This quarter's Monadnock Food Co-op Producer E-Newsletter highlights spring opportunities to cultivate more viable businesses, environmental stewardship, and a stronger local economy movement.

Are you looking for other opportunities not listed below? Feel free to reach out with your questions and feedback.

Photo (right): Ozzie Mae, farm staff, Walpole Valley Farms, Walpole, NH. Painting by Misoo Bang. Part of Vital Communities Climate Farmer Stories.

We celebrated and shared gratitude for the Co-op's continued growth in local sales -- thanking all for making this possible. We shared our Co-op's End Statement, highlighting how "local" is built right into our core purpose, and reviewed our definition of local, signage for local items, and logistics of ordering and deliveries.

Lightbulbs went off when our Kitchen Supervisor expressed interest in adding even more local produce to our menus, including sweet potatoes. One grower mentioned that they specialized in sweet potatoes -- an excellent direct connection!

Food Business Lab is a 7-week business planning program with ongoing support that will change the course of your food startup. Work with experienced coaches and facilitators to launch or grow your food business over the course of the class. Apply today!

The NH Association of Conservation Districts, in partnership with the Cheshire County Conservation District, requests proposals from land trusts who seek funding to work with NH farms to conserve their land and improve the viability of their farm business.

Accessing Farmland Together: A Decision Tool for Farmers: Many new and young farmers -- including those from groups historically and currently marginalized due to their race, class, ethnicity, and gender -- find it appealing to be with and share with other farmers. This new educational tool describes methods for farmers to lease or own farmland as a group. There is no one model for cooperative farming, and each has pros and cons. The right method for each farmer depends on many factors. It is important to know the various options to make informed decisions. View toolkit. Spanish translation is coming soon!

Farm Succession Planning: Where Do I Start? Working through this toolkit will help start critical conversations, clarify your goals, and identify information to collect and share with family members, advisors, and others who have a stake in the future of your farm. Farm succession involves a lot of moving parts. Personal, family, financial, and legal considerations drive the process. Farmers have shared how this workbook has helped in many ways. The workbook also features a farmer’s moving personal reflection on transferring the farm. View toolkit.

Sullivan Country Store invites Monadnock Region small farms and producers -- interested in selling their products to this store (re-opening in May) -- to reach out. Please fill out this form to start the conversation.

As a core partner for the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic network, NOFA-NH seeks individuals interested in becoming mentors or mentees to complete a TOPP interest form. NOFA-NH is looking for farmers and producers interested in transitioning to certified organic and those interested in mentoring peers in their transition to certified organic.

An exciting tour series focused on on-farm energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Visit local farms, learn about exciting projects, and connect with other farmers and resources.

View award-winning and nationally recognized films. Both in-person and virtual offerings. Featured theme: Climate change and how producers are working to mitigate its effects - whether it's farmers in the Delmarva Peninsula of Delaware or Native American tribes scattered throughout the Southwest.

Food system professionals from across the Granite State will gather to build skills, collaborate, learn, and, most importantly, celebrate the amazing work being done in support of our food system. Dive into a variety of food system issues through breakout sessions, networking activities, a locally sourced lunch, and an end-of-gathering celebration. Register today!

Ready to begin selling (or selling more) to Monadnock Food Co-op? Please reach out directly to Store Manager Stephanie Wright at 603-355-8008 or storemanager@monadnockfood.coop to set up a time to meet with her and any relevant department buyers or share feedback.