LOCAL NEWS

• Commissioner's Column
• MDAR Invites Massachusetts Officials and Stakeholders to Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Proclamation Event
• MDAR Energy News
• MDAR Launches First in Series of Regional Farm Tours
• Savor MA Culinary Tourism Initiative and MA Wine and Cheese Trails Announced!
• An “AG TAG” = A Great Way to Support Locally Grown
• Animal Owners Reminded to Protect Animals from Mosquitoes
• Boston Greenfest Opportunity
• Governor Patrick Proclaims August 16-22 Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week
• Massachusetts Tomato Contest to be Held August 17th
• 5th Annual NOFA Organic Lawn & Turf Course
• Northeast Organic Farming Association - 35th Annual Summer Conference
• Grazing at Mass Grass Events
• For Farms That Wholesale....Farm to School Sales are Expanding and Profitable
• The Third Annual "Massachusetts Harvest for Students Week " is September 21 -25
• Stop Sale Orders Issued on Specialty Fertilizer Products.
• Massachusetts Nutrient Density Field Trainings
• Flower Twilight Meetings

NEWS FROM USDA

• USDA Provides $71 Million to Rehabilitate Farmland Damaged by Floods, Hurricanes and Other Disasters

IN EVERY ISSUE

• CLASSIFIED
• CALENDAR
• About the Farm & Market Report

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Commissioner's Column

The New ABCs (Agriculture’s Benefit and Connections)

Dear Friends,

I recently had the opportunity to introduce our Nation’s USDA Deputy Secretary, Kathy Merrigan, at an event organized by Boston’s Mayor Menino to rally support for reauthorization of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. I prefaced my remarks with a rhetorical question: “Why is a Commissioner of Agriculture at an event that is primarily focused on enhancing access to better nutrition and efforts to improve community health conditions?” Of course the answer is clear -- improved access to agriculture is the most fundamental and perhaps most critical measure towards addressing better personal and community health. Beyond the obvious connection between agriculture and nutrition: agriculture represents a primary industry that contributes to the economic health of communities across our Commonwealth; it is an important conduit to social well-being as families gather around the dinner table together or visit any of our state’s nearly 200 farmers’ markets; and the characteristics of rural communities as well as urban farming activities provide clear therapeutic and aesthetic benefits for our personal and collective mental health.

In this edition of the Farm and Market Report, we seek to highlight some of the activities underway that further elucidate agriculture’s benefit and connections.

Although access to locally grown produce has never been more abundant, a wetter than normal growing season has slowed down our industry’s ability to fully satisfy the increasing demand for locally grown products and continues to pose challenges to our farming community. Late Blight, a destructive pathogen of tomato and potato plants that thrives in wet overcast conditions, has been reported across Massachusetts. We are currently monitoring the impact to crops in the event we need to collectively take further action. With that said, consumers should not be worried as our farmers’ markets and road-side stands are reporting that there is plenty of good produce to be had and in fact some have seen bumper crops for our fruit and vegetable products!

Also on the agricultural battlefront is the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), an invasive pest that damages hardwood trees and poses a significant threat to both the agricultural- as well as tourism industry along the entire Northeast corridor. As part of a regional effort to educate the public about the negative impacts of ALB and the importance of reporting any sightings, the Governor has proclaimed August as Asian Longhorned Beetle Awareness Month.

Perhaps a less know connection of your Department of Agricultural Resources is our involvement with mosquito control efforts, with surveillance and control work now well underway. Beyond the nuisance factor, mosquitoes are a concern particularly as it relates to their transmission of West Nile Virus (WNv) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEv). Although surveillance efforts have determined that EEEv is present in the environment, we can reduce risk of our exposure to mosquito transmitted viruses through use of repellents and taking appropriate precautionary measures.

Also on the list of concerns, we are continuing to work with our partners to seek relief for our dairy industry. Dairy farmers around the country are facing one of the worst economic crises in years with many of our farmers in Massachusetts struggling to maintain a viable business. We’ve seen benefits from the implementation of the Dairy Preservation Act provisions but have also seen sustained low milk prices and high production costs that have resulted from a combination of factors not limited to changes in the global economy.

Combined concerns and interests are yielding some progress toward assistance. USDA Secretary Vilsack recently announced an increase to price supports (estimated $1.25 - $1.50 /cwt in milk prices). Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate (with support from our own Senator Kerry) just voted on amendments to an agriculture appropriations bill that would provide opportunities for the USDA to move more dairy supply off the market. The DAR recognizes that these measures will not solve all of the existing challenges but we are optimistic that collaborative efforts will provide needed relief.

These recent federal actions reflect one of the most important aspects behind the positive momentum for agriculture that I am seeing everywhere I go -- namely the building of strong partnerships and broadening connections for agriculture.

Also important to this good momentum is technology – a formidable ally to agriculture as blog sites, Twitter, and other instantaneous electronic messaging venues make it possible to report plant diseases, invasive species, and weather patterns faster than ever. Translation: farmers have an opportunity and improved access to a faster-than-ever rapid response network!

Of course key and most important to the net gain of good news is the growing grassroots interest in locally grown. I encourage you to read through the Farm & Market Report to see for yourself the many exciting things going on in the Commonwealth’s agricultural community and opportunities for you to make your own agricultural connections!

Best,

Scott.J. Soares, Commissioner

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MDAR Invites Massachusetts Officials and Stakeholders to Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Proclamation Event

WHEN: Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 -- 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Quinsigamond Community College, 670 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA (Soccer Field)

It is a year and a few days that the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) was discovered in Worcester by resident Donna Massie. Donna showed great determination in seeking out the identification of the beetles infesting the trees in her yard and has continued to show vigilance in her quest to protect the trees of Worcester proper and beyond. Since her report on August 1, 2008, local, state, and federal entities have joined together to fight the infestation of this invasive pest which has caused negative impact to the City of Worcester and placed the Commonwealth as well as the entire Northeastern United States on high alert.

As part of MDAR’s outreach efforts, the Department has worked with the Governor’s Office in declaring August as Asian Longhorned Beetle Awareness Month to encourage every resident in the Commonwealth to exercise the same diligence demonstrated by Mrs. Massie: be alert and learn to identify and report sightings of this invasive insect. MDAR thanks the Governor for his significant contribution to helping raise awareness. The Department will also be recognizing Donna Massie for being the first person to report a sighting of this beetle and sound the alarm that effectuated MDAR’s response. MDAR’s sister agency, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), has also been outstanding in its efforts toward the eradication of this invasive insect.

ALB poses a threat not only to our state’s natural resources, but also to the livelihood of industries that depend on these resources, including tourism, nursery trade, and maple production. As part of its collaborative effort with the Massachusetts Asian Longhorned Beetle Cooperative Eradication Program, MDAR will continue to work with federal, state, local and industry partners: the USDA, DCR, the City of Worcester and other impacted municipalities, the nursery and landscape industry, and environmental groups to coordinate the outreach component of the project and provide the public with an opportunity to learn about Asian longhorned beetle and to report any potential sightings. For more information about this event and to RSVP, please contact Jennifer.Forman-Orth@state.ma.us or (617) 626.1735.

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MDAR Energy News

Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP)

The MA Farm Energy Program spent most of the June/July timeframe helping farmers determine what energy efficiency and renewable energy funding is most appropriate to their circumstances, particularly as it applied to USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for which grant proposals were due July 31, 2009. The MFEP with support from the MA Woodlands Institute and Rural Development provided grant writing workshops and currently grant writing assistance for applications to the USDA’s REAP. We hope to continue last year’s success and this year will be able to help MA farmers secure more USDA energy grants to help implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. If you were unable to participate in this year’s USDA EQIP or REAP energy program grant cycles, please stay tuned to these pages and begin planning for next year’s cycle.

At the same time, the MFEP continually helps farmers access:

• The Massachusetts Farm Energy Discount Program of MDAR
• Electric and gas public utility energy conservation & efficiency programs
• The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust (MRET) Initiatives
• MDAR’s Ag Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP)
• Any other energy related program(s)

Through MFEP’s “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%.

Please visit www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/energy.php to see how you can participate in the MA Farm Energy Program.

USDA’s 2009 Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP)

As noted in the previous MFEP article, USDA’s Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) deadline for this year’s grant proposals was July 31, 2009. The MFEP hopes to continue our success from last year in securing more USDA REAP funding to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on MA farms.

REAP renewable energy grants can provide up to 25 percent of eligible project costs, up to $500,000. Loan guarantees or grant and loan guarantee combinations are capped at 75 percent of eligible project costs. If you were unable to participate in this year’s cycle, please plan on possibly participating in next year’s cycle. More details on the current program are available in the Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12178.pdf or on the USDA website www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/9006grant.htm.

Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Net Metering

MA Net Metering Regulations have been adopted effective July 10, 2009. These regulations are the result of a well organized Department of Public Utilities (DPU) effort that included stakeholder input, draft documents, an informational session, a public hearing session and consequent comment period. The Net Metering regulations are a result of the net metering legislation provisions included in the MA Green Communities Act (GCA) signed into law by Governor Patrick last year and provide significant changes to how individuals, businesses, farms and neighborhoods are able to benefit from and implement renewable energy projects in the National Grid, NSTAR, WMECO, and Unitil distribution territories. Briefly, net metering renewable projects can now be up to 2 MW (2,000 kW) in size, credit for excess generation has value more closely resembling retail costs, and the crediting of excess generation is infinite, i.e., goes on month after month. Agricultural net metering facilities enjoy the opportunity to implement a variety of renewable energy technologies. For the actual documents, click here.

In conjunction with the Net Metering Regulations is a corresponding Net Metering Tariff which also must be placed into service concurrently with the adopted net metering regulations and utilized by the utilities and net metering customers alike. DPU held a final technical conference July 21, 2009 and a final model tariff is expected soon. For more information on the model net metering tariff click here.

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MDAR Launches First in Series of Regional Farm Tours

Back by demand, the Department launched in July its first in a series of regional summer/fall farm tours to showcase the challenges, opportunities, and tremendous diversity of the Massachusetts farming community. New to the roster is an urban farm tour that highlights some of the unique conditions faced by farmers in a mostly brick-and-cement environment.

On July 21st, interested legislators and stake holders braved a very rainy and windy day to view Allendale Farm in Brookline, The Food Project in Dorchester, Haley’s Café in Roxbury (that uses locally grown produce), a farmer’s market, and the Serving Ourselves Organic Farm on Boston Long Island Harbor. These low-key, no media events offer an opportunity for farmers to tell their own stories in a way that gives visitors a chance to see, taste, and touch agriculture up close. The success of these tours is the feedback from guests who say after that they have a much greater appreciation of the value of ensuring a vibrant agricultural future in Massachusetts. Above and beyond farming activity within the Rt. 128 belt, see some of the many other programs MDAR is involved with:

MDAR’s Work Inside of Rt. 128:

• Senior Farmer’s Market Coupons and Homebound Distribution $210,000 ($74,550 in the City of Boston) – vouchers are distributed to seniors who can travel to a farmer’s market, and a delivery service is provided to homebound seniors to help them purchase local fresh products.
• Farmer’s Markets – 22 (Farmers’ markets are one of our best tools for preserving farmland, economically viable small business, and a healthy population. They connect the farmers with the consumers. DAR provides assistance with market organization, promotion, and regulatory compliance).
• Schools with DAR Approved Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans – 187 (IPM is a tool for reducing to a minimum, by the amount and type used, the risk associated with pesticides in our schools and daycares. DAR assists in the creation and submission of the plans as mandated by the General Laws, and makes those available to the public for review).
• Greater Boston Food Bank Support – $7.5 Million (DAR oversees the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program which provided $11.25 million to regional food banks in FY’09).
• Pesticide Applicator Licenses – 527 (DAR licenses and regulates all commercial pesticide applicators in the state. Licensing requires extensive testing and continuing education credits. This includes all lawn and landscaping applications as well as indoor pest control applications).
• Schools participating in the Farm to School Program – 7 (DAR works with private schools (K-12) and Colleges and Universities to help facilitate purchases of local agricultural products).
• Pet Shops, Adoption Centers and Rescues – 46 (all are licensed or registered with DAR, undergo inspections, and are under our regulatory oversight).
• Horse Stable or Instruction Licenses – 84 (all stables are inspected and licensed by DAR, and all instructors undergo testing and a licensing).
• Composting Facilities – 5 (DAR operates under a MOU with DEP to oversee commercial composting on farms that take in outside waste. All such facilities undergo an initial review and registration process as well as ongoing regulatory oversight by DAR).

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Savor MA Culinary Tourism Initiative and MA Wine and Cheese Trails Announced!

Earlier this month, DAR's "MassGrown and Fresher" and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) hosted a kick off of the new culinary tourism initiative: Savor Massachusetts that included the new Massachusetts Wine and Cheese Trails at Nashoba Valley Winery, Bolton.

"Savor Massachusetts is one of our newest Massachusetts Grown and Fresher Programs and a natural extension of our efforts to promote agri-tourism throughout our Commonwealth,” said DAR Commissioner Scott Soares. “I invite residents and visitors to the Bay State to celebrate and enjoy Massachusetts farms, farm products, and festivals - one taste at a time."

“The local farm to table industry is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s appeal” said Betsy Wall, executive director Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, “and a rising interest among visitors looking for fresh and unique culinary experiences.”

Culinary tourism is a growing industry that helps tourists plan trips based on what and where they want to eat. The emerging niche market helps develop and promote local food and drink as the main attractions for culinary travelers, fostering support for local communities and economic development.

Go to www.mass.gov/massgrown and click on Savor Massachusetts for a guide to culinary opportunities available in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Wine and Cheese Trails, produced by DAR and the Massachusetts Farm Wineries Association, is available at www.masswinery.com, or to request copies send an email to MDAR.brochure@state.ma.us.

The MA Wine and Cheese Trails include 18 Massachusetts cheesemakers that make more than 75 varieties of artisan and farmstead cheeses, and 11 of them give public tours by appointment. There are 34 licensed wineries across Massachusetts and at least 21are open for tours and tastings of award winning-grape and fruit wines.

Savor Massachusetts Updates:

If you haven't already, email your upcoming fall events to julia.grimaldi@state.ma.us. Deadline for event submission is the last Monday of each month.

Does your farm or locally-minded business offer a "culinary experience"? Complete our culinary tourism survey and be included in the growing number of Savor Massachusetts resources available at www.mass.gov/massgrown.

Looking for something to sip and savor? Massgrown and Fresher is pleased to announce our new Wine & Cheese Trails Guide - a must have culinary resource filled with over 30 Massachusetts wine and cheesemakers. Request a copy today at MDAR.brochure@state.ma.us.

Savor Massachusetts was developed collaboratively by DAR and MOTT, with funding from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop program. In May 2008, DAR received $62,000 to develop the culinary tourism initiative. A second installment of the grant was awarded in April 2009 for $40,000. The first ever Massachusetts Wine and Cheese Trail was funded through a $26,000 USDA Rural Development Grant awarded to DAR.

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AN “AG TAG” = A Great Way to Support Locally Grown

If we can reach our 1500 goal so that the RMV will begin production of this specialty license plate, the “Ag Tag” guarantees a continual stream of revenue that goes directly to support local agriculture.

Whether you drive a hybrid, pick-up, Hummer, or Smart Car, we all have to renew our license plates every two years. Proceeds from the renewal fee go to the Agricultural Trust Fund to fund programs and services to help the agricultural community of Massachusetts remain sustainable and vibrant for future generations. Order the “best-looking-specialty-license-plate-around” Ag Tag today! Contact Anna Waclawiczek at 617.626.1703 or Anna.Waclawiczek@state.ma.us for more information.

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Animal Owners Reminded to Protect Animals from Mosquitoes

In addition to keeping your family safe from West Nile Virus (WNv) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEv), MDAR reminds animal owners that warmer weather after a wet summer can spell trouble for their animals being bitten by mosquitoes. WNv and EEEv have been found in mosquitoes in Massachusetts and pose a risk to some species, such as horses, ratites (e.g. ostrich, emu) and pheasants. Recently, mosquitoes tested positive for EEEv in Freetown, MA, the same town where there was one case of EEE virus infection identified in a horse last year.

Every year has potential for virus activity and keeping current on vaccinations is one way to keep your animals healthy. While horses cannot spread either WNv or EEEv to other animals or humans, emus infected with EEEv develop a hemorrhagic (bleeding) disease and can spread the virus if humans or other animals have contact with their blood.

Reducing mosquito breeding sites on your property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools can also help reduce risk. Horse troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitat and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near the paddock area. Keeping horses in indoor stalls at night may be helpful in reducing their risk of infection. Additionally, placement of fans may reduce the ability of mosquitoes to land and feed on horses.

WNv and EEEv are reportable diseases and if an animal is diagnosed with one of these, it should be reported to MDAR, Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795.

For information on mosquito control in your city or town, the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (the Board) within the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources oversee mosquito control in Massachusetts (www.mass.gov/agr/mosquito/ ). The Board can be contacted at 617-626-1777. Additionally, any one of the nine established mosquito control districts in the state that provide service to 153 cities and towns can be contacted directly. Contact information for each district can be found at www.mass.gov/agr/mosquito/districts.htm.

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Boston Greenfest Opportunity

Organizers of second annual Boston Greenfest are looking for growers who would like to take part in a special farmers’ market during the two day festival on Boston’s City Hall Plaza, August 21 and 22. Organized by the Foundation for a Green Future, Inc., Boston Greenfest is an entertaining education festival celebrating the many ways we can create a better world by greening our neighborhoods, our communities and the entire Greater Boston area. It will engage the participants, young and old, in a search for new ideas and approaches to reduce our impact on our planet. The festivities will include "Project Recycle Runway", a walk through the Time Tunnel, gospel with the Boston Community Choir, fun with the "YoYo Show", lots more entertainment, food, and fun activities for children. Festival-goers will learn what it means to eat and grow local organic food, improve nutrition and healthcare, green our city, build healthy communities, take political action, create green jobs and a green economy. Over 100,000 attendees are expected.

For more information go to www.bostongreenfest.org or contact Karen Weber at 617-477-4840 or karen@foundationforagreenfuture.org.

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Governor Patrick Proclaims August 16-22 Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week

Calling the more than 190 farmers’ markets across the Commonwealth “essential to the vitality of Massachusetts farms,” Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed August 16-22 Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week. The week officially kicks off Monday, August 17, when Agricultural Resources Commissioner Scott Soares will read the Governor’s proclamation at the 25th 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. “Farmers’ markets create a festive open air setting which enhances community spirit and civic pride by offering a natural place for community gathering. It is befitting for the citizens of Massachusetts to recognize the continued contribution of farmers’ markets to local consumers, as well as their positive impact on the economy of the Commonwealth.”

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Massachusetts Tomato Contest to be Held August 17th

The 25th Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest will be held at Boston’s City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market on Monday, August 17th 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 17th or drop their entries off with the corresponding registration form to one of several locations around the state on August 15th or 16th. These tomatoes will be brought into Boston on Monday. For the complete details, including contest criteria and a registration form, go to: www.mass.gov/agr/markets/tomato_contest.htm

The 25th 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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5th Annual NOFA Organic Lawn & Turf Course

Boost your business! Learn how to have healthy, beautiful lawn! Do it yourself or hire a professional!

The 5th annual NOFA Organic Lawn & Turf Course will be held Friday, August 7th at UMass Amherst in the Student Union Ballroom from 8 am to 5 pm. The course covers all aspects of lawn and turfgrass management including soil health, pest management, water conservation, cultural practices and more. Lunch and the NOFA Organic Lawn & Turf Handbook are included in the course fee. $150 for first person from firm/town or individuals; $125 each additional person. For more info: www.nofasummerconference.org, or call Kathy Litchfield (413) 773-3830 or email kathy@nofamass.org.

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Stop Sale Orders Issued on Specialty Fertilizer Products.

Official inspection and sampling throughout Massachusetts over the last 3 years indicate that Agway Dehydrated Manure 1-1-1, Agway Premium Cow Manure 1-1-1, and Agway Manure & Humus .5-.5-.5 fall well below their Guaranteed Analysis. The above products are deemed false and misleading according to Massachusetts General Law c 128 Section 76. A Stop Sale Order was issued on June 22, 2009.

Year to date, Crop & Pests Services inspectors have drawn 347 fertilizer samples. Laboratory results from Spectrum Analytic Inc. are expected to be finalized by July, 2009. For more info., contact Bob Rondeau, Crop & Pest Services, Robert .Rondeau@state.ma.us, 617-626-1804.

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Flower Twilight Meetings

Redesigning a Garden Center and Farm Stand for Future Growth
September 2, Volante Farms, Inc., 226 Brookside Rd., Needham, MA
4:30 PM to 7:00 PM - Program details: www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events/index.html

Volante Farms, farmstand and garden center recently redesigned and constructed their garden center featuring a new, state-of-the-art 16,000 square foot gutter-connected greenhouse with rainwater collection, ebb and flood benches, heated floor, shade curtains and more. Join us for pizza and an evening learning about their renovation. Cosponsored by University of Massachusetts Extension Greenhouse Crops and Floriculture Program and Massachusetts Flower Growers Association. For more information, contact: Tina Smith 413-545-5306 – tsmith@umext.umass.edu, Paul Lopes 508-295-2212 ext. 24 – lopes@umext.umass.edu or Bob Luczai 781-275-4811 - bluczai@ballseed.com

Biological Control for Ornamentals in Greenhouses - Putting It All Together
September 17, Tolland County Extension Center, Vernon, Connecticut
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM - Program details: www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events/index.html

UMass Extension and UConn Extension have teamed up for this program with funding provided by a grant from Northeast SARE. Featuring speakers Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, Buglady Consulting, Ron Valentin, Biobest and Carol Glenister, IPM Laboratories for a full day of what works and what doesn't when using biological control in greenhouses. Four and a half pesticide credits toward recertification have been requested. Sponsored by University of Massachusetts Extension University of Connecticut, and Northeast SARE. For more information, contact: Tina Smith 413-545-5306 – tsmith@umext.umass.edu.

NEWS FROM USDA

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USDA Provides $71 Million to Rehabilitate Farmland Damaged by Floods, Hurricanes and Other Disasters

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that farmers and ranchers will receive approximately $71 million in Emergency Conservation Program funds to repair farmland damaged by natural disasters that happened in 2008 and 2009.

The money will be used to remove farmland debris; restore fences; grade and shape land; repair conservation structures that were damaged by floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, storms and wildfires, and carry out emergency water conservation measures after severe drought.

"President Obama and I are committed to helping farmers and ranchers restore farmland, fences and conservation measures devastated by disasters, and to help stimulate the rural economies affected by these disasters," said Vilsack. "USDA has always worked hand in hand with producers during disasters, and we will continue to do so throughout the recovery process."

For land to be eligible, the natural disaster must have created conservation problems that, if untreated, would:

• impair or endanger the land;
• materially affect the land's productive capacity;
• represent unusual damage that, except for wind erosion, is not likely to recur frequently in the same area; and
• be so costly to repair that federal assistance is or will be required to return the land to productive agricultural use.

All of the above conditions must be met for land to be eligible. Conservation issues that existed before the disaster are not eligible for cost-share assistance. USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees determine land eligibility based on on-site inspections of damage, taking into account the type and extent of damage.

The states and estimated dollar amounts for this round of Emergency Conservation Program funding are:

Maine	$20,000
Massachusetts	$2,567,000
New Hampshire	$126,000
Vermont	$260,000
Complete list at: www.usda.gov/wps/portal?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/07/0306.xml

A detailed list of counties and associated specific disasters is on FSA's website at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/ecpcounties3.pdf.

A national map with a visual depiction of the affected counties and disaster types is on the FSA website at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/ecpmap3.pdf.

The remainder of these funds will be allocated as additional requests are processed. For further information on eligibility requirements as well as applications, producers may visit their FSA county office or online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

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IN EVERY ISSUE

CLASSIFIED ADS

• Asking price: $2500 (delivery not included) for: 1 - Lobster cage with 3” foot valve; 880’ - (approximate footage) of 3” DRISCO pipe; 1 - 3” Tee with flanges; 1 – 2” Ball valve; 200’ – (approximately) 2” and 11/4” Poly pipe; 25 – Pipe clamps: 3”, 2”, 11/4”; 1 – Galvy 3” Tee with Male adapters; 1 – 3” Brass check valve; Asst. - 2” Brass fittings – check valve, ball valves, Tee’s, nipples; 4 – 4-Bolt flange caskets; 1 – Monarch 5hp NSPHE-500 Single Phase – 230 volt Pump; 10 – Assorted sprinkler heads, valves, risers – misc. small fittings. John Ripley, mosssp@comcast.net if interested.
• J&M Livetock Fencing, High tensile wire contractors, 508-612-0945
• Empire Packaging Company carries a full line of retail & wholesale packaging for fruits & vegetables. Please call (508) 426-7813 or (800) 562-5520. Empire Packaging "Your Packaging Resource."
• FARM FOR SALE - Large classic colonial house with updates and wrap-around porch, 2 vehicle garage, barn with new additions including workshop, newer building used for retail, 2 woven-wire fenced in pastures, all on just under 5 acres of land. More land available for rent. Located on quiet country back road in West Northfield, yet just 10 minutes from I-91. Email alpaca0410@yahoo.com for more information, pictures.
• For sale: Replacement pullets. Brown and blue egg layers. Ready from mid-July through late October. Muscovy ducklings available after July 10. Limited number. Certified Organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers. Call 508-763-5901.

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 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.

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CALENDAR

• August 7-9: Northeast Organic Farming Association - 35TH Annual Summer Conference - UMass, Amherst. 150 workshops on organic farming, gardening, land care, sustainability and homesteading. Teen and children’s program. Organic Lawn & Turf Course - Community Farm Workshop Track – Mass Grass Grazing School. Keynote speakers: Paul Stamets, mushroom expert and author of Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World and Will Allen, founder and CEO of Growing Power, an organization that brings knowledge about sustainable food systems to urban areas. To register visit www.nofasummerconference.org. For more information contact the NOFA Summer Conference office at (978) 355-2853 or nofa@nofamass.org.
• August 17: Regional meeting for Southern New England Dairy Producers, UConn - Storrs, CT at the Bishop Conference Center, Rt 195 - This meeting will provide an opportunity to address the national dairy crisis and its impacts on southern New England.
• September 13: Grow Food Everywhere! School Gardens and Greenhouses, 3-6 PM, Seeds of Solidarity, Orange MA. This popular back to school workshop features school garden and greenhouse techniques, curriculum connections, and building community partnerships. Join a most important element of the local food revolution: fresh food for all children. Geared toward educators, all are welcome. PDPs available. $15 covers materials and refreshments. Fills fast, call or email to reserve your spot.  978-544-9023  or solidarity@seedsofsolidarity.org
• September 21-25: Mass. Harvest for Students Week 2009. Activities and resources for farms and school food services will be provided by the Mass. Farm to School Project, 413-253-3844 kelerwin@localnet.com.
• September 24: Massachusetts Day at the Eastern States Exposition. If interested in displaying or performing, contact Steve Walsh (MOTT), 617-973-8586 or Rick LeBlanc, 617-626-1759.
• October 3: Salute to Specialty Foods/Products Day at the Eastern States Exposition. If interested in a booth, contact Bonita Oehlke, bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us, 617-626-1753.

*** 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.

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About the Farm & Market Report

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

• Scott Soares, Commissioner, Scott.Soares@state.ma.us
• Nathan L’Etoile, Asst. Commissioner, Nathan.L’Etoile@state.ma.us
• Anna Waclawiczek, Chief of Staff, Anna.Waclawiczek@state ma.us

Division Directors

• Michael Cahill, Director of Animal Health, Michael.Cahill@state.ma.us
• Lee Corte-Real, Director of of Crop and Pest Services, Lee.Corte-Real@state.ma.us
• Mary Jordan, Director of Agricultural Development, Mary.Jordan@state.ma.us
• Gerard Kennedy, Director of Agricultural Technical Assistance, Gerard.Kennedy@state.ma.us

Next issue to be published for October/ November. Please send news, calendar and/or classified information by September 30th 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.