A Message from our Executive Director: |
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A good snow and hard freeze is a simple way to put a definitive end to the growing season. It’s a period to take a deep breath and reflect. While there have been too many downsides of our COVID-enforced isolation to count, our local food system has a few bright sides that are worthy of note.
Our farmers ROCKED! They worked so hard to make farmstands and farmers markets a model for safe shopping – restructuring stores and stands, rerouting market spaces, developing new ordering and delivery systems, and creating a safe space to buy food when supermarkets were facing supply issues.
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Request for Proposals
2020 Agriculture and Food Conference
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Our virtual 2021 Agriculture & Food conference is this February, and we're looking for presenters! Programming will focus on four tracks: Beginning Farmer, Grower, Business & Marketing, and Foodie & Homesteader.
Have a great idea for a workshop? Know someone who'd host a stellar session? Fill out our short proposal survey—we can't wait to hear from you!
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News For Farmers and Food Professionals |
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Beginning Farmers
Do you have 10 years or less running a farm? Are you aspiring to start your own farm? SEMAP offers specialized support through our Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program, from technical assistance to networking opportunities. Take our survey to let us know how we can help!
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Update Your
Local Food Guide Listing
SEMAP is gearing up to create our 2021 Local Food Guide, and we want to include your Southeastern MA farm or food business. Do you have any changes to your listing from last year? Want to list your business for the first time? Fill out our information form!
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Land for Good
Land For Good (LFG) provides high quality, customized service around farmland access, tenure, and transfer. LFG can provide an initial, no-cost advising session to:
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Farm Seekers who want to acquire farms or farmland through various methods
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Farm Families who want to transfer their farm to the next generation or owner
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Landowners who want to make their land available for farming
Through cooperative grants between Berkshire Grown, CISA, Central Mass Grown, and SEMAP, there is an opportunity to expand the amount of no-cost help farmers receive, in lieu of a fee-for-service contract.
Email Land For Good Field Agent Jae Silverman for more information. |
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Young Farmer Grant Program
The National Young Farmer's Coalition has launched the Young Farmer Grant Program to provide 50 young/beginning farmers with $5,000 each to support everyday needs from infrastructure projects, operating costs, and professional development, to off-farm expenses like childcare, housing, and student loan debt.
45 awards will go to businesses already in operation, and 5 will be for projects starting in 2021. Click the link below to apply or register for a Q+A session.
Applications close January 15, 2021!
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Farmers Market Legal Toolkit
Vermont Law School's Center for Agriculture and Food Systems has published a legal guide to aid farmers market managers in picking business structures, implementing SNAP/EBT, and dealing with common legal risks like injury and food poisoning.
The Farmers Market Legal Toolkit includes legal resources, best practice recommendations, and case studies for market leaders.
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Canton Farmers Market
Seeking Vendors
We are looking for 1-2 farmers to join a new market in Canton starting this spring. Our planning team, which includes an experienced Market Manager, has two great (visible and well trafficked) location options, resident and municipal support, and tons of enthusiasm!
Reach out to Amanda Ryder ( [email protected], 781-223-0868) with questions or for more information! |
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Holiday Food Guide 2020
Want to use local foods and products for your holiday meals this year? SEMAP has compiled a list of regional farms, producers, and winter markets offering products for your table, from turkey to turnips.
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Shop SOAM From Home
Need to finish up your holiday shopping? Miss shopping at the Southcoast Open Air Market?
Problem solved!
Find the SOAM Vendors from the 2020 season in one spot. Shop easily among them by clicking on the icons.
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Winter Markets Guide
Winter is upon us, but buying local is always in season! Farmers markets across Southeastern Massachusetts are opening in person and virtually for the colder months—check out our Winter Market Guide for info and updates.
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New Bedford Holiday Market
Coastal Foodshed's Holiday Market will take place Saturday 12/19 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Buttonwood Warming House in New Bedford. Stop by for local vegetables, eggs, honey, jams, locally-sourced products and more!
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Kave Rock Alpaca Farm Open
Kave Rock Alpaca Farm in Rehoboth will be open Saturday 12/19 & Sunday 12/20. Stop by for last-minute gift shopping, featuring locally-raised alpaca fur products like hats, scarves, socks, and plushes.
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Holiday Market at Rye Tavern
Rye Tavern in Plymouth will host a Holiday Market on Monday 12/21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by to meet vendors from across Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island offering everything from chocolate confections to fresh carrots.
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More Ordering and Delivery
SEMAP is maintaining a resource list of farms and local food producers offering accessible options throughout the pandemic. View the list on our web site.
Know any other farms or businesses we might have missed? Email us at [email protected].
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Show Us Your Local Stuff!
Are you enjoying locally-produced meals and goodies for the holidays? SEMAP wants to feature you! Take pictures of your South Coast/South Shore-sourced meals, gifts, and other shopped-local purchases for the holidays. Tag @semaponline on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or send a photo to [email protected].
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MA Department of Agricultural Resources |
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Cedar Rock Gardens - Gloucester, MA |
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Renew Your SEMAP Membership or Become a Member Today! |
As we edge toward a new year and fresh start, consider registering as a SEMAP Member in 2021. Membership in SEMAP helps us continue to provide promotion and support to farmers and consumers across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.
Members receive a host of benefits, including...
- Access to business development and farming/gardening resources
- Discounts to events like the Ag & Food Conference
- Priority event sign-up
- Special thank-you published in our Local Food Guide
Membership is available at several levels for businesses and individuals. Come join us!
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PO Box 80625
S. Dartmouth, MA 02748
Executive Director:
(508) 524-2601
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