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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for CISA - Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250926T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250926T180000
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20250731T133927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T131952Z
UID:50362-1758879000-1758909600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Agroforestry Crawl: Three farms in one day!
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \nJoin CISA on Friday\, September 26th for an all-day Agroforestry Crawl visiting three innovative western MA farms with agroforestry systems on their land.  \nWe start out at The Long Game Orchard in Northfield\, a 6-acre silvopasture farm with tree crops including chestnuts\, American persimmons\, Asian pears\, Yellowbud hickory\, and pawpaws. The farm is also experimenting with fodder and biodiversity hedges and is transforming an adjacent secondary forest fragment into a silvopasture system. From there we travel to Firefly Farm in Sunderland\, a 25-acre no-till farm with perennial herbs\, a no-till veggie area and orchards of heartnuts\, hazelnuts and chestnuts. Finally\, we hit Carr’s Ciderhouse and Preservation Orchard in Hadley for a look at their apple orchards that are integrated with grazing flocks of sheep and chickens based on the farm and raised in collaboration with Meadowfed Lamb.  \nVisits to each farm include farm tours and conversations with the farmers and participants. Following the tour of Carr’s\, we will have some time to reflect on opportunities and challenges associated with implementing agroforestry systems on western MA farms and a networking session over pizza and cider.  \nThis event is oriented toward farmers and service providers\, but is open to members of the public interested in learning about agroforestry. \nDate: Friday\, September 26th\, 9:30am – 6pm (rain date Sept 27th) \nFarm Tour Locations:  \n\nThe Long Game Orchard\, Northfield\nFirefly Farm\, Sunderland\nPreservation Orchard\, Meadowfed Lamb and Carr’s Ciderhouse\, Hadley\n\nAgenda:  \n9:30am – Meet up at The Long Game Orchard \n10:00am – Begin farm tour   \n11:30am – BYO lunch break at The Long Game Orchard or elsewhere  \n1:00pm – Meet up at Firefly Farm\, begin farm tour   \n2:30pm – Depart for Preservation Orchard & Carr’s Ciderhouse/Meadowfed Lamb   \n3:00pm – Begin farm tour  \n4:00pm – Discussion on moving agroforestry systems forward – constraints and opportunities  \n5:00pm – Networking/cider/pizza at Carr’s \n6:00pm – End of event \nRegistration: Please register in advance. Although we encourage participants to attend all three farm tours\, you may select one or two tours to attend if you’re not able to commit to the full day. \nFood: CISA will provide some snacks but otherwise food will not be provided on the tour. Please bring your own lunch or plan to go out in between tours. Pizza and cider will be available to purchase at Carr’s Ciderhouse during the networking session at the end of the tour. \nTransportation: Please arrange your own transportation between tour locations. Participants are encouraged to coordinate their own rideshares to carpool between locations\, if possible. \nContact Stephen at stephen@buylocalfood.org with questions or to register. \nThis event is part of Climate Change and Farming Week 2025. Click here for more information! 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/agroforestry-crawl/
LOCATION:The Long Game Orchard\, Firefly Farm\, Carr’s Ciderhouse and Orchard
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250926T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250926T170000
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20250903T170907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T093158Z
UID:50573-1758898800-1758906000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Agriculture and Conservation Education: On-Campus Resources and Food Security
DESCRIPTION:Greenfield Community College has a small but thriving agricultural education program that utilizes on-campus gardens to teach and grow op-produce for the GCC food pantry. Please join program coordinator\, Anthony Reiber and Farm and Food Systems student Michael Hannigan to tour the on-campus agriculture education resources and discuss the successes and challenges of the programs. \n\nDate: Friday\, September 26th\, 3:00-5:00pm\nLocation: Greenfield Community College\, 1 College Drive\, Greenfield\, MA 01301\n\nContact Anthony at Greenfield Community College with questions. \nThis event is part of Climate Change and Farming Week 2025. Click here for more information! 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/agriculture-and-conservation-education-on-campus-resources-and-food-security/
LOCATION:Greenfield Community College\, 1 College Drive\, Greenfield\, MA\, 01301
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250927
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250929
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20250903T172140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T180445Z
UID:50593-1758931200-1759103999@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival: Portal to the Future
DESCRIPTION:Now in it’s 27th year\, the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival unites the farmers\, artists\, civic organizations and individuals whose livelihoods are connected to the land and the arts and invites both local residents and those who do not live in the region to experience the richness and resiliency of rural life in western Massachusetts. Resiliency in the face of climate change is an urgent need for rural and urban communities alike\, and the festival’s Portal to the Future highlights actions and opportunities for visitors to pitch in to the challenge. \nClick here for more information about Portal to the Future. \n\nDates: September 27th – 28th\, 10:00 – 5:00pm\nLocation: Forster Farm\, 60 Chestnut Hill Road\, Orange\, Massachusetts\n\nThis event is part of Climate Change and Farming Week 2025. Click here for more information! 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/north-quabbin-garlic-arts-festival-portal-to-the-future/
LOCATION:Forster Farm\, 60 Chestnut Hill Road\, Orange\, MA\, 01364\, United States
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,Family events,Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T130000
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20250903T165600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T093351Z
UID:50582-1758967200-1758978000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Building Fertile Ground: Biochar\, Soil Health\, and Agroforestry in Action
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nCurious about biochar and how it supports soil health and climate resilience? Join us at Big River Chestnuts in South Deerfield to learn about the benefits of this carbon-rich soil amendment. We’ll discuss how biochar is made\, how it can enhance soil health and water retention\, and what to consider when using it on your farm. We will also discuss how to access funding and other forms of assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). \nThe Hampden-Hampshire Conservation District will demonstrate its newest addition to their equipment program – a Stoltzfus 4-ton multi-purpose spreader\, which will apply a custom blend of biochar and compost to Jono Neiger’s agroforestry system. This versatile tool is available through HHCD’s equipment rental program and can be used to apply a range of amendments that increase soil fertility and health\, and build long-term climate resiliency. Snacks and refreshments will be provided after the event. \n\nDate/time: Saturday\, September 27th\, 10 AM – 1 PM\nLocation: 44-98 Settright Rd\, South Deerfield\nRain date: Sunday\, September 28th\, 10 AM – 1 PM\nPresenters: Jono Neiger (Big River Chestnuts)\, Matthew Karas (HHCD)\n\nContact Matthew Karas at Hampshire-Hampden Conservation District with questions. \nThis event is part of Climate Change and Farming Week 2025. Click here for more information!  \n*HHCD’s Stoltzfus Wet-Lime Spreader was purchased with grant funding provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.  \n*The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides funding for biochar and other soil amendments through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/building-fertile-ground-biochar-soil-health-and-agroforestry-in-action/
LOCATION:Big River Chestnuts\, 44-98 Settright Rd\, Deerfield\, MA\, 01373
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T190000
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20250917T152247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T152247Z
UID:50748-1759510800-1759518000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farmer & Community Harvest Gathering
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farmer-community-harvest-gathering/
LOCATION:Pie in the Sky Berry Farm\, 139 Fair Street Ext.\, Northampton\, MA\, 01060\, United States
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,Community Events,Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Climate Action Now Western Mass":MAILTO:alexispolokoff@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T200000
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20260407T130221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T130221Z
UID:52016-1776362400-1776369600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:From Field to Funding: Engineering Solutions for Crop Producers - Free Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Prosperity Partners at American Farmland Trust \nFor: Crop producers in New England \nIs an irrigation or drainage project sitting on the back burner? Struggling to move a farm infrastructure project through planning and permitting? This webinar will show you how Prosperity Partners’ licensed agricultural engineers can help you overcome common bottlenecks\, accelerate funding access\, and get your project from concept to completion. \nRegister: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3417743714226/WN_ym0v9DwUSzipZ4DjghOMhw
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/from-field-to-funding-engineering-solutions-for-crop-producers-free-webinar/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T180000
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20260508T153857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T194022Z
UID:52212-1779897600-1779904800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Designing and optimizing irrigation systems for drought resiliency\, water efficiency and crop quality
DESCRIPTION:Location: Pioneer Gardens Farm\, 425 Greenfield Rd\, Deerfield\, MA 01342 \nRegister here \nThis workshop at Pioneer Gardens in South Deerfield\, MA will bring farmers and irrigation system designers together to look at emerging irrigation practices that increase water efficiency. Participants will have the opportunity to walk through and discuss the irrigation systems at Pioneer Gardens that were designed and implemented under the direction of a professional engineer. \nThe on‑site discussion will include: \n\nIrrigation water management using automated soil moisture sensors and an on‑site weather station\, with discussion of how to interpret data and translate it into real‑world irrigation decisions\nUse of pressure regulators across the system to maintain uniform flow and pressure\, a key factor in achieving even irrigation and minimizing over‑ or under‑watering\nMainline and riser layout designed with risers spaced at 42 ft 3 in\, coordinated with GPS‑guided tractor operations to improve efficiency and avoid interference with field work\nA large irrigation boom system using low‑flow\, low‑pressure rotating nozzles to achieve high application uniformity with reduced water use and energy demand\nAbove‑ground solid‑set irrigation using similar low‑flow\, low‑pressure rotating nozzles\, providing flexible coverage and consistent distribution\nAn upgrade from a fire‑truck‑based irrigation pump to a high‑efficiency\, automated electric pump\, improving reliability\, energy efficiency\, and operational control\n\nThe goal of this walkthrough is to connect engineering design choices with day‑to‑day farm management decisions\, showing how thoughtful system design can reduce labor\, improve crop quality\, and make irrigation more predictable during dry periods. \n\nThe event will include opportunities for farmers to share their own approaches to irrigation\, including discussion of labor efficiency and decision-making during droughts. We will also provide information on grants and other funding sources for irrigation and related infrastructure. \nFollowing the workshop there will be a networking session with a light meal. \n\nThis work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2025-70027-45395\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/designing-and-optimizing-irrigation-systems-for-drought-resiliency-water-efficiency-and-crop-quality/
LOCATION:Pioneer Gardens\, Inc.\, 425 Greenfield Rd\, Deerfield\, MA\, 01342\, United States
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260713T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260713T190000
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20260508T164429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T194200Z
UID:52238-1783962000-1783969200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Preparing and planning for new & increased pest and disease risks in a warmer New England
DESCRIPTION:Location: Good Bunch Farm\, 221 N River Rd\, Shelburne Falls\, MA 01370 \nRegister here \nAs the number of growing days increases and temperature and precipitation extremes are more frequent\, producers are faced with more challenges related to pest and disease pressure. Existing pests and diseases are becoming more persistent\, and new threats are emerging due to weather variability. Farmers are also faced with crop loss\, reduced crop quality\, and increased costs due to more frequent applications of treatments or preventative controls.   \nIn this event\, the presenter will share a practical framework for assessing\, prioritizing\, and planning responses to farm risks\, using pest and disease pressure as an example in the context of a changing climate. The host farmer will then describe how these planning tools have informed decisions on the farm\, the new practices that have been implemented\, and lessons learned through on-farm experience. \nThe discussion and farm tour will be followed by some networking time and a light meal. \nPresenter:   \nStevie Schafenacker works with small food and farm businesses across New England\, helping clients with financial record-keeping\, grant writing\, budgeting\, and enterprise planning. Stevie integrates holistic decision-making and really likes talking to farmers about how to manage risk. Stevie previously worked at CISA\, where she excelled at creating engaging\, content-rich workshops geared to the needs of the target audience. \nThis work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2025-70027-45395\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/preparing-and-planning-for-new-increased-pest-and-disease-risks-in-a-warmer-new-england/
LOCATION:Good Bunch Farm\, 221 N River Rd\, Shelburne Falls\, MA\, 01370\, United States
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T180000
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20260521T174257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T194727Z
UID:52304-1784210400-1784224800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Building resilient soils: planning & resources for extreme weather events
DESCRIPTION:Register here \nLocation: Stony Hill Farm\, 899 Stony Hill Road\, Wilbraham\, MA \nJoin us for a workshop designed for farmers\, land stewards\, and growers navigating increasingly unpredictable growing conditions and seeking practical\, field-tested ways to build soil health and farm resilience. Hosted at Stony Hill Farm with farmer Alice Colman\, participants will learn directly how soil health planning and management reduces production risks and increases resiliency in the face of extreme weather events. The event includes hands-on soil health demonstrations\, a guided farm tour\, and an opportunity to connect with technical service providers from NOFA/Mass\, CISA\, the American Farmland Trust and the NRCS about available funding opportunities\, technical assistance\, and support for developing soil management plans. \nParticipants will: \n\nObserve a live\, in-field soil health assessment & learn how to evaluate their soils\nExplore funded and implemented practices including reduced tillage\, cover cropping\, mulching\, intercropping\, hedgerows\, and soil carbon amendment\nUnderstand how these practices have improved soil structure\, reduced bare soil\, and increased resilience at Stony Hill Farm\nLearn the step-by-step process for developing a soil health management plan that is based on NRCS planning steps\nConnect with technical assistance providers & funding opportunities\, including grants\, soil testing services\, and organic transition support over a local meal & drinks\n\nStony Hill Farm is a certified organic\, small-scale diversified farm on 35 acres of fields and forest (currently ~1 acre in cultivation) in Wilbraham\, MA\, founded in 2015 by Alice Colman and Brian Cunningham. They grow a wide variety of vegetables and cut flowers sold through their farm stand and CSA. Their ecosystem-based approach emphasizes diversity as the foundation of resilience. Soil health practices include compost\, cover crops\, and organic fertilizers\, alongside crop rotations\, row covers\, and beneficial insects to support ecological balance and pest management. These practices are grounded in their on-farm approach to building resilient systems and have been strengthened through technical assistance programs such as American Farmland Trust (AFT)\, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) and NOFA/Mass\, which have helped them refine and deepen their soil health and long-term land management strategies. \nCaro Roszell works with American Farmland Trust to support farmer networks\, provide technical assistance\, and advance practical approaches to soil health and climate resilience. With 15 years of experience in environmental nonprofit work and a decade in organic farming\, she specializes in farmer education\, soil health programming\, and farmer-to-farmer learning. Before joining AFT\, Caro served as Education Director and Soil Health Projects Manager for NOFA/Mass and currently serves on the Massachusetts Food Policy Council representing the Healthy Soils seat.  \nJeremy Barker-Plotkin joined American Farmland Trust with more than 25 years of experience in organic and regenerative farming\, conservation planning\, and farm business development. As co-owner and operator of Simple Gifts Farm\, a 50-acre integrated vegetable and livestock farm\, he has firsthand experience managing diversified production systems\, infrastructure development\, and direct markets. His work focuses on soil health\, organic no-till production\, integrated pest management\, irrigation and water conservation\, and farm business planning. Through AFT\, Jeremy supports farmers with soil health planning\, conservation implementation\, organic transition\, and access to technical assistance and funding opportunities.  \nRandy Violette is in his fourth season working at Stony Hill Farm where he has been supporting implementation of practices that improve soil health and overall farm resilience. Randy also works for NOFA/Mass as a TOPP Field Engagement and Technical Learning Coordinator. In this role\, he develops programming and educational content for farmers and gardeners interested in using organic farming practices.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/soil-management-planning-for-drought-resiliency/
LOCATION:Stony Hill Farm\, 899 Stony Hill Rd\, Wilbraham\, MA
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260817T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260817T180000
DTSTAMP:20260526T035941
CREATED:20260508T185442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T194325Z
UID:52250-1786982400-1786989600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Managing pasture and livestock watering for flooding\, drought and extreme heat events
DESCRIPTION:Location: Chase Hill Farm\, 74 Chase Hill Rd\, Warwick\, MA 01378 \nRegister here \nThis workshop will focus on livestock and pasture management in heat\, drought\, and flood\, including practices for managing and capturing water\, managing forage crops for water extremes\, and efficient methods of providing access to drinking water for livestock. The presenters work with American Farmland Trust’s Thriving Farms and Ranches Livestock Team and can provide risk assessment and planning tools for farms and help them access services from NRCS and will explain the process for accessing this support. Presenters and CISA staff will facilitate discussion of farm-specific challenges and potential solutions.  \nPresenters:   \nMax Breiteneicher is an Apprentice Farm Conservation Planner at American Farmland Trust\, serving on the Thriving Farms and Ranches Livestock Team. In this role\, he helps farmers prepare conservation plans for implementation on their farms and for eligibility to participate in USDA-NRCS programs. Max also owns and operates a grass-based cheesemaking farm in Cummington\, Massachusetts.    \nCaleb Smith is a Livestock and Agronomy Specialist at American Farmland Trust (AFT) and a commercial farmer. He was a professional dairyman for 13 years before joining AFT and continues to be a professional livestock producer on 350 acres. Caleb has had a career-long relationship with Vermont NRCS\, with vast experience using their conservation programs to improve the profitability and sustainability of his own farm. At AFT\, he works to help farmers maximize the profit and environmental potential of their NRCS contracts. \nThis work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2025-70027-45395\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/managing-pasture-and-livestock-watering-for-flooding-drought-and-extreme-heat-events/
LOCATION:Chase Hill Farm\, 74 Chase Hill Rd\, Warwick\, MA\, 01378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
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