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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131012T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131012T130000
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UID:1697-1381572000-1381582800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Gardening Workshops 2013: Garlic
DESCRIPTION:This workshop will be on the planting\, mulching\, matainence\, storage\, harvest\, as well as what to do about scapes in relation to garlic.  It will also discuss why\, how\, and when to put it to bed as well as review and plan for 2014.  Class size is limited to 10\, $25/class or $100 for the full series.  Space permitting\, no one will be turned away for lack of cash and barter will be considered.  For more information or to register call 978-544-6347 or by email.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/gardening-workshops-2013-garlic/
LOCATION:Wildbrowse Farm & Sustainability Center\, 87 Bullard Pasture Rd\, Wendell\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131013
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131017
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130705T183252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130705T183252Z
UID:5110-1381622400-1381967999@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2013 North American Biochar Symposium
DESCRIPTION:This symposium is designed for farmers\, foresters\, researchers\, policy makers\, biochar producers and entrepreneurs\, and especially students and citizens who want to learn about biochar as an alternative to fossil fuel-based fertilizers/pesticides and energy. More information and registration information here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2013-north-american-biochar-symposium/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131013T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131013T140000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131004T005550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131004T005550Z
UID:7015-1381662000-1381672800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Open Farm Sunday at Barstow's Longview Farm
DESCRIPTION:Visit Barstow’s Longview Farm in Hadley to celebrate local\, sustainable dairy farming during Open Farm Sunday.  Learn about “farm to fork” sustainability\, try the “World’s Best Cheddar\,” meet your local dairy farmers (and their cows) and more! If you’ve ever wondered why buying local is important\, visit the farm. Barstow’s Longview Farm are proud member-owners of Cabot Creamery Cooperative. Visitors will experience the family traditions and local flavors that are Cabot cheese\, as guests are invited to meet the farmers\, see their cows\, join in barnyard activities and of course\, sample delicious award-winning Cabot cheese.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/open-farm-sunday-at-barstows-longview-farm/
LOCATION:Barstow’s Longview Farm\, 172 Hockanum Road\, Hadley
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131013T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131013T160000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130829T223203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130829T223203Z
UID:6515-1381669200-1381680000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Biochar Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Farmer Workshop: \nSunday afternoon October 13th from 1:00 to 4pm\, at the New England Small Farm Institute in Belchertown MA (275 Jackson Street) $35. Registration is here: http://symposium2013.pvbiochar.org/register \nJoin fellow farmers and gardeners in an interactive\, educational\, and highly stimulating presentation/workshop  about what biochar is (and is not) along with details about how and why biochar can help you achieve your growing goals. Learn about the many benefits of soil conditioning with biochar\, application techniques and amounts\, carbon stability\, and other practical advice. Rachel Hestrin from Cornell University will deliver a hands on technical presentation and field expert David Yarrow will review his extensive SARE grant trials. \nBuilding soil fertility and resiliency is increasingly challenging and costly. Attending this workshop will help you understand what biochar is and how it can be used to improve soil\, while mitigating potential environmental impacts caused by agriculture. You will learn how biochar is made and used\, how soil can benefit from biochar\, and get answers to any questions you might have about biochar.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/biochar-workshop/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131014T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131014T190000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130829T224140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130907T040128Z
UID:6517-1381770000-1381777200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Biochar Banquet and Demonstration!
DESCRIPTION:As part of the 2013 USBI North American Biochar Symposium at UMass Amherst\, hosted by the Pioneer Valley Biochar Initiative in Belchertown\, a farm to table “Biochar Banquet” will be served to the community. This banquet is an informal networking opportunity for people in the Pioneer Valley to taste and discuss the benefits of local food grown in well conditioned soil. Every item in the various food stations – from goat cheese to wine and from sausage to succotash – will have a regional story directly related to Biochar. Tickets are $55 or just $15 for conference attendees and include a free keynote address by Frances Moore Lappe\, author of EcoMind\, Hope’s Edge and Diet for a Small Planet. \nHere is the link to the Biochar Banquet flyer: http://symposium2013.pvbiochar.org/sites/default/files/PDF%20files/Biochar%20Banquet.pdf
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/biochar-banquet-and-demonstration/
LOCATION:USBI North American Biochar Symposium\, Campus Center\, Umass Amherst
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131018
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131019
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130923T214245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130923T214245Z
UID:6808-1382054400-1382140799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Deadline for Fair Food Business Boot Camp
DESCRIPTION:October 18th is the last day to apply for the Fair Food Network’s Fair Food Business Boot Camp\, a three-day intensive program for emerging\, high-potential food system enterprises in the Northeast. The curriculum will include skill-building sessions and applied projects that will offer participants new perspectives on their ventures and guide them in refining their business models. Participants will work with the program facilitators\, FFN staff\, food system leaders\, investors\, and each other to refine and accelerate their ventures. The three-day session will culminate with a pitch session in which entrepreneurs will present their plans to a panel of investors and compete for an award of up to $10\,000 in consulting services.  For more information on this event\, click here. The program will be hosted by Babson College’s Food Sol in Wellesley\, MA from December 2nd – December 4th\, 2013.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/deadline-for-fair-food-business-boot-camp/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131020
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131021
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130923T212908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130923T212916Z
UID:6806-1382227200-1382313599@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:5th Annual 5K for Farmland & Farmer’s Market Festival
DESCRIPTION:The USATF-sanctioned 5K running route takes you through the scenic farmlands of the Great Meadow in Hadley\, and a 2-mile walking route offers a bird’s eye view of the Connecticut River. Each year\, more than 500 participants join us to run or walk in support of farmland conservation. This year promises to be better than ever\, with more activities for kids\, more unique local vendors at our Farmers Market\, and more ways for your run or walk to help save critical farmland in the Valley! Race starts from Hadley’s West St Common.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/5th-annual-5k-for-farmland-farmers-market-festival/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131020T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131020T163000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131010T235842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T145500Z
UID:7096-1382279400-1382286600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Food Safety Modernization Act Discussion and Letter-Writing Events
DESCRIPTION:Come to Green Fields Market at 144 Main St. in Greenfield to attend a Food Safety Modernization Act discussion and letter-writing party. The discussion and letter writing will take place in the upstairs meeting room. Some supplies will be available\, but bring your own letter-writing materials if you can! \nCan’t make it to that one? Check out Just Roots Fall Festival\, Oct. 27\, 2-6pm. FSMA discussion and letter-writing party starts @ 4pm. It will be held at Just Roots (Greenfield Community Farm) at 34 Glenbrook Dr. in Greenfield. Visit Just Roots for more details (413) 376-8333.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/fsma-discussion-and-letter-writing-events/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131023T063000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131023T200000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130912T195905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131031T182723Z
UID:6673-1382509800-1382558400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Online Course: Planning to Stay in Business
DESCRIPTION:Trying to run a farm without a written plan is like trying to sail an ocean without a map: chances are high that even if you manage to arrive somewhere safely\, it won’t be where you wanted to land. And if you ever plan to borrow money for your farm\, a business plan is even more essential\, as you can’t get a loan without it. \nMany new farmers are intimidated by the process of writing a business plan. The online course BF 202: Planning to Stay in Business demystifies the process and provides students with feedback on their plans each week. This course\, taught by an experienced farmer and a Cornell Cooperative Extension educator\, is 6 weeks long and consists of weekly webinars followed by homework\, readings\, and discussions in an online setting. \nThe course runs Wed. Oct 23 – Wed. Nov 27\, with webinars Wed. evenings from 6:30-8pm EST. The cost is $200\, but multiple people from the same farm may participate without paying extra. Click here for more on the course learning objectives\, instructors\, and outline.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/online-course-planning-to-stay-in-business/
LOCATION:Online Course
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131024
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131025
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130507T215937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130507T220126Z
UID:4033-1382572800-1382659199@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Food Day!
DESCRIPTION:Food Day is a national campaign for healthy\, affordable\, and fairly produced food\, and it’s back and stronger than ever! Food Day will take place on October 24\, 2013 and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources will spearhead statewide organizing and we’re beginning our organizing with you! \nLast year\, Massachusetts led the country with the number of events (over 500). We were blown away by the level of engagement and diversity of varied activities throughout Massachusetts\, including community potlucks\, food drives\, compelling food discussions and forums held at universities\, as well as activities held at schools\, and official proclamations by Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino. \nCheck out our newly released Food Day 2012 Report for highlights of what was accomplished here in Massachusetts and around the country. The report has many ideas to share and/or borrow! \nClick here to visit the Food Day website for updates!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/4033/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131102
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131104
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130919T011628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130919T011628Z
UID:6785-1383350400-1383523199@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:19th Annual Franklin County CiderDays
DESCRIPTION:CiderDays is a community event celebrating all things apples in Franklin County\, Massachusetts. 2013 marks the 19th year of this event and there will be two days (November 2nd and 3th) of orchard tours\, cidermaking and tastings\, workshops and much more. This is for all who love apples\, fresh or hard cider\, apple cuisine\, apple orchards or just being in New England in the fall. There is a charge for some of the activities but there is no admission for many of the activities at local orchards or for the workshops or Marketplace at the Shelburne Buckland Community Center in Shelburne Falls (from 10 AM – 5 PM on Saturday). Tickets for the various tasting salons are available online.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/19th-annual-franklin-county-ciderdays/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131104T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131104T173000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130916T220906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130916T220906Z
UID:6716-1383555600-1383586200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Profitability: Season Extension and Marketing for the Small Farm
DESCRIPTION:Presenter: Michael Kilpatrick\, farm manager at Kilpatrick Family Farm.\nRegistration cost (potluck lunch): Register online or by mail by Oct. 21: $65 Member; $81 Non-member\nDescription: Michael Kilpatrick offers a full day seminar on realizing the dream of a profitable small farm. Practical content addresses the infrastructure and economics of year-round farming\, farm systems for profitable field production\, season extension for producing greens\, overwinterring crops for super early spring harvest\, marketing the farm and telling your story\, and using different marketing channels to increase farm profits. Find a seminar outline and relevant links here.  \nFor more info\, contact Ben Grosscup at 413-658-5374 or email ben.grosscup@nofamass.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-profitability-season-extension-and-marketing-for-the-small-farm/
LOCATION:Barre Congregational Church\, 30 Park Street\, Barre\, MA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131106T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131108T170000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130326T211734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130326T211734Z
UID:2600-1383724800-1383930000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:4th National Women in Sustainable Ag Conference: Cultivating Our Food\, Farms and Future
DESCRIPTION:Join colleagues from around the country this November in Des Moines\, IA\, to network\, learn and enjoy the best locally grown foods the Midwest has to offer! \n“Women are the fastest-growing segment of new farmers in America\, and have been the drivers behind the healthy food and farming movement for decades\,” says Leigh Adcock\, WFAN executive director. “WFAN’s staff and board are thrilled for the opportunity to host this national conference in the Midwest.” The three prior conferences were held in Pennsylvania and Vermont\, and hosted by WFAN’s colleagues at the Women’s Agricultural Networks in those states. \nDanielle Nierenberg of Food Tank and Kari Hamerschlag of Environmental Working Group are confirmed keynote speakers. See the sidebar at right for information on their amazing work. \nWorkshop tracks will include farming\, advocacy and land health topics. Click here for the Call for Proposals; the call is open from Feb. 15 through May 15\, 2013. \nClick here for more information and to sign up to be a part of the conference!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/4th-national-women-in-sustainable-ag-conference-cultivating-our-food-farms-and-future/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131112T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131112T150000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130912T202413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131105T210436Z
UID:6679-1384250400-1384268400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:BFN/Mass Fall Forum 2013
DESCRIPTION:The Beginning Farmer Network of Massachusetts is holding its second annual Fall Forum on November 12. This free networking event will be a chance to meet other farmers\, farm service providers\, and engaged food system advocates who are concerned with beginning farmers’ livelihood and success in Massachusetts. We’ll get a chance to meet each other\, talk about hot-button issues\, identify gaps in resources\, and collaborate to ensure beginning farmer success. The BFN/Mass Fall Forum is free and open to all. Get more information here\, and register here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/bfnmass-fall-forum-2013/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131112T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131112T150000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131105T013130Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131105T014030Z
UID:7457-1384250400-1384268400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Farmer Network of Massachusetts Fall Forum
DESCRIPTION:Come to the Beginning Farmer Network of Massachusetts Fall Forum. This free networking event will be a chance to meet other farmers\, farm service providers\, and engaged food system advocates who are concerned with beginning farmers’ livelihood and success in the Commonwealth. We’ll get a chance to meet each other\, talk about hot-button issues\, identify gaps in resources\, and figure out where we can collaborate to ensure beginning farmer success. \nRegister here!: \n*   Are you a new farmer or thinking about farming? \n*   Are you looking to connect with beginning farmers or farm service providers in MA? \n*   Are you interested in beginning farmer success in MA? \n*   Do you want to figure out how to work together and leverage resources? \nAbout BFN/Mass: \nThe Beginning Farmer Network of Massachusetts (BFN/Mass) is a collaborative group of farmers and farm service providers dedicated to beginning farmer success in Massachusetts.  By creating more space for networking and collaboration amongst Beginning Farmers and Service Providers we bring together people who want to work on similar issues\, who want to share information and lessons learned\, and who can inspire each other by the work we are doing. Find more BFN/Masson our website.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/beginning-farmer-network-of-massachusetts-fall-forum/
LOCATION:Charlton Public Library\, Charlton
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131117
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131113T001537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131113T001537Z
UID:7553-1384560000-1384646399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Massachusetts Beekeeper’s Fall meeting – this coming Saturday.
DESCRIPTION:Join the Annual fall meeting of the Massachusetts Beekeepers Association and Honey and Wax Show (visit www.massbee.org for rules)! MBA meetings are open to all beekeepers – non-members are welcome to attend. Pre-registration for lunch is required – walk in participants are welcome without pre-registration. There is a silent auction and door prizes to be announced during the afternoon break. Visit the MBA website for more information and the complete schedule. \nREGISTRATION: is Free to all MBA members. Non-members will be charged the price of membership and the 2014 meetings will be free. Registration begins at 8 AM. \nLUNCH: is $12.00 – if you have not registered for lunch please contact Dan Conlon we will reserve a lunch ticket for you – please pay when you get to the meeting on Saturday. Lunch will be catered by the King Phillip Restaurant. \nWHO: Speakers include; Kim Flottum – Book Author and Editor of Bee Culture Magazine\, and Larry Connor PhD – Author and owner of the Wic Waw Press. They will be available for book signing.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/massachusetts-beekeepers-fall-meeting-this-coming-saturday/
LOCATION:Red Apple Farm\, 455 Highland Avenue\, Phillipston\, MA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131123T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131123T160000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131015T215738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131015T215945Z
UID:7145-1385208000-1385222400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Fall Seed Exchange
DESCRIPTION:The Hilltown Seed Saving Network is pleased to announce its second annual Fall Seed Exchange! Learn to save your own garden seed\, get answers to your seed saving questions\, and exchange seed that you’ve saved with your friends and neighbors. Please note that you don’t have to bring seed to come to this event.  People of all levels of experience welcome\, including those who have never saved seed before. An introductory seed saving workshop is from 12 noon to 1pm\, taught by Tevis Robertson-Goldberg of Crabapple Farm. The seed exchange itself will run from 2:15 to 4:00 pm (see the detailed schedule of events below)\, and will include a fun and interactive preview of our plans for next year.  This year\, you can come to the Community House between 10:30-1pm to drop off seed. Use our Virtual Seed Bank here. Once you have registered (a quick and easy process)\, you will be able to browse varieties that other people are saving and bringing to the Seed Exchange. See our website for more information.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/fall-seed-exchange/
LOCATION:The Community House\, 33 Main Street\, Cummington
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131124T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131124T123000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131119T215357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131119T215534Z
UID:7634-1385287200-1385296200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Radical Season Extension
DESCRIPTION:This is a basic-level\, hands-on workshop by Gill farmer Danny Botkin\, on growing food “around-the-calendar” in mercurial New England weather.\n\nSuccess in “off-season” gardening\, like many things\, is possibly half “mental”. Hence\, if we wish to expand our “food harvesting window” we might first expand our beliefs and understanding of what’s possible in winter\, without resorting to expensive\, unsustainable fossil fuels. Utilizing\, instead\, cold-hardy food crops\, herbs and flowers\, plus cheap\, common\, and free resources available to any backyarder\, LDF teaches a simple\, pragmatic approach to the winter growing equation.\n\nWe’ll describe and demonstration various low-cost “crop covering” apparatus\, useful in propagating cold weather greens\, alliums\, roots and salad\, as well as techniques for “scheduling”\, “hardening” and “insulating” outdoor plants\, as well. We’ll also demonstrate how to bend 10′ steel conduit (EMT) pipes into cheap\, sturdy\, permanent “hoops” to assemble versatile\, crop-protecting\, low-tunnels… (Participants may return to LDF\, later\, to bend their own pipes into hoops using our jig).\n\nWe will also tour and observe the active\, winter greenhouse (high and low) tunnels at Laughing Dog. The workshop concludes with farm snacks and Q and A around the kitchen cookstove.\n\nSuggested donation: $25-35. No one turned away for lack of funds.\nRSVP appreciated!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/radical-season-extension/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131206
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130919T005326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130919T005326Z
UID:6781-1386028800-1386287999@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:HAACP Workshop
DESCRIPTION:December 3-5\, 2013\, University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus Center\n\nThis workshop will provide the tools for you to complete the requirements for HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certification\, understand HACCP principles\, identify the resources needed to develop\, implement and maintain a HACCP plan\, understand and identify process step hazard assessment and understand and identify steps required to determine critical control points. This course will include interactive exercises to help illustrate HACCP planning with an emphasis on FDA regulated food products. Early bird rates available until November 1st. SRA Registration fee $500\, Professional Registration fee $600\, click here for registration and additional information.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/haacp-workshop/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131204
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131207
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131004T003459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131004T004030Z
UID:7007-1386115200-1386374399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:National Young Farmers: Reviving the Culture of Agriculture
DESCRIPTION:Every December\, over 250 beginning farmers from across the United States gather at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture to learn from agricultural luminaries\, peers\, and advocacy organizations at the National Young Farmers Conference: Reviving the Culture of Agriculture. On December 4-6\, 2013\, Stone Barns Center will host the 6th annual National Young Farmers Conference\, providing participants with access to inspiring keynotes and more than 60 unique workshops that address soil science\, technical skills\, agricultural policy\, farm business management\, marketing\, and more.  This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Wendell Berry\, poet\, author\, essayist and farmer\, and Mary Berry\, Executive Director of The Berry Center. Information is also available on the Stone Barns Center website.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/national-young-farmers-reviving-the-culture-of-agriculture/
LOCATION:Stone Barns Center\, Pocantico Hills\, NY\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Stone Barns Center":MAILTO:yfc@stonebarnscenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131206
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131208
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131003T005940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131115T022917Z
UID:6956-1386288000-1386460799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:New England Farmers Union 2013 Annual Meeting
DESCRIPTION:NEFU invites you to our fourth annual convention. Join us and bring a friend. All are welcome! As part of this annual meeting\, we will consider additions and revisions to our Policy Book\, which is our road map to increasing the economic viability of family farms and fisheries right here in New England. Every member of the New England Farmers Union has a voice in setting the policy positions that guide our work. We invite you to submit your own additions or revisions using this form. Our Policy Committee will review all submissions and decide which will be brought forward for discussion and a vote by the membership at the annual meeting. As a grassroots and member-driven organization\, NEFU counts on our members to help shape our policies. Please take the time to review the policies and principles that drive us; then come to our annual meeting and join the conversation! RSVP for this event by Dec 3rd here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/new-england-farmers-union-2013-annual-meeting/
LOCATION:Newport Marriott\, America's Cup Avenue\, Newport\, RI\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="New England Farmer's Union":MAILTO:info@newenglandfarmersunion.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20131207
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20131208
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131127T182018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131127T183751Z
UID:7779-1386374400-1386460799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MDAR: Western Mass Winter Ag Commission Gathering
DESCRIPTION:WESTERN MASS WINTER AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION GATHERING \nHancock Shaker Village – Saturday\, December 7\, 2013 \n(REGISTRATION FORM below or online) \n  \nAGENDA \n8:30 – 9:00 Registration and Coffee\n\n9:00 – 9:15 Welcome\n\n9:15 – 9:30 Mass Association of Agricultural Commissions (MAAC) – Dick Ward\, President: the evolving role of AgComs\, what MAAC can do for local AgComs\, upcoming issues\, other events\n\n9:30 – 11:00 Roundtable: how can AgComs stay active & engaged – new members\, challenges and problems\, work plans\, accomplishments of AgComs around the state (Kathy Orlando\, moderator)\n\n11:00 – 11:50 Morning Panel: Land Access\, Farmland Protection\, Farm Profitability\, and Keep Berkshires Farming – Melissa Adams\, Glynwood & MDAR; Kathy Ruhf\, Land For Good; Rick Chandler\, MDAR; Amy Kacala\, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission; Kathy Orlando\, Sheffield Land Trust & MAAC; Barbara Zheutlin\, Berkshire Grown.\n\n11:50 to 12:40: Farm Business Principles and Opportunities and Farm Transfer Planning – Rick Chandler & Melissa Adams\, MDAR; Kathy Ruhf\, Land For Good.\n\n12:00-12:45 Buffet Lunch\, Informal Discussion (& report by Lisa Damon\, Farm to School Project)\n\n1:00 – 3:00 Afternoon Panel and Roundtable – Nuisance Complaints / Best Management Practices vs “Normal” Practices / Other Current Legal Issues – Frank DiLuna\, Murtha Cullina; Brad Mitchell\, Mass Farm Bureau Federation; Bob Ritchie\, former MDAR General Counsel\n\n3:00 Conference Adjourns\n\nSponsors: Mass Association of Ag Commissions\, MDAR\, USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)\, CISA\, Conservation Districts\, Mass Farm Bureau\, American Farmland Trust\, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission\, Franklin Land Trust\, Franklin Council of Governments\, Keep Berkshires Farming\, Berkshire Grown \nREGISTRATION FORM – 2013-14 Western MA AgCom Gatherings \n\n(    ) Dec 7 HancockShakerVillage\n\n  \nName __________________________________            Town ____________________\n\nMailing Address_____________________________________________________\n\nZip _________________\n\nPhone _____________________________\n\nEmail Address _________________________________\n\nAgCom Member (  ) Yes  (  ) No                   $15 Registration Fee Enclosed   (  ) Yes\n\nPlease make checks payable to “CISA.” We encourage all to register by Dec 2 for Hancock and by Jan 6 for Northampton so we can get an accurate lunch count.\n\nSend to:  CISA\, One Sugarloaf Street\, South Deerfield\, MA 01373\, Jennifer@buylocalfood.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdar-western-mass-winter-ag-commission-gathering/
LOCATION:Hancock Shaker Village\, 1843 West Housatonic St.\, Pittsfield
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131213T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131213T120000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131202T195736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131202T225926Z
UID:7818-1386923400-1386936000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:A Workshop for Sustainable Soil Management on Organic Vegetable Farms
DESCRIPTION:Please join Ryan Voiland (Red Fire Farm)\, Nancy Hanson (Hampshire College Farm)\, Sandy Bell (University of Connecticut)\, and Beth Hooker (Hampshire College) for an informative and interactive workshop on Friday\, December 13\, 2013.\n\nThis workshop\, second in a series\, is designed for participants to share experiences and learn about practices aimed to promote optimal soil health. We will identify factors that contribute to soil nutrient problems\, discuss the role of soil testing in promoting soil health\, identify ways to address problems and promote practices that increase soil health\, and identify next steps to achieve and maintain optimal soil health on participants’ farms.\n\nThis workshop is funded by a Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant. Ultimately\, the research will inform our goal of creating a unified\, regional approach to promoting sustainable soil health on organic vegetable farms.\n\nPlease register by clicking here (it is free\, but we would like to know how many people are coming) or email bhooker@hampshire.edu
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/a-workshop-for-sustainable-soil-management-on-organic-vegetable-farms-2/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20131214T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20131214T160000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131204T203145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131204T203145Z
UID:7856-1387026000-1387036800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Campaign for Affordable Farms: Open House at Red Fire Farm
DESCRIPTION:Visit the farm for hot chocolate and hot cider and learn about the Mount Grace Land Trust’s Campaign for Affordable Farms and Red Fire Farm’s plans for the future. The event is to celebrate the successful $400\,000 capital campaign in partnership with Red Fire Farm in May of 2012. Through generous support\, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust has met the initial goal to purchase 122 acres of farm land on the Connecticut River! Red Fire Farm and Mount Grace are now actively working out the lease agreement and legal details of the land transfer.  The partners expect to transfer the land this Spring and the Trust is still accepting contributions to cover the anticipated legal and land stewardship costs of the project. With the first phase of the project now complete\, farmers Ryan and Sarah Voiland and Mount Grace invite the public to a celebration of the farm from 1-4pm on Saturday\, December 14 at 184 Meadow Road in Montague. Visit here to rsvp!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/campaign-for-affordable-farms-open-house-at-red-fire-farm/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20140107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20140111
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20130919T004902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20130919T004902Z
UID:6779-1389052800-1389398399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Better Process Control School
DESCRIPTION:January 7-10\, 2014\, University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus Center\nThe Better Process Control School (BPCS) certifies supervisors of thermal processing systems\, acidification\, and container closure evaluation programs for low-acid and acidified canned foods. Each processor of low-acid or acidified foods must operate with a certified supervisor on hand at all times during processing. This school satisfies the training requirements specified in both the FDA and USDA regulations. Instructors for this school are drawn from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)\, the University of Massachusetts\, and industry. \nEarly bird rates available until November 29th. SRA Registration fee $700\, Professional Registration fee $800\, click here for registration and additional information.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/better-process-control-school-2/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20140111
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20140112
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131017T185413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131017T185413Z
UID:7244-1389398400-1389484799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:27th Annual NOFA/Mass Winter Conference with keynoter Mark Shepard
DESCRIPTION:This year’s Winter Conference will offer a diverse line-up of more than 60 workshops\, exhibits by numerous regional vendors\, an all-day seminar (see seminar details below) and keynote by Restoration Agriculture author\, Mark Shepard. The children’s conference (for ages 3-12) provides a lively\, interactive way for your kids to get educated. Workshop proposals are still being accepted for the 2014 Winter Conference. Scholarships are available for beginning farmers (who have been farming for fewer for 10 years); you must be a NOFA/Mass member to receive a scholarship\, click here to become a member. Find more information on workshops and how to register by going to the NOFA/Mass website.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/27th-annual-nofamass-winter-conference-with-keynoter-mark-shepard/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Cathleen O'Keefe":MAILTO:wc@nofamass.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20140111
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20140112
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131127T184328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131205T025245Z
UID:7782-1389398400-1389484799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MDAR: Western Mass Winter Ag Commission Gathering #2
DESCRIPTION:WESTERN MASS WINTER AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION GATHERING #2\n Smith Vocational School\, Northampton – Saturday\, January 11\, 2014\n Snow Date January 18 (for last-minute weather update\, 413-695-4627) \nPlease RSVP by January 6\, 2014 \nAGENDA \n\n\n8:30 – 9:00 Registration and Coffee \n9:00 – 9:10 Welcome \n9:10 – 9:20 Mass Association of Agricultural Commissions (MAAC) – Dick Ward\, President:\nwhat MAAC can do for local AgComs\, upcoming issues\, other conferences & events \n9:20 – 11:00 Roundtable: how can AgComs stay active & engaged – new members\, challenges and problems\, work plans\, accomplishments of AgComs around the state\, examples of AgCom successes and projects (moderator Phil Korman\, CISA) \n11:00 – 11:30 and 11:45 to 12:15 Morning Workshops\n* Farm Transfer Issues – Passing farmland to new farmers – Kathy Ruhf\, Land For Good\n* Farm business principles and opportunities – Rick Chandler & Melissa Adams\, MDAR \n12:15-1:00 Buffet Lunch (local produce thanks to Smith Voke Culinary Shop)\, Informal Discussion (& report by Lisa Damon\, Farm to School Project) and Vendor Exhibits \n1:00 – 1:55 and 2:05 – 3:00 Afternoon Workshops\n* Farmland protection options (APRs\, CRs\, CH61A\, other; town planning for farmland protection) – Rich Hubbard\, Franklin Land Trust; Kristin DeBoer\, Kestrel Land Trust\n* Nuisance Complaints / Best Management Practices vs Normal Practices / Current Farm Legal Issues – Frank DiLuna\, Murtha Cullina; Brad Mitchell\, Mass Farm Bureau Federation; Bob Ritchie\, former MDAR General Counsel \n3:00 Conference Adjourns \nSponsors: Mass Association of Ag Commissions\, MDAR\, CISA\, Conservation Districts\, Mass Farm Bureau\, American Farmland Trust\, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission\, Franklin Land Trust\, Franklin Council of Governments\, Northampton Agricultural Commission\, Keep Farming Northampton\, Kestrel Land Trust\, Forever Farmland \nREGISTRATION FORM – 2013-14 Western MA AgCom Gatherings \nVillage          (    ) Jan 11 Smith Vocational School\, Northampton \nName __________________________________            Town ____________________ \nMailing Address_____________________________________________________ \nZip _________________ \nPhone _____________________________ \nEmail Address _________________________________ \nAgCom Member (  ) Yes  (  ) No                   $15 Registration Fee Enclosed   (  ) Yes \nPlease make checks payable to “CISA.” We encourage all to register by Dec 2 for Hancock and by Jan 6 for Northampton so we can get an accurate lunch count.  \nSend to:  CISA\, One Sugarloaf Street\, South Deerfield\, MA 01373\, Jennifer@buylocalfood.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdar-western-mass-winter-ag-commission-gathering-2/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20140112
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20140118
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131113T020425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131113T020425Z
UID:7564-1389484800-1390003199@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Seed School at Hampshire College
DESCRIPTION:Seed School is a groundbreaking\, six-day educational course that trains people from all walks of life to build local seed systems rooted in the ancient tradition of seed saving. Students walk away from this innovative learning experience with the knowledge and inspiration to start their own independent seed initiatives\, such as community seed libraries and exchanges\, seed growers cooperatives\, heirloom seed businesses\, and participatory plant breeding projects.\n\nSeed School is designed to offer a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the science\, business\, and craft of seeds. Appropriate for teens and adults at all skill levels\, this course is for gardeners\, farmers\, chefs\, entrepreneurs\, NGOs\, activists\, policymakers and anyone interested in turning the tide on the industrialization of our food system. Register on the Native Seeds/SEARCH website.\n\nEarly bird discount: $600 by December 13th Tuition after December 13th: $700 Deposit to reserve a spot: $200 Partial scholarships are available for participants in under served communities and with limited income. Contact: belle@nativeseeds.org to apply or for more information.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/seed-school-at-hampshire-college/
LOCATION:Hampshire College\, Amherst 
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20140112T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20140112T170000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131211T205000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131211T205000Z
UID:8005-1389513600-1389546000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Scaling Up: Farmer to Farmer Skill Building
DESCRIPTION:Starting this January\, Scaling Up will bring together a group of 6-18 farmers with about 4 -7 years of experience who are seeking to grow their operations and plan for long-term viability. Participants convene for a series of two-day sessions hosted at the Copake Agricultural Center in Copake\, NY\, in which they will refine business and production plans and learn from fellow farmers and educators.\n\nParticipating farmers will deepen their knowledge of the following topics related to scaling up their operations: Business Planning\, Administrative Skills\, Marketing & Distribution\, Leadership\, Soil Fertility\, Land Acquisition Planning\, Equipment\, and Production Systems. Participants can choose between tracks for livestock or vegetable production. Participant interest will guide the curriculum and activities.\n\nParticipants will:\n• Assess their current operations for challenges and opportunities.\n• Gain the management skills needed to successfully manage their growing business\n• Refine and peer-review written plans for marketing\, production\, and finances.\n• Emerge with updated business plans.\n• Receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the program.\nFormat:\n\nFarmers will gather for ten two-day sessions at the beginning of each month from January 2014 to April 2014\, pause for the growing season\, then reconvene October 2014 to March 2015. On-farm lodging and local food meals will be provided by the Center. Group preference will determine exact scheduling.\n\nSessions will include time the classroom\, hands-on activities\, and peer-to-peer exchange. Farmers and educators will lead presentations and activities\, and participants will break into groups for discussions and projects. The new Copake Agricultural Center’s 194 acres will act as stage for in-field learning\, through field walks\, facility tours\, and shop demonstrations. The sessions include ample time for meeting with fellow farmers.\n\nEnrollment:\nFor this pilot year\, program costs are $1000 for ten sessions\, lodging\, and all meals. Tuition reduction is available through a work-study arrangement. To set up a work-study arrangement\, contact bob@nefarmaccess.com.\n\nTo apply\, fill out our online application\, or visit our website\, http://www.nefarmaccess.com/scaling-up.html.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/scaling-up-farmer-to-farmer-skill-building/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20140122T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20140122T170000
DTSTAMP:20260608T044822
CREATED:20131205T221331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20131205T221431Z
UID:7912-1390377600-1390410000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm and Food Systems spring 2014 courses at Greenfield Community College
DESCRIPTION:All four classes can be taken for credit or credit-free. \nSCI 137 Permaculture Design (4 cr) with Abrah Dresdale  \nMeets 1/28/14 – 5/20/14\, Tues\, 2-3:15p\, and Thurs 12:30-4:50p\n\nStudents receive the internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate with successful completion of this course.\n\nAn introduction to permaculture: a practice of designing systems\, modeled from ecological relationships\, that respects the land while serving its inhabitants. Topics include permaculture theory\, innovative  techniques\, systems-thinking\, and site assessment and analysis (e.g. patterns of sun/shade\, drainage\, vegetation). Lab components include hands-on learning and technical skills through field work on campus\, field trips\, and design studio. Students apply these skills to a real design project and recommend appropriate permaculture applications such as perennial food production\, soil regeneration\, and integrated water management.\n\nAGR 110 Beekeeping (1 cr) with Cliff Hatch \nMeets Tues\, Apr 15 & 22 from 6:30-8p; and Fri Apr 18-May 2 from 1-5pm (Fridays meet @ Just Roots/Greenfld Community Farm)\n\nProvides strategies and techniques for the beginner beekeeper. Topics include: hive  construction\, life cycle of the honey bee\, hive management through the seasons\, threats to the health and wellness of bees\, diverse approaches and the joys of beekeeping. Note: Students work with bees.\n\nAGR 111 Four Season Farming (1 cr) with Danny Botkin \nMeets Weds\, Mar 26 & Apr 9 from 6-8:30pm; and Sat Mar. 29 & Apr. 12 fom 10a-3p (Saturdays meet at Laughing Dog Farm\, Gill)\n\nExplores strategies for extending growing seasons into the fall and winter. Topics include: hoophouses\, coldframes\, raised beds\, mulch\, managing seasonal crops\, frost proofing\, cold hardy crops\, early spring greenhouse management\, winter snow removal\, and seed germination under unheated conditions.\n\nEVS 152 Organic Gardening (1 cr) with Tony Reiber \nMeets Thurs\, Apr 24 from 6-8:50p; and Sat\, Apr 26 & May 10 from 9a-3p\n\nProvides instruction in a natural gardening program and practical “hands-on” introduction to the basic philosophy\, content\, and methods of organic gardening and permaculture design. Using a model garden site\, participants plan and design a garden\, prepare the soil\, plant the seeds\, and prepare for harvesting and storage. Topics include compost\, soil improvement\, seed selection\, crop rotation\, and pest management.\n\nFeel free to contact Abrah Dresdale with any questions about the courses dresdalea@gcc.mass.edu
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-and-food-systems-spring-2014-courses-at-greenfield-community-college/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR