www.Mass.gov/AGRwww.Mass.gov/AGRLOCAL NEWS
IN EVERY ISSUE
The New ABCs (Agriculture’s Benefit and Connections)
Dear Friends,
A soggy spring has yielded to a delightfully temperate fall as evidenced by the bountiful offering of fresh fruits and vegetables to be found at Massachusetts farm stands and now at a record 200 farmers’ markets located throughout the state.
Nonetheless the weather-related crop damage suffered during the primary
growing season was very severe indeed with some growers having reported
losing their entire crop. We began monitoring the impact of the weather
early on along with our partners at the University of Massachusetts Extension
Service and the USDA Farm Service Agency. Reported losses exceeded the
30% loss threshold in 10 of our 14 counties making those counties eligible
for a USDA Secretarial Disaster Declaration. On August 27, based upon the
reported losses and our efforts to find some relief for growers, Governor
Patrick requested a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for the affected counties.
On September 25th, the Massachusetts congressional delegation joined in
advocating for relief to hard-hit farmers. I am happy to report that the
Governor’s request received a favorable response and as a result additional
financial resources will be made available for growers across our Commonwealth.
We have coordinated with USDA Farm Service Agency to provide informational
opportunities at upcoming meetings across the state that will be announced
as the dates are finalized.
Our ongoing battle against the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Massachusetts continues to gain momentum. Following Governor Patrick’s proclamation of August as Asian Longhorned Beetle Awareness Month (reported in the Aug/Sept Farm & Market Report), our MDAR staff has been busy organizing community training events around the state in recognition of the critical role that public partners will play in controlling and ideally eradicating this invasive pest. We are grateful for the many people who have stepped up to help “see the trees (and more importantly the beetles!) for the forest” and give thanks for their front line efforts.
As for the continuing dairy crisis, I recently joined my counterpart Secretary and Commissioners from New England at Conant Dairy Farm in Richmond, Vermont to jump start a program that has been developed in an effort to address public interest in supporting the dairy industry in Massachusetts and New England. Surveys and collected data all point to the fact that consumers are willing to pay more for milk as long as there is certainty that the additional amount they pay goes directly to the dairy farmer. Keep Local Farms is first being adopted at various Colleges and Universities throughout New England and working toward a co-branding program that will ultimately provide consumers with the opportunity to directly support Massachusetts and New England dairy farms. Although this program will not be the silver bullet for the dairy industry crisis, we are hopeful that it provides some relief parallel to our other efforts, including the current formation of a USDA Dairy Advisory Commission, now underway. We and our federal counterparts recognize that we must find viable solutions for this integral and important part of our agricultural identity.
I also had the opportunity recently to interact with my counterparts from across the country at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. The dairy crisis was discussed at length and has clearly risen as a top priority nationally. Other commodity sectors are also feeling the pinch including meat producers (pork and beef) as well as poultry. With these issues in mind, amongst the Secretaries, Commissioners and Directors of Agriculture from across the country, we have already begun talking about the 2012 farm bill as well as opportunities within the existing 2008 farm bill to help stabilize the agriculture industry. Some of those opportunities are reflective of the ways that Massachusetts agriculture has become a national leader in linkages between consumers and agriculture, preserving working landscapes, and enhancing equitable access to locally grown agricultural products. Our farmers continue to serve as a national model for many of these opportunities, such as: Farm to School, Farmers’ Market development that is inclusive of EBT (electronic benefit transfer) technology, alternative energy, and implementation of conservation practices as an economic and environmental benefit. In fact, efforts to increase the Commonwealth’s commitment to preservation of land and working landscapes have led to increased federal support in recognition of our successful efforts as a leader in national farm land protection. For Fiscal Year 2009, we permanently protected nearly 2,000 additional acres through 33 different parcels, a new annual record, adding to the more than 63,000 acres of permanently protected Massachusetts farm land.
The pace at DAR has not slowed for a moment since my last August/September
letter and I am pleased to report some measurable achievements both for
the agricultural community and the agency. A most impressive and measurable
successes to date has been our ability to significantly gain visibility
for agriculture in Massachusetts. Using media contact as a measure: in
2008, DAR sent out 17 press releases and was averaging 1-2 media calls
per week. By the end of this year, DAR will have sent a minimum of 40 press
releases (that’s double!) and is averaging 1-2 press calls a day. These
calls are often specific to developments in Massachusetts agriculture and
have given us the ideal opportunity to further support our “buy local”
interests. Importantly, DAR staff, working alongside an accomplished and
supportive press team at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs, is doing an excellent job to draw attention to all of the many
important programs and services that span our agency – from shellfish &
award-winning wine, to energy initiatives, to EEE vaccinations to IPM school
plans. This is a remarkable achievement given the small size of our agency
and the fact that we are working within the confines of an extremely challenging
budget. Accordingly, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank
the exceptional staff that I have the privilege of working with everyday.
With fall also comes the close of the Fair season where, when the weather was with us, we saw phenomenal attendance and interest. This year, as was true for the last three seasons, we hosted Governor Patrick at the Massachusetts Building on Massachusetts Day at the Big E and also hosted a number of Legislators including many members of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. During our annual meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture we were also very happy to welcome new Board member Mr. Fred Dabney of Quansett Nursery in South Dartmouth who was appointed by Governor Patrick in September. We are already planning for the 2010 Exposition and looking forward to opportunities to improve an already great event for our collective interests.
As Commissioner, my goal is to make sure that locally grown transcends the potential status of fad to become a permanent fixture in the Commonwealth’s nutritional repertoire. Outreach, partnership building, and innovation will the benchmarks to reaching this goal. I invite you to read on about the many exciting things happening in agriculture and stay tuned for many exciting updates to come!
Best,
Scott.J. Soares, Commissioner
Massachusetts Outdoor Hydronic Heater Change-Out Program RFP
(The following solicitation is applicable to all our farms and agri-businesses wishing to upgrade to the new MassachusettsDEP Outdoor Wood Boiler regulations.)
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is pleased to announce
that the Massachusetts Outdoor Hydronic Heater Change-Out Program Request
for Proposals has been released.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3 PM, NOVEMBER 3, 2009
All information regarding this program are available at www.comm-pass.com
Search Key Words: "RFP-ENE-2010-007" OR CLICK HERE.
Please share this announcement widely to those that may be interested. Each application is eligible to receive up to $20,000 to install a new wood boiler that that complies with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s regulations for cleaner burning units.
Each unit considered for this program must meet the following requirements:
Please refer to the RFP for complete requirements and program details.
Massachusetts High Performance Buildings RFP
(The following press release/solicitation is applicable to all of our farms and agri-businesses.)
Patrick Administration Solicits Proposals for Projects that Demonstrate Energy Solutions for Massachusetts Buildings
$15 million in stimulus funding allocated for trailblazing “high performance” building projects that deliver dramatic energy savings and economic benefits
As part of Governor Patrick’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the
state’s economic future, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is inviting
proposals for $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
funding for projects that demonstrate dramatic increases in energy efficiency
in buildings across the Commonwealth. The stimulus funding opportunity
is open to both public and private entities, including businesses, hospitals,
universities, municipalities, community organizations, and others.
DOER’s Program Opportunity Notice seeks proposals for innovative projects offering solutions to long-standing building energy challenges. The Massachusetts High Performance Buildings Grant Program is a key component of the Commonwealth’s State Energy Program for investment of ARRA funding, which the US Department of Energy approved in July. Demonstrating ways to significantly reduce energy use, as well as substituting clean energy alternatives for fossil fuel, the program will pave the way for widespread building energy performance improvements beyond measures provided through existing state- and utility-run efficiency programs.
Successful proposals, which are due to DOER by October 28, must be shown to work throughout Massachusetts in buildings of similar size and type. Proposals must also provide evidence that projects will yield significant economic, energy, and environmental benefits.
DOER is seeking projects that address one or more of these challenges:
Awards under this program are expected to range from $500,000 to $5 million each for projects that are ready to begin immediately after the award and can be completed within three years. DOER expects to announce awards in December.
To view the Request for Responses, visit www.mass.gov/doer
Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP):
Even as FY 2009 USDA REAP and EQIP energy program deadlines have passed,
the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP) continues to help farmers
access:
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 Massachusetts 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. An initial round of successful applicants included three (3) Massachusetts businesses – one of these was an agricultural producer and two were small businesses. Further details will be forthcoming. We await further announcements in the coming weeks.
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 Web site http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/9006grant.htm.
USDA’s EQIP Energy Program -2009
For the first time, in FY 2009 the Massachusetts Natural Resources Conservation
Services (NRCS) division of USDA sponsored energy related completive grants
under their Air and Quality Program. Several farms have been pre-approved.
Similar to the REAP grants, further details will be forthcoming. In the
meantime, we anticipate another round of Massachusetts USDA NRCS energy
related grant funding for FY 2010 which begins October 1, 2009. Please
contact and stay in touch with your local USDA NRCS for more information
as this becomes available. Similar to the REAP Grants above, this funding
opportunity can be significant toward building qualified energy efficiency
and/or renewable energy projects.
Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Net Metering – Regulations and Model Tariffs
As noted in the previous Farm and Market Report, Massachusetts Net Metering Regulations have been adopted effective July 10, 2009. See this link for the details.
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 to be utilized by the utilities and net metering customers alike. DPU held a final technical conference July 21, 2009 followed by a DPU Order to all effected utilities to submit final model tariffs which they did. As a matter of protocol, the next step is for DPU to issue notices for public hearings for each of the utility companies. It is anticipated that all the public hearings will be held at the DPU on October 14, 2009. Final adoption of the tariffs will depend on the significance of intervention at the public hearings.
BIG E Features Working Photovoltaic (PV) Display
In addition to the solar powered Big Belly trash compactors located all
around the fairgrounds, and once again provided by the Massachusetts Renewable
Energy Trust (MRET) and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC),
the BIG E will feature a working PV display behind the Massachusetts Building.
The display was fabricated and installed by Berkshire Photovoltaic Services
(BPVS) of Adams, MA, a family owned solar company owned by Chris Derby
Kilfoyle for over 25 years, serving all of Massachusetts and New England.
BPVS is widely known to the farming community having installed several
PV systems for farms here in MA. The BIG E PV display features two (2)
200-watt PV panels manufactured by Massachusetts based GreenRay of Westford,
MA, which by themselves features self-contained DC-to-AC inverters. The
panels are mounted on a barn-like structure and are electrically inter-connected
to a breaker panel at the back of the Massachusetts building which serves
all of the outside electrical needs, including the building’s refrigeration
truck. A HUGE thank you to Chris Kilfoyle and BPVS for their donated time
and effort, to GreenRay for their product, as well as to Western Massachusetts
Electric Company (WMECO) who worked hard and quickly to provide the necessary
temporary inter-connect required to make this impressive working display
part of this year’s BIG E.
Governor Patrick, Commissioner Soares, and Assistant Commissioner Nathan
L’Etoile were out at the fairs this season in support of our agricultural
diversity, superb local artisans, and Massachusetts livestock to be found
at agricultural state fairs across the Commonwealth.
Governor Patrick and Commissioner Scott Soares attended both Massachusetts Day at the Big E September 24th as well as the Grand Opening of the Topsfield Fair on October 3rd. At the Big E, the Governor made a special effort to seek out the dairy folks and also recognized many of the vendors exhibiting inside the Massachusetts Building at the Big E.
The Governor toured the Topsfield Fair grounds on Opening Day. Commissioner
Soares was on hand at the giant pumpkin weigh-in contest. Bill Rodonis
of Litchfield, NH was this year’s winner with a winning pumpkin weighing
1,461.60 pounds!
MDAR is once again planning to offer two very popular courses for both aspiring and experienced farmers during the coming winter months:
1) Exploring Your Small Farm Dream (Explorer)
The Explorer Program is intended for those who are considering farming as a small and likely part-time business. Its purpose is to help pre-venture, aspiring farmers learn what it will take to start and manage their own profitable agricultural enterprise, and to decide whether this is a path they really want to/can take. Explorer makes use of four guided group sessions, an acclaimed workbook, Instructors experienced in starting ag businesses, and extensive supporting resources. The goal of Explorer is to help you decide whether starting an agricultural business is right for you and, based on that decision, to help you plan practical next steps. It was created to help you articulate the clear vision and goals you will need to guide a new agricultural venture. Explorer meets four times (6-9 PM) over a six week window, usually beginning in January or February.
2) Tilling the Soil of Opportunity (TTS)
This innovative, farmer friendly course focuses on existing agricultural businesses that will benefit from an organized look at their current operation in order to plan for growth and change. Over 240 Massachusetts agricultural enterprises have completed TTS.
The course Instructor guides participants through creation of a business plan to improve decision making on the owner/operator’s farm. MDAR has enhanced the 35 hours of group meetings with additional individualized technical assistance and confidential one-on-one financial planning. The Instructor visits every participant’s farm/ag enterprise at least once during the course.
TTS meets 10 times (6-9 PM) on a once weekly basis over an 11 week window that begins in January.
***As usual, we locate Explorer and TTS courses according to demand in a region. We have tentative plans to offer a session of each in Amherst and a session of TTS in Southeastern Mass. The sooner you get information and register (see information below), the sooner we can get them scheduled!
3) NEW! In addition, we will be piloting one session (in Amherst) of a
new offering for past Explorer graduates who are still working on taking
the next steps but are not ready for TTS. We are calling this session Small
Farm Planner. It will begin in December and will meet three times over
three months, with extensive email interaction between. If you have completed
Explorer – here in Massachusetts or elsewhere – and are familiar with the
workbook for that course, please contact Rick Chandler (see below ASAP!
TO RECEIVE REGISTRATION INFORMATION OR TO TALK TO THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR CONTACT:
Rick Chandler, MDAR
101 University Drive, Suite C-4
Amherst, MA 01002 - Email: rick.chandler@state.ma.us, Phone: 413-548-1905.
Continued, unprecedented interest in "locally grown" and changes at MDAR over the past 6 months have put Massachusetts agriculture in the spot light. On April 10, 2009 Scott Soares was appointed Commissioner of the MDAR and the pace at the Department hasn’t been the same since! One of the Commissioner’s key objectives has been to build and strengthen partnerships at the local, state, and federal level. This coupled with the increased interest in locally grown initiatives has brought with it expanded outreach and PR opportunities. Media inquiries about agricultural news events as well as many of the Department’s programs and services have jumped from 1-2 calls per week in 2008 to 1-2 calls minimum per day! Below is the 2009 press schedule which also highlights not only the uptick in releases but also the span of activity across the Department’s four divisions (Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop & Pest Services, and Agricultural Technical Assistance). In 2008 the Department logged 17 press releases. By the end of 2009 it will have released well over 40 through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs press office. The Department is also exploring the utilization of a blog site and Flickr Gallery to further highlight ag-achievements in our Commonwealth. Stay tuned!"
| LAND Grants Funding | 27-Jan |
| USDA Census | 12-Feb |
| Agricultural Grants - Dairy farming, biofuels and farm labor study projects funded | 6-Mar |
| Massachusetts Maple Month Kickoff | 6-Mar |
| Ag Day at the State House | 10-Mar |
| Advisory: Signs of Asian Longhorned Beetle Damage | 25-Mar |
| Rabies Vaccination Clinics | 3-Apr |
| Scott Soares Appointed as New DAR Commissioner | 6-Apr |
| New Amherst Office | 16-Apr |
| New Round of Agricultural Grants | 8-May |
| Ag Tag Promotion | 19-May |
| Farm and Market Report (June/July Issue) | June/July |
| Energy Grants | 9-Jun |
| Bay State Farmers' Market Season Begins | 19-Jun |
| $100,000 in Buy Local Grants Awarded | 29-Jun |
| Agri-Tourism Promotion | 30-Jun |
| DAR Advisory – Invasive Plants | 1-Jul |
| Agricultural Fairs – media advisory and brochure | 3-Jul |
| Town of Hadley Honored for APRs | 7-Jul |
| MA Wine and Cheese Trail/Savor MA Kick-off | 8-Jul |
| Media Alert Shelburne Falls Farmers’ Mkt visit (Commissioner) | 8-Jul |
| Holyoke Farmers’ Mkt visit (Commissioner) | 22-Jul |
| Despite Rain Delay, Berry Season Bursts into the Bay State | 5-Aug |
| Advisory West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis | 5-Aug |
| Asian Longhorned Beetle Awareness Month | 11-Aug |
| Massachusetts Tomato Festival Winners | 18-Aug |
| Farm Viability Enhancement Program Investments for FY09 Nearly $1 Million | 25-Aug |
| Davis Square Farmers’ Market (Commissioner) | 1-Sep |
| Integrated Pest Management in Schools | 1-Sep |
| Agritourism & Apples | 11-Sep |
| Keep Local Farms Program – Northeast Dairy Farmers Initiative | 17-Sep |
| Massachusetts Harvest for Students Week | 18-Sep |
| Big E and Massachusetts Day | 28-Sep |
| Federal Relief for Masachusetts Farmers | pending |
| AEEP Grants | pending |
| Traditional Vs Non-Traditional Crop Availability | pending |
| Aquaculture | pending |
| Thanksgiving / Holidays | 30-Oct |
| Christmas Trees, Wreath Making & Specialty Foods | 27-Nov |
| Responsible Pet Adoption | 4-Dec |
| Eggs | 29-Dec |
| CSA’s | 29-Dec |
Recently, 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 Massachusetts 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.
Applications for the Forest Viability and Enhancement Program are currently available and are due to the Farm Bureau office in Ashland on Friday, October 16, 2009.
Forest landowners may apply to the Forest Viability and Enhancement Program under any one or a combination of the three business categories below:
1.) Traditional Forest Products – 100 acre minimum: Development of a Forest Viability Enhancement Plan to achieve greater economic return though the marketing, processing, and sale of traditional forest products such as saw logs, cordwood, and pulp.
2.) Non-Traditional Forest Products – 20 acre minimum: Development of a Forest Viability Enhancement Plan to grow, produce, or make non-traditional forest products including: medicinal and nutraceutical plants (ginseng, witch-hazel, and slippery elm bark) food products (maple syrup, mushrooms, and nuts) decorative and handicraft products (wreaths, greens, landscaping plants, basket splints, birch bark or other wood/vine products) or rustic furniture
3.) Recreation and Wildlife – 100 acre minimum: Development of a Forest Viability Enhancement Plan to achieve economic return based on recreational and wildlife activities including: cross-country ski/hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and environmental education.
Groups of landowners may jointly apply for a Forest Viability and Enhancement Plan in order to achieve the recommended acreages, but in turn they must all agree to sign a letter of intent with DCR to maintain their forest on their respective properties for a 7-year period. Further, they must all agree to sign a 20-year covenant on their properties if they accept funding for Plan implementation. The forest landowner(s) must also agree to sign a contract with DCR to implement the approved Forest Viability and Enhancement Plan.
Landowners who are not currently engaged in a forest-based business may be eligible if they can demonstrate a proficient knowledge and experience of their proposed forest-based business.
Applications are available on the Farm Bureau website (www.mfbf.net) or by mail. Requests for mailed applications should be sent to Kent Lage at 466 Chestnut Street, Ashland, MA 01721 or kent@mfbf.net.
The Pesticide Program in the Division of Crop and Pest Services is currently mailing out the 2010 pesticide license renewal forms and letters. The renewal forms and letters are being sent only to those individuals who maintained their private or commercial pesticide credentials in the 2009 calendar year.
If you let your pesticide credential expire at the end of calendar year 2008 and did not renew it before June 30, 2009, you must retest to be issued a new pesticide license.
The 2010 renewal forms will be due on December 1, 2009. If you maintained your Massachusetts Pesticide Credential in 2009, but do not receive a renewal form and letter by November 1, 2009, please call Steven Antunes-Kenyon, Pesticide Operations Coordinator at (617) 626-1784 or email steve.kenyon@state.ma.us.
On Wednesday, September 16th Commissioner Scott Soares and Commissioner
Julia Kehoe, from the
Department of Transitional Assistance, teamed up at the Lawrence Farmers’ Market to show off their healthy cooking skills and announce a new partnership to bring increased EBT access to Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets. Before helping UMASS Extension cook up a vegetable stir fry, the Commissioners announced DAR and DTA are working together to enhance the availability and use of SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) at farmers’ markets throughout the state. An announcement was made by the Departments of release of $50,000 in the form of grants to farmers’ markets to facilitate the purchase an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Terminal and promote the use of EBT at their market. Farmers’ market managers will receive more information about this opportunity in the near future. To read more about the event, click here.
The MDAR is working with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture to identify the market for locally grown hops, as well as identify technical issues related to growing and production. The increase in the number of microbrewers and craft brewers with strong interest in sourcing local hops as well as different varieties of hops is increasing. New England and New York were the major hop producing areas of the country until diseases, downey mildew in particular, pushed the production to the west. Small scale hop production is appearing in New England, New York and Pennsylvania. Please send an email to: Bonita.Oehlke@state.ma.us.
Nutrition for Greenhouse Crops
October 20, 2009, Publick House, Rte. 131, Sturbridge, MA
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Nutrition for Greenhouse Crops will feature practical information on using water soluble fertilizers, options for organic growers, using controlled release fertilizers, identifying nutritional disorders and correcting them and interpreting water tests for fertilizer selection. Program details and registration is available at:
www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events/index.html
Cost: $40
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
Program details: www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events/index.html
Greenhouse and High Tunnel Tomato Conference
November 3, 2009
Place: Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center, Sturbridge, MA
Time: 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM
Nationally recognized speakers will present information on different types of tunnels and costs, various components of greenhouse tomato production and leading growers in the industry will share their expertise.
Cost: $40
Sponsored by University of Massachusetts, University of Connecticut, University of Rhode Island and Northeast SARE.
For more information, contact: Tina Smith 413-545-5306 – tsmith@umext.umass.edu
Program details: www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events/index.html
Hames & Axle Farm - Ashburnham, MA 01430 - www.hamesaxle.com/Workshops.html
Every day people are waking up with a desire to know where their food is coming from. For some, that means a finding a farmer’s market or starting their own gardens, but for others, it’s a thought about keeping a family milk supply.
Nigerian dwarf goats, such as those raised by Hames & Axle Farm in Ashburnham, MA are ideal for today’s small family. Easy to handle, affectionate and with amazingly sweet milk, these little goats are increasingly finding their ways into backyards and hobby farms throughout the nation. As more people seek goat’s milk and goat cheeses, Nigerian dwarf goats are a great way to raise those products personally.
Keeping a dairy goat isn’t difficult, but finding enough information can be a challenge, especially for these miniature dairy goats. Pat Stewart, the farmer at Hames & Axle Farm and the author of “Personal Milkers: A Primer to Nigerian Dwarf Goats,” will be conducting a workshop entitled “Beginning Goat Keeping – Nigerian Dwarf Style,” at the farm on Saturday, October 17, 2009.
Participants will learn about housing, feeding, veterinary concerns, as well as things to look for in a goat, how to milk and handle the milk for safe consumption. The workshop starts at 10 a.m. and will continue until approximately 4:00 p.m.
Those interested in attending the workshop, for which there is a $50 fee, should contact Pat Stewart at Farm@hamesaxle.com or 978-827-1305. Attendees should bring a lunch, and the Stewart’s will provide beverages.
Deadline November 27, 2009
The Microloan Fund for New England Farmers next application deadline is November 27th, 2009. Loan applications for amounts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, for terms up to 5 years, will be accepted from prequalified applicants. Applications will be limited to farms located in Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Counties) with a primary focus on small loans to small-sized farms that use sustainable and organic methods (or are moving toward them), and that are marketing at least a portion of their products to local markets. Eligibility is limited to farms with 250 acres, or less, in active production, and annual gross revenue of $250,000 or less. Acceptable purposes for the loans are capital investments and other expenses that help improve efficiency or quality, or that expand production and sales; repairs necessary to maintain farm operations; short term operating needs such as inventory, supplies or labor; and emergency funds to deal with business interruptions from fire, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events. Prequalification questionnaires are available at www.thecarrotproject.org/farm_financing or at info@thecarrotproject.org or Dorothy Suput at 617-666-9637.
We will also be hosting an educational workshop The Microloan Fund for New England Farmers – Is it right for my farm? If you are asking yourself if credit is right for your business or want to find out more about the Microloan Fund for New England Farmers as well as other financing and business planning resources. Please join us at 10 am on Wednesday, November 4th in the conference room at the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture offices in Amherst. To learn more or register view our website, www.thecarrotproject.org, or contact workshop@thecarrotproject.org or call 617-666-9637.
Be a Vendor at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s First Festival of Trees being held at Elm Bank November 27-December 4, 2009. The Vendor opportunity is Friday November 27-Sunday November 29th. Space is limited. Our most recent summer events have been well attended and our last symposium was a sold out crowd. We expect that this new venture will be equally successful. The application deadline is Nov 1, 2009 for Festival of Trees.
Early response allows both you and our staff to plan for and promote your attendance. Your space will be in the Education Building with the Festival of Trees in the Hunnewell Building. Each space will be 4’x 6’ and you will be provided with a 6’ table and 2 chairs. Please take some time to review the information attached. Contact Kathleen Thomas, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 617-933-4981, kmthomas@masshort.org.
Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom is sponsoring a conference for educators on Saturday, November 7th from 9:00 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the Clay Center of the Dexter and Southfield Schools in Brookline.
Four concurrent workshops/tours will be held during each of the four workshop
sessions. All workshops will focus on composting, gardening at the school,
taking the garden into the classroom, herbs, recycling and other green
initiatives. Your may also choose to Tour Allandale Farm and the solar
panels, wind turbine and planetarium at Clay Center.
The $45 fee includes all workshops; workshop materials; breakfast snack; beverage and dessert at lunch, and 10 pdp’s for those who attend the full day conference, carry out a related classroom activity, and send in a brief report of their experience. Sign up early, while the all sessions are still available. You can register by sending your workshop choices and the registration fee to me at MAC P.O. Box 345 Seekonk, MA 02771. The full conference schedule is at www.aginclassroom.org. This is our first fall conference and we hope to make it an annual event
in the future.
1) December 3, 2009 12:45pm to 4:45pm - Cape Codder, Hyannis MA
Sponsored by: UMass Extension, UMass Department of Nutrition and the MDAR
Recent contamination outbreaks for tomatoes and spinach have raised concerns about the safety of fresh produce. UMass Extension, the UMass Department of Nutrition and the M Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) are pleased to present a USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Program for growers and other fresh produce handlers as a workshop option for the MA Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. This training begins at 12:45pm. Non-members of the Farm Bureau can participate in the Bureau’s luncheon and hear their keynote speaker prior to the GAP training. If you are interested in doing so, please register directly with the Farm Bureau for this option.
At the training, you will learn more about:
You will also:
At the end of the session, you will receive a certificate of participation including hours and one pesticide credit for participating through UMass Cooperative Extension.
The key presenter for the training is Rich Bonanno, Ph.D.. Rich is an Extension Educator with UMass Extension and the co-Principal Investigator on the UMass GAP project. He is also responsible for weed management in vegetable and small fruit crops. Currently, Rich serves as the Vice President of the MA Farm Bureau Federation and as a Public Member to the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Board. He is the former president of the New England Vegetable & Berry Grower's Association.
The cost for this GAP training is $35.00. The deadline for registration is November 25, 2009. Registration at the door will increase to $50.00. For registration , please contact Shirley Mietlicki-Floyd at 413-545-4420 or mietlicki@umext.umass.edu or John Conners at 508-881-4766 or john@mfbf.net.
2) December 14, 2009 1:00-5:30pm - The Center of New Hampshire, Radisson Inn, Manchester NH
Questions: For registration, contact Shirley Mietlicki-Floyd at 413-545-4420 or mietlicki@umext.umass.edu
For program, contact Rich Bonanno at 978-361-5650 or rbonanno@umext.umass.edu or Becky Grube at 603-862-3203 or becky.grube@unh.edu.
October 22-25, 2009 | Downtown New Bedford, MA
Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change, the Marion Institute’s 5th annual conference will be held in historic Downtown New Bedford, MA, on October 22-25, 2009. Bioneers by the Bay provides an opportunity for concerned citizens to meet with environmental, scientific, and social justice innovators to address the Earth’s most pressing challenges. We are planning a rather remarkable three days of live keynote speakers, afternoon workshops, an extensive Youth Initiative program, a downlink of the 20th Annual Bioneers Conference in California [www.bioneers.org], an exhibition hall featuring sustainable businesses and organizations, a 350 Day of Action event, films, music, art installations, a farmers’ market and local & organic food. If you purchase your 3 day pass before September 18th, you will save 30% off of the regular admission price. Also we have scholarships and volunteer opportunities available—if you want to come to the conference we want to help get you there. For more information, please visit connectingforchange.org or call 508.748.0816
Northeast SARE's Farmer, Partnership, and Sustainable Community grants
are now on the web site and available in print.
To download an application from the web site, choose a grant program below.
Farmer Grants--for commercial farmers who have a new
production or marketing idea that will likely boost profits, improve
stewardship, and strengthen the farm community.
Partnership Grants--for agricultural service providers
who have a sustainable production or marketing idea they would like to test in
cooperation with one or more farmers.
Sustainable Community Grants--for organizations seeking
new ways to integrate agriculture and community development in ways that make
farming more sustainable.
For Farmer Grant applicants, we also have an updated "How to Write a SARE Farmer Grant."
Please note that the cap on all these grants has been changed to $15,000. http://nesare.org/get/farmers/
The 2010 Ag Calendar photo contest has become a popular annual line-up that is now featured on the Department’s Homepage. Each month’s winning photo adds a colorful touch highlighting the rich diversity of our Commonwealth’s agricultural community.
Many of the awardees were honored on Massachusetts Day at the Big E, September
24th where they were presented with an Award Certificate by Commissioner
Scott Soares.
Your purchase of this unique local calendar will show your enthusiasm for Massachusetts agriculture, and will also support the many educational efforts of Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom (MAC), the designated recipient of the proceeds. This attractive calendar will make a nice hostess or holiday gift for any friend or family member who has an interest in agriculture. Calendars can be purchased for $10 each ($5 wholesale cost at 10 minimum). Send check payable to Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom to PO Box 345, Seekonk, MA 02771. *Farms and businesses are encouraged to purchase at wholesale cost on consignment. Contact Debi at debi.hogan@earthlink.net.
 |
| Commissioner Soares awarding Erick Brown and his son, Andrew |
Thanks to association sponsors; MA Farm Bureau (Jan), MA Maple Producers Assoc. (March), MA State Grange(April), MA Flower Growers Assoc.(May), MA Dairy Promotion Board (June), MA Fairs Assoc. (July), MA Assoc. of Roadside Stands and PYO Farms (August), MA Fruit Growers Assoc. (Sept.), and MA Christmas Tree Assoc. (December). Special thanks to Diane Baedeker Petit and Catherine Ulitsky with NRCS who designed the Calendar.
The Massachusetts State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency
(FSA) Richard Burke announced that changes to the Farm Storage Facility
Loan (FSFL) program have been implemented in accordance with the 2008 Farm
Bill. FSA administers FSFL on behalf of the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC).
"This program helps to ensure that producers have adequate capacity to store their harvested production until they sell it on the open market," said Burke.
The FSFL Program provides low-interest financing for producers of eligible commodities to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities. The maximum principal amount of a loan through FSFL is $500,000. Participants are required to provide a down payment of 15 percent, with CCC providing a loan for the remaining 85 percent of the net cost of the eligible storage facility and permanent drying and handling equipment. Loan terms of seven, 10 or 12 years are available depending on the amount of the loan. Interest rates for each term rate may be different and are based on the rate which CCC borrows from the Treasury Department.
Payments are available in the form of a partial disbursement and the remaining final disbursement. The partial disbursement will be available after a portion of the construction has been completed. The final fund disbursement will be made when all construction is completed. The maximum amount of the partial disbursement will be 50 percent of the projected and approved total loan amount.
Applications for FSFL must be submitted to the FSA county office that maintains the farm’s records. An FSFL must be approved before any site preparation or construction can begin.
The following commodities are eligible for farm storage facility loans:
For more information about FSFL or other FSA price support program, please visit your FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov, or contact Noreen Vassallo at the Massachusetts State FSA Office at (413) 253-4500.
Eligible Facilities Should Begin Applying for BCAP Qualification Online
The Massachusetts State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency
(FSA) Richard Burke announced that biomass conversion facilities may begin
to apply for qualification under the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP).
This allows producers or owners of eligible material who sell to these
facilities to apply for matching payments under the collection, harvest,
storage and transportation (CHST) component of BCAP.
“BCAP will provide financial assistance to owners of eligible material who deliver the material to qualified biomass conversion facilities that use biomass to produce heat, power, biobased products or advanced biofuels," said Mr. Burke.
An eligible material owner may be eligible for a matching CHST payment for eligible material delivered to a qualified biomass conversion facility which will be paid at a rate of $1 for $1 per dry-ton equivalent received from a qualified biomass conversion facility, not to exceed $45 per dry-ton equivalent. An eligible material owner may receive payments for a period of two years. The purpose of the matching payments is to assist biomass producers with the CHST cost of delivering biomass to a qualified biomass conversion facility.
For example, if a qualified biomass conversion facility pays a producer $30 per dry ton for biomass, the material owner or producer would be able to apply for a matching payment of $30 per dry ton from FSA.
An added benefit of BCAP is the reduction of fuel loads on forest and range lands that reduce the risks associated with wildfires and other natural disasters. Contractors who harvest the forest thinning on National Forest System land may be eligible to apply for a matching payment for those materials sold to a qualified biomass conversion facility; however, they must work with the Forest Service and conform to any rules, permits, or other guidance applicable to the National Forest System.
Biomass conversion facilities may become “qualified” by signing an Agreement with FSA state offices. The Agreement generally provides the framework that facilitates the making of CHST matching payments to eligible material owners or producers who plan to deliver biomass to that facility.
After a biomass conversion facility becomes “qualified” by signing an Agreement with FSA, eligible material owners or producers, who market eligible material to that biomass conversion facility, must apply for the CHST matching payment program at their nearest FSA county office before the eligible material is delivered. Eligible material owners must provide an agreement with the qualified biomass conversion facility as part of an application for a CHST matching payment. After the product is delivered, a producer must provide FSA with documentation of product quantity, quality, and payment rate. County offices will validate payment requests under the terms of the Agreement with the qualified biomass conversion facilities.
Biomass conversion facilities should visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/energy and contact John Devine at the Massachusetts State FSA Office (413) 253-4500.
USDA Rural Development State Director, Jay Healy has announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to assist agricultural producers seeking to add value to the commodities they produce. About $18 million will be awarded nationwide.
USDA plans to award planning grants of up to $100,000 and working capital grants of up to $300,000 to successful applicants. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that use existing agricultural products in non-traditional ways or merge agricultural products with technology in creative ways. Businesses of all sizes may apply, but priority will be given to operators of small and medium-sized family farms – those with average, annual gross sales of less than $700,000. The competitive grants to be awarded under this notice are part of USDA Rural Development’s annual budget and are not funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Applicants must provide matching funds equal to the amount of the grant requested. Ten percent of the funding being made available is reserved for beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. An additional 10 percent is reserved for projects involving local and regional supply networks that link independent producers with businesses and cooperatives that market value-added products.
To view the Notice of Funding Available (NOFA) in the Federal Register please see the following website: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/VAPG%20NOFA%20REISSUE_09012009.PDF
Paper applications must be submitted to the Rural Development state office for MA, CT and RI in Amherst, MA (USDA Rural Development, 451 West Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA 01002. Attention: Dan Beaudette). Electronic applications must be submitted through www.Grants.gov. Applications submitted by electronic mail or facsimile will not be accepted.
Each application submission must contain all required documents in one
envelope, if by mail or courier delivery service. Paper applications for
both reserved and unreserved funds must be postmarked and mailed, shipped,
or sent overnight no later than November 30, 2009, to be eligible for FY
2009 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2009 grant
funding. Electronic applications for both reserved and unreserved funds
must be received by November 30, 2009, to be eligible for FY 2009 grant
funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2009 grant funding.
Applicants are encouraged to contact their State Offices well in advance of the deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the application process. Applicants may submit drafts of their applications to their State Offices for a preliminary review any time prior to October 1, 2009. The preliminary review will only assess the eligibility of the application and its completeness. The results of the preliminary review are not binding on the Agency.
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 Deceber / January. Please send news, calendar and/or classified information by November 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.