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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170418T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170516T130000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170306T204404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170306T204404Z
UID:22678-1492509600-1494939600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:The GARDEN Project: Organic Gardening Class
DESCRIPTION:The GARDEN Project 2017 is a partnership among Greenfield Community College\, Montague Catholic Social Ministries\, NELCWIT\, and Seeds of Solidarity through a grant from the Women’s Fund of WMass. Instructors of the four courses that comprise the program seek to create an engaging\, inclusive setting with trauma-informed teaching. This is the 3rd year of this successful program and it will be located in Orange Center\, so North Quabbin women are especially encouraged\, but feel free to share with women throughout Franklin County. Women must take all four courses- these form the whole experience. Women who complete the program are then eligible for a free Serv-Safe course in Spanish or English! \nOrganic Gardening: Tuesdays\, 10-1:00 4/18 through 5/16 \nClick here for more information about the Project\, and other classes! \nFor more information or to apply to the program\, contact Christine at the Women’s Center at MCSM (413) 863-4804 x1003 or email christine@mcsmcommunity.org\, or Donna at NELCWIT (413) 772-0871 x108 or email donna@nelcwit.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/the-garden-project-organic-gardening-class/
LOCATION:Orange Innovation Center\, 131 West Main Street\, Orange\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170417T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170417T200000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170331T175100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170406T183706Z
UID:23035-1492448400-1492459200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Spring Farmer/Buyer Meet & Greet
DESCRIPTION:The snow is melting and CISA invites you to come make fresh connections and build new relationships. This networking event is all about showing off your goods and offering prepared samples of your products — anything from meats and cheeses to spreads\, beverages\, and sliced produce. Buyers\, bring your shopping list! Each attendee will have time for a two minute self-introduction before opening things up to sampling and schmoozing. Come hungry and bring an edible “conversation starter” to share with everyone – potluck style!\nRSVP by Wednesday\, April 12 to Aja or call 413-665-7100\, ext. 24. \nThis event is open to Local Hero farmers\, and to any business interested in buying local farm products. \nMonday\, April 17th\, 5:00-8:00pm\nReal Pickles\n311 Wells Street\, Greenfield
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/spring-farmerbuyer-meet-greet/
LOCATION:Real Pickles\, 311 Wells St. \, Greenfield\, MA\, 01301\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170415T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170415T130000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170323T140222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170323T140222Z
UID:22900-1492250400-1492261200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Edible Landscaping with Fruit - Workshop
DESCRIPTION:This presentation will explore how fruit can be incorporated into an edible landscape setting. We’ll talk about common fruit like strawberries and blueberries and also more unusual fruit like Aronia and Lingonberries. Participants will learn what these plants can contribute to a home landscape and what it takes to grow them successfully. The end of the class we will tour the UMass Permaculture Garden. \nLed by Ms. Sonia Schloemann. \nTo register\, click here. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/edible-landscaping-with-fruit-workshop/
LOCATION:French Hall\, UMass\, Amherst\, MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170413T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170413T203000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170403T204859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170413T204934Z
UID:23053-1492104600-1492115400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Value-Added: Scaling Up & Marketing your Product
DESCRIPTION:April 13\, 5:30-8:30pm\nNorthampton Senior Center\, 67 Conz Street \nGet tips on marketing your value-added product and refining your business model to meet your long-term goals. A panel of producers — including Jessica Tudryn Wisniewski of Relish the Harvest\, Nicole Blum of Carr’s Ciderhouse\, and Maddie Elling of Hosta Hill — will share how they branded their products\, evaluated and developed markets\, set goals\, arrived at their current marketing plan\, and faced challenges and successes along the way. \nDinner will be served. Cost is $15 to attend just this workshop\, or $25 to attend both value-added workshops. RSVP by April 10th to Kristen at 413-665-7100\, ext. 12. \n \nCISA’s technical assistance offerings are supported in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture\, Farm Service Agency\, under Federal Award Identification Number FA-MA-6-007\, and by individual contributions and Local Hero members. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/value-added-scaling-up-marketing-your-product/
LOCATION:Northampton Senior Center\, 67 Conz St\, Northampton\, MA\, MA\, 01060\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170411T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170411T203000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170403T204632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170407T133037Z
UID:23050-1491931800-1491942600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Value-Added: Turning your Ideas into Action!
DESCRIPTION:April 11\, 5:30-8:30pm\nNorthampton Senior Center\, 67 Conz Street \nLearn what it takes to launch a new value-added product\, and get inspiration from seasoned producers. Joanna Benoit from the Western MA Food Processing Center will discuss key product considerations\, regulations\, and start-up costs\, and a panel of producers — including Joan Walker of Walker Farm at Whortleberry Hill\, Abe Hunrichs of Hosta Hill\, and J. P. Welch of Justamere Tree Farm — will share their experiences assessing opportunities\, refining recipes\, getting funding\, developing infrastructure\, and more. \nDinner will be served. Local Hero member cost is $15 to attend just one workshop\, or $25 to attend both. RSVP by April 10th to Kristen at 413-665-7100\, ext. 12. \n \nCISA’s technical assistance offerings are supported in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture\, Farm Service Agency\, under Federal Award Identification Number FA-MA-6-007\, and by individual contributions and Local Hero members. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/value-added-turning-your-ideas-into-action/
LOCATION:Northampton Senior Center\, 67 Conz St\, Northampton\, MA\, MA\, 01060\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170408T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170408T153000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170320T133302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170320T133302Z
UID:22826-1491660000-1491665400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farmers Organize Small Business Owners’ Meeting on Immigration
DESCRIPTION:A meeting of small business owners concerned about the impact of current immigration policies on their livelihoods and on their workers will take place on April 8th in Hadley\, MA. Employers who want to join in speaking out on this issue are encouraged to attend. Discuss your concerns with other farmers and business owners\, learn about current policy and how it could affect your business\, and reach out to your legislators. Contact Wally Czajkowski or Michael Docter for more information.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farmers-organize-small-business-owners-meeting-on-immigration/
LOCATION:Plainville Farm\, 135 Mount Warner Rd\, Hadley\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170408T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170408T150000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170323T135643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170323T135643Z
UID:22898-1491656400-1491663600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Home Orchard Pest Management - A Handson Workshop
DESCRIPTION:One of the most challenging thing about growing your own fruit is knowing how to identify the insect pests and diseases that might afflict them. Learn the basics of pest and disease identification and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the home orchard. Hands-on\,\nscouting\, monitoring\, placement of traps\, etc. will be covered. \nLed by Dr. Dan Cooley and Mr. Jon Clements. \nTo register\, click here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/home-orchard-pest-management-a-handson-workshop/
LOCATION:Dowse Orchards\, 98 North Main Street\, Sherborn\, MA\, 01770\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170408T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170408T120000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170323T135331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170323T135331Z
UID:22895-1491645600-1491652800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Home Orchard Establishment & Basics - A Hands-on Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Horticultural topics covered will be the basics of planting fruit trees\, including site selection\, choice of variety and rootstock\, planting best practices\, tree training and pruning\, fertilization and ongoing fruit tree care. (In-depth pest management will be covered in the afternoon session.) If weather permits\, there will be a hands-on demonstration of planting fruit trees at Dowse Orchards. \nLed by Dr. Dan Cooley and Mr. Jon Clements. \nTo register\, click here. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/home-orchard-establishment-basics-a-hands-on-workshop/
LOCATION:Dowse Orchards\, 98 North Main Street\, Sherborn\, MA\, 01770\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170406T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170406T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170306T224011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170306T224011Z
UID:22699-1491483600-1491487200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Record-Keeping Strategies for Organic Certification
DESCRIPTION:Record-Keeping Strategies for Organic Certification Webinar \nThis online webinar will cover all you need to know about farm record-keeping for organic certification. Specific topics include simplifying records on your farm for efficiency and organic certification requirements as well as compost production records needed to gain approval for use on certified organic farms. \nDate: Thursday April 6th\nTime: 1:00pm – 2:00pm\nLocation: Online\nCost: FREE \nRegistration required\, reserve your seat now! Click here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/webinar-record-keeping-strategies-for-organic-certification/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170404T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170404T203000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20161201T160743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170321T174136Z
UID:21727-1491325200-1491337800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:New Date: CISA Winter Workshop Series: Land Tenure — Alternatives to Ownership and Negotiating a Lease
DESCRIPTION:This workshop will explore the alternatives to land ownership and the advantages and challenges to these specific arrangements. Learn how to negotiate and craft lease agreements and build good relationships with all stakeholders as business people and land stewards. We will also discuss where to find additional support based on your specific land needs and situations. \nPresenters: Rachel Murray and Kathy Ruhf – Land For Good \nThis is the last in our eight session Winter Workshop series\, Mapping Out Your Farm’s Future: Settings Goals for the Success and Sustainability of Your Farm \n\n \n\n\n\nRegister for Workshop\n\n\nApril 4\, 2017: LH Member $15.00 USDApril 4\, 2017: non-LH Memeber $18.00 USD\n\n\nEnter name(s) of attendees:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nThe full series:\nCISA invites you to join our eight-workshop series on Mapping Out Your Farm’s Future: Settings Goals for the Success and Sustainability of Your Farm beginning January 2017. In order to draw a map of the future of your farm\, you need a solid foundation with which to review your past and assess your present. This workshop series will support farm owners and operators in decision making for realistic long-term financial\, operational\, marketing\, and personal goals. Examples in the workshops will be farm related\, but the skills and methodology will be relevant to all businesses. \nParticipation in the whole series is encouraged. You will be eligible for a one-on-one consultation by attending one Business Plan workshop. Attending three workshops gives you the eligibility for an additional one-on-one consultation related to the topic of any workshop being held. Dinner will be served at each session. The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $15 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $18 for each individual workshop. Register below or contact Stevie Schafenacker at stevie@buylocalfood.org or (413) 665-7100 x27. If cost is a barrier to your participation\, please feel free to contact Stevie to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. Scholarships may be available. \nThe first half hour of each workshop will be for food and socializing. Workshops will begin promptly thereafter. \nFunding for CISA’s “The Crossroads: Mapping Out Your Farm’s Future” is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)\, Farm Service Agency under Federal Award Identification No. USDA-FA-MA-6-007\, USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture under award 2016-70017-25423\, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 16FMPPMA0002 and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/land-tenure-alternatives-to-ownership-and-negotiating-a-lease/
LOCATION:Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center\, Room 303\, 303 Homestead Ave\, Holoyke\, MA\, 01040\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170403T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170403T110000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170316T200931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170324T152207Z
UID:22806-1491213600-1491217200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Healthy Incentives Program - Informational Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Presented by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources\, who will be holding several informational webinars over the coming weeks\, so you can learn more about the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)\, how your business may benefit from participating\, and get answers to questions about the new benefit program. \nRegister here \nInformational webinar for the Healthy Incentives Program for farmers and market managers. \nJoin the meeting: https://join.me/944-424-554 \nOn a computer\, use any browser. Nothing to download.\nOn a phone or tablet\, launch the join.me app and enter meeting code: 944-424-554 \nJoin the audio conference:\nDial a phone number and enter access code\, or connect via internet. \nBy phone:\nUnited States – Hartford\, CT +1.860.970.0010\nAccess Code 944-424-554# \nBy computer via internet:\nJoin the meeting\, click the phone icon and select ‘Call via internet’. A small download might be required.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/healthy-incentives-program-informational-webinar-4/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170329T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170329T160000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170316T200330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170324T152444Z
UID:22805-1490799600-1490803200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Healthy Incentives Program - Informational Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Presented by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources\, who will be holding several informational webinars over the coming weeks\, so you can learn more about the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)\, how your business may benefit from participating\, and get answers to questions about the new benefit program. \nRegister here \nInformational webinar for Healthy Incentives Program for farmers and market managers. \nAlso available on April 3 at 10am \nJoin the meeting: https://join.me/923-869-603 \nOn a computer\, use any browser. Nothing to download.\nOn a phone or tablet\, launch the join.me app and enter meeting code: 923-869-603 \nJoin the audio conference:\nDial a phone number and enter access code\, or connect via internet. \nBy phone:\nUnited States – Hartford\, CT +1.860.970.0010\nAccess Code 923-869-603# \nBy computer via internet:\nJoin the meeting\, click the phone icon and select ‘Call via internet’. A small download might be required.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/healthy-incentives-program-informational-webinar-3/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170329
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170330
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170213T230916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T221212Z
UID:22342-1490745600-1490831999@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2017 Farm Share Fair
DESCRIPTION:Farm Share Fair 2017 is now accepting vendor and sponsor applications for farms and food companies. The Farm Share Fair is the Boston area’s direct-to-consumer marketing event for food producers across Massachusetts. Consumers want to meet their farmers and have the opportunity to compare options. Vendors – get to know your target market one-on-one\, and have the opportunity to sell your CSA\, Farm Share or Home Delivery programs\, or sell your food product to a great Boston foodie crowd.  On-site sampling\, and food or product sales welcome! This annual event draws over 500 participants\, and will be held at THE ARMORY on March 29\, 2017.   Sign up now – vendor space is limited! Sponsorship visibility opportunities available. \nVENDOR AND SPONSOR APPLICATIONS for 2017 FARM SHARE FAIR \nFarm Share Fair 2017\nWednesday\, March 29th\nThe Armory\n191 Highland Ave\nSomerville\, MA 02143\nwww.farmsharefair.com \nCLICK HERE to sign up.  \nQuestions? This event is produced by Mindy Harris Communications.  Email mindy@mindyharriscommunications.com
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2017-farm-share-fair/
LOCATION:The Armory\, 191 Highland Ave\, Somerville\, MA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170327T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170327T110000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170316T195956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170324T153044Z
UID:22804-1490608800-1490612400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Healthy Incentives Program - Informational Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Presented by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources\, who will be holding several informational webinars over the coming weeks\, so you can learn more about the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)\, how your business may benefit from participating\, and get answers to questions about the new benefit program. \nRegister here \nInformational webinar for the Healthy Incentives Program for farmers and market managers. \nOther upcoming opportunities:\nMarch 29 at 3pm\nApril 3 at 10am \nJoin the meeting: https://join.me/837-384-222 \nOn a computer\, use any browser. Nothing to download.\nOn a phone or tablet\, launch the join.me app and enter meeting code: 837-384-222 \nJoin the audio conference:\nDial a phone number and enter access code\, or connect via internet. \nBy phone:\nUnited States – Hartford\, CT +1.860.970.0010\nAccess Code 837-384-222# \nBy computer via internet:\nJoin the meeting\, click the phone icon and select ‘Call via internet’. A small download might be required.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/healthy-incentives-program-informational-webinar-2/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170325T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170325T120000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170323T134915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170323T134915Z
UID:22891-1490436000-1490443200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Pruning Raspberries & other Bramble Fruit - a Hands-on Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Raspberries are among the favorite fruits grown in home gardens and offer some of the most challenges to gardeners. There are many types of ‘bramble’ fruit including summer red\, yellow or black raspberries\, blackberries\, and fall bearing types of all colors. Each has a somewhat unique growth habit and requires specialized pruning to be most successful. This workshop will provide information on all types of raspberries and an opportunity for hands-on pruning for participants to gain confidence in pruning their own plants at home. You’ll learn about tool maintenance and sharpening\, too. Bring your own tools or use theirs. \nLed by Ms. Sonia Schloemann. \nTo register\, click here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/pruning-raspberries-other-bramble-fruit-a-hands-on-workshop/
LOCATION:Wards Berry Farm\, 614 S. Main Street\, Sharon\, MA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170323T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170323T190000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170306T202637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170306T202637Z
UID:22672-1490277600-1490295600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Growing the Local Food Market: Mini Conference
DESCRIPTION:Growing the Local Food Market: a mini-conference for Farms\, CSAs and Farmers’ Markets\nCome for an afternoon of networking\, training and resource-sharing. \nThursday\, March 23\, 2:00-7:00 PM\nLenox Community Center\, 65 Walker St\, Lenox MA \nFree attendance. \nAttend the whole day or just one portion. \nClick here to register now! \nSCHEDULE:\n2:00-6:00pm: SNAP Sign Up: drop-in information sessions & registration to become an authorized SNAP retailer; HIP info and sign-up available for Mass farmers \n2:00-3:30pm: Networking Event for farmers and market managers with a focus on marketing \n3:30-5:00pm: HIP Training for farms and farmers’ market managers \n5:00-7:00pm: Annual Farmers’ Market Manager meeting \nDETAILS: \nNetworking Event for Farmers & Farmers’ Market Managers \nJoin your fellow farmers for networking and brainstorming about how to better market your farm and products. We’ll have informal training addressing topics such as: online promotion and social media; building a brand; managing your farmers’ market stand; building customer loyalty; get to know your SNAP customers; and effective customer outreach techniques. \nHIP Training \nHIP – the Healthy Incentives Program – is a statewide program in Massachusetts that will match SNAP purchases of local fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets\, farm stands\, mobile markets and CSAs. Beginning in April\, customers will receive an instant\, dollar-for-dollar match credited to their EBT card\, which can be used at any SNAP retailer for any future SNAP eligible purchase. Berkshire households will need to spend SNAP dollars on fruits and vegetables at a CSA\, farm stand or farmers’ market to earn this HIP incentive. If you are a farmers’ market vendor\, a farm stand\, a CSA farm\, or a market manager\, this training will provide the information you need to implement and process HIP benefits. \n**All farmers’ market vendors who would like to accept HIP should attend and sign up for SNAP: HIP will be processed at individual vendor stands\, rather than through the market managers.** \nFarmers’ Market Manager Meeting \nOur annual Farmers’ Market Manager meeting provides an opportunity for markets from throughout the region to come together to brainstorm ideas and troubleshoot common problems. We’ll discuss effective marketing techniques for your market\, vendor needs\, counting and increasing customers\, and joint efforts to promote markets in the region\, including new initiatives in the works from Berkshire Grown. Bring your questions for the group\, and success stories you’d like to share! If your market is not currently signed up to take SNAP and you would like to\, be sure to come early to attend our SNAP sign-ups\, beginning at 2pm. \nSNAP Sign-Up \nAt this drop-in information session you can get your farm\, farm stand or farmers’ market authorized for SNAP and receive your USDA FNS number the very same day! USDA staff will be on site to walk you through the process and assist with your application. You will also learn about equipment options and about processing SNAP and the new Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) benefit. \nFarmers – documents required:  \nIf you intend on getting an FNS (SNAP retailer authorization) number\, please bring copies of the following documents which will be attached to your application: \nPicture ID (driver’s license or passport).\nSocial Security Card (or other official document with your name and SSN).\nCopy of voided check for bank account you will use to deposit funds. \nNon-profit 501(c)(3) Farmers’ Markets – documents required: \nFarmers Markets operated/sponsored by a non-profit are the ONLY applicants that are not required to submit verification of a Social Security number for corporate officers/board members. \nDocumentation Required: \nCopy of the IRS Determination Letter stating the organization is a 501(c)(3). A (C)(4) and (C)(6) will not be accepted.\nLetter from the sponsoring agency stating that they are sponsoring the farmers market and who they have appointed as their legal representative to operate the farmers market.\nThe application must be signed by a corporate officer or a board member. \nGovernment Owned/Operated Farmers Markets – documents required: \nDocumentation Required: \nCopy of the City/Town IRS EIN/TIN Tax Exempt Letter.\nCity/Town Official must sign the Application Certification Page.\nNo personal information is required or needed.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/growing-the-local-food-market-mini-conference/
LOCATION:Lenox Community Center\, 65 Walker Street\, Lenox\, 01240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Berkshire Grown":MAILTO:buylocal@berkshiregrown.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170323T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170323T130000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170111T180128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170111T180128Z
UID:22028-1490270400-1490274000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Enrolling in SNAP - Is It the Right Move for You?
DESCRIPTION:USDA has continued funding through May 2017 to assist direct marketing farmers and farmers markets join the SNAP program by providing free equipment to qualified farmers and farmers markets. The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) has created MarketLink\, an online solution to an expedited application process\, nationally negotiated rates for SNAP\, debit and credit; as well as state-of-the-art equipment\, an iPHone 6\, EMV card reader and blue-tooth connected printer. \nJoining the SNAP program involves a multiple application process that enrolls you as a SNAP retailer\, determines your eligibility for free equipment and then provides the service to accept SNAP\, debit and credit. \nThe Farmers Market Federation of NY will be holding webinars to help direct marketing farmers and market managers understand the MarketLink program and will schedule phone appointments with attendees to complete the application process. The presentations should take approximately 60 minutes for the presentation and question and answers. \nThe webinar is free to join and will help you understand the process and the value of adding SNAP to your farm or market. Register now to reserve your space on the date that best fits your schedule. \nTo register\, Click here for the registration information\, then click on the link for your choice of dates and complete the registration information. Once submitted you will receive a link to the webinar. Save that link! This is how you will access the live webinar.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/webinar-enrolling-in-snap-is-it-the-right-move-for-you-6/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170323T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170323T173000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170315T200329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170315T200329Z
UID:22790-1490256000-1490290200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
DESCRIPTION:Instructors: Lisa McKeag\, UMass Extension Educator & Michael Botelho\, MDAR Commonwealth Quality Program Director \nCo-sponsored by UMass Extension\, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and Wegman’s. \nCost is $35 \nREGISTER HERE: https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/?eventid=1968514 \nPlease contact Lisa McKeag at lmckeag@umass.edu or 413-577-3976 for more information \nPrice includes the required PSA Grower Manual ($50 value)\, a Certificate of Course attendance from AFDO ($35 value)\, Certificate of attendance from UMass/MDAR and lunch and refreshments \nParticipants will learn about produce safety best practices\, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements\, and how these requirements will be enforced in MA through MDAR’s Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP). There will be time for questions and discussion\, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. \nThank you to Wegman’s for supplying lunch and refreshments. \nThis program is supported by funds from Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2016-70020-25788 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture \nWho Should Attend \nFruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’ \nWhat to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course \nThe trainers will spend approximately seven hours of instruction time covering content contained in these seven modules: \n•  Introduction to Produce Safety \n•  Worker Health\, Hygiene\, and Training \n•  Soil Amendments \n•  Wildlife\, Domesticated Animals\, and Land Use \n•  Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water) \n•  Postharvest Handling and Sanitation \n•  How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan \nThe course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co-management information\, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements\, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan. Individuals who participate in this course are expected to gain a basic understanding of: \n•  Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be   found on   the farm \n•  How to identify microbial risks\, practices that reduce risks\, and how to   begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm \n•  Parts of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one \n•  Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them. \nAfter attending the entire course\, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. To receive an AFDO certificate\, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course. \n\n\n\n\nContact’s name:\n\nLisa McKeag\n\n\n\nContact’s phone:\n\n413-577-3976\n\n\n\nContact’s email:\n\nlmckeag@umass.edu
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/produce-safety-alliance-grower-training/
LOCATION:Brigham Hill Community Farm\, 37 Wheeler Road\, North Grafton\, MA\, 01536\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170322T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170322T203000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20161201T161148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170130T163453Z
UID:21728-1490202000-1490214600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Grant Essentials — Opportunities & Approaches
DESCRIPTION:Grants are great for exploring and expanding new markets\, building alt-energy structures\, and exploring farm viability. Determine if a grant is the right source for you. This presentation will help you understand\, develop\, and submit successful grant applications. We will discuss a wide range of grants as well as a more detailed presentation of SARE and MDAR programs. The Kitchen Garden will talk about their process in applying for and receiving grant funding for various projects. \nPresenters: Melissa Adams of MDAR\, The Kitchen Garden\, Sue Scheufele (SARE)\, CISA staff \nThis is the final in our eight session Winter Workshop series\, Mapping Out Your Farm’s Future: Settings Goals for the Success and Sustainability of Your Farm \n\n \n\n\n\nRegister for Workshop\n\n\nMarch 22\, 2017: LH Member $15.00 USDMarch 22\, 2017: non-LH Memeber $18.00 USD\n\n\nEnter name(s) of attendees:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nThe full series:\nCISA invites you to join our eight-workshop series on Mapping Out Your Farm’s Future: Settings Goals for the Success and Sustainability of Your Farm beginning January 2017. In order to draw a map of the future of your farm\, you need a solid foundation with which to review your past and assess your present. This workshop series will support farm owners and operators in decision making for realistic long-term financial\, operational\, marketing\, and personal goals. Examples in the workshops will be farm related\, but the skills and methodology will be relevant to all businesses. \nParticipation in the whole series is encouraged. You will be eligible for a one-on-one consultation by attending one Business Plan workshop. Attending three workshops gives you the eligibility for an additional one-on-one consultation related to the topic of any workshop being held. Dinner will be served at each session. The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $15 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $18 for each individual workshop. Register below or contact Stevie Schafenacker at stevie@buylocalfood.org or (413) 665-7100 x27. If cost is a barrier to your participation\, please feel free to contact Stevie to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. Scholarships may be available. \nThe first half hour of each workshop will be for food and socializing. Workshops will begin promptly thereafter. \nFunding for CISA’s “The Crossroads: Mapping Out Your Farm’s Future” is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)\, Farm Service Agency under Federal Award Identification No. USDA-FA-MA-6-007\, USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture under award 2016-70017-25423\, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 16FMPPMA0002 and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/grant-essentials-opportunities-approaches/
LOCATION:Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center\, Room 303\, 303 Homestead Ave\, Holoyke\, MA\, 01040\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170322T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170322T130000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170316T195828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170316T200036Z
UID:22802-1490184000-1490187600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Healthy Incentives Program - Informational Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Presented by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources \nRegister here \nInformational webinar on the Healthy Incentives Program for farmers and market managers. \nJoin the meeting: https://join.me/425-587-159 \nOn a computer\, use any browser. Nothing to download.\nOn a phone or tablet\, launch the join.me app and enter meeting code: 425-587-159 \nJoin the audio conference:\nDial a phone number and enter access code\, or connect via internet. \nBy phone:\nUnited States – Hartford\, CT +1.860.970.0010\nAccess Code 425-587-159# \nBy computer via internet:\nJoin the meeting\, click the phone icon and select ‘Call via internet’. A small download might be required.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/healthy-incentives-program-informational-webinar/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170320
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170321
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170315T192518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170315T192633Z
UID:22785-1489968000-1490054399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:APR SARA Grant Deadline
DESCRIPTION:The deadline for the APR program SARA grant (Round 3) is Monday\, March 20. Funding up to $25\,000 may be used to conduct a survey to resolve an APR boundary issue that is of concern to the Department\, restore inactive farmland for active commercial agricultural use\, or project implementation costs associated with resource restoration for expanded agricultural production. \nExamples include clearing vegetation\, applying soil amendments\, reseeding hay fields\, costs for equipment rental\, custom work\, contractors\, and approved materials and equipment to complete a project as cost effectively as possible. Funding may also be used to restore farm resources that have been negatively impacted by flooding\, erosion\, storms\, tornadoes and other natural disasters\, such as clean up\, hiring contractors\, or renting equipment\, purchasing materials\, and other crop land restoration costs. \nResponses must be received at the MDAR Amherst office by 4:00 P.M.\, March 20\, 2017 and all projects must be completed by June 30\, 2017.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/apr-sara-grant-deadline/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170318T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170319T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170214T202354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T202354Z
UID:22374-1489826700-1489932000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Poultry School 2017
DESCRIPTION:Poultry School is back for it’s third year! The two-day conference is on March 18 and 19 at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills\, New York. \nWho: Poultry growers of any skill level\, from backyard flocks to serious pastured poultry farmers. \nWhat: Workshops and walking tours covering a wide range of topics on pasture-raised chicken\, turkeys\, and waterfowl\, plus plenty of time to meet other poultry-minded people\, including dinner and drinks by Blue Hill at Stone Barns. \nProgram Cost:\nFull conference: $150\nSaturday only: $85\nSunday only: $65 \nClick here for more details \nTo put your name on the early registration list\, write to sama@stonebarnscenter.org. \nPoultry School 2017 Schedule
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/poultry-school-2017/
LOCATION:Stone Barns Center\, Pocantico Hills\, NY\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170314T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170314T190000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170111T180021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170111T180021Z
UID:22027-1489514400-1489518000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Enrolling in SNAP - Is It the Right Move for You?
DESCRIPTION:USDA has continued funding through May 2017 to assist direct marketing farmers and farmers markets join the SNAP program by providing free equipment to qualified farmers and farmers markets. The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) has created MarketLink\, an online solution to an expedited application process\, nationally negotiated rates for SNAP\, debit and credit; as well as state-of-the-art equipment\, an iPHone 6\, EMV card reader and blue-tooth connected printer. \nJoining the SNAP program involves a multiple application process that enrolls you as a SNAP retailer\, determines your eligibility for free equipment and then provides the service to accept SNAP\, debit and credit. \nThe Farmers Market Federation of NY will be holding webinars to help direct marketing farmers and market managers understand the MarketLink program and will schedule phone appointments with attendees to complete the application process. The presentations should take approximately 60 minutes for the presentation and question and answers. \nThe webinar is free to join and will help you understand the process and the value of adding SNAP to your farm or market. Register now to reserve your space on the date that best fits your schedule. \nTo register\, Click here for the registration information\, then click on the link for your choice of dates and complete the registration information. Once submitted you will receive a link to the webinar. Save that link! This is how you will access the live webinar.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/webinar-enrolling-in-snap-is-it-the-right-move-for-you-5/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170203T160613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170203T160613Z
UID:22242-1489226400-1489240800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: QuickBooks for Farmers
DESCRIPTION:Join New Entry and Julia Shanks for a practical\, hands-on QuickBooks workshop for farmers! Learn how to: set up a chart of accounts that suits your business\, enter transactions\, track enterprise-specific data\, and generate and interpret farm financial statements. This workshop will be 4 hours long with plenty of brain breaks and time for one-on-one coaching. All participants will be provided with a computer\, QuickBooks software (for workshop use only)\, and snacks. Registration required. Space is limited so reserve your seat now! \nEarly bird tickets available through Feb. 10\, 2017: $12/each \nRegular tickets available starting Feb. 11\, 2017: $17/each \n*Please note that scholarships are available. Please email janel.wright@tufts.edu to inquire. \n\nAbout the teacher: Julia Shanks – chef and entrepreneur — is the Principal at Julia Shanks Food Consulting\, consulting with food businesses and farms\, helping them maximize profits and streamline operations through business planning\, feasibility studies and operational audits. She lectures on sustainable food systems and restaurant accounting\, sits on the advisory board of Future Chefs\, and is the regional leader of Slow Money Boston. Julia has authored two books: The Farmers Market Cookbook and The Farmer’s Office\, both published by New Society. She received her professional training as a chef at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco\, her BA from Hampshire College and an MBA Magna Cum Laude from Babson College.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-quickbooks-for-farmers/
LOCATION:Sackler Building\,  145 Harrison Avenue\, Boston\, MA\, 02111\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T150000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170227T205934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170227T205934Z
UID:22613-1489222800-1489244400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Apple Tree Grafting Workshop: Mass Aggie
DESCRIPTION:Mass Aggie Seminars 2017: A Home Garden Series \nApple Tree Grafting – a Hands-on Workshop\nSaturday\, March 11\, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. led by Dr. Wesley Autio\nUMass Cold Spring Orchard\, 391 Sabin St.\, Belchertown\, MA \nMany people do not realize that all apple varieties are reproduced by grafting – they are not grown from seed. For horticultural enthusiasts\, one of the most satisfying techniques to master is grafting. Wes Autio will present a hands-on workshop on ‘bench grafting’ and ‘cleft grafting’ of apple trees. Other grafting techniques will also be discussed. Proper tools and sharpening will be included. All participants in the workshop will graft several of their own apples trees to take home. \nThere will be a break for participants to enjoy a BYO lunch.\nThis workshop will be partially out of doors\, so please dress appropriately for potentially wet\, cold\, and muddy conditions. \nFee: $100. To register\, go to: UMassGarden.com. or mail a check payable to: Mass Aggie Seminars. Attn: Doreen York\, UMass\, 101 French Hall\, Amherst\, MA 1003-9294\nSponsored by: Nourse Farms\, OESCO\,Inc.\, and Adams County Nursery.\nTo view the entire Mass Aggie series\, go to: UMassGarden.com
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/apple-tree-grafting-workshop-mass-aggie/
LOCATION:UMass Cold Spring Orchard\, 391 Sabin St\, Belchertown
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170308T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170308T180000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170223T154057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170223T154110Z
UID:22530-1488988800-1488996000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Bobolink Project
DESCRIPTION:Earn $100 by participating in a 2-hour workshop about managing hayfields for bobolinks.\nWednesday\, March 8\, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.\nUVM Extension Office\, 130 Austine Drive #300\nBrattleboro\, Vermont \nWant to get paid to manage your hayfields for bobolinks and other grassland birds? If you own or manage a hayfield that is 10 acres or more and is habitat for breeding bobolinks\, you may be eligible to participate in a workshop organized by University of Connecticut researchers. \nFor more information and to register\, contact Anwesha Chakrabarti by Monday\, March 6.\nEmail anwesha.chakrabarti@uconn.edu and cc: Stephen.swallow@uconn.edu . Put “Bobolink Project” in the subject line.\nOr call Anwesha at 312-259-1337. \nIf you are interested but you can’t make it to the workshop on March 8\, contact Anwesha for more options. \nThis research is approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) under protocol X15-035. Your participation is completely voluntary.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/bobolink-project-workshop/
LOCATION:University of Vermont Extension Office\, 130 Austine Drive\, Brattleboro\, 05301\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Mass Audubon":MAILTO:bobolinkproject@massaudubon.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170307
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170310
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20161117T203613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20161228T223113Z
UID:21631-1488844800-1489103999@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2017 Harvest New England Conference
DESCRIPTION:The New England State Departments of Agriculture\, in cooperation with agricultural organizations across the region\, graciously invite you to participate as an exhibitor in the upcoming Harvest New England Agricultural Marketing Conference and Trade Show.  Whether you provide a product or service to farmers in New England or have a unique product for a roadside stand\, this is the show for you. Over 800 attendees joined us for our past conference in February 2015. \nGrowers from across the Northeast will convene in scenic Sturbridge\, Massachusetts on Tuesday\, March 7\, through Thursday\, March 9 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center.  Booth set up is on Tuesday\, March 7 from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Trade Show hours are Wednesday\, March 8\, 7:00 am – 6:30 pm\, and Thursday\, March 9\, 7:00 am – 3:15 pm. \nThe conference is sponsored by all six New England State Departments of Agriculture and Harvest New England\, in cooperation with agricultural associations from across the region\, as well as assistance from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. \nThis unique marketing conference targets New England growers interested in learning new marketing ideas or fine-tuning strategies for business success. There will be multiple educational and networking opportunities.  The conference schedule will allow specific times for attendees to visit the trade show to maximize your exposure. \nThe Department of Transitional Assistance will also be on hand to help direct-sale retailers sign up to accept SNAP benefits. \nTrade show space is limited; Trade show registration received by December 2 costs $425\, after December 2\, $525.  Non-profit rates are available as well. Details and online registration here. If interested in sponsoring options\, please let us know. \nDownload the save the date and share with your membership\, friends\, and constituents! Registration for attendees will be online soon. Updates will be made here: www.harvestnewengland.org/events/. For questions regarding exhibiting\, contact Rick LeBlanc\, Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us\, 617-626-1759.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2017-harvest-new-england-conference/
LOCATION:Sturbridge Host Hotel\, Sturbridge \, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170302T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170302T140000
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170227T204246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170227T204246Z
UID:22608-1488459600-1488463200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Navigating a Treacherous Landscape: GAP Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Free Webinar\nThursday March 2\, 2017\n1:00- 2:00 PM EST \nNavigating a Treacherous Landscape: A Practitioner’s Guide to GAP Food Safety Certification and the Food Safety Modernization Act (Part II) \n~ Bring your Food Safety\, GAP\, and FSMA questions! ~ \nResource Experts \nLindsay Gilmour\, GAP Food Safety Educator \nJeff Stoltzfus\, Food Safety Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension \n\nRegister Today \n\nNote: This Coffee Talk is the follow-up to Lindsay Gilmour’s first webinar on navigating the treacherous landscape of food safety. This recording provides excellent framing for further conversation. Please send your questions for Lindsay to yona@chesapeakefoodshed.net\nOverview\nIn this follow up webinar\, Lindsay will be joined by Jeff Stoltzfus\, Food Safety Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension. They will look at two contrasting farming scenarios and discuss the steps they are taking to comply with customer and FDA requirements and will take questions on GAP Food Safety and FSMA. \nFor produce growers\, now more than ever food safety certification is a major hurdle to entering and staying competitive in the wholesale marketplace. More and more buyers are requiring 3rd party audits and frequently farmers are left to find their own way through a confusing and complicated food safety landscape. Add to this the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act and you have a perfect recipe for dismay and misinformation. In this webinar we will attempt to demystify the mysterious\, find out what questions farmers and buyers should be asking each other\, and answer some of the burning questions about FSMA and food safety audits: \nWhy produce food safety and why now?\nWhat is GAP certification?\nWhat questions should I ask? – As a farmer or as a buyer\nWhat is a food safety standard and how do I know which one to choose?\nWhen is a 3rd party audit necessary? Who is qualified to provide the audit?\nWhat training do I need?\nWho has to comply with FSMA and what does it take?\nWhat will all this cost me in time and money??\nWho can I trust?
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/navigating-a-treacherous-landscape-gap-webinar/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Chesapeake Food Shed Network":MAILTO:christy@chesapeakefoodshed.net
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170302
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170303
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170213T210852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T193707Z
UID:22317-1488412800-1488499199@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Intro to Beekeeping: BF160
DESCRIPTION:Getting your hive operation off the ground. \nWhether you currently are keeping honey bees\, or are considering adding them to your farm\, a basic understanding of bee biology\, diseases\, pests and setting up your colony for success are essential. \nAn A to Z plan starting with understanding the difference between a drone\, queen and nurse bee\, siting your apiary\, a plan for Varroa mites\, and effective winterizing techniques will help ensure your hive(s) make it through the winter so you can harvest honey the following season. \nThis course\, taught by experienced beekeepers and the NYS Honey Bee Extension Associate will give you real-world experiences paired with academic concepts. \nTarget Audience \nALL LEVELS – This course is geared for those who have plans to start keeping bees within the next 1-3 years\, or who have been keeping honey bees for fewer than three years. Disease and pest issues will focus on the Northeast region of the country\, though others will find much of the content useful to their locale. \nCourse Objectives \nAt the completion of this course\, you will: \nHave an understanding of basic bee biology\nGain management skills to support responsible decision making\nBe able to get your apiary colony through the first years of production\nWebinars \nThe bulk of the course happens on your own time\, with discussions\, readings\, and assignments in MOODLE\, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience\, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from outside presenters and ask questions to address your farm issues in real time. If you miss one\, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. Access details will be posted in MOODLE once you have registered and logged in. \nDates \nMarch 2 – April 30\, with Webinars each Thursday evening from 6:30 – 8:00pm EST \nInstructors \nLaura Biasillo is the Agricultural Economic Development Specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County. \nSue Garing is a Master Beekeeper\, member of the Board of Directors (and past president) for the Southern Tier Beekeepers\, as well as on the Board of the Empire State Honey Producers\, as well as owner of Sue Garing Honey & Garlic. \nCourse Outline \nWeek 1: Getting to Know Bees \nTopics covered: Introductions. Overview of our online “campus” (Moodle)\, course outline\, and basic bee biology\, roles and jobs. We’ll discuss how to find a queen bee in your hive\, what a bee is and isn’t\, and finally the importance of having a local experienced beekeeper as your mentor and joining a local bee club. \nWeek 2: Setting Up Your Apiary \nTopics covered: Create a calendar ordering\, installing and getting your bees through the summer. Considering in setting up your apiary. “A year in the apiary” – life cycle. Time commitment. Goals and Hive Management Practices. When to order & from whom? Buying versus raising versus swarming a new queen. Timing and starter feeding. \nWeek 3: Basic Equipment for Your First Year \nTopics covered: What do you really need? Styles of equipment. Expenses. Create a budget. \nWeek 4: Basic Hive Inspection\, Part 1 \nTopics covered: Hive Inspection Protocol. Brood (why is it important and evaluating brood health). Learn to ID honey & pollen storage. Are my bees developing correctly? How much honey do they need to make it through the winter? Do I need a queen excluder? \nWeek 5: Basic Hive Inspection\, Part 2 (What to do when things go wrong) \nTopics covered: Hive Robbers. Swarm. Re-queening. Bad temperament & disease. \nWeek 6: Introduction to Pests & Diseases \nTopics covered: Varroa Mites. Protocol options for common pests & diseases. \nWeek 7: I have honey\, now what? \nTopics covered: Basics of honey harvesting. Packaging\, labeling & storage. What you need to do if you want to sell honey & value-added products. \nWeek 8: Preparing Your Colony for the winter \nTopics covered: Feeding options\, evaluation & timing. Bee biology review. Insulation options. Pest protection. \nCost \nCourse fee is $280. Sign up a month in advance to get a $25 discount on each course\, plus a $50 total discount off registration for 3 or more courses.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/intro-to-beekeeping-bf160/
LOCATION:Cornell University Small Farms Program\, Webinar
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170302
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170303
DTSTAMP:20260512T100406
CREATED:20170213T210220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T193806Z
UID:22315-1488412800-1488499199@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Business Planning: BF202
DESCRIPTION:Planning for Long-term Success \nWhether you intend to borrow money or not\, heading into a farm venture without a business plan is like setting out on a long-distance journey without a map. Arm yourself with a business plan and you will have a guide to aid your farm decision-making and demonstrate to yourself and your family that your ideas are feasible. This steady-paced course is designed to help you build your plan\, including developing financial statements. \n”The most valuable thing about this course was that it made me hash out and put on paper each section of my business plan. It is so easy to put business plan writing on the back burner\, and this course made it move to the top of my to-do list and allowed me to get all my ideas and financials into one organized document.” –Courtney S\, Paloma\, CA \nTarget Audience \nALL LEVELS – This course is geared for new farmers as well as those expanding or transitioning from one farm enterprise to another. Before enrolling in this course you should already know the type of farm you want\, some short-term and longer-term farm business goals\, and the geographic area or state where you intend to farm. You should have at least some first-hand experience with farming\, including personal research into the type of farm you will operate. \nNOTE: If you are new to farming or are still exploring ideas\, it may be helpful to take BF 101: Starting at Square One before enrolling in BF 202. \nCourse Objectives \nUpon completing this course\, you will have a full business plan in a format ready to be implemented on the farm. The business plan may be used to guide you in decision-making in the course of running the farm business. Additionally\, the business plan will be in a form ready to submit to a banker\, private investor or grantor\, in the event you are seeking outside funding. \nGraduates of BF 202 have obtained equipment and operating loans\, and mortgages\, for start-up and expanding farms. \nWebinars \nThe bulk of the course happens on your own time\, with discussions\, readings\, and assignments in MOODLE\, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience\, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from outside presenters\, ask questions\, and collaborate with other participants and the instructor to address your farm issues in real time. If you miss one\, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. Access details will be posted in MOODLE once you have registered and logged in. \nInstructors \nRebecca Schuelke-Staehr co-owns Cayuga Pumpkin Barn and has worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension and the NY Farm Viability Institute. \nSteve Hadcock is the Beginning Farmer and Market Development Educator for the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program for Cornell Cooperative Extension. \nDates \nMarch 2 – April 6\, with Webinars on Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30pm EST \nCourse Outline \nWeek 1: Welcome and Introduction\nTopics covered: Introductions. Overview of our online “campus” (Moodle)\, course outline\, and business plan template. Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) farm analysis. Business plan cover page and farm supporting information statement. \nWeek 2: Mission and Goals\nTopics covered: Writing mission statement\, goal and vision statements. Farm business structure. Bank lender guest speaker. \nWeek 3: Organizational and Operational Plans\nTopics covered: Writing organizational and operational plans. Guest speaker on farm business structure\, defining job duties. \nWeek 4: Marketing Planning\nTopics covered: market channels\, volume\, pricing\, etc. Enterprise budgeting. Farmer guest speaker. \nWeek 5: Financial Statements\nTopics covered: balance sheet\, cash flow\, profit and loss\, business development plan. \nWeek 6: Financial Statements\nTopics covered: loans\, grants\, crowd-source funding. Farmer guest speaker. \nCost and Registration \nFee for this course is $250. Sign up a month or more in advance of the start date and receive $25 off. Sign up for three or more courses and received $50 off your total.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/business-planning-bf202/
LOCATION:Cornell University Small Farms Program\, Webinar
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
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