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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T164500
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
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UID:51756-1773922500-1773938700@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:First aid training for farm managers and crew leaders
DESCRIPTION:Register here for this farmer first aid training. \nAre you prepared to respond to the unexpected? CISA is hosting this in-person Institute for Wild Med training for farm managers and crew leaders to give you the skills to help ensure that everyone on the farm crew stays healthy\, safe and productive\, along with the peace of mind that you are prepared for whatever comes your way. Anyone in a formal or informal leadership role on a farm is welcome to attend. This in-person training will be held in Hadley (location will be sent following registration). Learn to prevent and treat the most common illnesses and injuries – including heat exhaustion\, dehydration\, bleeding\, allergies\, fractures\, and more – that are likely to come up in your daily lives and day-to-day work leading a farm crew. Build the skills you need to quickly respond to health issues in the field\, to confidently evaluate their severity and urgency\, and to have clarity about how and where to access the appropriate level of care when outside help is needed. \nThis training can satisfy OSHA standards for workplace first aid training. All attendees will receive a certificate of course completion from the Institute for Wild Med following the training. If you need an official certification for regulatory compliance purposes\, please indicate this on your registration form — the Institute for Wild Med is an HSI-approved training center and can provide Adult CPR/First Aid certification cards from HSI upon request. The training cost is $10\, plus an additional $10 charge for those requesting an HSI certification card. Lunch will be provided. \nPlease register early\, since this training is capped at 24 participants. And please let us know if you or others would like to receive first aid + CPR training in Spanish — we are currently scheduling a separate Spanish language training in April. Contact kristen@buylocalfood.org with any questions. \nThis work is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program\, project award no. 2024-49400-43639\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, as well as by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/first-aid-training-for-farm-managers-and-crew-leaders/
LOCATION:Hadley\, MA
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260211T222910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T222910Z
UID:51708-1773910800-1773936000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Small Engine Mechanics with SG Groat
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER HERE\nDescription\n\n\n\n\nIn this practical\, hands-on training\, participants will dive deep into the inner workings of 2 and 4 stroke gasoline engines.  Understanding\, how they function\, their systems and parts\, preventative maintenance\, and how to diagnose common issues. Participants are encouraged to bring their own 2 stroke or 4 stroke small\, gasoline engines to work on! \n\n\n\n\nAbout the Facilitator:\n\n\n\n\nSince 2018\, SG Groat (they/she/he) has been providing timely\, honest and affordable service and repair work and teaching farmers how to operate and maintain equipment around the Hudson Valley. Though SG loves to repair equipment\, they’ve found they are most joyous when teaching.  Throughout their work\, they strive to make mechanical information more accessible to Queer\, Trans\, Black\, Indigenous\, people of color\, women and non-binary folks.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/small-engine-mechanics-with-sg-groat/
LOCATION:April Hill Farm\, 62 Undermountain Rd\, South Egremont\, MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Berkshire Grown":MAILTO:buylocal@berkshiregrown.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T170000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260206T205648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T205648Z
UID:51666-1773820800-1773853200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2026 Massachusetts Farm & Sea to School Conference
DESCRIPTION:On March 18\, 2026 Mass. Farm to School will hold its 8th statewide conference\, the Massachusetts Farm & Sea to School Conference. The Conference will bring together farm and sea to school advocates – school food service professionals\, students\, educators\, policy makers\, public health advocates\, community organizers\, and more for a full day of learning centered on our theme of “Building Connections\, Resilience\, and Joy.” The conference will feature a creative blend of workshops\, interactive activities and facilitated discussions. Pre-conference field trips will highlight innovations in farm and sea to school activity. A pre-conference party will provide opportunities to celebrate and network with others in the farm and sea to school movement. The conference will provide all attendees with concrete skills or actionable takeaways and confidence to make a change in their schools and communities.  \nField Trips will take place the day before the conference on Tuesday\, March 17th.  \nEarly Bird pricing through February 11th.  \nLearn more and register at www.massfarmtoschool.org/conference.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2026-massachusetts-farm-sea-to-school-conference/
LOCATION:Smith College Campus Center\, 100 Elm St\, Northampton\, MA\, 01063\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T153000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20251230T020117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T214349Z
UID:51416-1773324000-1773329400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Developing strong systems for communication\, feedback\, and decision-making
DESCRIPTION:Register here for this free virtual workshop\, part of CISA’s winter farmer-to-farmer series on employee management. \nWithout strong systems for communication\, feedback\, and decision-making\, farm teams can get slowed down by unresolved frustrations or conflicts and lack of clarity around how decisions are made. This session will cover some of the strategies that even time-limited farmers can use to cultivate smoother and more well-functioning farm teams in the long run\, including: building in regular time and space for feedback among farm team members\, mid-season and end-of-season check-ins between farm management and employees\, and decision-making structures that value multiple perspectives while also supporting efficiency. Maggie Cheney and D Rooney\, co-founders of the cooperative farm Rock Steady Farm\, will share from their years of experience developing and using such systems with their farm team\, with concrete examples from their farm context. Contact marisa@buylocalfood.org with any questions. \nCISA’s winter farmer-to-farmer series on employee management is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/developing-strong-systems-for-communication-feedback-and-decision-making/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T170000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260211T213309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T213309Z
UID:51700-1773302400-1773421200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Fundamentals of HACCP Training and Certification for Meat and Poultry Operations
DESCRIPTION:AgriForaging Compliance Services is offering a two-day\, in-person Fundamentals of HACCP Training and Certification for Meat and Poultry Operations on March 12–13\, 2026\, in Concord\, New Hampshire. \nThis instructor-led course is certified by the International HACCP Alliance\, meets USDA FSIS HACCP training requirements\, and is taught in plain language using real meat and poultry examples. No prior HACCP experience is required. \nWho should attend: meat and poultry processors\, butchers\, farm-based operations\, plant supervisors\, and anyone responsible for HACCP compliance. \nWhat you’ll learn: the seven HACCP principles\, how to develop and use a compliant HACCP plan\, recordkeeping and verification\, and inspection readiness through hands-on breakout sessions. \nDetails\nDates: March 12–13\, 2026\nLocation: Courtyard Marriott\, Concord\, NH\nTuition: $199 for New England residents\, supported by a private family foundation\nIncludes lunch\, refreshments\, and a certificate of completion. \nRegister and learn more:\nhttps://www.agriforaging.com/nh-haccp
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/fundamentals-of-haccp-training-and-certification-for-meat-and-poultry-operations/
LOCATION:Courtyard Marriot\, 70 Constitution Avenue\, Concord\, NH\, 03301\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Agriforaging Compluance Services":MAILTO:info@agriforaging.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T190000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260206T165608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T141806Z
UID:51659-1773162000-1773169200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion: Tried-and-True Strategies to Attract and Retain Great Employees
DESCRIPTION:Register here for this free in-person discussion at the Sunderland Public Library\, part of CISA’s winter farmer-to-farmer series on employee management. \nFinding\, hiring\, and maintaining a great crew of employees is no small feat\, and for farms and food businesses in particular it can require a lot of creativity to create desirable positions with long-term potential. Hear from a panel of local farm and food business managers about the strategies they’ve used to attract and retain employees\, including offering valuable benefits (like health insurance stipends and gear stipends)\, creating pathways for growth and skill-building\, offering winter work\, and finding ways to appeal to the many different reasons potential employees are drawn to working in our local food system. \nWe’ll hear from a mix of farm/food business owners and longtime employees\, including Ethan Markham from Old Friends Farm\, Lilly Israel from Kitchen Garden Farm\, David Fisher from Natural Roots\, and Annie Myers from Myers Produce. Together\, the panelists will speak to a range of practices that support employee satisfaction\, promote positive work culture\, and encourage employees to return season after season. \nA light dinner will be provided\, and there will be time for mingling and continued conversation after the panel. Please register by 3/8 so that we can have an accurate count for food. \nCISA’s winter farmer-to-farmer series on employee management is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/panel-discussion-tried-and-true-strategies-to-attract-and-retain-great-employees/
LOCATION:Sunderland Public Library\, 20 School Street\, Sunderland
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T130000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260116T182903Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T182903Z
UID:51559-1772712000-1772715600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:USDA NAD Appeals: What Farmers and Organizations Need to Know - Legal Food Hub Winter Webinar Series
DESCRIPTION:March 5: USDA NAD Appeals: What Farmers and Organizations Need to Know \nNoon – 1 pm \nAttorney Erin Hannum\, Farm Commons \nThis webinar explains when USDA decisions can be appealed through the National Appeals Division (NAD) and what to expect from the process. We’ll cover key deadlines\, how to tell if your decision is appealable\, and practical tips for preparing for a NAD hearing. Designed for farmers and organizations seeking clarity\, confidence\, and real-world guidance. \nRegister at legalfoodhub.org/webinars26
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/usda-nad-appeals-what-farmers-and-organizations-need-to-know-legal-food-hub-winter-webinar-series/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260228T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260228T150000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260205T171329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T171329Z
UID:51650-1772283600-1772290800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2026 Mass Aggie Seminar - Home Orchard Pruning
DESCRIPTION:Home Orchard Pruning (focus on apples) – a Hands-on Workshop – $65\nMr. Jon Clements\nIN PERSON!\nFebruary 28\, 2026\n1:00 to 3:00 PM \nUMass Cold Spring Orchard\, 391 Sabin St.\, Belchertown\, MA\nOne of the key steps in successful fruit growing is the act of pruning the trees. This can seem daunting and complicated\, but it’s not! Not once you understand the principles involved. Come learn how to properly prune your apple trees. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct actual pruning and gain both experience and confidence in pruning apple trees in order to produce a bountiful crop.* This workshop will focus primarily on apple pruning. \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER \nRegistration for all in person sessions will close at noon the Thursday prior to each session. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2026-mass-aggie-seminar-home-orchard-pruning/
LOCATION:UMass Cold Spring Orchard\, 391 Sabin St\, Belchertown
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260228T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260228T120000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260213T164207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T164207Z
UID:51716-1772272800-1772280000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MDAR - Hampshire/Franklin Ag Commission Roundtable
DESCRIPTION:AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION ROUNDTABLE MEETING!  \nAll those interested in farming and farmland are invited.  Ag Commission members\, as well as other town officials\, ag resource providers\, farmers\, land trusts\, interested citizens and farmers!  \nFeb. 28\, 10-noon\, Smith Vocational School\, Northampton MA \n(Doors open 9:30 for coffee & pastries) \nDetails and registration here:  \n\nFebruary 28 – Hampshire & Franklin Counties\, Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School\, 80 Locust St.\, Northampton. 10:00am-noon. Register for the February 28 roundtable.\n\nQuestions:  \nPete Westover 413-695-4627  \nSarah Gardner 413-281-0478 \nPlease join us for a conversation about Agricultural Commissions\, farmland protection\, and municipal partnerships for land conservation and farm viability. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdar-hampshire-franklin-ag-commission-roundtable/
LOCATION:Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School\, 80 Locust Street\, Northampton
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T130000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260116T181638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T181638Z
UID:51557-1772107200-1772110800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Foreclosure and the Family Farm: What Every Farmer Needs to Know - Legal Food Hub Winter Webinar Series
DESCRIPTION:February 26: Foreclosure and the Family Farm: What Every Farmer Needs to Know \nNoon – 1 pm \nAttorney Stephen Carpenter\, Farmers Legal Action Group \nThis webinar will look at the way the law approaches lending when the farmer has trouble making payments. We will discuss the common types of loans\, forms of collateral that are often used\, and actions that lenders can take – generally foreclosures\, repossession\, judgments\, and refusing to extend additional credit. We will also cover some of the special rules that apply when USDA FSA is the lender and how bankruptcy law applies to farmers. \nRegister at legalfoodhub.org/webinars26
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/foreclosure-and-the-family-farm-what-every-farmer-needs-to-know-legal-food-hub-winter-webinar-series/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T170000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20251218T174055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251218T174055Z
UID:51363-1772031600-1772038800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MDAR Winter Workshop - Cash Flow Budgeting
DESCRIPTION:MDAR’s Winter Workshops\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Agricultural Business Assistance program is offering two workshops for farm owner/operators and managers looking to improve their financial management skills and knowledge. Both workshops are free\, will be presented over Zoom\, and are open to all Massachusetts farmers. \nFebruary 25 – 3:00pm – 5:00pm – Cash Flow Budgeting. Instructor Julia Shanks\, food and farm business coach and author of The Farmer’s Office\, will walk farmers through the process of creating a cash flow budget using their historical financials. Register for Cash Flow workshop here. \nFor more detailed descriptions\, visit the Agricultural Business Assistance webpage. Questions? Contact Jess at Jessica.Camp2@mass.gov.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdar-winter-workshop-cash-flow-budgeting/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260221T120000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260205T170919Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T170919Z
UID:51648-1771668000-1771675200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2026 Mass Aggie Seminar - Insects: Pests and Beneficials
DESCRIPTION:Insects; Pests and Beneficials – $50\nDr. Jaime Piñero\nOnline\nFebruary 21\, 2026\n10:00-noon\nJoin Extension Faculty Dr. Jaime Piñero in this exciting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshop and learn how to make beneficial insects and insectary plants your garden’s best allies! With these techniques\, you can keep your plants thriving with little to no insecticides. Some materials will be mailed to participants for them to implement IPM at home! \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER \nRegistration for online sessions will close the Friday prior to each session.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2026-mass-aggie-seminar-insects-pests-and-beneficials/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T130000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260116T180658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T180658Z
UID:51555-1771502400-1771506000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Property Insurance - Legal Food Hub Winter Webinar Series
DESCRIPTION:February 19: Farm Property Insurance \nNoon – 1 pm \nAttorney Jeanette Ramirez\, Farm Commons \nRunning a farm business often depends on buildings\, equipment\, vehicles\, and supplies for day-to-day success. If these valuable resources are lost or damaged\, it can be devastating to profitability. Different types of property insurance can help address this risk\, but only if the farmer clearly understands  how these products work. Get clear on which of your items you want covered from the perils that are of top concern to you. \nRegister at legalfoodhub.org/webinars26
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-property-insurance-legal-food-hub-winter-webinar-series/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T200000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260206T213700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T213700Z
UID:51671-1771437600-1771444800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Employment Laws Made Simple
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the 5th workshop in our Employment Series\, focused on the essentials of farm employment law. This session will be led by Farm Commons\, a trusted national resource for legal education tailored to farmers. \nThe workshop will cover farm employment law fundamentals\, including wage and hour rules\, worker classification\, and compliance basics\, with a dedicated segment on H-2A employment. The H-2A program allows agricultural employers to hire temporary foreign workers when there are not enough U.S. workers available. We’ll review what the program is\, when it applies\, and key legal responsibilities for employers considering or already using H-2A labor. \nThis workshop is ideal for beginning and intermediate farmers who are thinking about hiring their first employee or who want to strengthen their understanding of how farm labor laws apply to their operation and team. \nFor more information: https://nesfp.nutrition.tufts.edu/events/farm-employment-laws-made-simple \nRegister Here! \n\nThis work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-employment-laws-made-simple/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T120000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260211T224157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T224157Z
UID:51710-1771408800-1771416000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2026 Tri-State SARE Project - Animal Physiology's Role in Carcass Performance
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/tdzCw00GpV
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2026-tri-state-sare-project-animal-physiologys-role-in-carcass-performance/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260215T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260215T150000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260205T172441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T172441Z
UID:51652-1771149600-1771167600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Pruning with a Purpose: Foundations of Fruit Tree Pruning
DESCRIPTION:Dormant season pruning of fruit trees is one of the best tools farmers and gardeners have in maintaining and optimizing orchard and fruit tree health! It is also one of the most peaceful and pleasant outdoor tasks during the colder months. Join us for a deep dive on apple tree pruning and care this February with Matt Kaminsky\, aka Gnarly Pippins. In this workshop\, we’ll unpack the theory and practice of pruning fruit trees with a focus on apples. Whether you’re a beginner hoping to learn a new skill\, or an old pro hoping to review and brush up\, this will be a useful workshop with hands-on opportunities to work on some trees and build up your pruner’s confidence with. \nMatt Kaminsky is an orchardist and farmer from Western Massachusetts whose specialties include wild apples\, old orchard restoration\, grafting and topworking\, & orchard silvopasture (integration of sheep into orchards). He is known by the moniker “Gnarly Pippins”\, a nod to the wild apples that inspire his passion and his website where he maintains a blog and webshop offering copies of the numerous books he has written about apples\, as well as selling scionwood\, saplings\, and other orchard-related merchandise. He farms full time in Hadley and Sunderland MA with his partner Rachel Haas and together they own & operate Meadowfed Lamb Silvopasture\, which is part of the Preservation Orchard Co-op. He prunes and stewards at many orchards throughout New England and New York\, and offers educational programming on a variety of topics related to orchard care every season. Learn more by visiting www.gnarlypippins.com or @gnarlypippins on social media. \nRain date: Saturday\, February 28th \nLunch will be provided \nRegister Here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pruning-with-a-purpose-foundations-of-fruit-tree-pruning
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/pruning-with-a-purpose-foundations-of-fruit-tree-pruning/
LOCATION:Greenwich Forest Garden\, 893 West St\, Amerst\, MA\, 01002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T160000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260112T220042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T220042Z
UID:51506-1770991200-1770998400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Massachusetts Agricultural Risk Management Forum
DESCRIPTION:When: Friday\, February 13\, 2026\, 2pm to 4pm \nWhere: Brigham Hill Community Farm\, Community Harvest Project\, 37 Wheeler Rd\, N. Grafton\, MA 01536 \nRegistration: REGISTER HERE – This event is free to attend but please register in advance \nExtreme weather and other risks to the stability of farm businesses have taken a toll on Massachusetts’ farmers in recent years. There are government support programs aimed at addressing some of these risks. UMass Extension is organizing this forum to bring together representatives from the USDA Risk Management Agency and the Farm Service Agency to give updates on available federal risk management options for regional specialty crop growers. A representative from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources will also give an update on the state’s efforts to offset losses for farmers affected by natural disasters and invest in the resilience of farm businesses to future disruptions. There will be significant time for the growers and others in attendance to ask questions and share feedback about their needs and concerns. \nSpeakers: \n\nKevin Wooten\, Regional Director\, USDA Risk Management Agency\, Raleigh\, NC\nJulie Jacque\, Agricultural Program Specialist\, Farm Service Agency\, Brattleboro\, VT\nWinton Pitcoff\, Deputy Agriculture Commissioner/Legislative and Policy Director\, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources\, Boston\, MA\n\nQuestions? Contact Lisa McKeag\, lmckeag@umass.edu or 413-658-8631
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/massachusetts-agricultural-risk-management-forum/
LOCATION:Brigham Hill Community Barn\, 37 Wheeler Road\, North Grafton\, MA\, 01536\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T130000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20260116T173443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T173750Z
UID:51552-1770897600-1770901200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Exploring H-2A - Legal Food Hub Winter Webinar Series
DESCRIPTION:February 12: Exploring H-2A \nNoon – 1 pm \nAttorney Chloe Johnson\, Farm Commons \nThe H-2A Visa Program makes it possible for farmers to bring in citizens of other countries for agricultural work in the United States. With a tight labor market\, the visa program is experiencing a lot of growth – farmers who have never considered it before are taking a closer look. This webinar will help farmers assess whether H-2A might help address their labor shortage issues. We’ll also go over the extensive regulatory obligations that come with participation in this program. \nRegister at legalfoodhub.org/webinars26
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/exploring-h-2a-legal-food-hub-winter-webinar-series/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T160000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124637
CREATED:20251230T015129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T214317Z
UID:51413-1770820200-1770825600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Building skills to manage conflict on the farm
DESCRIPTION:Register here for this free virtual workshop\, part of CISA’s winter farmer-to-farmer series on employee management. \nConflict doesn’t tend to resolve itself\, and when left unaddressed\, the consequences for your farm can be far-reaching. In this session\, we explore common sources of conflict on the farm\, our different styles of dealing with conflict\, and how to actively move towards conflict resolution. Presenters Kristen Kordet\, owner of Blue Moon Community Farm\, and Katie Bishop\, owner of PrairiErth Farm\, will share concrete strategies to engage with and resolve conflict more effectively\, both within farm crews and between employees and managers. You’ll leave with new tools to proactively reduce unhealthy conflict\, manage conflict when it arises\, and incorporate lessons learned into your ongoing farm management decisions. \nContact marisa@buylocalfood.org with any questions. \nCISA’s winter farmer-to-farmer series on employee management is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/building-skills-to-manage-conflict-on-the-farm/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T143000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20260113T214638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T153146Z
UID:51518-1770814800-1770820200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Data-Driven Farmers' Markets: Using POS Systems to Inform Market Practices
DESCRIPTION:Berkshire Agricultural Ventures is excited to invite you to a free virtual workshop for farmers and farmers market managers interested in using Point of Sale (POS) data to increase daily sales and make more informed decisions at farmers markets. \n📅 Date: Wednesday\, February 11\, 2026\n⏰ Time: 1:00–2:30pm\n📍 Location: Zoom\n🔗 Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QZ2uNZikTNKInAbzux8Lzw \nWorkshop: Data-Driven Farmers Markets\nUsing POS Systems to Inform Market Practices \nFarms often have limited hours at farmers markets- but there are real opportunities to increase profitability by increasing customer spending during that time. This workshop will explore how POS tools like Square can be used to collect and analyze customer transaction data\, and how those insights can inform smarter market strategies. \nPresenter Matt LeRoux of Cornell University will share findings from a multi-year farmers market study in New York\, including practical takeaways for farms selling produce\, meat\, or other farm products. \nYou’ll learn about: \n\nWhat POS data can (and can’t) tell you about customer behavior\nKey findings from statistical analysis of farmers market transactions\nHow data insights can help increase average sales per customer\nPractical implications for booth setup\, pricing\, and product mix\n\nAbout the Presenter\nMatt LeRoux is an Extension Associate with the Cornell Agriculture Marketing Research Program and has over 20 years of experience supporting farms through Cornell Cooperative Extension\, nonprofits\, and consulting. His work focuses on market strategy for produce and livestock farms and food businesses. \nThis workshop is free and open to farmers\, farmers market managers\, and service providers. Please feel free to share widely. \nQuestions?\nJake Levin\, Local Food Systems Program Manager\njake@berkshireagventures.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/data-driven-farmers-markets-using-pos-systems-to-inform-market-practices/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T130000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20260116T172258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T172334Z
UID:51549-1770292800-1770296400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Small Business Setup & Taxes - Legal Food Hub Winter Webinar Series
DESCRIPTION:February 5: Small Business Setup & Taxes \nNoon – 1 pm \nAttorney Andrew Kraus\, Opticliff Law & CPA Mike Perna\, Flying Point Advisors \nAs an early-stage farm or food business owner\, you recognize that running a business has certain legal and tax related implications. Learn high-level information about legal and tax requirements for maintaining a business entity\, examples of what your business can expect to be taxed on\, and common\, costly mistakes that start-up business owners make. \nRegister at legalfoodhub.org/webinars26
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/small-business-setup-taxes-legal-food-hub-winter-webinar-series/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260131T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260131T120000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20260112T224347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T224347Z
UID:51511-1769850000-1769860800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2026 Pioneer Valley Regional Ag Conference
DESCRIPTION:The Northampton Agricultural Commission would like to invite you to the 2026 Pioneer Valley Regional Agricultural Conference on Saturday January 31st from 9am to noon at the Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Library in Northampton.   \n Doors open at 8:30am and there will be coffee and baked goods.   \n We’ll have two great speakers presenting: \n Russell Braen from Park Hill Orchard will present on running an apple orchard and perennial fruit farm in Easthampton and how their sculpture art park has become an integral part of their business.    \n Charlotte Cote from the Cote Cattle Company in Granby will discuss how she and her partner Guy brought their family farm back to life and raise longhorn cattle for show and beef.   \n Representatives from the Hampden Hampshire Conservation District\, Land for Good\, and a new state program to invigorate Agricultural Commissions will also be there.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2026-pioneer-valley-regional-ag-conference/
LOCATION:Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Library\, Northampton\, MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T143000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20251212T203650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T150334Z
UID:51319-1769691600-1769697000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Free Marketing Workshop for Farmers & Market Managers
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to share an upcoming free workshop designed to help farmers and market managers strengthen their marketing and boost sales at farmers markets. Hosted by Berkshire Agricultural Ventures\, this online session will highlight the most essential marketing tools and strategies for a successful market season. \n📅 Date: January 29\, 2026\n⏰ Time: 1:00–2:30pm\n📍 Location: Zoom\n🔗 Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l5SYdGd0T0iNGqwJJceMHg \nWorkshop Overview:\nPresenter Zoe Richardson of Good Roots will cover the most critical marketing assets to have at your farmers market booth\, including: \n\nWhat signage you really need and how to design it\nUsing QR codes effectively\nEngaging customers and staying in touch\nBest printing options and layout tips\n\nAbout the Presenter:\nZoe is a branding and marketing expert dedicated to helping farmers increase sales\, grow customer loyalty\, and tell their stories more clearly and effectively.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/free-marketing-workshop-for-farmers-market-managers/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T190000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20251218T173633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251218T173633Z
UID:51359-1769619600-1769626800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MDAR Winter Workshop - Creating a Pricing Strategy
DESCRIPTION:MDAR’s Winter Workshop\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Agricultural Business Assistance program is offering two workshops for farm owner/operators and managers looking to improve their financial management skills and knowledge. Both workshops are free\, will be presented over Zoom\, and are open to all Massachusetts farmers. \nJanuary 28 – 5:00pm – 7:00pm – Creating a Pricing Strategy. Instructor Cian Dalzell\, a farmer and farm business advisor\, will offer participants steps to create an overall farm strategy for pricing products to use as a basis of creating price lists. Register for Pricing Strategy workshop here. \nFor more detailed descriptions\, visit the Agricultural Business Assistance webpage. Questions? Contact Jess at Jessica.Camp2@mass.gov.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdar-winter-workshop-creating-a-pricing-strategy/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T153000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20251229T175936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T214305Z
UID:51403-1769601600-1769614200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Setting your team up for a successful season - orientation and onboarding with Woven Roots Farm
DESCRIPTION:Providing new farm employees with comprehensive orientation to your farm’s systems\, policies\, and work culture is a crucial step to set yourself up for a successful season. Jen Salinetti (co-director) and Aviva Klein (farm manager) of Woven Roots Farm have learned through experience the importance of making time for this early-season step. In this workshop\, Jen and Aviva will share the systems they’ve developed for onboarding both new and returning employees at the start of each season\, and they will support attendees in developing or refining their own orientation plans. \nThis in-person CISA workshop is free\, but please register here by Monday\, January 26th so we can provide food for all. Snacks will be available throughout\, and a late lunch will be provided by 1:30. The snow date\, in the event of winter weather\, is Thursday\, January 29th (at the same time and place). Contact marisa@buylocalfood.org with any questions. \nCISA’s winter farmer-to-farmer series on employee management is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/setting-your-team-up-for-a-successful-season-orientation-and-onboarding-at-woven-roots-farm/
LOCATION:Easthampton Public Library Annex\, 52 Main Street\, Easthampton\, MA\, 01027\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T160000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20251229T172542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T214214Z
UID:51400-1768487400-1768492800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Strategies for developing a motivated farm crew
DESCRIPTION:Register here for this free virtual workshop\, which will kick off CISA’s winter farmer-to-farmer series on employee management. \nAn invested farm team is essential for farms to achieve the levels of productivity they need to succeed. Employees are motivated not only by wages and benefits\, but also by opportunities to feel a sense of achievement\, curiosity\, and pride in their work. In this session\, we’ll take a close look at the factors that contribute to employees’ motivation and discuss a wide (and attainable) range of ways in which you can support internal motivation within your farm crew. Presenters Sarah Janes Ugoretz\, Farm Labor Educator at University of Wisconsin Extension\, and Katie Bishop\, owner of PrairiErth Farm\, will share tried-and-true strategies to encourage employee motivation\, grounded in real farm examples. \nContact marisa@buylocalfood.org with any questions. \nCISA’s winter farmer-to-farmer series on employee management is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540\, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/strategies-for-developing-a-motivated-farm-crew/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T130000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20251120T201326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T202209Z
UID:51193-1765449000-1766062800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshops on Setting Prices for Growth & Profitability - Carrot Project
DESCRIPTION:Pricing is more than a numbers exercise\, accurate pricing reflects the true value of your products\, including the labor invested. In these workshops\, you will gain practical\, immediately useable skills on setting prices. \nWith the substantial rise in costs we all are experiencing\, knowing the prices you need to get for growth\, profit\, and sustainability has become that much more important. \nJoin The Carrot Project to learn how to interpret sales and expense data\, create pricing models\, and apply strategies to make pricing decisions with clarity and confidence. Join Cian Dalzel\, The Carrot Project’s Senior Business Advisor and lead trainer for these two in-person workshops. \nLocation: Lilac Hedge Farm | 216 Wachusett St\, Rutland\, MA 01543. \nPart I: Setting Prices to Support Profitability. December 11th from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. In person. Please register by 12.10 \nPart II: Budgeting Price Changes Due to Farm Investments. December 18th from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. In person. Please register by 12.17 \nRegister here
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshops-on-setting-prices-for-growth-profitability-carrot-project/
LOCATION:216 Wachusett St\, Rutland\, MA 01543\, 216 Wachusett Street\, Rutland\, 01543\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T150000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20251106T191626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T191627Z
UID:51110-1763035200-1763046000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:BizGrow Conference Springfield\, MA
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a FREE small business legal resource fair. \nRegister for a free legal appointment to talk with a lawyer about your small business. \nRegister here: bit.ly/BizGrowSpringfield2025
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/bizgrow-conference-springfield-ma/
LOCATION:Springfield Central Library\, 220 State Street\, Springfield\, MA\, 01103
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251106
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251109
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20251006T190033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T190033Z
UID:50904-1762387200-1762646399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:SERVSAFE Certificado de Manejo de Alimentos
DESCRIPTION:SERVSAFE CERTIFICADO DE MANEJO DE ALIMENTOS\n329 Main St.\, Holyoke\, MA\, United States\n\n\nCapacítate y certifícate en el manejo de alimentos! ¿Trabajas en restaurantes\, negocios de comida o eventos comunitarios ? Este taller de certificado de alimentos es tu oportunidad para aprender las… \n\n$85\n\n——————-\nGet trained and certified in food handling!\n\n\nDo you work in restaurants\, food businesses or community events?\n\n\nThis food certificate workshop is your opportunity to learn food hygiene and safety best practices\, and earn your official certificate.\n\n\n\nLearn how to handle food safely\nComplies with legal and health requirements.\nImprove quality and trust is your service.\n\nClasses: Nov 6-7\, 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM \nExam: November 8\, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM \n\n\nLocation: 329 Main St\, Holyoke MA 01040
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/servsafe-certificado-de-manejo-de-alimentos/
LOCATION:Nuestras Raices\, 329 Main Street\, Holyoke\, MA\, 01040
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.buylocalfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/flyer_manejo-de-alimentos.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251031T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251031T180000
DTSTAMP:20260420T124638
CREATED:20251017T151506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T142121Z
UID:50992-1761926400-1761933600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Making Food Fun Halloween Harvest
DESCRIPTION:CISA and the Deerfield Tilton Library are teaming up to celebrate Halloween 2025 with a harvest flair! \nJoin us at the CISA office at One Sugarloaf Street on Halloween\, Friday\, October 31st from 4-6pm for fun and games\, sips and nibbles of local food\, and a goodie bag of local treats for your trick-or-treat bag. \n\nMeet Mango\, the bearded dragon from the Tilton Library!\nPlay harvest-themed games\nEnjoy a selfie station for costume photos\nTaste pumpkin baked treats from Upinngil Farm\nSample cider & apples from Clarkdale Fruit Farms\nTake home goodie bags with chocolates from Richardson’s Candy & popcorn from Marty’s Local
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/25halloween-harvest/
LOCATION:Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture\, One Sugarloaf Street\, South Deerfield\, MA\, 01373\, United States
CATEGORIES:Family events,CISA Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR