Farmer Update: December 2021
Dear Farmers and Food Producers:
Photo at Langwater Farm in Easton
We hope you are feeling well and rested this holiday season! As we prepare to ring in the new year, we have a few exciting things on the horizon – perhaps most exciting is our 15th annual Agriculture & Food Conference. It's coming together and we can't wait to share more information with you as it does! In the meantime, if there are workshops or speakers you'd love to see, please let us know. Additionally, if you, your farm crew, or your friends would benefit from live translation of the conference, please reach out to Shannon at shickey@semaponline.org so we can make it happen!

We are also excited to review farmer applications to our TIE Award program. We love seeing what innovations are on your mind and helping you make them happen! Don't forget to submit your application as soon as possible and by February 1st at the latest.

In this email you'll find information on:

  • Land licensing opportunity
  • Winter market call for vendors
  • Educational events and workshops
  • Our upcoming Ag & Food Conference
  • A chance to support shellfish farmers & fishers
  • Local farming jobs
  • And more!
With gratitude,

Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director
Grant Funding Available
Take a look at a few of the currently open grant, reimbursement, and award programs below, then check out a complete list on our webpage!

  • Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Grant: For established urban farmers, non-profits, and municipalities involved in the production, processing, and marketing of local food.
  • Deadline: December 30th
State Farmland for License in Lakeville
Fifty-three acres of state-owned farmland in Lakeville are available for license! There are eight parcels open, and farmers may apply for multiple parcels with one application. Preference will be given to beginning farmers, veterans, and socially disadvantaged & limited resource farmers. A tour of the available parcels will be held on Thursday, December 16th at 10am, beginning at the Lakeville MDAR office. Email dorothy.du@mass.gov to reserve your spot.

If you would like us to review your application before submitting it – deadline is January 14th! – please email shickey@semaponline.org.
Farm Succession Workshop
Land for Good and MDAR are collaborating to offer Farm Succession School in-person this year! This is a three day series, held on three Tuesdays this winter in Greenfield. Though pretty far from our region, this workshop series will be well-worth the trip. Presenters will tackle questions about preparing for retirement, finding a farmer to take over your land, and addressing these issues with family members. The fee for attendance is $100. Find out more information and register below.
Share Your Winter Plans with Us
We want to hear what you're up to this winter! Are you attending or hosting any markets? Offering home delivery or farm stand hours? Hosting any special events? Making big changes in the off-season? Fill out this very brief (3 minutes!) survey to fill us in.

And keep us in mind as things slow down a bit – we are happy to bring the SEMAP team to your farm to chat about what resources you need! Get in touch with James at jlehner@semaponline.org to set up a visit.
Call for Winter Farmers' Market Vendors
The Tiverton Farmers' Market is seeking new farm and food vendors for their winter market. Beginning on January 2nd, the market will be held on Sundays from 10am to 2pm at the Sandywoods Center for the Arts in Tiverton, RI. Though only two years old, this market is well-attended and growing! Please reach out to market manager Meredith Brower via email to express interest or ask questions: tivertonfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Inform Future Programming with Two Brief Surveys
Interested in shaping state and federal farmer training programs? There are currently two 5-minute surveys open that will help do just that!

  1. UMass Extension is designing new outreach on pollinator topics and would like your perspective! Your response will directly inform future research & programming.
  2. Regenerative Design Group, based in Western Mass, is conducting a survey of farmers practicing silvopasture or integrated forestry & livestock operations. Results will help them develop case studies and an economic model proving the value of these types of systems to funders!

Neither survey should take more than five minutes! Your time and attention is much appreciated.
Call to Action: Help Protect Cape Cod Bay's Shellfish & Fishing Industry!
Last week, Holtec, the company leading the decommissioning efforts of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth, announced plans to dump 1 million gallons of radioactive waste water into Cape Cod Bay. Immediately faced with backlash, they have since backed off of this position, but they have not yet committed to an alternate plan that ensures safe disposal of this waste. Shellfish farmers and fishers are deeply concerned about the effects this may have on their stock, as well as the public perception of the safety of local seafood. Here's how you can help:

  • Call your local and federal legislators! Find your local legislators' contact information here and federal contact information here.
  • Attend the Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens' Advisory Panel meeting on January 24th at 6:30pm. This will be in-person at Plymouth Town Hall AND virtual via Zoom. There will be space for public comment.
  • Share this with three friends and ask them to do the same!
Farm Management Seminar for Beginning Farmers
Farm Credit East
Farm Credit East is offering a series of seminars for beginning farmers and any farm managers looking to refine their management skills. Called GenerationNext, this series will be held virtually from 10am to noon on Wednesdays in January and February. Having an account or relationship with Farm Credit East is not required to participate.
Make Sure You Receive Your Ag Census Form
It's almost time for another federal Census of Agriculture! This is a crucial data collection tool that helps federal legislators understand what agriculture looks like in their districts, as well as determine where agricultural funding should be focused and prioritized. It is important that your farm gets counted – everything from backyard farms with small roadside stands to large-scale wholesale operations should be reported! Data collection officially begins next year, but you can fill out the short pre-survey today.
UMass Extension Jumping Worm Conference
A conference on managing the invasive jumping worm will be held virtually on January 26th and 27th, hosted by UMass Extension. Presenters will discuss how to prevent the spread of jumping worms, as well as how to treat soil when they are already present. Admission is $25 for one day or $40 for both.
For more workshops, webinars, and other opportunities, check out our event calendar!
Farming Jobs
SEMAP maintains a Local Food Jobs page on our website! You'll find local food and farm job listings relevant to Southeastern Massachusetts.

Here are a few picks currently on the page. Want to share a listing? Email info@semaponline.org.
Become a SEMAP Member
Consider registering as a SEMAP Business Member. Membership with SEMAP helps us continue to provide promotion and technical assistance to farmers across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.

Business members receive a host of benefits, including...
  • Member Spotlight on SEMAP's blog
  • Access to business development resources
  • Discount ads in Local Food Guide
  • Free boosted Facebook posts

Membership is available at several levels. Come join us!
PO Box 80625,
S. Dartmouth, MA 02748 
Executive Director:
(508) 524-2601