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Our project is titled “Farm to Institution Value Chain Expansion in the Berkshire-Taconic Region.” It is a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between our local farms and large-scale institutional buyers like schools, hospitals, correctional systems, and health care facilities. Our goal is to create a strategic plan for strengthening farm viability, expanding institutional purchasing of local food, and building the necessary infrastructure – such as better processing, storage, and transportation – to make our regional food system more resilient and connected across state lines.
We aren't doing this alone. BAV is honored to work alongside an incredible group of partners, including state departments of agriculture in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, as well as expert organizations like Farm to Institution New England (FINE), Mass. Farm to School, American Farmland Trust Farm to Institution NY State, and UConn Extension. By aligning our efforts across three states, we are creating a rare opportunity to move beyond state-level fragmentation and build a unified, thriving food economy that benefits our farmers and our communities alike.
We look forward to sharing more updates as we dive into this vital planning work!
Best,
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Jake Levin, Local Food Systems Program Manager
| | Solidarity Farm & Garden | The Fabulous 413 | | |
We're thrilled to share the podcast from the recent Fabulous 413 show with BRIDGE CEO and Founding Director Gwendolyn VanSant and BAV Program Manager Ben Crockett about Solidarity Farm & Garden. Learn more about this incubator farm for new and emerging BIPOC farmers in the Berkshires!
| | Food systems face a test as major SNAP cuts begin | BTW Berkshires | | |
We're grateful to local reporter Kate Abbott for this deep dive into SNAP benefit cuts, local food access, and how area organizations are working together to continue to provide hunger relief and support local farmers in the face of major federal changes. In our region, federal cuts could affect 10% to 20% of those who now receive SNAP benefits.
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BAV is delighted to announce that Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire, has joined our Board. We have worked closely with Ben and his colleagues at 1Berkshire over the years, and we are excited that he is bringing his talents and perspectives to BAV in this new capacity. Passionate about economic development and community-building, Ben works to support a broad range of rural businesses and industries in the Berkshires. He lives in North Adams, MA, with his wife, two kids, and golden retriever.
| | UPDATE: MARKET MATCH FUND | | 🌱Spring's almost here! BAV is warming up to launch our annual Market Match Fund campaign. | | |
As a refresher, BAV's Market Match Fund supports SNAP matching at 10 Berkshire-area farmers markets – $1 for $1 up to $30 per transaction. Since 2022, we have given out $500,000 in Market Match grants to increase local food access in our community, boost sales for farmers, and help keep our farmers markets going strong.
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BAV's Market Match Fund is made possible by support from local foundations, corporations, and YOU! Each spring we reach out for community support, and we are so grateful for your generous response. You'll be hearing more details next month – keep an eye out for our April newsletter! Interested in donating early? You can make a gift here!
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BAV staff took part in some great conferences and gatherings this winter! Below are a few highlights. We were also glad to attend the CT New Farmers Alliance, Solid Ground Farm Managers Summit, The Farmers Table's Farmers Night Out, CT NOFA Winter Conference, and more!
🎉Congratulations to Kat Chang of Reed Farm for her 2026 Leadership in Agriculture Award, presented by MA Commissioner of Agriculture Ashley Randle at last week's Ag Day at the State House. BAV is grateful to work with Kat and her husband, Peter, in becoming Massachusetts' first USDA poultry processing facility.
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The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Locally, the CT Department of Agriculture and the MA Department of Agricultural Resources are each celebrating by collecting stories of women farmers to feature throughout the year. Nominate (or self-nominate) an amazing woman farmer at the links below!
CT nomination form | MA nomination form
| | FARMER EVENTS & RESOURCES | | |
Workshops/Events
Wednesday, March 25, 9-10:30am
Getting Certification-Ready - last session in the free online series Beyond the Harvest: Value-added Product Development & the Path to Organic. Offered through NOFA/Mass. Other sessions available for viewing on YouTube.
Thursday, March 26, 10am
HIP Lobby Day at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. Farmers, advocates, and community members are encouraged to attend to advocate for full funding of the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) in the fiscal year 2027 budget.
Thursday, March 26, 6-7:15pm
Minority- and Women-owned Business Certification, a free online info session. For farmers and food entrepreneurs, MWBE certification can open doors to new contracts, partnerships, and business opportunities.

Saturday, March 28, 9:30am-12:30pm
Build a Deer Enclosure, hands-on workshop presented by Partners for Climate Action. Gallatin, NY. Tickets $15.
Wednesday, April 15, 2-5pm
FAMACHA Certification Training for goat and sheep producers. Presented by CCE Columbia-Greene and Ulster. Kinderhook Farm, Valatie, NY. $25 fee.
SAVE THE DATE - Thursday, May 21, 9am
UConn Extension Diversified Livestock Conference, co-presented by BAV. Tolland County Agricultural Center in Vernon, CT. Details to come!
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Grants/Resources
National Women in Agriculture Study to explore women’s leadership and involvement across the industry; identify barriers and opportunities; and provide actionable insights to strengthen engagement and support systems. Survey opportunity for women involved in agriculture open through March 31.
Farm Viability Enhancement Program from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Grant funds for identified farm improvement projects in return for signing an agricultural covenant to keep farm property in agricultural use for a 10- or 15-year term. Application deadline is April 14.
New York State Food and Fiber Processing Grant Program. Funding is available for the construction and renovation of facilities and the purchase and installation of equipment. Priority given to projects that expand processing for fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans for human consumption; and for plant and animal fibers. Application deadline is April 28.
Climate Smart for Agriculture Program from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Funding to support projects in food safety, composting, environmental improvements, and energy efficiency or renewable energy. Projects typically involve capital improvements or upgrading farm systems. Application deadline is May 7.
| | Your gift to BAV directly supports our region's farmers and food producers. In a time of challenge and uncertainty for local farmers, thank you for making a difference! | | | | |
