GROWING TOGETHER
Local Producer E-Newsletter
|
|
We extend our gratitude to the local growers and producers who took part in our second Producer Survey this spring. This survey is a joint effort between the Monadnock Food Co-op and the Cheshire County Conservation District. Moving forward, we intend to conduct this survey biennially to monitor our progress and pinpoint emerging trends.
You mentioned that your primary concerns for the upcoming years were global climate change, costs of inputs (energy, labor, etc.), and low profitability. In comparison to 2022, the significance of global climate change has surged for producers, shifting from being the third most significant concern in 2022 to topping the list in 2024. Survey respondents suggested that enhancing our outreach, marketing, and education efforts, in addition to investing in financial, technical, and educational resources, could improve our relationship with your business.
After analyzing the survey results, we plan to email those individuals who have provided their email addresses and expressed interest in further discussions regarding the sale of their products. Additionally, we're committed to exploring new strategies to improve our communication, refine our problem-solving methods, and strengthen our support system for local producers.
The goals of sending out these e-newsletters include:
- Fostering viable businesses and environmental stewardship by sharing relevant local and state events and resources.
- Highlighting opportunities to boost the Eat Local / Shop Indie Local movement through marketing efforts and outreach events.
- Improve our communications with all of you!
Have events and resources you'd love us to highlight? Please email Megan Lafaso Hercher, Community Coordinator.
Ready to begin selling (or selling more) to us? Please email Stephanie Wright, Store Manager, to set up a time to meet with her and department buyers.
|
|
The Monadnock Food Co-op and Cheshire County Conservation District have announced the recipients of the 2024 Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund grants: Five Sigma Farm of Sullivan and Picadilly Farm of Winchester. This year, the Farm Fund distributed $21,400 among these two farms. Since its inception in 2017, the Farm Fund has proudly awarded over $193,400 in grants to twenty-five local farms!
|
|
Monadnock Food Co-op 2024 Grower's Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Monadnock Food Co-op's Growers Meeting in February. Here's a recap from the Produce Department in case you couldn't attend: We conveyed our gratitude and celebrated the Co-op's continual increase in local sales, expressing thanks to all for their efforts. Throughout the meeting, we highlighted our Co-op's End Statement, emphasizing how "local" is fundamentally woven into our core mission. During each Grower's Meeting, we revisit our definition of local, discuss signage for local items, and review the logistics of ordering and deliveries, allowing ample time for group discussion on these topics.
|
|
Upcoming Opportunities & Events:
Cultivating Viable Businesses
|
|
2024 NH Farm Future Fund
Applications Due May 31, 2024
The New Hampshire Conservation Districts are thrilled to announce the fifth year and 2024 grant round of the NH Farm Future Fund and are inviting NH land trusts to apply.
The mission of the NH Farm Future Fund is to provide funding for farm viability planning in concert with the conservation of important agricultural soils.
All applicants must contact Amanda Littleton to schedule a Discovery Meeting if you plan to move forward with a submission.
|
|
Are you a farmer in Vermont or New Hampshire who operates within the Connecticut River Watershed?
Complete a survey (10-15 minutes) about the best management practices (BMPs) you currently use or would be most willing to adopt.
Prefer to take the survey over the phone or in person at your farm?
This program was made possible by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the Long Island Sound Futures Fund.
|
|
Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship: Food Business Lab
The Food Business Lab offers an eight-week business planning program with sustained support that promises to revolutionize the trajectory of your food startup. Throughout the program, you'll collaborate with seasoned coaches and facilitators to kickstart or expand your food business.
|
|
NH Food System Statewide Gathering
New Hampshire Food Alliance
Friday, May 17, 2024
The Barn on the Pemi in Plymouth
Participants will delve into a range of food system issues through breakout sessions, networking activities, a locally sourced lunch, and an end-of-gathering celebration. The NH Food System Statewide Gathering, an annual event hosted by the NH Food Alliance, convenes individuals, businesses, and organizations from diverse sectors. They are all committed to advancing a more resilient local food system that serves the entire Granite State community. Register Today!
|
|
Food Businesses, Farms, Fisheries, Forestries
Work with a lender who understands the farm and food ecosystem! Walden Mutual Bank’s online application for loans of $150,000 or below is now available. Head to www.waldenmutual.com to apply, or reach out to lending@waldenmutual.com if you are interested in talking with a lender for loans above $150,000.
Walden Mutual is developing deeper connections between communities and their food systems and powering the revival of local, sustainable food. They accept deposits from individuals and businesses who want to drive positive and lasting change with their savings and lend those funds to impact-oriented farms, food businesses, and other sustainability-focused organizations. Walden Mutual Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member of the FDIC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
