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Dear Friends,
Collaboration is a beautiful thing. Here at BAV, we’re proud to support and empower local farmers and food businesses. Much of our work happens behind the scenes. This is especially true during winter when we’re helping farmers take stock and plan for the future with our business assistance and flexible financing.
As we are counting down the last days of winter, we are also counting the days until Farming Forward, our climate adaptation workshop for farmers! Coming up on Saturday, March 16, this event is a unique opportunity for farmers to learn from climate experts in our region and make farmer-to-farmer connections. We invite you to read more below.
We are excited to spotlight local food distributor Marty’s Local. Founded by Nick Martinelli, Marty’s Local was one of BAV’s earliest loans (in fact, our nonprofit was still forming when the loan was made). Eight years later, we’re thrilled to see Nick’s impactful business thriving!
In BAV organizational news, we are happy to welcome local food advocate and Simon’s Rock Professor Maryann Tebben to her new role as Board President. Tom Gardner, our founding President, continues his service on the BAV Board. Thank you, Tom and Maryann!
As always, we are thankful for our community and all those who support our local farmers and food producers. We are honored to do this work, together.
Warmly,
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Rebecca Busansky
Executive Director
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BAV EVENT!
Farming Forward: Climate Adaptation for Farmers
Saturday, March 16, 9am to 4pm, Great Barrington, MA
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How will farmers be able to farm into the future? BAV addresses this urgent issue of extreme weather and climate change impacts through our Climate Smart Agriculture program, promoting learning and more farmer-to-farmer connection.
On Saturday, March 16, join BAV for Farming Forward—a hands-on, full-day workshop for farmers featuring regional experts on climate-smart agriculture practices in our region. Farmers will learn from three leading experts in the field, exchange tips and ideas, and gain practical knowledge on climate adaptation methods to enhance their farming practices.
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The workshop is designed to offer local farmers a blend of knowledge and connection so that they can approach their growing season with more confidence and support.
Click here to read the day’s agenda and make a reservation.
BAV believes it is important for all farmers to be able to attend this event regardless of cost. If the fee is an obstacle, please contact us for a waiver code.
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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
BAV Client Marty's Local Delivers the Goods!
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This month, we’re delighted to spotlight Marty’s Local, a regionally focused food distribution business. Early support from BAV was pivotal in getting Marty’s Local off the ground, and ongoing support has helped grow the business. Thanks to founder Nick Martinelli for taking the time to talk with us. | |
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Fresh, local food is wonderful. But how to make sure local produce, meats, and specialty goods end up in local stores and on local plates?
Enter Marty’s Local, a local food distribution business founded in 2016 by Nick Martinelli, a former lawyer in state government. After a career shift and a year of agricultural learning at The Farm School, Martinelli saw an opportunity to link farmers and food producers with nearby schools, colleges, restaurants, groceries, caterers, and others. He began with deliveries of carrots and freshly milled flour from his car—then quickly realized he needed a business plan and funding.
Enter Berkshire Agricultural Ventures. Tom Gardner and other BAV Board members provided Martinelli with crucial early funding and business advice. That first BAV loan was pivotal for Marty’s Local, helping to fund a part-time staff member and early warehouse space. “BAV’s financing came at really key moments for Marty’s Local,” Martinelli said.
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Maryann Tebben Takes the Lead as BAV's New Board President
BAV is happy to welcome local food advocate and Bard College at Simon's Rock Professor Maryann Tebben to her new role as BAV Board President. Most recently, Maryann has served as Vice President of the Board and has been a member since 2020. She brings deep professional expertise and personal enthusiasm around local food issues. Maryann succeeds Tom Gardner, who led the Board since BAV’s founding in 2017. A local farming champion, Gardner continues as a member of the BAV Board. We’re lucky to have them both!
Read the full press release here.
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Congratulations, Ciana!
BAV couldn’t be prouder of staff member Ciana Barnaba, recently named a 2024 40 Under Forty Awardee by Berkshire Community College! The award recognizes talented younger people in the Berkshires who are creating positive change in the community. Ciana is BAV’s Community Relations & Resource Development Manager, leading our Market Match Fund and other initiatives.
Check out the full list of inspiring awardees here.
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IN THE NEWS
Heart & Soil Expands Deliveries with BAV Support
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We were heartened, pun intended, to read this article in the Berkshire Eagle last month! Heart & Soil Collective in Lanesborough is doing amazing work with its community produce and soup delivery program.
BAV was thrilled to be able to support the expansion of this program last year through a USDA Local Food Promotion Program grant. Produce and soup deliveries more than doubled over the past year, from 24 to 60 households!
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MORE FARMER OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Farm Succession Planning Workshop (February 27)
On February 27, Red Tomato and Land For Good will offer a free, all-day workshop on common motivations, needs, and pitfalls related to farm succession planning—using real farms to ground these concepts. Held in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Learn more and register here.
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Legal Food Hub Winter Webinars (February-March)
Each winter, the Legal Food Hub runs a free webinar series to help inform farmers, food entrepreneurs, and food and farm organizations about important legal topics relevant to their businesses. Join them this February and March for the 2024 webinar series.
Learn more and register here.
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Berkshire Grown Winter Workshops (February-April)
Learn new processes while networking with other farmers and food producers over the winter months at Berkshire Grown’s Winter Workshops. Upcoming workshop topics include grant-writing, SNAP, and movement-related health and wellness.
Learn more and register here.
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Breakfast for Farmers & Friends of Agriculture: Legislative Breakfast (March)
Gather with other farmers and farm support organizations at a pancake breakfast to share your needs and discuss legislation that could benefit Berkshire County farmers and agriculture. Representatives from the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources and Berkshire County’s legislative delegation will attend.
Held at Holiday Brook Farm in Dalton, MA, on March 15 at 9am. A farm tour follows.
RSVP by March 8 to twriver.bk@gmail.com or 413-429-1801.
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SUPPORT OUR WORK!
BAV empowers local farmers and food businesses with your support! Please consider donating today.
Your donation directly empowers the entrepreneurship, innovation, and livelihoods of local farmers and food businesses—and creates a thriving farm sector in our local economy, with land protected for agriculture and locally produced foods available for everyone.
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Our deepest thanks and appreciation to our donor community and all those who support local farmers. | | | | |
