to secure data and safe storage of the data.
- Protect corporate records, keeping duplicates at an alternate location.
- Well in advance, acquire emergency protective equipment and supplies. Heavy
plastic sheeting, duct tape, sandbags, emergency generator, chain saw and
large pieces of plywood will help protect your property.
- Bring in display racks and other objects, such as trashcans that might
cause damage if airborne. Remove outdoor signs, especially those that swing
or are portable.
- Move merchandise, equipment or furniture away from windows or skylights.
Elevate boxes or equipment, if possible.
- Turn off electricity and disconnect all electrical appliances and equipment
(except for refrigeration equipment), in case there is a power outage.
An ensuing power surge could be damaging to equipment.
- Inform all employees on when and how you will notify them to report back
to work.
- Develop an employee identification system, such as picture ID badges. This
may help employees gain access to the area after a hurricane.
- If possible, make arrangements to pay employees in cash. It may be several
days before banking institutions are operational.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema.
Governor Patrick Proclaims July as ‘Hurricane Preparedness Month’ in Massachusetts!
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The first couple of months for MDAR’s newly created energy program brought great feedback and interest regarding energy related matters from a variety of agri-businesses throughout the state. These included not only practicing farms and businesses but supporting organizations and serving businesses as well. Major topics of interest included:
- Energy Efficiency in general, for existing buildings and operations as well as new construction
- Sustainability, i.e., the ability to become as self-sufficient as possible with on-site energy needs
- Anaerobic Digester Opportunities, predominantly for dairy farms
- Wind Turbine Potential
- Photo-voltaic Potential
- Electric Rate Options, i.e., the ability to purchase energy from other suppliers
- Biomass Potential, predominantly in the form of direct burn crops but also in regard to biofuels
A number of farms have already implemented energy efficiency savings measures
and some have installed renewable energy technologies as well, such as
wind turbines, photo-voltaics and solar thermal. Others are currently doing
so or, as a result of MDAR’s recent discussions, are in the process of
exploring those opportunities now. As a reminder, please take a moment
and fill out the one page form (click on either .doc version, or .pdf version) to the best of your abilities and either email, fax or mail back to Gerry Palano: Gerald.Palano@state.ma.us, Fax: 617-626-1805, or mail to : Gerry Palano, Renewable Energy Coordinator,
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, 251 Causeway Street,
Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114.
Informative Websites: Initial Energy Program development also began the compilation of useful
websites and databases for referencing purposes, including incentive programs,
financial institutions, supporting organizations and informational websites.
These will be posted as they become finalized on a soon to be developed
Energy Program website. There is quite a bit of this information already
on the internet. For example, some good energy informational websites in
no particular order are:
attra.ncat.org/energy.php : This website has tons of energy information including related links for a variety of farm and agricultural types, including user friendly tool kits for calculating energy savings.
www.sebane.org/index.html : This is the Solar Energy Business Associates of New England website, providing installers, developers, consultants, etc. relative to the New England area.
www.mtpc.org : The website for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Renewable Energy Trust, the quasi-governmental agency responsible for administering clean electric energy programs throughout the state for participating electric utilities. This website offers a complete and wide variety of technical and financial information as well as available incentives relative to renewable energy applications.
www.awea.org/smallwind/ : The website for the American Wind Energy Association, probably the most
informative website for all types of wind related activities. Includes
good technical information and how-to’s.
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On the winding rural roads still found in Southeastern Massachusetts, drivers are used to slowing down for farmers on their tractors. For two days, a new and unusual vehicle will be touring these same roads in support of local farms and food producers—the colorfully wrapped “Buy Fresh, Buy Local”-mobile of FoodRoutes National Coordinator Jess Seeley.
Seeley and her colorful car will be touring the region together with Sarah Kelley, Executive Director of SEMAP (Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership), and Buy Local Coordinator, Sarah Cogswell. During Seeley’s visit, the trio will visit a number of the 40 farms and 35 buyers participating in SEMAP’s Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign and its Business-to-Business Network, which connects local farms with buyers from restaurants, markets, schools, and specialty food producers
SEMAP’s ‘Buy Fresh, Buy Local’ Campaign connects individuals in communities across Southeastern Massachusetts to the freshest, most delicious locally grown and produced foods and farm products available. Through outreach, advertising, and point of purchase materials, SEMAP’s Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign makes it easy for the public to find and buy fresh, local food from farmers they can know and trust. In utilizing the Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign, SEMAP joins over 50 other communities nationwide already participating in the campaign, which is coordinated nationally by FoodRoutes.
Once the tour with Seeley wraps up, SEMAP will continue their work on the other aspects of their ‘Buy Fresh, Buy Local’ Campaign, including the weekly Local Farm Theme Page feature in partnership with the Standard-Times of New Bedford, and its bi-weekly consumer emails on local foods in season and where to buy them. Already in place is SEMAP’s searchable online Farm Guide at www.semaponline.org, where over 150 local farms are listed with their products, locations, and sale venues.
For more information about SEMAP’s ‘Buy Fresh, Buy Local’ Campaign, visit www.semaponline.org. For more information about the national Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign visit www.foodroutes.org.
TOUR SCHEDULE (Times and locations subject to change.)
Friday Aug. 10th
8:00am – Alderbrook Farm, Dartmouth
9:30am – Ashley’s Peaches, Acushnet
11:00am – Café Arpeggio, New Bedford
1:00pm-4pm – Padanaram Farmers’ Market, Rex Field, Dartmouth
Saturday Aug. 11th
8:00am-12pm – Rochester Farmers’ Market, Plumb Corner, Rochester
12:30pm – Shipyard Galley, Mattapoisett
1:30pm – How On Earth: The Store, Marion
2:30pm – Lucky Field Organics, Rochester
5:00pm - Tony Andrews Farm, Falmouth
6:30-8:30pm – Coonamessett Farm, Falmouth
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Share your thoughts on food, farming, local vs. organic, and/or the Farm
Bill. Write about that article or great book you just read on the future
of agriculture. Do you have a great recipe for Swiss Chard tart? Share
it. Are you looking for a group of “Locavores” to hold a grown-within-100-miles
dinner party? …BLOG IT!
Berkshire Grown has a new blogging feature on its website! Read the ‘Widow
in the Woods' elegant review of Molly O’Neill’s new book, MOSTLY TRUE:
A MEMOIR OF FAMILY, FOOD, AND BASEBALL. Check out Laurily Epstein’s thoughts
on the current spate of food-centric books. Find resources on the Farm
Bill.
Visit the new Berkshire Grown blog and let us all know what you are thinking. www.berkshiregrown.org, click on blog.
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Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) has launched a study
of farmers’ needs for slaughter and meat processing facilities in Massachusetts
and Connecticut. As a first step CISA will form a network, comprised of
state and non-governmental agencies and other regional stakeholders, to
guide the study of current slaughter and processing infrastructure capacity.
“With increasing public awareness about the virtues of buying locally grown food, Massachusetts and Connecticut farmers see a huge untapped market in local meat sales. But a lack of infrastructure for slaughtering and processing poses a significant barrier to farmers wishing to move into this market,” says Annie Cheatham, CISA’s Executive Director. “This research will give us information necessary to help rebuild that infrastructure.”
Over the course of the study, which is funded by a $34,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from USDA Rural Development, CISA will gather information about farmers’ needs, such as what time of year most farmers bring animals to slaughter, how far they are willing to transport the animals, and the current and projected supply of animals.
Since December 2006, when one of Massachusetts’s two USDA-certified slaughterhouses burned to the ground, farmers in the Commonwealth have had to travel hours and get onto year-long waiting lists at processing facilities in other states. “This research and networking effort is critical for sustaining meat production in the area, and the number of farms affected will be significant,” says Cheatham.
Located in South Deerfield, MA, CISA is a community organization comprised of farmers, consumers and professionals working together to sustain agriculture and the unique rural character of our communities. CISA is the creator of Senior FarmShare, the Pioneer Valley Women in Agriculture Network, a workplace farmshare program, and the ‘Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown™’ public awareness campaign. Learn more about CISA at www.buylocalfood.com or call 413-665-7100.
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The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets invites you to "Celebrating Summer's Bounty": The 3rd Annual Summer Benefit Dinner for farmers' markets, co-hosted by acclaimed vegetarian chef , Didi Emmons, Wednesday, August 15th 7:00 p.m.Haley House Cafe, Roxbury MA, 12 Dade Street, Dudley Square, (off Washington
Street)
Join Didi and Mass Farmers' Markets for a four course, all local vegetarian
menu!
Highlights include:
- Cauliflower Mousse enrobed in Swiss Chard
- Green Risotto with Local Cheeses and Beet Emulsion
- Cornmeal Shortcake with Local Berries
- and Lemon Thyme Ice Cream
$75.00 per person with wine, $60.00 per person without wine, Please consider
being a special sponsor for this event at one of the following levels:
Golden Watermelon Sponsor ~ $500.00 (includes two tickets), Silver Queen
Corn Sponsor ~ $250.00 (includes two tickets), Bronze Fennel Sponsor ~
$100.00 (includes one ticket)
To make a reservation, please visit www.massfarmersmarkets.org, call 781-893-8222 or email martha@massfarmersmarkets.
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(from release 7/22/07) - August 17 & 18, 2007 at Freund’s Farm Market, East Canaan, CT.
“A wall of organic milk” or carefully planned growth? Organic standards
are being flouted or “10,000 cow organic dairy certification withdrawn”?
Is this the silver bullet for New England dairy farmers or is the market
now saturated? Join well known journalist Sam Fromantz, USDA grazing specialist
Kathy Soder and the farmers that do the work as they discuss, debate and
plan for the future of organic dairying in the Northeast.
This year’s NODPA Field Days will take you through two states and many different years of experience in organic dairying. The event will be hosted by Rick Segalla and Morvan Allen who farm on either side of the Connecticut/Massachusetts border and will take place at the Freund family dairy farm market and greenhouse.
Registration for the event will start at noon on Friday, August 17th, with
a Field Trip at 1:30 pm to Segalla Farm, led by Rick Segalla, Lisa McCrory,
Sarah Flack and Kathy Soder (USDA ARS). Rick operates his family’s 900-acre
farm in Canaan CT, milking 115 cows and raising an equal number of young
stock.
Following the farm tour, folks will gather at Freund’s Farm Market, East Canaan, for the trade show and socializing with organic cheese & crackers, vegetable platters and beverages. The organic beef barbeque will start at 5:30 and will feature local and organic food. Steve Morrison, NODPA President, will welcome the Connecticut Commissioner of Agriculture which will be followed by Ed Maltby, NODPA Executive Director, with “NODPA Year in Review.” There will be reports from other regions plus a report on the activities of the Federation Of Organic Dairy Farmers.
The main event of the evening will be a focused on the future of organic dairying in the Northeast. NODPA is a leading advocate for organic dairy farmers and there will be an open forum on the “Future Activities and Priorities for NODPA” facilitated by Ed Maltby and past NODPA coordinators, Lisa McCrory and Sarah Flack. This conversation will be open to everyone and some of the topics covered will be:
- NODPA’s scorecard—how well are we doing?
- What is NODPA’s future role?
- What services should NODPA supply for organic dairy farmers in the future?
- How can we support each sector of the organic infrastructure to ensure
the sustainability of organics in the Northeast?”
This years’ event is sponsored by Horizon Organic, Organic Valley Family
of Farms, Stonyfield Farm Inc and Lakeview Organic Grain. NODPA thanks
the supporters of the Field Days: Bay State Organics, HP Hood LLC, River
Valley Fencing, PA Certified Organic, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.,
NOFA-VT, Acres USA, Dairy Marketing Services, Fertrell, NOFA/MA, Brookfield
Agricultural Services, Kings Agri-Seeds, North American Kelp, Washington
Homeopathic Products, Farming Magazine, CISA and NOFA-NY.
For more information: Ed Maltby, NODPA Executive Director, Tel: 413-772-0444. Email: ednodpa@comcast.net ; www.nodpa.com and http://www.nodpa.com/2006fielddays.pdf
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The Branded Program is a USDA FAS funded program that assists small to medium sized companies with eligible export marketing and promotional costs. For example, you can use the Branded Program to offset costs at domestic trade show where international buyers are in attendance. This program supports the promotion of branded and agricultural products in foreign markets. The Branded Program helps companies get the exposure needed to be a success in international markets. Companies that qualify for this unique cost-share program are eligible to receive up to 50% reimbursement for eligible marketing expenses. For more information, please contact amy.bobrick@state.ma.us and also visit www.foodexportusa.org/services/branded/htm.
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The newly formed Massachusetts Farm Wineries & Growers Association
(MFWGA) invites you to join this new, progressive group of wineries and
growers.
The executive committee of this association has been meeting almost biweekly
these last few months to craft a new organization to represent and advance
winery and grower interests. The new Association has already been successful
in receiving several grants to promote and market the state’s growers and
wineries. In addition, the Association supported UMASS in a successful
grant application to build an experimental winery.
The MFWGA is considering enlisting the services of an effective lobbyist on Beacon Hill, tackling specific regulatory issues of transportation and compliance, as well as marketing opportunities such as farmers markets and off-premise tasting rooms. To learn more about what can be accomplished by the MFWGA’s organized effort centered around common goals, contact info@turtlecreekwine.com.
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Entered in the June 2, 2007 wine competition were 155 wines from 26 different
vineyards representing New York and the New England region.
A Double Gold Medals was awarded to Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery’s 2006 Crimson Gold Red Raspberry and 2006 Cherry Wine from Massachusetts.
Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery’s (Charlton) 2006 Crimson Gold Red Raspberry also took “Best Massachusetts Wine.”
A complete list of results from the second Annual Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition is available online at Eastern States Exposition’s website, www.thebige.com/agriculture. All medal winners will be showcased and on display in the Harvest New England Kitchen Theater during The Big E in West Springfield, Mass., Sept. 14-Sept.30.
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Do you want to be listed in the Massachusetts Wine and Cheese Trail? Massachusetts
Farm Wineries & Growers Association (MFWGA) is working with MDAR to
develop a Massachusetts Wine and Cheese trail brochure and website with
support from USDA Rural Development. If you have interest to
be listed/participate, please send an email to bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us.
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You’re invited to sample and sell on the front lawn of the Massachusetts
Building as part of the Salute to New England Specialty Foods at the Eastern
States Exposition (Big E) in W. Springfield. The cost to participate is
$100. You must bring EVERYTHING you need for your exhibit – tables, décor,
coolers, tents, etc. There is no electricity. The space is 10 feet by 10
feet. The hours are 9 am – 5 pm with the option to stay until the fair
closes at 9. Cancellations can be made up until 48 hours in advance. For
more information, send an email to bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us.
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NOFA/Mass is very excited to welcome Melissa Adams as the new Organic Dairy
Technical Advisor for NOFA/Mass. She will be working with Kate Rossiter,
Organic Dairy Coordinator, to provide technical assistance to farmers considering
the transition to organic production. This will include information
on certification requirements, costs, available resources and potential
barriers, along with assistance in finding solutions to help each farm
make a successful transition. Contact Melissa with questions about how
you can transition your farm. Melissa can be reached at (413) 268-8269,
or melissa@nofamass.org.
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Summer
Pasture Walk Series
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, UMass Extension, the Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter will host a series of pasture workshops for livestock owners this summer.
All pasture walks will take place from 10:00 am to 1:00
pm, with the exception of the Woolly Mammoth Farm workshop. Please
bring your own lunch to the afternoon walks.
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Tuesday, August 28,
Appleton Farms, Ipswich
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Wednesday, September 12,
Highlawn Farm, Lee
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Wednesday, September
26, Chase Hill Farm, Warwick
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Wednesday, October
17, Breese Hollow Farm, Hoosick Falls, NY
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Saturday, October
27, Woolly Mammoth Farm, South Dartmouth
Please visit the sponsors' web sites: www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov, www.umass.edu/cdl/news.html
or www.nofamass.org/programs/organicdairy for dates, locations and
details.
IN EVERY ISSUE
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ALPACAS FOR SALE - ARI female $5000. and unregistered yearling female $1800.
Ari males $1000. Located in Wilbraham, Massachusetts Call 1-413-596-9626
or email alpacas@charter.net
- For Sale: Certified organic Muscovy ducklings. Ducklings at various ages.
$5.00 each or 3/$12.00. Also, fertile Muscovy eggs for setting or eating. You
pick up on my farm in Acushnet. Call 508-763-5901. Leave name, number and best
time to reach you.
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ATTENTION FARMSTANDS - Empire Packaging Company is now supplying
specialty Foods. Jams , Jellies , Salsa's , Sauces and more. We can do private
labeling. Our products are unique and consumers love them. But the # 1
highlight is they sell !!
Call for details (508) 426-7813 or (800) 562-5520.
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For Sale, Rotavator, Howard HR7. Working width is 60 inches and works with a 20 HP tractor or greater 3 point hitch and PTO. In good condition. Asking $950. Call Dick Starkey, 413-774-4215.
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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- August 9, Aquaculture Twilight Meeting, Farm Pond and Recirculating Systems, Northfield, MA, 4:30 to 6:30pm.
Last summer, Four Star Farms began construction of three ponds to grow
largemouth bass. Last fall, they constructed an indoor recirculating system
to attempt early spawning of bass. Mtg. at the pond to discuss progress
and challenges since last year. Then we will move to the barn to view the
recirculating system. For Information, contact Craig Hollingsworth at 413
545-1055 or chollingsworth@umext.umass.edu.
- August 10-12, 33rd Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Annual Summer
Fair - Hampshire College in Amherst. Online registration available and complete
schedle and info: www.nofamass.org.
- August 15, UMASS Vegetable IPM Field School, 4-7 pm, Paradise Hill Farm, Westport, Cost $20. For more information, click here, or call Ruth Hazzard at 413-545-3696 or email rhazzard@umext.umass.edu.
- August 17 & 18, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance’s 7th Annual Field Days. Freund’s Farm Market, East Canaan, CT. For more information: Ed Maltby, NODPA Executive Director, Tel: 413-772-0444,ednodpa@comcast.net ; Website: www.nodpa.com and http://www.nodpa.com/2006fielddays.pdf
- August 18, Massachusetts Marketplace Festival, MHS’s Elm Bank Horticulture Center in Wellesley. (Rain Date, Sunday,
August 19) . Contact jcourtney@masshort.org or bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us.
- August 23, Weed Identification Workshop, UMass Amherst. UMass Extension Specialist Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. For a registration form, www.umassgreeninfo.org.
- August 28, Pasture Walk offered for livestock farmers, Appleton Farms, 215 County Road, Ipswich. 10am to 1pm, Mike Victor, farmer. A dairy and grass-fed Jersey beef operation. Click here for directions and info.
- September 9, Massachusetts Raw Milk Dairy Day , click here for details.
- September 12, Pasture Walk offered for livestock farmers, Highlawn
Farm, 535 Summer Street, Lee, Brian Stone, manager. 10am
to 1pm. Topics will include transitioning to pasture from a corn-based
system, grazing plans, new seedings of pasture blends and species selection.
Click here for more info.
- September 20, Massachusetts Day at the Eastern States Expostion, displays, exhibits on the front lawn. Contact: Rick LeBlanc, richard.leblanc@state.ma.us.
Fair runs from Sept. 14 - 30, www.thebige.com.
- September 24 - 28, Massachusetts
Harvest for Students Week! Please feel free to contact Kate McKenney, Coordinator for Mass. Harvest
for Students Week, at 413-584-4410 or 413-253-3844.
- September 26, Pasture Walk offered for livestock farmers, Chase
Hill Farm, Chase Hill Road, Warwick, 10am
to 1pm. Topics will include winter grazing, no grain feeding and multi species
grazing. Click here for more info.
- October 12 - 13, Northeast Highland Cattle Association's Annual Fall Gathering and Show, Mallary Arena,Big E Fairgrounds, Springfield. Contact Marion Beausoleil
860-429-1392 or beausoleilmc@mansfieldct.org.
- October 27, Grass finished Natural and Organic Beef and Lamb with Matt Rulevich at Woolly Mammoth Farm, S. Dartmouth, MA, 1:30PM-4:30PM. Click here for more information.
If you have events you would like listed to our new ag industry calendar
webpage, http://www.mass.gov/agr/events/coming_up.htm, or
Consumer events at: http://www.mass.gov/agr/events/index.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 October / November. Please send news, calendar
and/or classified information by September28th to Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us, or fax to 617-626-1850.
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