LOCAL NEWS
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Agriculture Day at the State House will be held this year on Tuesday, March 18th. Each year many farmers and producers as well as agricultural officials from across the Bay State visit their State Legislators on this day to discuss issues and legislation affecting their operation and agriculture in general.
The event includes a speaking program, ‘Agriculture Day’ awards, informational exhibits and a reception featuring Massachusetts’s farms and specialty food products. This year both Culinary Arts Programs at the Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, Upton and the North Shore Vocational Technical High School, Middleton will be preparing products from Massachusetts for the reception.
For more information, please contact Mary Jordan at MDAR: mary.jordan@state.ma.us . For a copy of the Agriculture Day invitation, click here [PDF] .
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles recently announced $989,174 in grants to help the Massachusetts agricultural sector diversify and compete in the marketplace.
The ten awards announced today include the Commonwealth’s second round of Agricultural Innovation Center grants, as well as a $250,000 Farm Viability Program grant for the Adams Farm Slaughterhouse, which burned to the ground in December 2006.
A “virtual” agency with no staff or office, the Agricultural Innovation Center builds partnerships between the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and industry support and trade organizations to develop agricultural enterprises that are economically viable and environmentally sustainable. DAR received 17 proposals worth just over $2 million for FY 2008 Agricultural Innovation Center grants and, following review by a multi-agency team, selected nine for funding. The state grants require substantial matching funds from industry and other sources.
“The wide diversity of programs funded in this round of grants is a testament to the vibrancy of the Massachusetts agricultural community, and to the industry’s willingness to branch out in new directions to remain vital and competitive,” Secretary Bowles said. “I am pleased to offer the Commonwealth’s assistance in promoting innovation.”
The largest Agricultural Innovation grant – $149,263 – goes to the University of Massachusetts for a project that will introduce corn-burning technology for greenhouse heat at 10 vegetable and flower operations, while helping to increase production and marketing of corn-for-fuel on four farms. DAR also approved a $25,000 grant for The Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestland’s “Defining Green Energy for Massachusetts” project.
“Funding renewable energy projects through the Agricultural Innovation Center is in keeping with Governor Patrick’s strong commitment to clean energy, and helps put Massachusetts farmers and growers on the cutting edge of these exciting new technologies,” DAR Commissioner Doug Petersen said.
Projects funded in part by Agricultural Innovation Center grants are:
In addition, DAR approved the following Farm Viability Program grant:
Adams Farm Slaughterhouse—Athol ($250,000). Funds will be put toward rebuilding a USDA-inspected slaughterhouse in Athol that was destroyed by fire in December of 2006. The rebuilding of the Adams Slaughterhouse will restore critical USDA-licensed slaughter capacity to Massachusetts that will provide Bay State meat producers with in-state meat processing services.
Since mid-November, we have sold only about 50 plates, which is a far-cry from where we need to be to sell 1,500 by August. In round numbers, we have to sell 1,200 in 26 weeks, or an average of 46 each week.
We have heard that some organizations don’t feel it’s worth their while to undertake these sales. We have heard that we would sell more if the plates could be used on commercial vehicles. We have heard that the plates are too expensive.
While we can’t change the Registry’s rules regarding commercial vehicles and prices, we are talking about ways to increase the incentives to sell and will announce our plans shortly. But the reality may well be that most people don’t think the ag plates are a good idea.
We think that having a steady revenue stream outside the state budget would ensure money for your agricultural programs even in the bad times. This would be good for the ag groups. We also believe that people beyond agriculture will buy this plate because it is “cute,” but we cannot sell plates without the participation of the many growers, groups and ag advocates out there.
So we are sounding the alarm today. If you agree with us and would like to establish funding for agriculture that cannot be cut by the state, these plates are the way to do it. Will you help? Contact Mary Greendale, 508-429-2813 or mgreendale@yahoo.com. Click here for updates and more information.
USDA 9006 Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Annual Grant Program:
In preparation of the upcoming solicitations for requests for USDA’s 9006 Rural Development Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Grant Program, USDA’s Rural Development offices in Massachusetts are planning to hold a combination of general 9006 program informational sessions with more detailed application seminars to follow. The first such program was held by USDA’s Holden Rural Development (RD) office for central and northeast MA in Rutland, MA on January 16th @ the Town Library and the turnout was exceptional. Speakers from across a wide variety of interests including those representing USDA’s RD Programs, State EOEEA, MDAR, Small Business Association and previous recipients provided valuable information to those in attendance. USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ga/tvadg.htm was also included as a topic of discussion. Future planned program overviews are scheduled for February 6th in West Wareham for the southeast MA and February 20th in Deerfield, MA for Western MA. Contact your nearest USDA Rural Development field office for more information on these and other program information offerings.
New Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP):
The two year MFEP has officially started with phase one devoted to helping provide grant writing assistance for USDA’s annual Rural Development 9006 Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Grant program. Go to MFEP’s brand new website to learn more about this effort @ www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep. Phase 2 of the MFEP, devoted to technical assistance, is in the planning stages with phase 3, program evaluation, to follow.
Massachusetts’s Technology Collaborative (MTC) News:
MTC recently announced their new Commonwealth Solar Program, effective January 23, 2008. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with EOEEA, DOER and Governor Patrick’s announced goal of promoting and expanding the solar photo-voltaic (PV) industry in MA, “provides rebates to businesses, nonprofits, public entities, and other organizations on a first-come first-served basis for design & construction of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy projects that are up to 500 kilowatts in size.” Refer to MTC’s website for more information @ http://www.mtpc.org/renewableenergy/business.html.
Additionally, the deadline for the next round of MTC’s Large On-Site Renewables Initiative (LORI) is February 21, 2008. This competitive incentive program provides cost share assistance for feasibility studies as well as design and construction grants for implementing eligible electricity generating renewable energy technologies. Please note PV is no longer supported by the LORI Program as a result of the new Commonwealth Solar Program noted above. Please go the MTC’s LORI webpage for more information @ http://www.mtpc.org/renewableenergy/large_renewables.htm.
Massachusetts Energy Bill:
The MA Senate recently passed this month their version of a MA Energy Bill, an iteration of that passed by the House last November. As a result, more than likely these two branches of government will conference to agree on their differences with a goal of preparing a final version to be sent to the Governor’s office for signature. One of the many new and major provisions of the comprehensive MA Energy Bill deals with modifying the existing regulations on net metering, a modification that will significantly encourage distributed renewable energy implementation. The Senate Bill includes an “Agricultural Net Metering” classification. Please review this latest Senate Bill as well as the House’s version @ http://www.mass.gov/legis/ and contact your local representatives with your comments as these two branches of government convene to finalize this effort.
Massachusetts Model Wind By-Law:
MDAR is participating with EOEEA, DOER, MTC and consultants regarding modifications to the existing Model Wind By-Law that could be used by communities across the state. The intent of the by-law is to help establish a reasonable set of standards for wind power development for cities and towns. Results of this effort will be found at DOER’s website, http://www.mass.gov/doer/.
Massachusetts Flower Growers Association Annual Growers Meeting will feature Cavicchio’s new wood-chipped fired boilers. Held at Cavicchio’s Greenhouses in Sudbury, MA on February 20th. For more information contact: The MFGA - 781-275-4811 or UMass Extension Floriculture Program – Tina Smith 413-545-5306 or Paul Lopes, 508-295-2212 ext. 24 and/or visit their websites @ www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture and www.massflowergrowers.com.
Farmers’ Market information for 2008 is currently being updated. The next issue of the Farm and Market report will include a complete list of farmers’ markets seeking vendors. For more information contact David Webber at 617-626-1754 or david.webber@state.ma.us
Cambridge/Harvard University, Tuesdays, 12:30 pm -6:00 pm, mid June through October, Seeking meat, dairy, cheese and ethnic produce vendors. After two highly successful seasons, the market looks forward to an expanded third season. Contact Theresa McCulla at (617) 495-8052 or theresa_mcculla@harvard.edu.
Easton, Tuesday and Saturday, May to October, is seeking to add new vendors for its established Farmers' Market, especially certified organic growers and vendors selling meats, cheeses and other locally produced products. Contact: Jean at 508-238-6049 or Jean@nrtofeaston.org.
Lexington, Tuesday, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, June to October, Seeking goat and cows milk cheese, other dairy products, lamb and sausage, Contact Lori Deliso, 781-863-6375 or LDSS1@rcn.com
Wanted: Farmer Interested in the Concerned Citizens of Mason Square’s Springfield Farmers Market! All Are Welcome to “Target Hunger” - Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) and The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’s Target:Hunger program are teaming up again to support the second year of an emerging farmers’ market in the Mason Square district of Springfield! The first season of this market was extremely successful and brought a needed source of fresh, local produce to an urban neighborhood that currently lacks adequate outlets selling fruits and vegetables. We are seeking farmers and vendors for the second season. We’d love the market to offer variety of fruits and vegetables, bread, dairy, and fish. There is no fee for farmers.
In partnership, The Food Bank will offer the farmer support with regard to market administration, start-up seedlings and seeds, produce transportation, necessary market materials and possibly farm machinery, outreach/publicity and volunteers. CISA will also offer bronze membership benefits in the Local Hero Campaign.
Farmers will be asked to grow a modest amount of specific produce that has been found to be “most wanted” by Mason Square residents in a recent survey. This produce includes: lettuce, broccoli, potatoes, collard greens, corn on the cob, strawberries, carrots, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, cabbage, and sweet potatoes.
Supported by the surrounding neighborhood councils and a network of community-based organizations, and hosted by the Mason Square Health Center, this farmers market will open Saturday mornings beginning in July 2007.This farmers’ market is a central strategy of Target:Hunger Springfield, an asset-based community organizing pilot initiative under the auspices of The Food Bank and supported by the wider Mason Square community. The goal of Target:Hunger is to effect a 10% reduction in hunger and increase community food security within four years.
Market details: Location: 11 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, Massachusetts (the Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center parking lot). Set up time: 8:00am, Market hours: 9am to 1pm, Market dates: The market opens in July 12, 2008 and will run for 15 weeks.
The market will have 3 major celebrations:
The Global Food & Style Expo, Chicago , April 27-29, is a strong venue for getting more food products from Massachusetts into new markets. It is an excellent value for new and existing business for regional, national and international sales and distribution. The show is actually three shows in one--- the Spring NASFT/Fancy Food Show, the All Things Organic Conference and the U.S. Food Export Showcase. All three shows are on one floor, and buyers to each are expected to walk the entire floor. www.nasdatradeshows.com. Because of funds from USDA, a 100 square foot “turnkey” booth will be $3,000 - with up to 50% of the cost reimbursed.
The Branded Program www.brandedprogram.org can bring the costs down 50% (to $1,500 for a 10 X 10 booth) with walls, carpeting, electricity, etc. IMEX Management, which does major shows around the world will be coordinating the U.S. Food Export Showcase.
For contract information or booth space selection, call Kelly Wheatley: 704.365.0041. For more information contact bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us
Demand for local foods in school cafeterias continues to grow. Partial data suggests that gross sales of produce to schools (kindergarten through college) by Mass. farms doubled, and gross sales by Mass.dairy farms to colleges grew thirty percent, during the last school year. About 50 farms made direct sales to schools in 2007.
Recently, seventy-seven public school districts and colleges have written to say they served and promoted local products during the first statewide Mass. Harvest for Students Week last September. Many of the school food service directors reported they would like help finding locally grown products to use over the course of the school year (and some have substantial summer feeding programs too).
Please contact the Project for individualized sales assistance or general information; to find out more about the upcoming farm to school meeting in April; or to discuss plans for Mass. Harvest for Students Week 2008. They can be reached at 413-253-3844 or kelerwin@localnet.com. Check out the website at www.mass.gov/agr/markets/Farm_to_school/.
The 16th annual New England Grows conference will be held Wednesday, Wednesday, February 6 - Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, MA. 
Hours:
Wednesday, NEW - Opening Reception: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Leading-edge and highly regarded in the industry, the New England Grows educational conference provides you and your team with outstanding opportunities to acquire new knowledge, build technical skills, improve productivity and advance the quality of your work. The New England Grows exposition features over 700 exhibiting firms in over 1400 booth spaces. The exhibit hall, which covers over 330,000 square feet, is filled with the latest plant material, products, equipment and services for green industry professionals.
New England Grows' partners are the New England Nursery Association, Associated Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Arborists Association, Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association, and its network includes more than 30 allied green industry organizations. www.negrows.org
Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom will host a full-day conference for educators at the Baird Middle School in Ludlow on Saturday, February 9th, from 9 am to 3 pm. This conference will provide teachers with activity ideas, resources and framework connections to bring agriculture alive in your classroom.
Four concurrent workshops sessions will be held throughout the day. Each will be taught by a teacher or a teacher working together with a farmer and will offer specific background and activities for either elementary, middle or high school level. The $45 fee ($40 for registrations received by December 20) includes all workshops, lunch, materials and 10 PDPs with a related classroom activity. The full list of workshops and other details is available on line at at www.aginclassroom.org.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources will be issuing an RFR in February for rental of state-owned agricultural land through the State-Owned Farmland Leasing Program. License terms of for 5-years with the option to renew for an additional 5-years. One RFR will be issued for 8 agricultural properties. MDAR contact: Barbara Hopson at Barbara.hopson@state.ma.us.
When: Tuesday, March 4th, 8am to 4pm - Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough (conference & exhibit hall). Wednesday, March 5th,8am - 5pm (off-site training) - Wrentham Development Center, 162 Emerald Street, Wrentham.
REGISTER HERE! http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/orgreg.htm
AGENDA at http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/summit08.htm
Join us for a professional conference and vendor exhibit hall, focused on food waste composting and diversion efforts in Massachusetts. Last year’s Summit attracted over 225 professionals from 14 states, and continues to grow. Over 20 featured exhibitors. This year’s agenda includes a second day offering a composting course for site operators, municipal boards of health and regulatory staff. On-site equipment demonstrations too!
Who should attend?
Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring, contact: Morgan Harriman at morgan.harriman@state.ma.us 617-654-6580.
Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) is currently accepting grower and buyer members for its 2008 Business-to-Business (B2B) Network and Buy Local Campaign. This year the two options are combined into ONE membership for both 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/BFBL Network membership includes:
Both great programs combined into ONE membership for ONE price: Fee ($75)
To download the mailer 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.
A One-Day Farm Conference and Resource Fair - Sponsored by Bristol Conservation District and SEMAP
Saturday, March 8 - 8:00 am-4:00 pm - Bristol Co. Agricultural High School - 135 Center St., Dighton MA
Cost: $15 (includes lunch) - Up to 2 pesticide recertification credits will be offered
8am Registration
8:30- 10am - Season Extension Workshop - Learn about the suite of low-cost, low-fuel season-extension technologies pioneered by Maine grower Eliot Coleman, including the use of unheated high tunnels, low tunnels, row covers, and crop and variety selection to grow hardy greens and other crops well into the winter months. Hear from local and out-of-state growers who are using these technologies to satisfy the growing year-round demand for local foods at outlets such as winter CSA’s, winter farmers’ markets, and year-round farmstands.
10:30-12:30 - Farms Transfer and Tenure workshop - This workshop is designed to connect you with resources and help you along the way:
12:30-1:30pm Lunch featuring local foods - Prepared by Mike Melo of M&C Café, New Bedford. Over lunch: Updates on farm grant and cost-share programs for farms from MDAR, NRCS, BCD, and others.
1:30-2pm Resource Fair - Get your questions answered and learn about new offerings from local agencies including MDAR, NRCS, SEMAP, First Pioneer, and others.
2:00-3:00pm:
Option 1: Biodiesel Tour: Tour biodiesel operation of Jerry Anctil, Berkeley MA (drive in own car to farm 15 minutes from Bristol Aggie).
Option 2: Pesticide Regulation and Labeling Review - Steve Kenyon, MDAR. Application for 1 pesticide recertification credit in process.
Option 3: Walking tour of Bristol Aggie
3:00-4:00 pm: Pesticide recertification credit session 2: Topic TBA
For more info: Bristol Conservation District, 508-669-6621, bec.turner@verizon.net or SEMAP, 508-295-2212 x 50, info@semaponline.org. Conference brochure and registration form will be mailed in early February. To be added to the mailing list, contact BCD or SEMAP as above.
A Massachusetts Maple Month ceremonial tapping and kick off is scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2008 at Turtle Lane Farm in North Andover. There will be an old fashioned maple tapping, a reading of the Governor’s Proclamation, followed by a sugarhouse tour.
The event will officially kick off Massachusetts maple season and an annual effort by the Massachusetts Maple Producers Assoc. to increase public awareness of the commonwealth’s maple sugaring industry.
Turtle Lane Maple Farm has a very supportive community with most of their 500 taps are on town property. They work with the schools and have the 3rd graders not only come for a 1 1/2 hours tour (free), but the teachers use this as an opportunity in the classroom curriculum. They have hosted about 800 visitors on their tour.
“March is Massachusetts Maple Month” highlights maple as an ingredient in fine cuisine. Other themes include the importance of maple sugaring in the local economy and the environmental benefits of sugaring such as open space preservation and forest management
Maple Sugaring employs over 1000 farm workers, with over 350 maple producers of whom over 80 percent are located west of 1-91. Annual production is about 50,000 gallons, worth over two million dollars to the Bay State farmers. Sugaring represents the first agricultural harvest of the year. Some 60,000 visitors spend in excess of $1 million during sugaring season. Farms, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, country inns, and other tourist businesses share this income, which flows mostly into small towns and farm communities. An active Massachusetts maple industry preserves over 8000 acres of open space. Maple sugaring income allows many dairy farms to stay in operation. www.massmaple.org.
Help address financing gaps for beginning farmers, farmers transitioning to more ecologically friendly practices, farmers looking to expand their businesses, and farmers working to maintain the viability of their farms.
If you are a farmer, your response to a 10 minute confidential survey is greatly appreciated. Check it out at www.thecarrotproject.org/farmer_survey.
Questions? Contact farmersurvey@thecarrotproject.org or call Dorothy at 617-666-9637. The Carrot Project is a not-for-profit organization working to address financing gaps for the regions small and medium-sized farms.
Sponsored by Massachusetts Flower Growers Association and University of Massachusetts Extension Floriculture Program
February 20, 2008
Cavicchio Greenhouses., Sudbury, MA
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Open houses at Cavicchio Greenhouses, JP Bartlett Co. and Russell’s Garden Center.
A full day education program featuring wood chip energy, new plants for combination planters, the latest consumer trends, integrated pest management on perennials and Massachusetts medical insurance programs. All growers and farmers are invited.
Cavicchio Greenhouses is a large wholesale grower and supplies distributor serving the retail and landscaping industries. They grow a wide variety of annuals, garden mums, perennials and poinsettias. Cavicchio greenhouses has new wood chip boilers to heat their greenhouses.
For more information on these programs contact:
Tina M. Smith, University of Massachusetts, 413-545-5306, tsmith@umext.umass.edu
Paul Lopes, University of Massachusetts, 508-295-2212 ext. 24, lopes@umext.umass.edu
Or visit: http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events.html
June 26-28, 2008 - Ioka Valley Farm, Hancock, MA - In association with the biennial conference of the New England Christmas Tree Alliance.
The 50th anniversary celebration of the Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) will be celebrated at the Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock, Massachusetts on June 26-28, 2008. Ioka Valley Farm is nestled in the Berkshires and Taconic Hills in the Hancock Valley. Ioka is an Indian word meaning beautiful. The farm is located just minutes from Pittsfield, MA, Albany, NY, and Bennington, VT. All the New England states, eastern New York, and Canada are expected to attend.
MCTA, the Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association, came into formal being on November 22, 1958.
www.christmas-trees.org/
NECTA, the New England Christmas Tree Alliance with representatives appointed from all New England associations, was formed in the mid 1990’s and has organized biennial winter conferences in Nashua, NH. The first very successful on-farm biennial conference was celebrated September 2006 on the Tonry Farm, Hampton Falls, NH.
Initial plans for the June 26-28, 2008 conference include:
• Special motel rates have been negotiated with Jiminy Peak and other local motels. On site camping is available for self contained units; other local campgrounds are available. Many Berkshire museums and cultural events as well as Jiminy Peak activities may be of interest to all family members so plan an extended stay!
Peter A. Sweet, Seekonk Tree Farm, 32 Seekonk Cross Rd., Great Barrington, MA 01230
E-mail: psweet1@roadrunner.com Phone: 1-(413)-528-0050 Release date: August 2007. Additional details will be sent out as they become available.
The 2007 National Christmas Tree Association Convention held in Bangor, ME hosted the Northeast Regional Tree Contest. By popular vote of the convention attendees, the tree from Cranston's Christmas Tree Farm from Ashfield, was selected as the best. The Prize was to to represent the "Real" Christmas tree industry by presenting an 11 ft. tree to Vice-President and Mrs. Cheney in Washington, D.C .
Cranston's family, Jonathan, Thomas, Cynthia, and Seth
alongside with Mrs. & Mrs. Cheney
With a grant from an anonymous donor, the Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (MAA) of Massachusetts will explore ways to link diverse ethnic communities to urban agriculture opportunities in Greater Boston. The growing movement in locally and sustainably produced foods, especially in Massachusetts and the Boston area, can provide immigrants and refugees who come from agrarian backgrounds with alternative pathways to success by connecting them with urban agriculture and food-systems organizations. Through a planning and implementation process that puts refugees and immigrants themselves at the center, the MAA Coalition seeks to develop an initiative to increase access to fresh, locally grown, and culturally appropriate produce for ethnic populations in MA. This process will also create new opportunities for refugee and immigrant communities to integrate into Greater Boston life.
Founded in 2000 with support from the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI), the MAA Coalition is a partnership of grassroots ethnic organizations working to promote the adjustment, acculturation, and integration, and to strengthen the collective voice of immigrants and refugees in Massachusetts. Coalition members include:
Universal Human Rights International (UHRI), based in Jamaica Plain, will partner with the MAA Coalition for this urban agriculture planning initiative. The planning process will begin immediately and will last for six months. For more information about this project, contact Larry Dixon, Project Facilitator, at ldixon02@gmail.com.
The Northeast Farm Credit associations and CoBank recently awarded a total of $28,000 to 14 organizations as part of the Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement Program. The grants help recipients carry out programs that promote Northeast agriculture, support youth programs, and generate a greater understanding of the Northeast’s vital agricultural, commercial fishing, and forest products industries among the nonfarm public.
The program is a shared effort of First Pioneer Farm Credit, Farm Credit of Western New York, Yankee Farm Credit, Farm Credit of Maine, and CoBank. Individual awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are granted on three different occasions annually.
Some of the recent grant recipients include:
The Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement Program is part of Farm Credit’s commitment to support and strengthen Northeast agriculture and rural communities. Farm Credit cooperatives are customer-owned and serve farmers, commercial fishermen, forest products businesses, farm-related businesses, and rural homeowners.
Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement Program
Proposal submission dates: April 1, August 1, December 1
Contact: Robert A. Smith, First Pioneer Farm Credit, 2668 State Route 7, Suite 21, Cobleskill, New York 12043
Phone: 518.296.8188, AgEnhancement@FarmCreditWNY.com
The Massachusetts Farm Wineries & Growers Association will have their first General Meeting on February 28, Hopkinton, MA. The event is designed to provide valuable information for vineyards, wineries and cider operations. Preregistration is required.
Featured topics include: Programs designed to help build business and promote Massachusetts-made wines; Legislative issues that effect business; How to improve sales and marketing through retailers, restaurants, and distributors; Ways to avoid costly mistakes in winery operations and How good Massachusetts wines taste! For more information: Kip@turtlecreekwine.com.
For the first time in the history of this country, wine is being produced in all 50 states. A new wine revolution and exploding national trend has led to the establishment of more than 5,000 wineries across the U.S. that beckon some 20 million visitors a year.
Westport Rivers Winery is included in WINE ACROSS AMERICA, a new book writen by Daphne Larkin. The book introduces readers to personalities and passions that extend beyond the tasting room.
America’s winemakers hail from all walks of life and include doctors, artists, teachers, families, and former farmers of other crops who are growing grapes and making wine with gusto. Unlike wineries with long, established European traditions, the wine industry in this country reflects the same pioneering anything-goes spirit that Americans are known for. For more information contact Bill Russell bill.russell@westportrivers.com; info@buzzardsbrew.com.
Rob & Bill Russell
Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer Ed Schafer was sworn in as the 29th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on January 28, 2008. Secretary Schafer brings a record as an innovative two-term governor of North Dakota to USDA along with extensive private sector experience as both an entrepreneur and a business executive. Schafer served as North Dakota's governor from 1992 to 2000 and made diversifying and expanding North Dakota's economy, reducing the cost of government and advancing agriculture his top priorities in office. He worked to normalize trading relations with China and develop that nation as an export market for North Dakota farm products. He also led efforts to upgrade North Dakota's communications infrastructure and make high-speed voice and data networks available to farmers, ranchers and rural businesses.
To expand the state's job base, he encouraged the growth of value-added agricultural industries such as pasta and corn sweetener manufacturing. As governor, Schafer managed a state workforce of 12,000 people, oversaw a budget of $4.6 billion, and led the state's response to emergencies such as the severe floods that hit the Grand Forks area in 1997.As chair of the Western Governors Association, Schafer led regional efforts to demonstrate how technology could improve the efficiency and lower the cost of delivering government services such as health benefits and food stamps. He also worked to make telemedicine more available and affordable in rural areas.
Schafer was elected chair of the Republican Governors Association in 2000 and that same year he co-founded and co-chaired the Governors Biotechnology Partnership to increase public understanding and support for the benefits of agricultural biotechnology. He has had a lifelong interest in conservation and helped arrange the U.S. Forest Service's May 2007 purchase of the 5,200 acre Elkhorn ranch in North Dakota. The site was where Theodore Roosevelt had his home and operated a cattle ranch in the 1880s. It is near the preserved town of Medora-the state's leading tourist attraction. Secretary Schafer joined Gold Seal after he earned his MBA and held a series of management positions with the company before becoming president in 1978. Under his leadership, Gold Seal's sales climbed to $50 million through acquisitions and new product introductions and its net worth tripled. It was sold in 1986. Schafer then went on to launch several new businesses, including a commercial real estate development company, a fish farm and a classic car dealership
After leaving office in 2000, he co-founded Extend America, a venture capital-backed company, to provide wireless voice and high-speed data services to commercial and residential customers in five rural Midwestern states. He also served as a director of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation that oversees the historic town's operations and became active in leading several other nonprofit and citizens advocacy groups in North Dakota.
In late 2006, USDA announced that the middle Connecticut River watershed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the Narragansett Bay watershed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, were among 51 watersheds in 50 states, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean Area that will be eligible for the next sign-up for the Conservation Security Program (CSP).
Although sign-up for CSP, which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is on hold while work on the next Farm Bill continues, local farmers can get ready now by gathering resource information on their operations in preparation for a prospective sign-up.
CSP is a voluntary program that supports ongoing conservation stewardship on private agricultural working lands and enhances the condition of the nation's natural resources. Under this program, which is available in selected watersheds on a rotational basis, USDA rewards producers who practice good stewardship on agricultural lands and offers incentives to increase the use of conservation practices.
For more information about CSP, including a map of the fiscal year 2007 watersheds and eligibility requirements, please visit http://www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp. Contact your local NRCS office for information on how to get ready for CSP. USDA service center locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
CSP began in fiscal year 2004. Currently, there are 280 watersheds in CSP nationwide, covering nearly 224 million acres. USDA offers CSP in new watersheds annually on a rotational basis in as many watersheds as funding allows.
USDA Rural Development yesterday published a Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for its Value-Added Producer Grant program (VAPG) which makes approximately $18.4 million in federal grant funds available to independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures interested in one of the following two activities: (1) planning activities needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agricultural product (e.g. conduct a feasibility study, develop a business plan, develop a marketing plan); or (2) acquire working capital to operate a value-added business venture that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets.
The Value-Added Producer Grant program was authorized by the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 and the 2002 Farm Bill and is designed to encourage independent producers of agricultural commodities to process their raw products into marketable goods, thereby increasing farm income.
VAPG awards may be made for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $100,000 and the maximum grant amount for a working capital grant is $300,000.
Paper applications for the VAPG program must be postmarked and mailed, shipped or sent overnight no later than March 31, 2008 to be eligible for funding. Electronic applications must also be received no later than March 31, 2008 in order to be eligible. The mailing address for which applications are to be submitted is: USDA Rural Development, 451 West Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA 01002. To submit an electronic application please go to: www.grants.gov.
Additional information including an application guide and answers to frequently asked questions is available at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm or by contacting the USDA Rural Development State Office for Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island at: (413) 253-4302.
Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Nancy Johner recently announced the availability of at least $1 million in grants for public and private nonprofit community and faith-based organizations to improve awareness of USDA's Food Stamp Program for low-income households. Specifically, these grants will target the two most significantly underserved populations in the Food Stamp Program, seniors and Hispanics.
The Food Stamp Program, administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), is the cornerstone of federal nutrition assistance programs and provides crucial support to needy households. The program serves more than 26 million people each month, and currently reaches about 65 percent of those who are eligible for benefits.
Seniors represent 9 percent of total participants and Hispanics represent 19 percent of total participants in the program. In addition to directly helping individuals and families, food stamp benefits provide a boost to local economies since every dollar in new food stamp benefits generates nearly twice that in community spending.
The overall purpose of food stamp outreach is to inform and educate potentially eligible low-income persons about the nutrition benefits of the program, the eligibility rules and how to apply.
State and local food stamp offices and for-profit organizations are not eligible for these grants. Applicants will be eligible to receive up to $75,000 per grant. The grant period will range from 1 to 2 years, depending on the project.
USDA encourages community and faith-based organizations to participate in this competition for grants. Checklists, templates, tools and lists of resources to assist potential applicants complete their proposals can be found online at http://www.grants.gov or on the FNS website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/outreach/grants/2008/default.htm. Applications are due February 19, 2008.
Census of Agriculture Forms Still Being Accepted Concord, New Hampshire – The deadline for returning completed Census of Agriculture forms may have come and gone, but it’s not too late for New England farmers to speak up for their communities, their industry and their future. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reminds farmers that their voices are important and need to be heard. As a result, Census responses are still being accepted.
“A strong agricultural industry is a critical component in having a strong U.S. economy,” says Gary Keough, director of the NASS New England Field Office. “By providing town planners, community leaders, lawmakers and individual farm operators with the most comprehensive and accurate U.S. agricultural reports, they have the resources to make informed, sound decisions to ensure a solid future.” The deadline for submitting the Census forms arrived on February 4, 2008, and many farmers have responded. However, the remainder of those farmers who did not turn in their information by the original due date will receive another copy of the form in the mail to give them another opportunity to respond.
“Accurate and comprehensive information from all farmers is important, so it can provide a true picture of where U.S. agriculture is today and help people plan appropriately for its needs in the future,” says Keough. “This information is only gathered every five years, so we need the participation of every farmer to ensure they receive a planning tool that will provide them with the most benefit and value.”
Census responses are required and protected by law. This law safeguards the privacy of individual responses. Farmers can return their forms by mail or fill out the Census online. For more information about the Census, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call toll-free (888) 4AG-STAT or (888) 424-7828. The Census is your voice, your future, and your responsibility.
The Student Career Experience Program provides students with a paid internship and on-the-job training by working in their career field of Agriculture, while completing their academic degree. Upon graduation, students are considered for permanent employment and may be placed in a position with opportunity for additional career advancement.
Requirements:
Benefits:
Contact: Ted C. Smiarowski Jr. , U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency Office, 195 Russell Street, Suite B5, Hadley, MA 01035, 413-585-1000 x100 .
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.
*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.
Published bi-monthly by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, Governor
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles, Secretary
Department of Agricultural Resources, Doug Petersen, 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 April / May. Please send news, calendar and/or classified information by March 24th to Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us, or fax to 617-626-1850.
