Farmers and purchasers are always telling us they want to opportunity to make new contacts. CISA is holding a spring meet and greet to give you the chance to build new business relationships and check in on existing connections. Farmers and specialty producers will have the option to display materials and product samples so potential […]
Several farmer groups have raised concerns about the newly proposed FSMA rules and their cost to local growers. Rather than wading through hundreds of pages of rules, come to this session to learn how the proposed rules would impact your farm, and hear from those working to impact the rule-making process this summer. Roger Noonan, […]
Are you interested in learning about meat cutting straight from experts at Adams Farm & Slaughterhouse? Join us at Adams Farm in Athol to watch a cutting demonstration of a cow and pig carcass, and to learn to choose the cuts that will be best for your market. Noreen Heath and Adams' head butcher will […]
Come hear what local chefs are looking for when it comes to local meat. Daniel Martinez from Bistro Les Gras and Jordan Scott from The Gill Tavern will share their thoughts on how farmers can better serve the restaurant community by providing cuts chefs need. This session will be geared toward educating farmers on the […]
Are you looking to reduce your greenhouse fuel costs this winter, or planning a new greenhouse? Join CISA at Full Bloom Market Garden to learn about greenhouse energy efficiency strategies, practical energy-saving tips, and funding opportunities for greenhouse projects large and small. Come tour Full Bloom’s gutter-connect and hoophouse complex with high efficiency lighting, computerized […]
CISA invites all retail, restaurant and institutional procurement managers to attend our fall meet and greet. This will give buyers the opportunity to meet with Local Hero member farmers and specialty producers to create new business relationships for procuring locally grown food and products. In addition to mingling there will be three panel discussions whereby […]
Are you looking for help understanding farm labor regulations, finding invested workers, improving your crew’s productivity, or reducing turnover? This session will give an overview of farm labor laws and management issues. It will introduce the range of legal considerations that play into farm labor decisions, and offer strategies for improving the performance, accountability and […]
Are you considering making changes to your crew size, hiring practices or employee compensation? This workshop will help you better understand the financial implications of labor choices beyond simply setting pay rates. Instructor Roy Henshaw will discuss the factors that affect labor-related expenses like unemployment insurance, workers’ comp, Social Security and Medicare tax. Financial considerations […]