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Who is CISA?

Who is CISA?

Hear about what we do from local farmers and people we work with every day!

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Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) strengthens farms and engages the community to build the local food economy.

CISA has been working for over 30 years to build a stronger, more resilient, and more just local food system. We envision a local food system where farms are viable, working conditions are fair and just for owners and workers, the environment is respected, and locally grown food is available for all.

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Whats Happening?

Maximizing MDAR Funding Opportunities and Navigating Climate Conditions -  A Tour at the Food Bank Farm 

September 17 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Register here!  At this event you will learn about MDAR's new succession planning opportunity, MDAR grants and the MDAR APR Program. We will tour the Food Bank Farm and hear... more
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Farming in a Changing Climate with Berkshire Agricultural Ventures

September 18 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Register here! Join us for our 2nd annual climate event to hear insights and lessons from our local farmers and regional experts. Optional farm tour of April Hill starts at... more
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Dining for a Cooler Planet: Showcasing Local Farmers and Climate Resilience

September 18 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
UMass Dining will host a special event at Hampshire Dining Commons featuring a panel discussion on Local Agriculture and Climate Action, a cooking demonstration by our Executive Chef Bob Bankert... more
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“Kiss the Ground” Showing with CISA and Miller Worley Center for the Environment

September 18 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join Mount Holyoke College’s Miller Worley Center and Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture to celebrate their Climate Change and Farming Week for a showing of “Kiss the Ground” followed by... more
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Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing Program Informational Webinar

September 18 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register here! Join one of the three upcoming webinars that provide an overview of the Climate-Smart Farming & Marketing Program, led by Pasa Sustainable Agriculture. Northeast regional project partners from Community... more
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Working to Build Climate Change Resiliency at the Hampshire College Farm : A Farm Tour

September 19 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Register here!  Come tour the Hampshire College Farm! We are a small, diversified vegetable and livestock farm right on the Hampshire College Campus and we are trialing ways to build... more
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Reed Farm: Composting for Business Diversification and Climate Change Adaptation

September 20 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Register here! Join Reed Farm for a look at their composting enterprise that adapts to climate change by diversifying income streams and reducing farm waste. Reed Farm received an adaptation... more
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Climate, Conservation, and Community: An Informational Tour of the Fort River Community Garden

September 21 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Register here!  Come join members of the volunteer management committee for the Fort River Community Garden for a tour of the garden space! You will learn how the sociocratic model... more
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Ioka Valley Farm Autumn Fun

September 21 @ 10:00 am - October 27 @ 5:30 pm
Fall Fun for the Whole Family! Weekends end of September - October,  plus Columbus Day Monday! Open Weekends 10am - 5:30pm Fall 2024 September 21st - October 27th. Pick out... more
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Stony Hill Farm Tour: Planning for Climate Resilience

September 22 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Register here!  As the climate changes, western Mass is expected to have more days with temperatures in the 90s, new pests, wetter springs, more intense rain events, and decreased soil... more
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North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival

September 28 @ 10:00 am - September 29 @ 5:00 pm
Don't Miss The “Festival that Stinks” Sept 28/29 It's a fabulous family friendly destination held amid the fall foliage on a historic farm in Orange, MA. Wander among over 100... more
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Making Food Fun Visits Apex Orchards

September 29 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Big skies and soaring views beckon from Apex Orchards. CISA is heading to the beautiful Shelburne hills to join in Gathered Farms, at Apex Orchards, on Sunday, September 29th from... more
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Get the Latest News From CISA

Valley Bounty: Sunset Farm

August 24, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, CISA's Valley Bounty Column, Local Heroes in the News, Press Room
Sunset Farm Grows Vegetables, Flowers, and Community Sunset Farm in Amherst is a neighborhood farm that emphasizes the social aspects of farming in community. Owners Connie and Bill Gillen grow ... more
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Valley Bounty: Oliver's Farm Stand

August 16, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, CISA's Valley Bounty Column, Local Heroes in the News, Press Room
For people near Goshen, Oliver’s Farm Stand is bringing more local food within close reach. As they do, they’re bringing their neighbors closer together too. “We carry almost 100% local ... more
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Valley Bounty: Fitzwilly's Restaurant

August 10, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, CISA's Valley Bounty Column, Press Room
Fitzwilly’s Serves Local Ingredients with a Side of Northampton History Fitzwilly’s Restaurant offers seasonal, local food in an iconic downtown Northampton location. As summer explodes with local crops on the ... more
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Valley Bounty: Dancing Bear Farm Figs

August 2, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, CISA's Valley Bounty Column, Local Heroes in the News, Press Room
Published August 3, 2024 in the Daily Hampshire Gazette and Greenfield Recorder Fresh Figs? In Massachusetts? Leyden Farm unlocks new flavors and farming possibilities By Jacob Nelson It’s rare to ... more
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NEPM: Alina's Ristorante

August 1, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, Local Heroes in the News, NEPM "Fabulous 413" interviews, Press Room
_ Maritza Amaya-Branche and chef Martin Amaya, who own Alina’s Ristorante in Hadley, chat with Jacob, Kaliis, and Monte about their long history of running this beloved restaurant and longer ... more
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Valley Bounty: Williamsburg Market

July 24, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, CISA's Valley Bounty Column, Local Heroes in the News, Press Room
Williamsburg Market is a small, independent, full-service grocery store in Williamsburg...It’s not too big, overwhelming shoppers with dozens of long aisles and thousands of choices. It’s also not too small, ... more
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Valley Bounty: Clarkdale Peaches

July 20, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, CISA's Valley Bounty Column, Press Room, Peaches
Peaches Return this Summer After much anticipation, peaches are ripe and now available on farm stands and at farmers’ markets in the Valley. Ben Clark, fourth generation farmer and owner/operator ... more
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NEPM: Yellow Stonehouse Farm

July 17, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, Local Heroes in the News, NEPM "Fabulous 413" interviews, Press Room
_ Owners Connie Adams and John Keilch tell Phil, Monte, and Kaliis all about Yellow Stonehouse Farm in Westfield. Did you know: They’re the only certified organic produce farm in ... more
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Valley Bounty: J & J Farms

July 12, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, CISA's Valley Bounty Column, Local Heroes in the News, Press Room
Published July 12, 2024 in the Daily Hampshire Gazette Rising from the Ashes One year after a tragic fire, Amherst farm enters new chapter with community backing By Jacob Nelson ... more
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NEPM: E. Cecchi Farms

July 11, 2024    Posted in: CISA News, Local Heroes in the News, NEPM "Fabulous 413" interviews, Press Room
🍅 Kaliis, Monte, and Phil visit with Bob Cecchi of E. Cecchi Farms in Agawam’s Feeding Hills. Hear all about: Their large farm store, where you can buy all kinds ... more
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Featured Local Hero Profile

Be a Local Hero

Local Hero Profile: Bloom Woolen Yarns

October 18, 2023    Posted in: Specialty Producer Profiles, Local Hero Profiles
Local Hero Profile by Julia Mazzuchi, Local Hero Program Assistant  The buy local movement in the Valley not only encompasses... more
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