Dear Friends,
The spring planting and harvest season is getting underway! Many farmers' markets in our region will launch over the next month, and seasonal farmstands are opening their doors after a cold winter. We're so ready to get a taste of what Southeastern Massachusetts farms have to offer this year.
In this month's newsletter, you'll find:
- Helpful resources and updates for our region's farmers
- Information about SEMAP's 2021 Local Food Guide
- Local food shopping options, from farmstands to markets
- Crops currently in season
- Local food job postings
- Meet a small-scale farmer right in our region!
The SEMAP team is looking forward to a season full of connecting with our farmers and promoting locally-grown food. If you'd like for us to pay a visit to your farm, market, or other operation, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
As always, please contact us with any questions or thoughts on the local food landscape in Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Happy spring!
Sincerely,
Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director
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2021 Farmers Markets Guide |
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2021 Farmers Markets Guide
Our guide to farmers markets in Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties this season is now live! Check it out to find your nearest markets, where to use SNAP/HIP, farmers' market coupons, and more.
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News For Farmers and Food Professionals |
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Order Your Local Food Guide
Our 2021 Local Food Guide is heading to the presses, and we couldn't be more excited! This printed guide to local food and farms in Southeastern Massachusetts is a great resource for everyone from home gardeners to shop owners.
Pre-order a box for your business now! We'll deliver right to your door.
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Farm Business Assistance
Did you know? SEMAP provides direct business and marketing support for farmers and ranchers in Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties. We can help with digital marketing, e-commerce, labor management, SNAP/HIP operations, and more. If you'd like to meet with us, learn more and apply now.
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Millis Land for Sale
Bogastow Farm is a 64.19-acre working sheep farm along Bogastow Brook in the northern part of Millis. Approximately 32.12 acres are designated Prime Farmland Soils. The family is seeking the next steward and is required to “attempt to sell the property as a single parcel to a buyer who appears to value it for its agricultural potential”.
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APR Program Accepting Applications
The Department is currently accepting applications for the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. The Program purchases the non-agricultural value of the farmland in exchange for a permanent deed restriction which prevents uses and activities that may impact the present or future agricultural use and viability of the property. |
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FMPP Assistance
Applying to the Farmers Market Promotion Program is a heavy lift, but you don't have to do it alone! Farmers Market Coalition offers direct support opportunities specifically for farmers market organizations applying for the FMPP. Interested organizations can sign-up on their website and may be asked to share application materials with FMC. |
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Be Featured in a Video!
What you do in a typical day? Why did you become a farmer? What makes your business unique?
We are planning a series of short social media videos highlighting farmers in Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties. Take viewers on a day in the life on a Southeastern MA farm! If you're interested, email olivia.hart@semaponline.org. |
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History of Sustainable Farming
Help preserve the history of organic/sustainable agriculture! A graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is collecting and preserving the history of sustainable agriculture in the northeastern United States. Fill out this brief questionnaire about how you became interested in organic/sustainable farming.
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Greenhouse Available for Rent
Greenhouse space is available at 794 Horseneck Road, Dartmouth—formerly the home of Quansett Nurseries. While the nursery is no longer in business, much of the infrastructure remains and is available to rent.
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Farmstands Open Now
Farmstands across Southeastern Massachusetts are opening their doors for the season. Here are a few welcoming customers now:
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Finance to Farming:
A Plymouth Family's Story
Brian Bacci and his 11-year old son founded a farm on less than one acre of land in Plymouth. Read their inspiring story here!
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Foxboro Farmers Market Opening!
Foxboro Farmers Market's opening day is tomorrow, Saturday May 29! Visit to find local produce, handmade candles, alpaca fiber goods, fudge, and more.
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Silverbrook Farm Events
Silverbrook Farm in Acushnet is now booking events for the coming months! Register to host your party at the farm.
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Oakdale Farms CSA
Oakdale Farms in Rehoboth is still accepting sign-ups for their summer CSA starting June 15. Sign up before it's full! Depending on the week, you may receive berries, tomatoes, greens, peppers, peas, beets, and more!
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Heart Beets Farm
Vegetable Storage Guide
Heart Beets Farm in Berkley has published a foolproof guide to local veggie preparation and storage throughout the year. Get tips on everything from arugula to zucchini!
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Volunteer at Brookwood Farm
Brookwood Community Farm in Canton is seeking volunteers for their Donations Garden! Sign up to help with weeding, watering and planting on Saturdays. Everything grown in the Donations Garden will be donated to local community fridges or pantries!
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DTA HIP Map is LIVE!
The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance has launched their new interactive map to help find HIP-accepting farms nearest to you.
Check it out!
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COVID-19 Resources
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.
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As more fruits and vegetables become available, 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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Over the next month, be on the lookout for...
- Arugula
- Beets
- Bok choy
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce and other salad greens
- Strawberries
- Peas
- Sprouts
- Scallions
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While this year's growing and market season is underway, we'd love to introduce you to farmers and food heroes in Southeastern Massachusetts. This month, meet Zach of Zeigler's Market Garden in Norfolk, MA.
Zeigler’s Market Garden is a small scale vegetable farm founded in 2016. They use sustainable and organic growing methods on historic farmland to provide fresh vegetables to the local community all season long.
While still in high school, Zach started “farming” his family's front yard to grow produce for local farmers' markets. Now, he's a graduate of UMass's Stockbridge School of Agriculture, manages the Norfolk Farmers Market, and works additional acreage of farmland around Norfolk.
Overall, Zeigler's goal is to start small and make big changes in the way our local community chooses to get its food.
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Welcome New + Renewed SEMAP Members! |
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Teas and herbals, hand-made and organically farm grown.
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All natural, local, honeybee products.
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Personalized Meal Preparation & Culinary Nutrition Classes.
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SEMAP has just launched a new Local Food Jobs page on our web site! You'll find local food and farm job listings relevant to Southeastern Massachusetts.
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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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