Farmer Update: December 2022 |
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Dear Farmers and Food Producers: |
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Just like that, we find ourselves at the end of another year! We hope you are able to find some time to rest, relax with family & friends, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Before we know it, we'll all be busy with winter markets & springtime planning.
In fact, we've got a few upcoming SEMAP virtual workshops to kickstart this planning process. On Wednesday, January 18, join us and The Carrot Project in our workshop Understanding USDA's Micro Farm Insurance Program. Speaker Amanda Chang will explore the new insurance program for diversified farms, as well as walk through other FSA disaster programs. Soon after, on Wednesday, January 25, we're bringing in marketing expert Mieko Ozeki in our workshop Maintaining Social Media Presence in the Off-Season. She'll discuss ways to keep your farm business top-of-mind, even when sales outlets are slow or closed.
Both of these virtual workshops are free, along with most SEMAP programming. We rely on the generous support of our community to ensure this level of accessibility! Please consider an end-of-year gift to SEMAP if you are able. Regardless of your ability to donate, we are so grateful for you and wish you a happy new year!
In this email you'll find information on:
- Our upcoming Ag & Food Conference
- Grant and award programs for food producers
- Farmland available for purchase
- Educational events and workshops
- Opportunities for feedback
- The Food Security Infrastructure Grant
- Local farming jobs
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With gratitude,
Shannon Hickey (she/her)
Program Coordinator
(781) 908-4466
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SEMAP's 16th Annual Agriculture & Food Conference |
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Have you heard? Our annual Agriculture & Food Conference is right around the corner and registration is open now! Sign up today to join us on Zoom on Sunday, February 26th for a wide range of workshops and panels. We'll talk about everything from creative market access and the value of urban agriculture, to avian flu prevention and food safety regulation compliance.
It all kicks off with our wonderful keynote speaker, NeftalĂ Durán, who brings with him decades of food systems experience. NeftalĂ is a chef, advocate, educator, organizer, and grower based in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He is the co-founder of I-Collective, deeply involved with Nuestras RaĂces, a community educator at Cooking Matters, a Salzburg Fellow, and a farmer. We are so thrilled to have him, and to have you join us! |
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We are also seeking sponsors for our conference, which will allow us to bring in great slate of presenters throughout the day, and keep ticket prices accessible. Reach out to jlehner@semaponline.org with questions about our many sponsorship opportunities. |
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Take a look at a few of the currently open grant, reimbursement, and award programs below, then check out a complete list on our webpage!
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NYFC Young Farmer Grant: To support young (18-40 years old) and beginning farmers with flexible funding for costs associated with start-up and business growth.
- Deadline: January 13th
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Dairy Food Safety and Certification Grant: To improve the safety of dairy products, create access to new markets, and increase the overall marketability of dairy products in the Northeast.
- Deadline: January 19th
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Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program: To offer financial assistance for specialty crop operations that incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years in 2022 or 2023.
- Deadline: January 31st
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Commercial Refrigeration Grant: To increase the adoption of more climate-friendly low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment in Massachusetts.
- Deadline: February 3rd
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REMINDER: SEMAP can assist Southeastern Massachusetts farmers in grant applications. We can help you determine your eligibility, walk through the application together, review before submission, offer a letter of support, or any combination of these! Apply for assistance here or email Shannon at shickey@semaponline.org with any questions.
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Farmland Availability in Westport |
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The Westport Conservation Land Trust has a 42-acre parcel of land available for resale. The land will be subject to a conservation restriction held by the Trust and the town. The right fit will be an experienced farmer(s) who currently owns or manages an established agricultural operation and is committed to protecting the conservation and agricultural resources on the property. Proposals are due by January 20th.
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New Round of Food Security Infrastructure Grant Confirmed |
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After two successful rounds of the pandemic-inspired Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, a third round has been confirmed! This is a large and versatile grant program that has funded projects like barns, refrigerated vehicles, farm stands, and more. While an RFR has not been released yet, last year's RFR is a good indicator of what the application may look like. It's never too early to start thinking through your application!
Information sessions will be held by grant administrators on Tuesday, January 3rd 1-3pm and Thursday, January 5th 4-6pm; bring your questions! The RFR and application deadline will be announced shortly thereafter. We will update our grants page when announced, or you can check back to the state's FSIG page. |
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Virtual and In-Person Courses & Workshops for Food Producers |
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Several dates, beginning January 10 – MDAR MassGrownWellness Trainings – in-person or virtual: after months of research, MDAR is launching farm mental health trainings, including stress recognition skills, deescalation tactics, and resource-sharing. Register for one of the many offered trainings!
Tuesdays, January 10–February 21 – Seed School – in-person, Westport: our dear friends at Freed Seed Federation are hosting a FREE 7-week course in seed-saving basics! It will be followed by a springtime seed swap. No registration is required and questions can be directed to Bill Braun at williamjbraun@gmail.com.
Thursdays, January 12–March 2 – GenerationNext Seminar – virtual: our partners at Farm Credit East lead this seminar geared for anyone assuming a new or increased management position within a food business. You do not need to be a FCE customer to participate. Register now!
Saturdays, January 21–March 11 – Master Urban Gardener Course – in-person, Boston: an intensive course held by The Trustees for the last 25 years! They cover everything from botany and soil science to community building and food preservation. Apply ASAP and by January 5th at the latest.
January 26, March 2, and March 30 – Farm Succession School – in-person, Wrentham: Land for Good is hosting a three-day winter course for senior farmers looking to transfer their farm business and/or farmland to a successor (identified or unknown, family or unrelated). Register ASAP and by January 6th at the latest.
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Important Opportunities for Feedback: dual-use solar, USDA agencies, and SNAP CSAs |
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Many farming organizations want to hear from YOU!
WHO: Sheep farmers or prospective sheep farmers, especially those who've considered grazing in solar array fields.
WHY: Cornell Cooperative Extension is investigating the feasibility of developing a cooperative for sheep farmers to graze under solar arrays.
WHEN: ASAP
WHO: Anyone who has interacted with or is considering interacting with USDA agencies (including FSA and NRCS).
WHY: Survey results will inform ways to enhance support and improve programs and services, increase access, and advance equity for new and existing customers.
WHEN: By March 31st
WHO: Farmers who operate a CSA, especially those who accept SNAP and other nutrition incentive programs.
WHY: The Farmers' Market Coalition and FairShare CSA Coalition are building training programs and resources, as well as identifying needs.
WHEN: By mid-January
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NOFA/Mass Soil Analysis and Bulk Supply Ordering |
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Did you know our friends at NOFA/Mass perform fast, low-cost soil testing? No need to be certified organic or even use organic practices. You'll receive raw results, a soil analysis, and amendment recommendations from experts! Now is a great time to find out what your soil’s limiting factors are. Not only will you be able to alter your soil amendments based on the results, but you'll also get a discount on NOFA's annual Tri-state bulk order program!
The bulk order program is open from January 1 to January 31. Available materials include potting soil, compost, irrigation infrastructure, tools, row cover, plastic mulch, tubers, seedlings, and more! There will be several pick-up locations in MA, RI, and CT in March and April.
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Compost Operation Discussion Series from the 131Âş School |
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The 131Âş School of Compost has conducted a discussion series with composting experts, including Karl Hammer, founder of Vermont Compost Company. It is publicly accessible here for a limited time! The 131Âş School regularly hosts a free discussion series, as well as offers a paid course. The school is appropriate for all skill levels and farm or garden sizes. Thanks to Janice at Holly Hill Farm in Cohasset for the recommendation! |
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For more workshops, webinars, and other opportunities, check out our event calendar!
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SEMAP maintains a Local Food Jobs page on our website! 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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Consider registering as a SEMAP Business Member. Membership with SEMAP helps us continue to provide promotion and technical assistance to farmers across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.
Business members receive a host of benefits, including...
- Member Spotlight on SEMAP's blog
- Access to business development resources
- Discount ads in Local Food Guide
- Free boosted Facebook posts
Membership is available at several levels. Come join us!
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PO Box 80625,
S. Dartmouth, MA 02748
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