Get to know your local dairy farmers!
Mayval Farm, Easthampton

June is dairy month, so raise a glass (of milk) in honor of the hardworking dairy farmers of Massachusetts!

Dairy farmers represent a vital piece of our local agricultural system, providing a LOT of nutrition, economic activity, and care for our land.

Supporting local dairy farms is easier than you might think, since most of the milk produced by our region's dairy farmers is processed and sold in New England and New York. Or you can buy dairy products directly from farmers at farm stands and farmers' markets -- of course we have a list here!

If you want to learn more about the people behind the milk or the contributions dairy farms make to our community, visit our special dairy page or the MA Dairy Promotion Board.
Celebrate with CISA this weekend

Local Hero Day at River Valley Co-op
Saturday, June 16, 12-3pm
In honor of CISA's 25th anniversary, River Valley Co-op is hosting a showcase of Local Hero farms and producers -- come meet them and enjoy delicious local samples! 

Warner Farm Strawberry Fest & Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, June 17, 9am-4pm
Come celebrate strawberry season and Father's Day with pick-your-own strawberries, a pancake breakfast and lots of special strawberry treats, live music, and CISA! 

 Details here.
Peek behind the scenes!

Farmer video profile: Bardwell Farm
Ninth generation Hatfield farmer Harrison Bardwell talks about farming the family land and being part of a farming community in the latest installment of "Breaking Ground: Beginning Farmer Stories."

Watch the video profile here.
Farmer profile: Amherst Nurseries
"You start to appreciate how everything works together, from business to the natural world," says Amherst Nurseries owner John Kinchla, about owning a landscaping and nursery business. "It gives you a chance to be part of both." Towns and cities in Hampshire County are filled with trees that began their life in John's care.

Read the full profile here.
Limited edition CISA t-shirts

Now available: a brand new, super cute, super limited edition CISA t-shirt designed by local artist Catherine Weiss. This is the first in a seasonal series we're releasing in honor of CISA's 25th anniversary -- get yours today!
Examining the true cost of food

Elizabeth Solaka photo
"The food we grow should sustain all of us by providing a reasonable income to farm owners and workers, offering healthy and delicious food to all, and protecting the environment our children will inherit. To achieve these ends, more money needs to flow to farmers and to workers throughout our food system." 
Action alert: immigrant protections in the state budget

Immigrants are part of our community and make vital contributions to our local food system. Contact your legislators today to ensure that protections for immigrant families are included in the final state budget.

Details here.
Interview with Stephen Kulik, advocate for farmers

Elizabeth Solaka photo
State Representative Steve Kulik, who has represented the 1st Franklin district for the last 25 years, joined us for a Local Hero Spotlight interview on WRSI. He talked about his decision to retire from the state legislature, his work on behalf of dairy farmers and the dairy farm tax credit, the MA Food System Collaborative, and agricultural issues he hopes his successor takes seriously.
HIP update

Thanks to the efforts of advocates around the state, HIP re-launched in May after a short suspension. The state's supplemental budget will keep the program running thought the end of June, and funding for HIP is currently included in draft budgets for the fiscal year starting in July.
Elizabeth Solaka photo
Save the date for Taste the View

We're already looking forward to our annual harvest celebration and fundraiser, Taste the View! Save the date: this year's party will be held on Thursday, September 20th at Valley View Farm in Haydenville, a new-to-us location!
Quick Links

Check out our press page for news stories about local farms and local agriculture, along with our weekly interview series on WRSI, monthly column in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, and more!
Go to press page

Farm tours, film screenings, workshops, special local meals -- there's always something happening in the Valley!
Go to events listing

Job opportunities, land, equipment.
Go to classifieds
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