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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221008T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221009T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20220927T141119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220927T141119Z
UID:40993-1665223200-1665334800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Berkshire Botanical Garden's 87th annual Harvest Festival
DESCRIPTION:October 8-9\, 10am – 5pm \nThe Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 87th annual Harvest Festival returns on Columbus Day weekend\, continuing an 87-year tradition celebrating autumn in the Berkshires. Considered one of Berkshire’s most iconic autumn events\, it encompasses the entire 24-acre Garden campus. The weekend will include continuous live music and entertainment\, local and artisan food and refreshments\, a clothing and accessories sale\, an expanded plant sale\, regional vendors\, a farmer’s market\, pony and hayrides\, hay jump\, a haunted house and more. Proceeds from this event benefit the Garden’s horticulture and education programs. Admission to the Harvest Festival is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Parking in BBG lots is free. Advance ticketing is available 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/berkshire-botanical-gardens-87th-annual-harvest-festival/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221011T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221011T203000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20220816T112410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220816T112410Z
UID:40694-1665509400-1665520200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Growing Your Farm Business Planning Course
DESCRIPTION:Growing Your Farm Business Planning Course\nOctober 11 – November 29\, 2022\, Tuesday evenings 5:30 – 8:30pm \nMDAR office in Southborough\, MA  \nA hands-on course to help established farmers develop a business plan and financial projections for their farm business. This course covers topics including resource assessment\, marketing strategy\, financial management\, risk management\, quality of life\, and goal setting. The course is taught by a professional business planner with years of experience working with Massachusetts farms and guest speakers on topics such as succession planning and online marketing. Enrollment is open to farmers who have been operating a farm business in Massachusetts for at least the two prior years. Eight weekly classes will be held in person in Southborough on Tuesday evenings starting October 11 and ending November 29.  The course fee\, subsidized by MDAR\, is $150 per farm. The Growing Your Farm business planning course has been approved as a certified USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) borrower training for financial management. \nIf interested\, please complete the brief course application and email it to Diego.Irizarry-Gerould@mass.gov\, or mail a hard copy to: MDAR\, Attn: Diego Irizarry-Gerould\, 138 Memorial Ave\, Suite 42\, West Springfield\, MA 01089. For more information about this course\, see the ABTP program webpage or contact Diego Irizarry-Gerould at 857-248-1671.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/growing-your-farm-business-planning-course/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221016T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221016T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221003T132929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221003T132929Z
UID:41048-1665925200-1665939600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Hak'hel Festival: The Great Gathering
DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, October 16\, 2022\n 1:00 PM 5:00 PM \n\n\nAbundance Farm 253 Prospect Street  Northampton\, MA 01060 USA (map)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike Havdalah at the end of Shabbat\, Hak’hel marks the end of the Shmita year and the beginning of the next seven-year cycle. Come to the farm and celebrate the strength of our community and the resilience of the land with this ancient ritual. Together we will recommit to each other and our earth for the next Shmita cycle. Join us for: \n\n\nGiant puppet parade \n\n\nLive samba music and dancing with Berkshire Bateria \n\n\nSong and storytelling \n\n\nApple cider press \n\n\nWood-fired pretzel bake \n\n\nTree planting for the future \n\n\nThe Humble Peach vegan food truck \n\n\n… And more! \n\n\nEveryone is welcome. Tickets are sliding scale\, 0-$30 per family. \nPlease contact Amy Stein at amy@cbinorthampton.org for accessibility accommodations.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/hakhel-festival-the-great-gathering/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221020T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221020T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221011T175053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221011T175053Z
UID:41127-1666281600-1666285200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Setting Sales and Revenue Goals Using Breakeven Analysis
DESCRIPTION:Register Here! \nDo you know what it takes to be profitable? How much do you need to sell to cover all your costs and still have something left to pay yourself? You know that as your business grows\, your expenses increase. But not all expenses increase the same way. So how do you figure it all out? \nJoin Julia Shanks\, author of The Farmer’s Office\, on Thursday\, October 20th\, 4pm ET for a live webinar on Calculating Breakeven for Your Farm Business. Breakeven Analysis is a seemingly magical (and surprisingly easy) way to account for all the different expenses and cash flows and come up with a revenue/sales target that will get you to your profitability goals. \nIn this live webinar\, we will review: \n\nHow to understand the nature of your expenses and costs\nThe basic formula for break-even and where all the numbers come from.\nHow to apply the concept of “break-even” to evaluate new opportunities\n\nParticipants in this webinar will be able to ask questions live so be sure to have your own numbers ready so you can ask questions specific to your business! \nContact: Julia Shanks\, www.thefarmersoffice.com
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/setting-sales-and-revenue-goals-using-breakeven-analysis/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221024T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221024T173000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221003T195213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221005T143516Z
UID:41042-1666627200-1666632600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Ditch Use\, Maintenance\, and Management on Commercial Farms
DESCRIPTION:Join CISA\, the NRCS\, and UMass Extension for a hard look at using and maintaining agricultural ditches on commercial farms. Learn what can and can’t be done when it comes to managing ditches and the water that fills them and the kinds of support available to farm owners and managers from local organizations and agencies. \nRegister here! \nQuestions? Contact Stephen Taranto\, CISA Climate Program Coordinator\, at 413-665-7100 ext. 17
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/ditch-use-maintenance-and-management-on-commercial-farms/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221027T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221027T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20220927T142909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220927T142909Z
UID:41000-1666868400-1666872000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Dual-Use: Agriculture and Solar Photovoltaics Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Registration link: Dual-Use: Agriculture and Solar Photovoltaics Webinar \nOctober 27th at 11:00 am. \nIn 2018\, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MA DOER) established the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. This program carries special incentives for solar systems that allow “dual-use\,” defined as solar on farmland where the land continues to be used for agricultural purposes. These facilities are also referred to as “agrivoltaic” systems \nThis presentation will offer an overview of the guidelines for dual-use\, provide a close look at the economics of a dual-use system\, and outline the process for planning and installing such a system.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/dual-use-agriculture-and-solar-photovoltaics-webinar/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221104T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221104T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20220921T150320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220922T165745Z
UID:40941-1667552400-1667566800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Successful Value Added Food Product Development for Farm and New Food Businesses: Managing Food Quality and Safety
DESCRIPTION:Are you a farmer diversifying into value added production or an entrepreneur developing new and exciting products?  Do you have questions about how to integrate food safety and quality into the development of a value added food product? If so\, this is the program for you! \nCommunity Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is collaborating with UMass Amherst\, The University of Rhode Island\, Commonwealth Kitchen\, and the Western MA Food Processing Center at the Franklin County Community Development Corporation to offer this virtual program designed specifically to address food product development and food safety issues faced by small farmers and food producers. \n  \nRegistration Deadline: Tuesday\, November 1\, 2022 \nClick here to learn more and to register.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/successful-value-added-food-product-development-for-farm-and-new-food-businesses-managing-food-quality-and-safety/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221105T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221105T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221020T180636Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221103T152105Z
UID:41170-1667642400-1667649600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Making Food Fun!
DESCRIPTION:It’s harvest season! Even the littlest hands can grasp the sweet taste of apples or the cheery fun of decorating small pumpkins. Come to CISA’s Making Food Fun event on Saturday\, November 5th\, 10am -12pm\, at Forest Park\, where learning\, food\, and fun intersect in a family event for all ages. \nPersonal chef and cooking instructor\, Bella Foodie\, will be on hand to show children how to assemble harvest ingredients into a tasty snack. Red Fire Farm will offer apple tasting\, where families can use a special worksheet to track data on multiple kinds of apples. There will be a station for children to decorate and take home small pie pumpkins from Red Fire Farm. Plus\, free cider samples from Bashista Orchards and harvest mini muffins from Elke’s Baked Goods. We’ll be there rain or shine! \nCISA is hosting Making Food Fun in partnership with the Winter Farmers’ Market at Forest Park. The event is free and park admission is free for the farmers’ market. Enter the park from Sumner Ave.\, Springfield\, and follow market signs to the Bright Nights’ storage building. Stop by to find other fall treats at this first winter farmers’ market of the season! The market is open 10am-2pm on the first and third Saturdays of the month through April.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/making-food-fun-2/
LOCATION:Farmers’ Market at Forest Park
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221109T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221109T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221019T122905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221019T122905Z
UID:41163-1668020400-1668024000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Foodtopia: Communities in Pursuit of Peace\, Love\, & Homegrown Food
DESCRIPTION:THE ODYSSEY PRESENTS AN IN-PERSON EVENT\nMARGOT ANNE KELLEY: Foodtopia: Communities in Pursuit of Peace\, Love\, & Homegrown Food \nWednesday\, November 9 at 7:00pm\, Doors open at 6:30pm \nJoin us in person on Wednesday\, November 9 as Margot Kelley talks about her new book\, Foodtopia: Communities in Pursuit of Peace\, Love\, & Homegrown Food. She will be joined in conversation by Tyler Sage of Sage Farm in Bernardston\, Massachusetts. \nEver wonder if there’s a better way to live\, work\, and eat? You’re not alone. Here is the story of five backto- the-land movements\, from 1840 to present day\, when large numbers of utopian-minded people in the United States took action to establish small-scale farming as an alternative to mainstream agriculture. Then and now\, it’s the story of people striving to live freely and fight injustice\, to make the food on their table a little healthier\, and to leave the planet less scarred than they found it. \nOdyssey Bookshop\nThe Village Commons\n9 College Street\nSouth Hadley\, MA \, 01075\n413-534-7307\nwww.odysseybks.com
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/foodtopia-communities-in-pursuit-of-peace-love-homegrown-food/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221130T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221130T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221114T225438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221114T225438Z
UID:41375-1669822200-1669827600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:FY23 USDA Farm to School Grant Information Session
DESCRIPTION:Mass. Farm to School will review the grant application requirements and answer any questions you may have about the process. You will also hear from current and/or previous USDA grantees. We will be recording this webinar\, so please submit any questions you’d like answered in the registration form and we will do our best to answer all questions submitted! \nAbout the Grant:\nSchools\, farmers\, and other organizations that help produce or serve meals to kids through USDA’s child nutrition programs can apply now for a USDA Farm to School Grant. In 2023\, USDA will award approximately $12 million in grants through a competitive process that provides bonus points to projects operated by and serving communities that are underserved\, marginalized\, or adversely affected by poverty and inequality. USDA invites all eligible and interested organizations to apply by January 6\, 2023.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/fy23-usda-farm-to-school-grant-information-session/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221207T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221207T150000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221114T224828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221201T225941Z
UID:41370-1670414400-1670425200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:USDA Micro Farm Insurance Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Workshop presented by The Carrot Project: \nUSDA’s new Micro Farm insurance offers whole farm insurance for farmers making up to $350\,000 per year. For example\, if you’re insured for $100\,000 and you only make $30\,000 during the year\, you could receive a claim payment of $70\,000 to recover the difference. \nCoverage is based on your historic revenue over the past three years along with your estimated revenue for the coverage year. Unlike other crop insurance programs that cover only single commodities\, this insurance covers everything under one policy. This includes income from post-production processing like freezing or drying\, plus value-added products like jams\, jellies\, cider\, canned or pickled goods\, etc. \nFind information here about a two part virtual workshop on December 7th and 9th\, 12:00 – 3:00 EST each day. Click here for a self-assessment tool. \nIf you have questions\, reach out to Amanda Chang\, Outreach Coordinator at The Carrot Project\, at achang@thecarrotproject.org or 617-674-2371 x 10.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/usda-micro-farm-insurance-workshop/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221209T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221209T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221206T141038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221206T141038Z
UID:41590-1670590800-1670594400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Hear about the Dairy Business Innovation Grant
DESCRIPTION:Please join us virtually or at the Hadley Public Library to hear from the New England Dairy Business Innovation Center to learn about their Dairy Business Innovation Grant. \nSnacks for in person event kindly provided by the American Farmland Trust  \nVirtually: December 9th 2022 1-2pm \nIn Person: December 9th 2022 12:45-2pm \nRSVP Required: Kristina.Smith@mass.gov 617-455-5201
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/hear-about-the-dairy-business-innovation-grant/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221213T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221213T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221205T210120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221205T211140Z
UID:41572-1670923800-1670949000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference
DESCRIPTION:December 13\, 14\, 15\, 2022 \nManchester\, NH \nThe New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference and Trade Show will be held this December 13-15th at the Doubletree by Hilton Manchester Downtown in Manchester\, NH and will include 30 educational sessions over 3 days\, covering major vegetable\, berry and tree fruit crops\, as well as various special topics\, such as cut flower production\, leafy greens\, mushroom cultivation and farm business management. Popular ‘Farmer-to-Farmer’ information-sharing sessions bring speakers and farmers together for informal\, in-depth discussions on timely issues of interest to growers. There will also be an extensive Trade Show with over 120 exhibitors that is open throughout the conference\, a poster session featuring student researchers\, and social mixers to help facilitate meeting fellow growers. \nClick here for more details and registration.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/new-england-vegetable-fruit-conference/
LOCATION:DoubleTree by Hilton\, Manchester\, NH\, 700 Elm Street\, Manchester\, NH\, 03101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230104T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230104T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221201T202549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221221T184547Z
UID:41527-1672833600-1672840800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:When and How to Work with a Dedicated Bookkeeper
DESCRIPTION:Workshop presented by The Carrot Project:  \nThis 2 hour workshop will help you understand how to decide when a dedicated or outside bookkeeper makes sense and how to work with them. This online workshop is offered through The Carrot Project’s work supporting value-added production and planning for small\, diversified farms. \nClick here for more information and to register for the workshop. \nIf you have questions\, reach out to Amanda Chang\, Outreach Coordinator at The Carrot Project\, at achang@thecarrotproject.org or 617-674-2371 x 10. \nThis work is supported by the Massachusetts Agriculture Innovation Center\, funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Agriculture Innovation Center Grant. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/bookkeeper/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230105T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230105T190000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221213T220246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221222T165554Z
UID:41668-1672938000-1672945200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farmer-to-Farmer Pricing Networking Event
DESCRIPTION:After a year of rising input and labor costs\, we have heard from many of you that it has been a real challenge to navigate setting prices in such an ever-changing economic landscape. We want to provide a space for farmer-to-farmer conversation about the economic challenges of this time\, and to think collaboratively about pricing strategies to weather these turbulent times. \nThe event will be held in-person at the Florence Civic Center\, 90 Park Street\, Florence. \nAll are welcome\, we hope you will join us! Email Jen with input or questions.  \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/pricing-2023/
LOCATION:Florence Civic Center\, 90 Park Street\, Florence\, MA\, 01062
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230107T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230107T093000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221118T211229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221201T230049Z
UID:41391-1673078400-1673083800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Love a Farmer Pancake Breakfast (Williamstown)
DESCRIPTION:Our neighbors in Berkshire County invite you to a morning that recognizes our farming community with a complimentary pancake breakfast. \nIoka Valley Farm \n3475 Hancock Rd. \nWilliamstown\, MA 01267 \nRegistration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lve-a-farmer-pancake-breakfast-tickets-469471801797
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/love-a-farmer-pancake-breakfast-williamstown/
LOCATION:Ioka Valley Farm
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230107T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230124T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20230110T181959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230110T202640Z
UID:41994-1673101800-1674583200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Growing Successful Work Teams
DESCRIPTION:The Growing Successful Work Teams two-part workshop will be offered three times in January 2023. The same content will be covered in each section. Please select the section that best fits in your schedule. (All times are Eastern Time). Click here for more information. \n\nSection a: Saturdays January 7 & 14 at 2:30 pm\, registration closes January 4 at noon ET\nSection b: Thursdays\, January 12 & 19 at noon\, registration closes January 9 at noon ET.\nSection c: Tuesdays\, Jan. 17 & 24\, at 6 pm ET\, registration closes January 12 at noon ET.\n\nAny business has a mix of personality types to manage. In this two-part\, small-group workshop\, we will use the DiSC Workplace Profile\, to help you identify your unique communication and management preferences and explore ways that your preferences impact how you hire and retain employees. The DiSC model provides a common language people can use to better understand themselves and those they interact with. We can use this knowledge to reduce conflict and improve working relationships. \nParticipants will complete the online DiSC Workplace Profile and will receive their personalized report before the first session. In the first session (week one) we will review our personal workplace profiles and what they can tell us about the opportunities and challenges of hiring\, training and retaining employees. In the second session\, we will discuss strategies farm operators and managers can use to better communicate and manage employees\, customers\, and family members who may\, or may not\, share your work style preferences. Each session will focus on practical ways you can use what you’ve learned to build a more successful crew for the coming season. \nInstructor: Mary Peabody\, UVM Extension Professor Emeritus\, Community & Economic Development \nRegister Here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/growing-successful-work-teams/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230111T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230111T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221201T205015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221221T184915Z
UID:41531-1673431200-1673438400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Building Farm & Food Business Resilience: Adding Profitable Enterprises
DESCRIPTION:Workshop series presented by The Carrot Project: \nThis series\, offered in three\, two-hour sessions\, will help you evaluate value-added products and marketing channels\, and the investments and financing you’ll need to make it work. This online workshop is offered through The Carrot Project’s work supporting value-added production and planning for small\, diversified farms. \nThis workshop series is divided into three\, two-hour sessions and includes 1:1 technical assistance after training. The trainings will be offered from 10am – 12pm on Wednesdays\, January 11\, January 18\, and January 25.  \nClick here for more information and to register for the workshop. \nIf you have questions\, reach out to Amanda Chang\, Outreach Coordinator at The Carrot Project\, at achang@thecarrotproject.org or 617-674-2371 x 10. \nThis work is supported by the Massachusetts Agriculture Innovation Center\, funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Agriculture Innovation Center Grant. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/food-business-resilience/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230112T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230112T210000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221201T173800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221221T183625Z
UID:41511-1673546400-1673557200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Exploring the Small Farm Dream Course
DESCRIPTION:January 12 – February 9\, 2023 – Thursday evenings 6:00pm – 9:00pm  \nMDAR Office\, Southborough  \nThis 5-session course\, presented by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources\, provides guidance to aspiring farmers through the decision-making process of whether to start a farm business. Participants will learn about the many aspects of starting a farm business\, assess their own skills and knowledge\, and get help finding resources for support\, including marketing\, financing\, and regulations. The course utilizes the Exploring the Small Farm Dream curriculum and workbook developed by the New England Small Farm Institute. Through four guided group sessions and a farmer panel session\, participants will analyze the feasibility of their small farm dream and clarify their vision together with other class participants. This course is sponsored and financially supported by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and is intended for new agricultural entrepreneurs planning to start their farm business in Massachusetts. The fee\, subsidized by MDAR\, is $100 for up to two participants per enterprise\, as space allows.   \nIf interested\, please complete the brief application found here: Exploring the Small Farm Dream and email it to Jessica.Camp@mass.gov\, or mail a hard copy to: MDAR\, Attn: Jessica Camp\, 138 Memorial Ave\, Suite 42\, West Springfield\, MA 01089. For more information\, see ABTP program webpage or contact Jess at 617-823-0871.  \nApplications for these two courses will be accepted until December 8\, or until each course is full. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis\, with course session locations selected based on interest from those on the waitlist. If you are interested\, but unable to attend the current session\, please consider submitting an application to be placed on the waitlist for an upcoming session.   \nFunding for these courses and trainings provided by the MDAR’s Agricultural Business Training Program (ABTP).
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/small-farm-dream/
LOCATION:MDAR Office\, Southborough\, 225 Turnpike Road\, Southborough\, MA\, 01772
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230117T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230117T203000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221130T225443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221221T183339Z
UID:41506-1673976600-1673987400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Growing Your Farm Business Planning Course
DESCRIPTION:January 17 – March 14\, 2023 – Tuesday evenings 5:30 – 8:30pm  \nView the application here. \nA hands-on course to help established farmers develop a business plan and financial projections for their farm business. This course covers topics including resource assessment\, marketing strategy\, financial management\, risk management\, quality of life\, and goal setting. The course is taught by a professional business planner with years of experience working with Massachusetts farms and guest speakers on topics such as succession planning and online marketing. Enrollment is open to farmers who have been operating a farm business in Massachusetts for at least the two prior years. Eight weekly classes will be held in person in Southborough on Tuesday evenings starting January 17th and ending March 14th\, (no class February 21st).  The course fee\, subsidized by MDAR\, is $150 per farm. The Growing Your Farm business planning course has been approved as a certified USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) borrower training for financial management.    \nIf interested\, please complete the brief Growing Your Farm application and email it to Diego.Irizarry-Gerould@mass.gov\, or mail a hard copy to: MDAR\, Attn: Diego Irizarry-Gerould\, 138 Memorial Ave\, Suite 42\, West Springfield\, MA 01089. For more information\, see ABTP program webpage or contact Diego at 857-248-1671. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/growing-your-farm-business-planning-course-2/
LOCATION:MDAR Office\, Southborough\, 225 Turnpike Road\, Southborough\, MA\, 01772
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230118T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230208T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20230120T153658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230120T154320Z
UID:42146-1674039600-1675854000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Succession Planning Webinar Series
DESCRIPTION:Free webinar for transitioning farmers and new generation farmers to learn the basics of farm succession planning\, how to get started\, and where to find support with resources\, tips\, financial and legal considerations\, and more!  \nFeel like your family needs to start talking about the future of the farm\, but you don’t know where to start? Have questions about passing on the farm? \nFarmers from across New England are welcome to attend. Family members and farm partners are encouraged to attend together! All generations\, including unrelated successors\, who may play a role in the farm’s future are also encouraged to attend. Register here! \nFour-part webinar series: \n\nSession 1\, January 18\, 11am-1pm – Getting Started & Financial Considerations\nResources\, Tips and Where to Get Assistance\n\nSession 2\, January 25\, 11am-1pm- Financial\, Retirement & Tax Considerations\nTaxes\, Viability and Retirement \nSession 3\, February 1\, 11am-1pm – Legal Considerations\nBusiness Entities\, and Estate Planning\nSession 4\, February 8\, 11am-1pm – Farmer Panel: Successes & Challenges\nSeveral farmers will present their succession experience.\n\n\nRegistration gives you access to all of the webinars in this series\, as well as class worksheets and resource handouts. Webinar recordings will also be made available to all who register.  \nFor more information\, call (603) 357-1600 or email info@landforgood.org. To register now click the button below! 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-succession-planning-webinar-series/
LOCATION:Remote
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230118T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230118T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20230104T193535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T193535Z
UID:41927-1674057600-1674064800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Understanding USDA’s Micro Farm Insurance Program
DESCRIPTION:Join SEMAP and The Carrot Project in a workshop exploring the new USDA Micro Farm Insurance Program! Speaker Amanda Chang is well-versed in this program\, which could be perfect for farms with up to $350\,000 in approved annual revenue. Learn whether this program is right for you\, understand your next steps\, and network with other small farmers! This workshop will be virtual\, and registration can be completed here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/understanding-usdas-micro-farm-insurance-program/
LOCATION:Remote
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230118T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230118T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221122T040001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221221T184757Z
UID:41420-1674064800-1674072000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Effectively Managing Diseases of Vegetables
DESCRIPTION:Best Practices for Plant Disease Management Strategy: \nGeneral tips will be presented that form the foundation of both organic and conventional disease management. Recommendations based on research results will be covered for cucurbit diseases (powdery and downy mildews\, Phytophthora blight) and basil downy mildew. Additional diseases will be discussed based on grower input. Click here for more information. \nPresenter: Meg McGrath is an Associate Professor with Cornell University located at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center since 1988.  She conducts research and extension activities on optimizing management of diseases affecting vegetable crops and herbs within organic as well as conventional production systems.  Research topics include investigating fungicide resistance in the cucurbit powdery and downy mildew pathogens\, monitoring occurrence of diseases\, and evaluating management practices: fungicides\, biopesticides and other organic fungicides\, resistant varieties\, cultural practices including reduced tillage and mustard biofumigation. \nRegister Here! Please pre-register for the workshop the day before it takes place by noon at latest. Zoom links to the workshops will be emailed the day before for each workshop. \nCost of registration is $10 for Berkshire Grown Members and $15 for Non-Members. \nFor more information\, contact Jordan Archey\, Program Manager for Business Members\, at jordan@berkshiregrown.org.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/managing-disease/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Berkshire Grown":MAILTO:buylocal@berkshiregrown.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230119T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230119T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221209T204714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230112T204509Z
UID:41645-1674129600-1674133200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Local Food for Schools: Producer Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Massachusetts schools are set to receive $3.5 million dollars to spend exclusively on local\, unprocessed or lightly processed foods. This one-time USDA Local Food For Schools funding will be available to schools beginning in the spring of 2023 and schools will have 18 months to spend the funds. This is a great opportunity for MA producers\, whether you’ve sold to schools before or not. Join Mass. Farm to School to learn about the program\, how to connect with schools in your area\, and other assistance available to producers who want to get involved. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/local-food-for-schools-producer-meeting/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230124T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230124T160000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20230104T165201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T165625Z
UID:41891-1674568800-1674576000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farming Stress and Mental Health Awareness: Recognizing\, Responding\, and Accessing Resources (Remote)
DESCRIPTION:MDAR’s MassGrownWellness program will deliver a series of in-person and online training events for all Massachusetts agriculture community supporters\, including all farmers\, MDAR and professional staff\, and partner organization advocates. Click here to view all available in-person and virtual training sessions.  \nJanuary 24th\, 2:00pm-4:00pm – Remote Training for Farmers: This remote 2-hour session will raise awareness of mental health and stress on farms by discussing the stressors unique to farmers and farm families and how these affect their mental health and well-being. The training will identify the barriers farmers face when accessing resources and the methods to facilitate connection to available supports. The session will explore ways to recognize when a farmer or farm family is under stress\, start conversations about emotional well-being\, and practice self-care when you are experiencing stress.  \nClick here to register for the remote training on January 24th.    \nContact Ashley Randle at Ashley.Randle@mass.gov or call 617-626-1715 with questions. \nIf you require assistance or specific accommodations to attend the meeting\, contact Gabriella Knight\, ADA and Diversity Manager at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at Gabriella.Knight@mass.gov or call (857)-268-0629.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-mental-health-jan24/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230125T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230125T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20230104T204051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T211119Z
UID:41929-1674658800-1674666000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Maintaining Social Media Presence in the Off-Season
DESCRIPTION:How do you engage with your customers in the off-season? How do you keep your business on their minds when markets are closed and offerings are sparse? Join Mieko Ozeki of Radiance Studios\, LLC to discuss the most effective marketing strategies to adopt during the off-season. This workshop specifically focuses on Facebook and Instagram presence. \nClick here for more information\, or here to register.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/maintaining-social-media-presence-in-the-off-season/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230126T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230126T153000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20221130T224342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221221T184202Z
UID:41501-1674725400-1674747000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Succession School
DESCRIPTION:Thursdays January 26\, March 2\, and March 30\, 2023 – 9:30am – 3:30pm \nRegister Here! \nMDAR is hosting Land For Good’s Farm Succession School for Massachusetts farmers again this winter! This is an opportunity for senior generation farmers to talk with peers\, learn from advisors\, and get support on the challenging process of farm succession and transfer planning. \n\nAre you unsure who will take over your farm?\nFeel like your family needs to start talking\, but you don’t know where to start?\nHave questions about retiring that you don’t know how to answer?\nCan the farm support two generations? \n\nSuccession planning is a process of exploring how to transfer the farm business and assets to a future owner. Succession School provides farmers and farming partners with the structured and sustained support to make decisions\, engage their families\, and organize the legal and financial mechanics. In-person three-session program in Wrentham between 9:30am – 3:30pm on the following Thursdays 1/26; 3/2; and 3/30 (snow dates on each Friday of the same weeks). The fee\, subsidized by MDAR\, is $100 per farm. \nIf interested\, please sign up for the course on Land For Good’s registration page. Registrations will be accepted until January 6th or until course is filled. For more information\, see Land For Good’s events and trainings webpage.  Contact Shemariah at Land For Good shemariah@landforgood.org or 603-357-1600 with any questions.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-succession/
LOCATION:Fiske Public Library\, Wrentham
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230127T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230127T160000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20230104T145405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T150428Z
UID:41884-1674828000-1674835200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:No More Normal: A Farmer Roundtable Discussion on Climate Adaptation
DESCRIPTION:Let’s face it– there is no more ‘normal’ growing season anymore. The first and last frosts are erratic\, and precipitation is all over the place– heavy rains one summer and droughts the next. Join American Farmland Trust’s New England Climate and Agriculture team\, Wally Czajkowski (Hadley\, MA)\, and Bryan O’Hara (Lebanon\, CT) for a farmer roundtable discussion of strategies and ideas for building resilience on our farmlands. Wally and Bryan will kick off the discussion by sharing some of their observations from their many decades of farming experience\, and a few practices they’ve tried in order to improve outcomes on their farms. This event is geared toward mechanized vegetable farms of medium to large scale; both conventional and organic strategies will be discussed. \nThis is a farmer-focused\, peer-to-peer event. AFT Staff will provide refreshments\, logistics\, and detailed note-taking so you can have access to notes from the conversation after the event. \nPlease RSVP here to ensure there are enough chairs and refreshments for all!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/no-more-normal-a-farmer-roundtable-discussion-on-climate-adaptation/
LOCATION:Plainville Farm\, 135 Mount Warner Rd\, Hadley\, MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230128T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230128T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20230120T144606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230120T160513Z
UID:42128-1674914400-1674914400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Free Hands-On Winter Pruning Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Calling all homeowners with apple trees! Pruning is an essential tree care practice that should be done every year. If you don’t know how to prune your apple tree\, or need a refresher\, this FREE course is for you!  \nLed by Jon Clements\, UMass Extension fruit specialist\, this workshop will cover the basics of pruning\, including tools\, techniques\, and helpful tips! Mineral Hills Winery\, in Florence\, MA\, will host the workshop and allow practice on their apple trees. Registration is required\, as space is limited for this FREE workshop. Please bring your own hand pruners and/or loppers.  \nRegister here!  \nLocation: Mineral Hills Winery\, 592 Sylvester Road\, Florence\, MA \nQuestions? Contact clements@umext.umass.edu
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/free-hands-on-winter-pruning-workshop/
LOCATION:Mineral Hills Winery\,  592 Sylvester Road\, Florence
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230201T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230201T131500
DTSTAMP:20260427T231841
CREATED:20230126T183236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230126T190309Z
UID:42182-1675252800-1675257300@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Laws of the Land: What to Know About Your Farm BEFORE You Commit
DESCRIPTION:You’ve heard the phrase ‘location\, location\, location’ when it comes to choosing a home. It’s no different for farmers when choosing a site for their farm business. All sites come with unique conditions that impact the farm’s viability\, including physical characteristics\, zoning restrictions\, federal and state permitting requirements\, and pre-existing third-party rights of neighbors\, landlords\, tenants\, easement holders\, or lenders. This webinar will cover the who\, what\, how\, where\, and most importantly\, why\, of identifying the unique characteristics and regulatory requirements tied to your future farm property before you sign on the dotted line. Click here for more information on the Legal Food Hub’s 2023 Winter Workshops. \nPresenters: Laura Hartz and Stacey Caulk\, Drummond Woodsum \nContact legalfoodhub@clf.org or call 844.529.4769 with any questions. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/laws-of-the-land-what-to-know-about-your-farm-before-you-commit/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR