It's that time of year! The SEMAP team is thrilled to invite you to our first-ever virtual Agriculture and Food Conference on February 28—March 1, with the theme Resilient Farming. Whether you’re a professional farmer, food business owner, or just want to learn more about the Southeastern Massachusetts food system, the Ag & Food Conference is for you! Each year, the Conference includes workshops for the general public, as well as info-packed sessions for farmers and gardeners of all experience levels.
Though this conference will be different from previous years, we’re excited to welcome you from your desk, field, barn, greenhouse, or anywhere you can hop online. Join webinars, workshops, networking sessions, and more with other local food advocates across the region and beyond.
We're excited to announce our Keynote speaker, Severine Von Tscharner Fleming ( bio on our event page). Stay tuned for more information about Severine on our blog in the coming weeks!
Keep an eye on our conference web page to find a full schedule and program as soon as they're available. If you experience any issues or have questions about registration, please email [email protected]. |
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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 you grow!
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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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Face Masks at Farmers Markets
The Farmers Market Legal Toolkit includes legal resources, best practice recommendations, and case studies for market leaders.
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InTents: Farmers Market Conference 2021
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Local Food & Specialty Crop Trade Show
The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts is hosting their 10th annual trade show to facilitate connections and business relationships between producers and wholesale buyers of local food, with a focus on specialty crop food products in Massachusetts.
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COVID Round II: How Do I Prepare for 2021?
Join The Carrot Project's training series for farmers and food producers to learn the information they need, how to get it, and how to use it to plan quickly and evaluate decisions in the midst of the season.
The series will explain common roadblocks and solutions to maintaining the effort during busy times, and attendees can work as part of a cohort group or one-on-one with a professional business advisor. Fishermen, aquaculturists, and small processors using local farm + sea ingredients are encouraged to attend.
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SOAM Applications Open!
The SouthCoast Open Air Market in Swansea, MA is now accepting applications for the 2021 market season! Apply as an artisan, local farmer/food producer, Kid Biz, or nonprofit/local business. |
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Improving Pasture Management for Sustainable Livestock Production
Looking to learn more about sustainable livestock production? Northeast SARE is hosting a webinar series on sustainable grazing plans. Webinars are open to service providers and farmers, and will include time for instruction in addition to interactive breakout sessions.
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Seeking Survey Participants!
The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts is seeking survey participants to help local farmers better understand what consumers like to eat. Please consider taking under 5 minutes to complete the survey below. You will automatically be entered to win a $10 gift card! Survey in English and Spanish.
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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 during the colder months—check out our Winter Market Guide for more information and updates.
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Eating Local During the Pandemic is Essential
Our Director Karen Schwalbe penned an op-ed in the Fall River Herald emphasizing the role of local food during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Check it out and share!
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Visit Oakdale Farms Country Barn
Oakdale Farms Country Barn in Rehoboth, MA is open on Saturday and Sunday 12-4:30 p.m.—stop by for winter veggies, homemade jams, baked goods, preserves, farm fresh eggs & more!
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New Bedford Winter Market
A new winter farmers market has found a home at Buttonwood Warming House in New Bedford! Visit on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm to pick up local veggies, baked goods and more. SNAP/HIP accepted. Social distancing and masks required.
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South Coast Coupon Book
One SouthCoast Chamber has released a coupon book for local restaurants and other food businesses around the South Shore and South Coast. Coupons are valid throughout all of 2021! Purchase yours for $15 now.
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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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Renew Your SEMAP Membership or Become a Member Today! |
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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