Dear Friends,
Believe it or not, Spring is just around the corner. Snow is melting, the days are getting longer, and we are thinking about seedlings and plans for the coming growing season!
That means it is also time to think about how to reach customers both old and new this year. At SEMAP, work is underway on our Local Food guide for 2022. Now is the time to make sure your listing is correct, and to purchase ad space in the guide, which will be distributed to over 10,000 local residents and tourists.
As COVID numbers have dropped steadily in Massachusetts, we are also proceeding with plans for in-person programming this month, starting with two free Farmer Networking Events, one on March 11 and one on March 18. More information on those events can be found in this newsletter, and on the events page on our website.
Below you will find even more great information, ranging from important state planning meetings, to highlights from last weekend's Ag & Food Conference, to CSA offers from SEMAP members, and more! We're sure that, no matter what your role in our food community, there's something here you will appreciate!
With gratitude,
Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director
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Update Your Local Food Guide Listing For 2022!
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With Spring right around the corner, we are beginning work on our annual Local Food Guide! Every year SEMAP distributes over 10,000 copies of our Buy Fresh Buy Local Guide to the Southeastern Massachusetts region. As we put together our newest edition of the guide, now is the time to update your virtual listing and order copies for your business. Please update your listing no later than April 1!
This guide is a great resource for businesses and consumers, including detailed listings for farm stands and farmers markets, seafood and fisheries, restaurants, value-added producers and many more! View last year's virtual guide here, and then click the button below to update or add your listing!
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Ag and Food Conference Highlights!
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Thank you to everyone who attended our 15th Annual Ag and Food Conference this past Sunday! It was incredible having so many members of our food community together to talk about the present and future of local agriculture. We were joined by over 80 attendees, representing a diverse range of our food system both geographically and in their roles.
Our 25 presenters, moderators, and panelists did a fantastic job of making this day engaging, informative, and fun. We are so grateful for their participation, and we can't wait to hear more from them in the coming months & years!
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All registrants received an email with conference recordings and additional resources. Missed the big day? Conference recordings are being posted daily to our Conference Resource Page. Check it out to stay in touch with local conversations on silvopasture, soil health, labor management, and more!
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News For Farmers and
Food Professionals
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Farmer Networking Events
Coming This Month
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SEMAP will be hosting two farmer networking events this month, aimed at bringing together farmers from across our region to share knowledge, build partnerships, and strengthen our whole agricultural community. Folks are welcome to attend either one or both of these events. We hope to see you there!
Join us to network with other farmers with fewer than 10 years of experience, aspiring farmers, and farmworkers! This is a great opportunity for folks with a few years of managing a farm business under their belt, those just considering starting their own farm, and everyone in between. Food and drink will be provided by SEMAP. The event is free but registration is required. Masks are encouraged.
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Join us to network with other farmers selling directly to consumers! This is a great opportunity for farmers to build connections with fellow farmers and potential direct market outlets, such as farmers' markets. Food and drink (beer!) will be provided by SEMAP. This event is free but registration is required. Masks are encouraged.
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Interns Available Through Bristol Community College Ag Program
Farmers interested in this program are asked to make a free account through College Central Network, where you can post unlimited job and internship positions. This allows BCC students to find and apply to openings on your farm. Any questions can be sent to the Experiential Education Center by email or on the Fall River campus.
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Land For Good Hosting 3-Part Landowner Webinar
Join Land for Good and New England Farm Link Collaborative to learn more about how you can prepare your land to be passed along to new farmers. This free webinar series for farming and non-farming private landowners and their representatives (real estate agents, etc.) will help you understand your land's potential for farming, learn what goes into a good farming arrangement, and explore strategies for making any amount of land available to a farmer.
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UMass Produce Safety Alliance Remote Grower Trainings
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Farmers Voices Needed in State Climate Action Plan
Massachusetts is developing its plan to address climate change, and farmers need to provide input to ensure that the plan fairly represents the needs of agriculture and the role that farmers can play in helping the state meet its goals.
Four listening sessions will be held over the next two weeks to discuss the 2022 Mass Climate Change Assessment, and farmers are encouraged to participate.
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Urban Ag Coalition Hosting Grant Writing Session March 15
Join Mill City Grows and MDAR on Tuesday, March 15 for a grant writing skill share geared towards urban agriculture. Presenters will share their experience managing grant programs and writing grants. The session will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring questions and a collaborative spirit!
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RFPs Wanted for 3-Acre Property at Tufts Farm in Easton
Proposals must be submitted to Easton Town Hall no later than Monday, March 28, 2022 by 12:00 noon. There will be a site visit by appointment only on March 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a snow date on the 18th. Questions, inquiries, and RSVPs for the visit can be sent to jcarlino@easton.ma.us
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Subscribe to SEMAP's Farmer Newsletter here.
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SEMAP Announces TIE Award Recipients for 2022
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The 2022 TIE Award recipients are:
SEMAP's TIE Awards are intended to promote innovation and experimentation for farmers and agricultural producers by relieving economic barriers. Applications were submitted and evaluated on their value to both their farm production and the larger agricultural community.
TIE awardees are also expected to present their projects and findings to the community in the future, so be on the lookout for upcoming events or content highlighting these!
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Under the Sun Farm CSA Signups Available!
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Under the Sun Farm, newly relocated but still in North Dighton, is offering shares for the 2022 season! Full and Half Shares are available, including pickup options in Swansea. Customers in Rhode Island are asked to stay tuned for availability through WhatsGood.
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Revival Farm Pop-Up Shop Sunday, March 6
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Early Spring Plants Available at The Neighborhood Farm
The Neighborhood Farm now has early spring plants available in their online store, and over the coming months, will have hundreds more varieties of plants available for your gardens! Currently there are herbs, leafy greens and peas, with much more to come throughout the season. A complete plant availability list and online shopping are both available on their website, with delivery options on the South Coast.
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Golden Hour Flowers U-Pick Tickets Available
Golden Hour Tulips will be holding their 2022 U-Pick Tulips season beginning in late April and running through the middle of May. If you are looking for a great selection of beautiful local flowers, Golden Hour is the place for you!
Tickets are required for U-Pick events, and can be purchased on their website as Spring approaches . As one of the only (and best!) u-pick farms specializing in flowers, they usually sell out fast, so follow them on social media to stay in touch!
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For even more local food and farm happenings, check out our event calendar.
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Here is a sample of what you can find:
Have something you've seen, heard, or read that you think fellow farmers & foodies would like, too? Send your recommendation to info@semaponline.org.
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As the growing season continues, SEMAP wants to update you on current and upcoming produce in season in Southeastern Massachusetts. We hope this helps you plan recipes and get the most out of local food!
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Throughout March, be on the lookout for...
- Apples
- Beans
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Collard greens
- Garlic
- Kale
- Microgreens
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Winter squashes
And don't forget about year-round local products like meat, dairy, eggs, and seafood!
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Have you checked out our Local Food Jobs page recently? You'll find local food and farm job listings relevant to Southeastern Massachusetts. Here are a few picks currently on the page. Want to share a listing? Email info@semaponline.org.
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Renew Your SEMAP Membership or Become a Member Today!
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Consider registering as a SEMAP Member. 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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