LOCAL NEWS
IN EVERY ISSUE
where we start from." T.S. Eliot. 
By all accounts, this year‘s March 10 Agricultural Day was one of the best ever on many fronts. Basking in the glow of encouraging statistics for Massachusetts farmers from the 2007 New England Agricultural Statistics and U.S. Census of Agriculture 2007, this perennially favorite event received an abundance of coverage and
compliments from legislators, agricultural industry, and media.
In our second year of expansion into three rooms of the State House, this year’s “Ag Day” was able to accommodate 50 exhibitors that represented the diverse agricultural industry of Massachusetts -- from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, from beekeepers to 4-H to Massachusetts-made granola. In addition to the hundreds of attendees the event was also attended by over 80 Future Farmers of America and students from three agricultural high schools. The ‘sea of blue coats’ sent an unmistakable signal to legislators that the future of agriculture is bright!
A speaking program in Nurses Hall was highlighted by awards to agricultural ‘heroes’ and optimistic
agricultural statistics presented by Commissioner Doug Petersen. Attendees
spilled out into the hallways trying to hear Secretary Bowles reinforce
his support of the agriculture community and listen to the student FFA
president, Justin Lawrence, share his and his fellow students’ excitement
for the future of agriculture.
For the first time, MDAR’s presence at the event included participation from all of its divisions (Agricultural Development, Agricultural Technical Assistance, Animal Health , Crop and Pest Services) to highlight the many services and resources the Department provides
to not only the farming community but the Commonwealth as a whole.
Photos by MDAR's Patricia Cabral. Top: Students from FFA; Right above:
Bob Ritchie, Commissioner Doug Petersen, Assistant Commissioner Scott Soares.
MDAR is pleased to announce the opening of its long-awaited western satellite
office location in Amherst, Massachusetts. MDAR is very excited to be able
to provide enhanced delivery of service to our constituents – many of whom
are located in the central/western part of our state. This new location
will offer more convenient access to our farmers, put us in closer proximity
to our partners, and will provide innumerable outreach opportunities in
the large conference room located on-site e.g. agricultural-business development
courses, workshops, classes, hearings, and other “Ag”-related events. The
new office is “open for business”. Please let us know when you might like
to come visit us at our new offices.
Address: 101 University Drive, C4, Amherst, MA 01002
Telephone: 413.548.1900, Fax: 413.548.1901
Directions to our Amherst office can be found on our website: www.mass.gov/agr/about/directions
The Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has been receiving a lot of interest lately from media and the public at large as more and more people become interested in “locally grown” initiatives. Food safety, preserving open space, and sustainability of our energy systems point to continued growth opportunities for the agricultural community. With that said it’s been somewhat surprising to find out that not everyone is aware of all the great services and programs MDAR has to offer in our mission to support, promote, and enhance the long-term viability of Massachusetts agriculture.
At the heart of MDAR are four key divisions (Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop & Pest Services, and Technical Assistance) tasked with promoting a variety of programs to help enhance the agricultural industry in the Commonwealth. Check out our new flyer that gives an overview of our agency’s services, as well as the challenges,
opportunities, and current trends.
This popular business planning and technical assistance program provides management advice and grants of up to $75,000 to implement farm growth and sustainability strategies. Farm operators not only receive up front cash awards for signing a 5 or 10 year Agricultural Covenant, but also receive valuable consultations and visits from a team of experts to discuss farm production and management, marketing, and business planning. Typical uses of funds from the Farm Viability Program include building or repairing farm structures, modernizing field equipment, purchasing delivery vehicles and tractors, improving marketing structures or food processing capacity, and establishing a farm website.
Over 300 farms have received business planning and technical assistance from the Program in the past thirteen years. The total value of awards to farms in the same time period exceeded $12 million. Over 29,000 acres of farmland has been placed under short-term Agricultural Covenants.
Applications and program information are available by clicking on this link Request for Response #AGR-FVEP-10-17 [PDF], or you can request a copy of the application by calling the Farm Viability Program at 617-626-1723. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday June 25, 2009.
Meetings to Provide Information on the Farm Viability Program and Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program
Please come join Director Gerard Kennedy and Craig Richov from the MA Department
of Agricultural Resources as they provide information on these signature
Department programs. Applications will be available.
Thursday April 16, 2009, 6:00 PM Spencer Fair Grounds
Exhibit Hall (2 story building), Smithville Road, Spencer
Wednesday April 22, 2009, 6:00 PM Greenfield Community College
Downtown Campus 270 Main Street, Greenfield
Thursday April 30, 2009, 6:00 PM Bristol County Agricultural High School
Center Street, Dighton, Room 108 (main front entrance, first room on left).
If you can’t attend but still want to learn more about these programs, visit the Department of Agricultural Resources website www.mass.gov/agr, or call the Farm Viability Program at 617-626-1723 to request an application, or 617-626-1773 for AEEP. The deadline to submit applications is June 25, 2009 for FVEP and AEEP.
As part of the recently enacted Dairy Farm Preservation Act, the Department of Agricultural Resources will have the ability to provide farm viability implementation funds to eligible farms with APRs provided that the owner of the APR farm demonstrates they can meet specific economic improvement thresholds. MDAR has been actively developing a policy and application process for the new APR Improvement Program and expects to announce an open application period by May 2009.
Future announcements will be made available via the Farm & Market Report,
special email updates, outreach through other industry newsletters and
sources, and on the MDAR website www.mass.gov/agr. Funding will be available during fiscal year 2010 for eligible landowners
of APR farms interested in receiving technical assistance, business planning
and grant funding. The Department is allowing an early sign-up to receive
an email announcement when the application with more detailed information
is available. To register, go to www.mass.gov/agr/landuse/apr/aip/index.htm.
The Massachusetts Farm to School Project invites you to the Massachusetts Farm to School Convention Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 12:30 - 6:30 pm
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE, Sturbridge, MA
The Massachusetts Farm to School Project is proud to host this statewide gathering where we will share success stories and tackle the challenges of connecting farming, food, and education, in the context of the burgeoning farm to school movement.
Who Will Be There?
Cost is $20 or $10 for students, and includes attendance at the local foods
reception from 5:15 – 6:30pm. To register, download and print out attached registration form and mail with your check to us at the Project, or call to request a form. Note: Farmers who wish to only attend the Convention from 5 til 6:30, in order to meet food service directors and share information about their products, do not have to pay a registration fee. Contact Kaitlin Doherty in the Project office, 413-253-3844, kaitlin@seedsofsolidarity.org.
…..Thanks to the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for sponsoring this event…..
The MA Farm Energy Program (MFEP), a partnership of Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D,
Patriot RC&D, NRCS and MDAR, continues its operations as noted in previous
F&MRs. The Massachusetts Farm Energy Program offers technical and financial
assistance to MA farmers for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Please visit the program’s website at www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/energy.php for complete information and to apply. Current major activities continue to be:
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
The Mass Farm Energy Program (MFEP) is helping farmers determine what energy efficiency and renewable energy funding is most appropriate to their circumstances. The MFEP helps farmers access:
GRANT WRITING ASSISTANCE
The MFEP with support from the MA Woodlands Institute and Rural Development will provide grant writing assistance for applications to the USDA-Rural Development's Section 9007: Rural Energy for America Program. Energy audits or renewable energy assessments should be completed before the USDA application period starts, which is now expected in April 2009. Apply now for MFEP grant writing assistance at: www.Berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/forms/grant_writing_req.php.
MFEP AUDITS & INCENTIVES PROGRAM
The MFEP will make referrals to existing audit and incentive programs, provide “targeted” energy audits and/or renewable energy assessments, and provide financial incentives for implementation of audit recommendations. Higher priority will be given to farmers with less access to other audits and incentives programs. MFEP audits, assessments, and consultations will be paid at 75% with the applicant responsible for the remaining 25%.
USDA’s 2009 Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) Preparation
Planning activities for next year’s USDA’s REAP, formerly known as USDA’s Rural Development Section 9006 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant Program, continue. Numerous informational and grant writing workshops have already been completed in preparation for and anticipation of the notification of this year’s grant and loan guaranty program. Though no official information has been released, we anticipate the Notification of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) soon, more than likely sometime in April. More information can be found at: www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/index/php.
MDAR Energy Grant Request For Responses (RFR)
MDAR’s recent Energy Grant RFR deadline has passed and applications received are currently under review. The Energy Grant request consisted of three primary categories: Developing and Implementing Anaerobic Digesters; Developing and Implementing Zero Net Energy/ “Green” Agricultural Buildings; and Assisting Agricultural Operations in the complying with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protections’ (MDEP) new Outdoor Wood Hydronic Heater (OWHH) Regulations. Decisions regarding this RFR will be made in the next few weeks.
Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Net Metering Draft Regulations
The DPU has issued draft regulations for public comment pertaining to Net Metering. DPU was enabled by the Green Communities Act legislation, signed into law last July by Governor Patrick, to develop regulations pertaining to this legislation. A general hearing is scheduled April 27, 2009 and all comments are due no later than May 4, 2009. For more information click here.
The Net Metering legislation and corresponding regulations will help incentivize distributed renewable energy electrical generating projects including wind and solar as well as agricultural related technologies such as anaerobic digesters.
Commissioner Douglas Petersen was joined by MA DEP Commissioner Laurie
Burtas as a keynote speaker at this year’s 9th Annual Organics Recycling
Summit. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 hosted the summit - Greening from the Ground
Up! - at the Devens Common Center, in Devens, Massachusetts. Attracting
more than 200 people from 14 states, the Summit brought together speakers
and topics relevant to organics diversion and composting across the Commonwealth.
Numerous workshops and discussions explored the potential of carbon credits for organics related projects. Numerous updates on local anaerobic digestion projects, as well as efforts to use compost in storm water control, green building and farm applications were provided. Related topics which included were: how your community can implement food waste collection through school initiatives and municipal drop-off programs.
During his keynote speech, Commissioner Douglas commented on the significant growth of the agricultural sector in the Commonwealth and its ever expanding role in contributing to the health and well being of its residents as well as the substantial positive economic impact agriculture, through its 39 programs, has produced through cities and towns across the state.
| The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association recognized Assistant Commissioner/Chief of Staff Scott Soares, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, as a recipient for the 2009 Government Leadership Award. This award was presented during the 20th Annual Winter Meeting at the Cape Codder Hotel in Hyannis in March. The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association annually recognizes members of the legislature and government agencies that support and promote business development, environmental protection and promotion of agriculture. The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers represent 334 grower/members with approximately 10,900 membership acres in the state. Scott Soares has been recognized for collaborating with various state agencies, working towards promoting Agricultural Diversification and diligently representing the needs and interests of cranberry farmers in Massachusetts. During Scott’s tenure with MDAR, Massachusetts farmers have benefited from a $3 million dollar Agricultural Innovations Grant, which allowed growers to reinvest in their farms, to ensure modern conservation practices to be expanded upon. “During the cranberry collapse of the late 1990’s, Scott supported the cranberry industry working hard to keep local farmers doing what they do best, which is farming their properties and to diversify their farms”, according, to Brad Morse, a member of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association’s Board of Directors. |
Photograph by Bob Bennett Photography Scott Soares, Jim Jenkins recognized as founding President of the Cranberry Research Foundation, and Sarah Hewens, PhD., Conservation Commission Agent from Carver. |
Many farmers’ markets are seeking vendors the 2009 season.
Click here for a list of markets looking for new vendors: www.mass.gov/agr/markets/farmersmarkets/markets_seeking_vendors_09.pdf.
For information on selling at farmers’ markets, contact David Webber, 617-626-1754 or david.webber@state.ma.us.
Five training sessions will be held for new farmers to the Farmers’ Market Coupon Program at the following times and locations. Trainings are required for all growers and market managers new to the program this season. Coupons cannot be accepted or redeemed prior to training and signing an agreement. If you are unable to attend any of these sessions and would like to begin accepting coupons at your farmers’ market please contact Lisa Damon at (617) 626-1731 to make other arrangements. Growers and market managers returning to the coupon program do not need to attend a training session. Recertification for returning growers and managers is conducted through the mail.
Upcoming trainings for new growers and market managers will be held:
To sign up and attend one of these trainings please contact Lisa Damon at MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources (617) 626-1731 or Lisa.Damon@state.ma.us.
The Department each year invites Massachusetts organizations and businesses to apply for the purpose of showcasing Massachusetts agriculture, commerce, culture, food and tourism through informational, educational, promotional and retail exhibits in the Massachusetts Building during the Eastern States Exposition (the Big E) located in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Each year, the 17 day fair falls on the last two weeks of September and attracts over 1 million visitors from across New England. The 2009 Big E runs from Friday, September 18 - October 4th. Massachusetts Day this year is September 24th. This is also an opportunity to showcase for one day. If interested, contact Rick LeBlanc, richard.leblanc@state.ma.us.
2009 Application and Guidelines for Exhibiting in the Massachusetts State Building [PDF]
Operating Rules and Dates for Exhibiting in the Massachusetts Building [PDF]
More details at Massachusetts Building webpage: www.mass.gov/agr/fairs/massbuilding/index.htm.
If you need a hard copy of the application mailed, please contact Ellen Hart, ellen.hart@state.ma.us, 617-626-1742.
Wednesday May 6, 2009 1:00-5:30 PM - UMass South Deerfield Research Farm
Foodborne outbreaks linked to fresh produce have increased in recent years. To address this issue, UMass Extension, the UMass Dept. of Nutrition and the MA Department of Agricultural Resources have teamed up to implement a USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Program for growers and other fresh produce handlers. This event will be held Wednesday, May 6 from 1-5:30 PM at the UMass South Deerfield Research Farm, River Road, S. Deerfield. Attendees will learn about bacteria associated with fresh produce, strategies for controlling food safety hazards in all phases of production and USDA Third-Party GAP Audits. Participants will receive a GAP manual, a certificate of participation, and one pesticide credit is offered. Presenters include: Rich Bonanno, Ph.D., UMass Extension Educator 978-361-5650, rbonanno@umext.umass.edu; David Nyachuba, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UMass Dept. of Nutrition 413-545-0552, dgn@nutrition.umass.edu; Scott Soares, Commissioner, MDAR, and Mike Botelho, MDAR.
Preregistration is required. Registration deadline: April 27, 2009. To
register, send $50.00 payable to UMass to: Shirley A. Mietlicki-Floyd,
UMass Dept. of Public Health, 205 Arnold House, 715 North Pleasant St.,
Amherst MA 01003-9304.
Started by the Department in 2000 to raise awareness of rabies and increase
compliance, cities and towns across the commonwealth continue to hold low-cost
rabies vaccination clinics (over 220 clinics) throughout the months of
April and May. Animal owners are encouraged to have their family pets vaccinated
against rabies by bringing them to any of the many locations designated
by cities and towns. A list of participating communities is posted on MDAR's
webpage: www.mass.gov/agr/animalhealth/rabies/clinics.htm.
Unfortunately rabies is now a permanent fixture in the wildlife population of Massachusetts. Though the virus may not be detected in an area for long periods of time, it is still present. Vaccinating your dog or cat is the best way to prevent the threat of rabies from entering your home. Keeping your pets up-to-date on their rabies shots is not only the law, it is also in the best interest of your animals and your family.
MDAR's Division of Animal Health has registered more than 7000 properties
where livestock and poultry are kept as part of the Premises Identification
portion of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). NAIS was developed
in response to a number of animal diseases of concern both to human and
animal health, most notably Foot and Mouth Disease, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
(mad cow disease) and Avian Influenza. MDAR has been working under a cooperative
agreement with the USDA to implement the first phase in Massachusetts,
the Premise Identification component of NAIS. Of greatest importance is
to know where animals are kept. This information is crucial in the event
of a disease outbreak. Without location and animal data it would be virtually
impossible to identify affected regions, locate species in danger, or perform
adequate resource allocation to better assist those impacted.
The Department recently sent out a 7000-piece mailing with ID and password information to those animal owners participating, so they may access and update their information as needed. NAIS remains a voluntary program federally, and within Massachusetts. Roughly 90% of the animal owners contacted participated in the program. Participation in Premises Identification does not obligate animal owners to participate in any further portions of the program, specifically ID tagging animals or the tracking of their movements. MDAR believes strongly and sincerely that participation in the Premises Identification portion of NAIS will offer significant benefits to animal owners in Massachusetts. For questions regarding this program, please contact Michael Cahill at 617.626.1794 or Michael.Cahill@state.ma.us.
MDAR is urging residents and business owners to check their trees for damage
from the Asian longhorned beetle before the growth of new leaves makes
damage to trunks and branches harder to spot. With the help of residents
and business owners, state and federal officials hope to stop the spread
of this invasive species, which infests hardwood trees such as maple, birch,
horse chestnut, poplar, willow, elm, and ash.
When the beetles tunnel into trunks and branches of trees, sap flow is disrupted, which weakens and eventually kills trees. There is no cure for this pest. Once a beetle attacks a tree, the only remedy is to cut the tree down. MDAR officials note that widespread infestation threatens the nursery, lumber, wood product, maple syrup, and tourism industries and would disrupt the Commonwealth’s forest ecosystem.
“Unless these insects are contained, they could prove to be catastrophic to New England's hardwood forest and the maple syrup industry,” said Tom McCrumm, executive director of the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association and owner of the South Face Farm Sugar House in Ashfield.
To report suspicious tree damage, view photographs and videos of tree damage or read about the pests, visit http://massnrc.org/pests/alb or call the toll-free Asian longhorned beetle hotline at (866) 702-9938. For more information about citizen training efforts click on release.
As of March 1, 2009, farmers may need to obtain a permit before digging a trench and must follow certain practices to ensure the trench is safe when unattended. This is true even if the trench is on private property. Not following these rules may result in a fine of up to $5,000.
If you answer yes to ALL the following questions you need to obtain a trench permit,
1 – Is the excavation narrow in relation to its length?
2 – Is the excavation greater than 3 feet deep?
3 – Is the depth of the excavation, in general, greater than the width?
4 – Is the width, as measured at the bottom, 15 feet or less?
5 – Is the excavation part of a construction project? An excavation used only for instillation of a drainage pipe is considered construction.
In order to get a permit, applicants must have general liability insurance of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per claim or provide evidence of self-insurance in equal amounts. Local permitting authorities issue permits and contact information can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dps/inf/trench_list_permitting_authority.xls.
After obtaining the permit, farmers must take safety measures including covering, barricading, or backfilling trenches whenever unattended. Covers must be specific metal plates at least ¾” thick and barricades must be at least 6’ high. The requirements for the safety measures are very specific. They can be found in the regulation which is available at http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dps/inf/520_cmr_14.00_excavation_trench_safety_final.pdf. Alternatively, excavators may choose to arrange for someone to be at the site of the trench at all times.
Frequently asked questions, a copy of Massachusetts General Law 82A, Regulation 520 CMR 14.00, and additional information can be found on the web site for the Executive Office for Public Safety and Security.
Tuesday, April 28th - 9:30-2pm - Cost: $45 per person (Includes Lunch) - Open to EVERYONE that is interested.
Sponsored by Mass. Association of Roadside Stands and Pick-Your-Own.
Learn the best practices for effectively marketing your business online
during this special one-day workshop presented by Alex Hanks, twelve-year
veteran of Internet Marketing. Topics covered will range across the spectrum
of Internet Marketing disciplines from website optimization, email communications,
search engine strategies, online communities, online advertising, website
analytics, and integrated offline
marketing.
Held in the meeting room at: Hartman's Herb Farm, 1026 Old Dana Rd, Barre,
MA 01005
To register: call (978) 355-2015, or email: hartmansherb@hotmail.com.
Growers of Greenhouse Crops: Receive timely messages about what’s happening with pests, nutrition, marketing and other issues that affect your greenhouse business. University Extension Specialists post messages to our www.negreenhouseupdate.info website based on site visits and conversations with growers. As new information is added, an email is sent with a direct link to the website. To be added to the email list contact: Tina Smith, tsmith@umext.umass.edu or call 413-545-5306.
Join us for the 2009 Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition. Entries are now available at www.thebige.com/wine. Entry Fee is $35 and two 750mil bottles (or equivalent). Entry deadline is May 15, 2009 and bottle delivery is May 22. Judging will be held June 13, 2009 at Eastern States Exposition. This is a great way to receive critical feedback on your wines as all Judge’s comments are returned.
Join us for a great chance to market locally right in your own backyard to an audience of over 1 million potential wine drinkers! All winning wines, along with medals, will be on display during The Big E (Sept. 18 - Oct. 4) in the Young Building.
The New England Farmers Union has chosen a new president, Annie Cheatham,
after Jeff LaFleur from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association stepped
down in January. Annie is the former Executive Director of Community Involved
in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) in western Massachusetts. The Board of
Directors include in addition to Annie, Jeff LaFleur, Cris Coffin (New
England Director, American Farmland Trust), Marge Kilkelly (Maine farmer
and Council of State Governments), Matt Barron (Rural Votes), Susan Phinney
(Whole Foods) and Ben Martens (Cape Cod Commercial Fishhook Fishermen Association).
Membership in NEFU is open to farmers and non-farmers. Farm membership
is $40 and non-farmers can join for as little as $25. To join, go to this
NFU link, http://nfu.org/in-the-states/en, A website is under construction and will be online by the end of April.
The National Farmers Union www.nfu.org is one of the oldest farmer organizations in the US and its progressive
policy positions are in synch with the needs of farmers and fishermen in
New England. Members of the National Farmers Union were leaders in President
Obama's Ag Committee during the campaign, and several high ranking Farmers
Union personnel have been appointed to Undersecretary positions at USDA.
The organization is in a good strategic position to advance policies and
funding that will be beneficial for New England ag and fishing.
What are some of the policy positions that NFU has led? Whenever you see a label on food that identifies the "country of origin," thank NFU. They led the way in the last farm bill to mandate country-of-origin labeling (COOL). The impetus for this legislation came from Mad Cow Disease tainted beef. NFU supported legislation to block the importation of Argentinean meat products until that country is free of Foot and Mouth Disease. But COOL will give consumers, especially ones who want to support more local and regionally produced food, the information they need to support the Northeast ag and fishing industries and keep those dollars circulating in our region. In another effort to protect consumer information, NFU also opposed efforts to prohibit dairy farmers from labeling their milk rBGH-free. Thanks to NFU, dairy farmers who don't feed growth hormones to their cows can continue to tell you that on their cartons and packaging. Without NFU's support, you would not have that information. NFU promotes programs to assist beginning and minority farmers, seeks better disaster assistance and risk management programs for farmers, advocates for conservation programs that greatly benefit New England farmers, and for the children in our schools, NFU lobbies for the expansion of the fresh fruit and vegetable snack programs into all 50 states after a trial in 4 states. During debate on the 2008 Farm Bill, NFU fought hard to increase funding for the senior farmers market coupon program and for speciality crop programs which benefit the diverse farming industry in New England. New programs, increased funding, and protections like these will help our food industries compete and deliver food to us that is safe, regional, and sustainable.
Contact information: JOIN New England Farmers Union TODAY http://nfu.org/in-the-states/en, or
Annie Cheatham, President, New England Farmers Union, PO Box 226, 5 State Street, 3rd Floor, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, 413.522.5020 cell, 413.625.3051 land, 413.625.3061 fax, anniecheatham06@gmail.com.
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 2010 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar. The 2010 calandar with be the 10th anniversary of this collaborative project.
Twelve photos will be selected, one for each month. We look to feature photos that represent the
vitality and diversity of Commonwealth’s farms, crops and products throughout
the seasons. Last year winners can be found at www.Mass.gov/Massgrown (click on “Calendar of Events”). For farmers, its a great way to promote your farm operation!
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. Deadline for photographs: June 1, 2009.
For guidlines and an entry form (PDF) for the 2009 Calendar photo contest, click here, or
contact Rick LeBlanc,
richard.leblanc@state.ma.us. For judging purposes, all entries have to be
printed and mailed (not emailed).
Sign-up is underway for federal conservation programs under the 2008 Farm
Bill and in order to participate, a conservation plan is required. Anyone
who owns or manages farmland or forest land in Massachusetts and would
like technical or financial assistance to protect their natural resources
is urged to contact their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) office soon to begin the planning process.
Applications for Farm Bill conservation programs may be submitted at any time, but May 1, 2009 is the cut-off date for the first round of ranking and funding in Massachusetts.
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. General program information is available on the NRCS Massachusetts website at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov.
New conservation provisions in the recently passed Farm Bill (the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008) simplify existing programs and create new programs to address high priority environmental protection goals such as pollinator habitat, wildlife and energy. For example, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) now includes more forestry practices. In Massachusetts, EQIP is also available to help greenhouse operations with water quality and conservation practices and to help aquaculture operations with best management practices.
With financial and technical assistance from NRCS, farmers and other landowners promote environmental quality on farmland and forest land, address water quality and quantity challenges, and protect valuable wetland ecosystems and wildlife habitat. Among the voluntary conservation programs authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill are:
President Barack Obama announced Feb. 24th his intention to nominate Kathleen
A. Merrigan to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.
"We at the U.S. Department of Agriculture welcome the President's intention to nominate Dr. Merrigan," said Secretary Tom Vilsack. "She will bring to USDA extensive expertise in agricultural marketing and nutrition and in legislative affairs and will provide excellent, experienced leadership as we move President Obama's agricultural and nutritional agenda forward."
Merrigan currently is an assistant professor and Director of the Agriculture, Food and Environment M.S. and Ph.D. Program at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston.
In 1999, she was appointed administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing
Service by then-President Clinton. Prior to that, Merrigan was a senior
analyst at the Henry A. Wallace Institute for Alternative Agriculture and
an expert consultant at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations in Rome. From 1987 to 1992 she was a staff member on the U.S. Senate
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry where she helped develop
the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 which mandated national organic
standards and a program of federal accreditation. Merrigan holds a Ph.D.
from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in environmental planning
and policy, a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas and
a B.A. from Williams College.
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 Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) reserves the right to refuse any listing it deems inappropriate for publication. E-mail, fax or mail ads to: Farm & Market Report, MDAR, 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 Ag industry calendar
webpage, www.mass.gov/agr/events/coming_up, or
Consumer events at: www.mass.gov/agr/events, 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, Scott Soares, Commissioner
| Boston Office: 251 Causeway St., Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114 617-626-1700, Fax: 617-626-1850 |
Amherst Satellite Office: 101 University Drive, Suite C4 Amherst, MA 01002 413-548-1900, Fax: 413-548-1901 |
Next issue to be published for June / July.
Please send news, calendar and/or classified information by May 29th to
Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us, or fax to 617-626-1850. To unsubscribe or change your address, send an
e-mail message to Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us or call 617-626-1759.
