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A Message from the Director
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November is a month for gratitude - for a season of good harvests, strong farm businesses, happy customers, and improved access to healthy food for our community members who are struggling. These are the things that SEMAP works, plans, and fights for and we are thankful for the opportunity to work for the region.
The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) has been a significant reason to be grateful. The program is offered to Massachusetts users of SNAP (formerly food stamps) and is a 1:1 match for fruits and vegetables bought from local farmstands and farmers markets. The incentives have been extended to February 28, 2019 instead of closing next week as previously announced. Farmers started the year planning on a full season of matching incentives but the success of the HIP has made the program a bumpy one. The program will resume in the spring of next year.
Winter markets are returning for your holiday vegetable needs and there are lots of opportunities to shop locally.
Continue reading
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With thanks,
Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director
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SEMAP 2018 Annual Meeting, November 15th
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The SEMAP Annual Meeting will be held at Round the Bend Farm in South Dartmouth, MA on Thursday November 15th from 5:30pm-8pm.
We will take the opportunity to recognize some exceptional folks involved in the local food movement in Southeastern Massachusetts, review some of our accomplishments over the past year, and hear from several individuals involved in the food system locally and regionally.
There will be a networking hour & light supper provided from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, and our meeting & awards ceremony will begin at 6:30pm.
Please RSVP at the link below.
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Winter Farmers Markets / Ag & Food Conference
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Winter Farmers Market Guide
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The newest edition of our Winter Farmers Market Guide is on our website!
Check it out!
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Submit a Workshop Proposal, Sponsor, or Exhibit at our 12th Annual Agriculture & Food Conference
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Got an idea for a workshop?
Submit it here.
Want to be a Sponsor/Exhibitor?
Learn more.
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Elliot Farm Develops Low-Cost Laser Scarecrow for Bird Damage to Sweet Corn
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In 2018, Elliot Farm in Lakeville, MA was awarded a grant from Northeast SARE to design and manufacture an effective laser scarecrow prototype for under $500 so that the technology would be cost effective for small farms.
After piloting 9 units during the 2018 farm season, Elliot Farm recorded a 20% damage rate to their corn in the height of bird season, down from the historical 80% damage rate previously.
The best news: the plans for their devices are freely available for you to build your own.
Read more.
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Northeast SARE Accepting Farmer Grant Applications until November 27th
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Northeast SARE farmer grants are for commercial producers who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique - like Elliot Farm (above)! A technical advisor--often an extension agent, crop consultant, or other service professional--must also be involved. Projects should seek results other farmers can use, and all projects must have the potential to add to our knowledge about effective sustainable practices.
Learn more.
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Healthy Incentives Program Update
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HIP has been extended! Thanks to successful efforts by advocates, an additional $1 million in funding has been applied to HIP, allowing the program to keep operating through the winter farmers market season. The original suspension date of November 21st has now been pushed to February 28th.
Questions can be sent to [email protected]
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Old Rochester Winter Farmer's Market
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The
Old Rochester Winter Farmers Market
runs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month
from 10am to 1pm at the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Gymnasium. The market this year will have seasonal produce, fresh grass-fed meats, cheeses, local honey
, sweet and savory pies, breads, syrup, chocolates and fudge, cranberries, prepared foods, teas, warm alpaca items, soaps, oils, artisan crafts, and fun kids activities!
Learn more.
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SEMAP Member Announcements:
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Order Your Thanksgiving Meal from Cranberry Vine Catering & Events
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| Cranberry Vine Catering & Events new 2018 Thanksgiving menu and order form is up on our website. Click the link below to view and download the order form and let them help you create the perfect locally sourced Thanksgiving dinner! All orders must be received by Friday, November 16, 2018. Learn more. |
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Round The Bend Open Farm Day,
November 17th, 10AM-5PM
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Intro to Cycle Touring Workshop
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Learn how to pack and prepare for your own independent, long distance cycling tour at Open Farm Day at 10AM.
Learn more.
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Pumpkin Muffin Making for Kids
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Calling all kids (and those who are kids at heart) for a fun pumpkin muffin making workshop during Open Farm Day at 12pm.
Learn more.
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Edible South Shore & South Coast Pie Crust Workshop & Holiday Editions
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| The Perfect Pie Crust with Paula Marcou - Tue, December 4th, 7 - 8:30pm |
Improve every aspect of your pie-making, including those all-important dough-handling skills!
Learn more here.
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Edible South Shore & South Coast's Holiday edition is now available!
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Executive Director
Outreach Coordinator
Outreach Intern
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Forwarded this email? Sign up here!
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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