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A Message from the Executive Director
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One of the first signs of spring on the legislative calendar is "Ag Day" at the State House. Massachusetts Farms will take center stage on Tuesday, March 27th to celebrate "Ag Day" where farmers come together to focus our legislators' attention on agriculture. It's a day to celebrate the hard work by farmers and the diverse products they produce in Massachusetts. Farmers, producers, agricultural associations and commodity groups join together to recognize these contributions of agriculture.
There will be an opportunity to sample local products at "A Taste of Massachusetts" and learn more about our local agriculture. Farmers can also meet with their legislators to reinforce the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth and promote favorable legislation. As the number of smaller farms increase and urban agriculture grows, we need to make legislative changes to reflect the Commonwealth's increasing farming population.
This event is open to the public and we encourage farmers to attend! Please contact me if have questions. It's not as intimidating at might appear.
Continue reading about some legislative priorities on the SEMAP website.
Sincerely,
Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director
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SEMAP TIE Grant Deadline is March 25th
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The TIE (Technology, Innovation, and Excellence) Grant program awards small grants of $500-$3,000 to farmers located in Bristol, Plymouth, or Norfolk County to trial new equipment, implement new systems, and address challenges. Projects that are applicable to the region as a whole, and not just one farm, are given preference for funding.
Funds are available for materials, consultants, and project costs. Learn more here.
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Ag Day at the Statehouse, March 27th
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Southcoast Food Security Forum, March 28th
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The 2nd Annual Southcoast Food Security Forum will include short, powerful, presentations on nutrition and its connection to local food, panel discussions with local experts, and will feature locally sourced hors d'oeuvres.
Learn more here, or
RSVP here.
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Update Your Local Food Guide Business Listings
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SEMAP is updating our yearly free print publication, the Local Food Guide, which we will be distributing 15,000 copies of across the region. If your farm or business is not listed, or you would like to make changes to your listing please
fill out this form.
Additionally, l
earn more about
advertising opportunities
in the Local Food Guide.
C
all or
email Karen
with any questions.
If you have a Farm Fresh listing, it is likely to be in the top results for Google when someone searches for your farm online.
Make sure the information is accurate by visiting the Guide here. Use the search feature at the top right to see if your farm is listed. To add or edit a listing, use the link at the bottom left of the page "Add/Edit Your Listing." Make sure to sign-in with the same email you used when creating the listing.
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SEMAP Seeking Board Subcommittee Members
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Just a reminder we are still seeking individuals looking to get involved at SEMAP. Our Board of Director's subcommittees include Education, Nomination, TIE Grant, Policies & Procedures, Farm to Tapas, and Development/Membership. Learn more on how to get involved here.
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Lee's Market Seeking Plymouth Area Producers
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Lee's Market is expanding to the Manomet village in Plymouth. They are primarily seeking produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, shell fish, yogurt, dairy, and meat producers. Interested vendors should
contact them.
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Proposals Due March 29th for APR Property in Westport
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The Westport Land Conservation Trust (WLCT) proposal deadline is March 29th for a parcel of land comprising approximately 31 acres and located near 122 Blossom Road in Westport. The parcel will be conveyed subject to an Agricultural Preservation Restriction.
Learn more here.
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Bulk Purchase of Grain Storage Bins
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Plymouth Poultry CSA Shares Available
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Plympton Poultry has 2 CSA options available this spring. The first is 2 whole chickens per week, and the second is a 10 pound variety pack of chicken each week. Both options are picked up a total of 5 times from June through September. Learn more here.
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Free Pasture Land Available For Rent in Wesport
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The P.O.T.E.G.P. Spiritual Guidance Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization specializing in a variety of wellness, art, and nature programs is offering
several acres of pasture land for rent - at no cost near Sanford Road in Westport. They
are seeking responsible farmers who desire to raise small livestock including chickens, goats, alpaca, or sheep and are looking for an opportunity to start their own farm business in raising livestock. Individuals seeking to take part in their permaculture and community gardens are also encouraged to reach out. The site has access to water, and some supplies to get started on building livestock housing. A total of a
bout 7-10 acres of property outside of woodland is available.
E
mail Jessica Howard
for more information about the site.
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Foxboro Farmers Market Seeking Produce Vendors
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The market runs on Thursdays from 4-8pm from June 7th - Sept 20th (no market July 5th) the cost is $75 for the season if booked by March 31st then $100 after that. Committed v
endors include:
Franklin Honey,
Hidden Hollow Alpacas,
Big Biscuit Bakery,
Juice on Main,
Lawtons Beef & Cheese,
Scout & Cellar,
Overnight Organics, and
Boston Baddest Burgers. Email Renee if interested.
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Round the Bend Open Farm Days
& Grass Fed Beef
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Resources & Opportunities
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View farmers markets across Bristol, Plymouth, & Norfolk Counties
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Find land to farm, service providers, farmer education, farm funding, information on land transfer, and more!
This online version of our Local Food Guide contains SEMAP member farms and local food businesses, as well as a list of farmers markets in our region.
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Executive Director
Outreach Coordinator
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Contribute to the Vine
Have an event, job posting, or article to share in our next Vine Newsletter?
Want your farm or business highlighted in a SEMAP Spotlight?
Become a SEMAP Member today to post your news!
SEMAP Business Membership starts at only $75/year
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