Get ready for the 13th Annual Local Food Trade Show! Join us on Feb 27, 2024, from 10 am - 1 pm at Russel's Garden Center as we bring together the best local food producers and buyers from across the state! Take advantage of this chance to showcase your finest local food products and explore […]
Farming and non-farming private landowners and their representatives (real estate agents, etc.) are welcome to attend. As a landowner, when you make land available for farming you help secure a future for farming in your community. Farmers are looking for land—from a small vegetable plot, to livestock or crops. Productive, sustainable uses for all or parts […]
Register Here! For all ages, including families with children in grades 3-5 Learn the basics using native plants in gardens and the diversity of life created in even a small garden. Native plants bring insects, birds and other wildlife to your space. What’s good? What’s bad? Does that insect sting? What is that cool butterfly? […]
Join the Urban Farming Institute and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources for the 8th annual MA Commercial Urban Farming Symposium. This all-day event promises to be a transformative experience for urban farmers, agricultural professionals, community leaders, educators, policymakers, and food justice advocates. This year's theme is "Cultivating a Resilient Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Community". Come […]
Over the past year, the Hatfield Comprehensive Planning Committee has solicited feedback from the farming community on the many challenges and opportunities in agriculture this decade and beyond. This workshop will explore several solution-based approaches to mitigating and adapting to climate change, including a review of new and existing targeted funding opportunities to support shifting […]
CISA’s Field Notes is a live storytelling event celebrating the many ways local food and farming leave their mark on our lives and in our communities. This will be our fifth show, and this year’s theme is “In the Weeds.” This show is for everyone who grows, cooks, or eats - so, everyone! Come support […]
This course will guide aspiring food business owners through the details of business planning and launch, food permitting and licensing, branding and marketing, and legal topics specific to food businesses. Participants will explore their concept in depth and map out next steps for their business. Course runs on Wednesday evenings 5:30pm-7pm from March 13th - […]
Wednesday, March 13th 5:30-7pm, online. John Waite from the Franklin County Community Development Corporation will give us an overview of the funding landscape for farms and food businesses. We will talk about the roles of different funding sources in your business planning, and introduce local lenders who are excited to work with early stage farms […]
Saturday, March 16th, 9-4pm Location: The Guthrie Center, Great Barrington MA Join Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) for a hands-on, full-day workshop featuring regional experts on climate smart agriculture practices for the Northeast U.S.. Learn from experts in the field, exchange ideas with fellow farmers, and gain practical knowledge on climate adaption methods to enhance your […]
The annual Statewide Local Working Group meeting will be held over Zoom on Tuesday, March 19 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. This is an opportunity to provide input to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and your local Conservation District on natural resource priorities and management strategies specific to your region. Your input will help […]
Wednesday March 20th 5:30-7pm, online Knowing who your customers are and what is important to them is the foundation of marketing your business. Join Sara Esthus from Homegrown Studio for an introductory workshop where we will cover how to identify your customer groups and how you can strengthen your marketing by creating a deeper connection […]
Register here! This class is for people who are planning to develop a homestead using natural materials and systems and want to consider the wide range of issues involved. Jack and Julie are owners and builders of the farm. Click here for more information! Topics covered: Initial Land Selection Site Determination Residential Design – climate […]
Tuesday March 26th 5:30-7pm, online How do you set up a new farm or food business? Eyad Salha from Valley Community Development will share a roadmap for your first few years of starting up. We’ll talk about business planning, financial planning, entity structures and how to best set yourself up to succeed. We’ll even dive […]
Acquire knowledge of the skills required for beautiful and successful container gardens with Jenna O’Brien, owner of Viridissima Horticulture and Design. Get to know the plants that thrive in containers and how to care for them. This class will cover practical aspects of gardening in containers with style throughout the New England garden season. Consider […]
Spring is a great time to assess woody shrubs for shape, structure, and winter damage. Ron Yaple, owner of Race Mountain Tree Services will demonstrate how to renovate, rejuvenate, and shape shrubs and small ornamental trees for structure, health, and optimal growth. Plants covered will include viburnums, lilacs, witch hazels, deciduous azaleas, sweetshrubs, crabapples, and […]
Register here! Embark on a 3-hour holistic journey of self-discovery and well-being. Immerse yourself in a rejuvenating meditation and yoga practice introducing the basic concepts of Ayurveda. Delve into enlightening discussions exploring the fundamental lifestyle and diet principles of Ayurveda, the ancient science of life and longevity. Learn how to align your lifestyle with the […]