A Message from our Executive Director: |
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We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal with lots of delicious local produce, cider, meats, and, of course, cranberries! Locally grown food provides unmatched flavor and variety. Supporting your local farmers ensures that your dollars stay in your community, and you can feel better knowing that the food you serve came right from the farm.
We are grateful for our farmers rising to all the challenges 2020 brought to the table. They harvested an abundance of food during a year challenged by drought (among so many other things), and switched up their operations to get what they grew to their communities. Of course, we are also grateful for those who support their farmers. In tough times, there is a peaceful security in knowing who grows your food.
Happy Thanksgiving from Karen, Olivia, and Emily at SEMAP!
With thanks,
Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director
Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership - SEMAP
(508) 524-2601
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SEMAP Annual Meeting 2020 |
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Thank you to all who attended our first-ever virtual Annual Meeting last Thursday, November 19. The SEMAP team was thrilled to connect with leaders and supporters throughout the greater Southeastern Massachusetts food system after a year of dramatic changes. 2020 has presented us with plenty of challenges, but we are proud to share our solutions so far and plans for an even brighter future for local food. |
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Highlights from our digital gathering include:
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Helen Zincavage of SRPEDD details land preservation strategies. |
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If you missed the Annual Meeting, don't worry—a full recap is linked below. We can't wait to update you on our plans and projects in the works for 2021; but for now, we encourage you to keep shopping locally and staying safe. |
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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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NSAC Conservation Stewardship Program Guide
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has just released a guide to the USDA National Conservation Stewardship Program. The guide provides farmers and ranchers looking to enroll in the program, or renew CSP contracts, with helpful, comprehensive, and accurate information about the program.
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2021 NOFA/Mass
Winter Conference
Join the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Massachusetts's 34th Annual Winter Conference from January 8-10. Discuss, network, and learn with organic farming professionals about Food Security for the Common Wealth.
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Winter Farm Business Planning
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project is hosting an online Winter Farm Business Planning course from January 12 - March 2, 2021. The class is for those individuals who are ready to put vision into action and take the first steps in starting their new farm business. Each session is filled with information and activities to help you develop and write your farm business plan.
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Employee Ownership Webinar
On December 3, Project Equity, Cambridge Local First, American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and Asheville Grown present information on how locally-owned businesses can thrive with employee ownership. Learn how this business model works, why it's relevant today, and how it can help sustain and develop local businesses now and in the future.
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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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Wreathing at Osamequin Farm
Osamequin Farm in Seekonk, MA is hosting wreathing-to-go on December 5 and 6. Sign up for a time slot to come gather your greenery and select your wreath frame, wire, and ribbon.
Take everything home and watch their instructional video, then send them a photo of your wreath and they'll post them on their social media all month!
All wreathing greenery will be foraged from around their 400 acres of conserved land!
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Small Business Saturday
Do you know about Small Business Saturday? The day after Black Friday is recognized as a chance to seek out and support your local small businesses. SEMAP's Value-Added Producers directory is a great place to start—#shopsmall with our list of local-focused sellers and makers, from kombucha to ice cream.
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Attleboro Farms Christmas Shop
Attleboro Farms's outdoor Christmas shop can supply your holiday decor needs from winter greenery like Fraser firs and poinsettias to ornaments and handcrafted items. Take a stroll through the shop this season!
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Holiday Hayrides at Anawan Farm
Anawan Farm in Rehoboth is hosting daytime and nighttime holiday-themed hayrides starting November 28 through the moth of December. COVID-safe and family-friendly: minimum of 4 and maximum of 10 persons per ride.
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Annual Holly Day @ Holly Hill Farm
Holly Hill Farm in Cohasset is hosting their annual Holly Day celebrations in a new, COVID-safe fashion. Join in-person wreath-making workshops, get your own DIY wreath-making or gingerbread kits, and shop their Holiday Gift Fair online!
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More Ordering and Delivery
During these strange times, 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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NOFA's The Natural Farmer |
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Vermont Law School
Center for Agriculture and Food Systems
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Homestead Farm
Thanks to Homestead Farm and Market in Rehoboth, MA for becoming a SEMAP member business! This almost 50-year-old farm provides a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, livestock, and more products to Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Owners Skip and Tish Vadnais are passionate about natural growing methods and supporting farms and growers throughout the region!
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Renew Your SEMAP Membership or Become a Member Today! |
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PO Box 80625
S. Dartmouth, MA 02748
Executive Director:
(508) 524-2601
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