It's spring! Here's what's in season and where to find it
May brings asparagus (yay!), rhubarb, and lots of crisp greens. Farmers' markets and seasonal farm stands are opening up for the summer, and we're keeping track of who's open in our online guide.

Time to prep your garden! Choose locally grown starts for the healthiest, most climate-ready plants.

Enjoy the inspired meals that Local Hero chefs are creating with the local harvest -- this is a great time of year to dine out or order in. Visit your old favorites or find a new one!

If you have SNAP, you can earn an instant rebate on fresh fruits and vegetables purchased from participating local farms through HIP.
Lessons from 2020, and looking ahead
Read: CISA's 2020 Annual Report

2020 was a year of loss, worry, and intense work for everyone on the planet, though clearly not in equal doses. Local farms and other food businesses, and the essential workers who propel them, responded heroically to keep our communities fed, and CISA was right there to support them. Learn about how CISA responded to the pandemic year, from direct support to local farms to increased resources to combat hunger -- all thanks to your support.

Watch: CISA's Annual Meeting

Did you miss CISA's online Annual Meeting last month? CISA staff were joined by MA State Senator Jo Comerford and farmer Julia Coffey to reflect on lessons from the past year and what it means for the future. Don't miss this fascinating conversation!

Local Hero profile: E. Cecchi Farms
E. Cecchi Farms in Feeding Hills celebrates their 75th year as a cornerstone of local agriculture. Their customers are drawn to the farm stand for the wide array of plants, hanging baskets, and high-quality produce like fresh asparagus, strawberries, and sweet corn. Michael Cecchi, a third-generation farmer, says the greatest reward is their loyal customers’ “pleasure and appreciation for the produce we offer them.”

Watch: kidding around at Little Brook Farm
We visited the barns at Little Brook Farm in Sunderland to chat with farmer Kristen Whittle and to take a peek at the baby goats born just a day earlier! Enjoy the cuteness while Kristen shares her farm's story, which includes producing meat, eggs, and fiber, and offering farm camps for (human) kids.

Behind the scenes at local farms
CISA's weekly Valley Bounty column in the Daily Hampshire Gazette focuses on what's happening behind the scenes right now at local farms. Recent columns include: early vegetables at Bardwell Farm, CSA shares at Red Fire Farm, medicinal and culinary herbs at Sawmill Herb Farm, and outdoor dining (and a beer garden!) at Skyline Trading Co. Read Valley Bounty!

WRSI's Local Hero Spotlight interviews feature a local farm or business each week. Recent interviews include: Plainville Farm, Hungry Ghost Bread, Leyden Glen Lamb, Martin's Farm Compost and Mulch, and Ashfield Farmers' Market. Listen to WRSI's Local Hero Spotlight!
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!

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