Earlier this week, farmland along rivers throughout our region flooded. Many of these farms are still assessing the damage, but we know that the losses will be extremely severe for some of them. This, in addition to the freezes that damaged fruit crops earlier this year, means that 2023 is shaping up to be a very difficult season for a number of local farms.

In response, CISA's Emergency Farm Fund now is offering zero-interest loans of up to $25,000 for local farms affected by fluctuating winter temperatures that killed peach buds in February, the deep freeze of May 18, and widespread flooding in July. Please spread the word – details and application materials can be found here.

If you would like to donate directly to farms that have been affected by the recent flooding, we have built a resource page and linked to them here.

The havoc that this year's weather has been wreaking is serious business – and still, farmers throughout the Valley are working hard and bringing in lots of beautiful food for you to enjoy.

Veggies! This month: heat-loving veggies like tomatoes, corn, and eggplant will start to come in, joining the earlier greens, broccoli, carrots, and more.

Blueberries! The blueberry crop was reduced by a late frost this year, but many blueberry growers are still open for business! We have been keeping track of pick-your-own options here.

Everything else! Find farmers' markets, restaurants sourcing the tastiest local food, specific crops like corn, local meat for grilling, and anything else your heart desires! Find it all here.

Two great ways to stay abreast of what's happening on local farms: CISA's Valley Bounty column in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, and CISA's segments on "The Fabulous 413" on New England Public Media.

Please do not take images or content to use on your own site or project without CISA's explicit permission. Please feel free to link to our newsletter. Archives can be found at buylocalfood.org.