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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230107T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230124T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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:20260427T195048
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230201T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230201T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230104T165654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T165951Z
UID:41911-1675274400-1675281600@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.  \nFebruary 1st\, 6:00-8:00pm – 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 February 1st.    \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-stress-2-1/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230207T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230207T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230104T170921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T171029Z
UID:41916-1675764000-1675771200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farming Stress and Mental Health Awareness: Recognizing\, Responding\, and Accessing Resources (West Springfield)
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.  \nFebruary 7th\, 10:00am-12:00pm – Training for Farmers (West Springfield): This in-person 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 training on February 7th in West Springfield.    \nLocation: MDAR Office\, 138 Memorial Avenue\, Suite 42\, West Springfield\, MA 01089 \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/farming-stress-and-mental-health-awareness-recognizing-responding-and-accessing-resources-west-springfield/
LOCATION:MDAR Office (W. Springfield)\, 138 Memorial Ave\, Suite 42\, West Springfield\, MA\, 01089\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230207T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230221T100000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230131T211858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230131T212216Z
UID:42258-1675764000-1676973600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Effective Communication and Conflict Management for Farmers
DESCRIPTION:Workshop Series: February 7th\, 14th and 21st\, 10:00am-12:00pm \nLearn and practice effective communication and conflict management in this interactive workshop series\, led by two mediators from the Martha’s Vineyard Mediation Program! Each workshop will be fully interactive\, and the sessions will focus on the unique aspects of agriculture/aquaculture projects along with developing workplace conflict and communication tools. This workshop series is suitable for farmworkers\, farm managers\, and farm owners alike. \nThis series will take place on Zoom on February 7th\, 14th\, and 21st from 10 AM to noon. Since this is a cohort-based workshop series\, attendance at all sessions is required. \nScholarships are available for this course. Email 4h@mvagsoc.org to request a scholarship. \nRegister here! 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/effective-communication-and-conflict-management-for-farmers/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230207T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230207T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20221122T040613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221214T143208Z
UID:41423-1675792800-1675800000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Making Spreadsheets Work For Your Farm
DESCRIPTION:Crop Planning & Record Keeping For Direct Sale Vegetable Farmers \nWorkshop presented by Berkshire Grown: \nHow do you grow over 50 different crops for 500 shareholders who are coming to coming to your farm to pick up 13lb of vegetables for 24 weeks? Explore the answer to this puzzle in this workshop\, where Dan will present and review the spreadsheets that has kept his farm running over the years. Click here for more information. \nPresented by Dan Kaplan: After seven years of working on farms in New England\, California\, and Europe\, Dan Kaplan became the farm manager at Brookfield Farm in 1994 and stayed there until retiring at the end of the 2020 season. By 2006\, Brookfield Farm annually grew 30 acres of vegetables which supplied a 500-share CSA for 10 months of distribution. \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/spreadsheets/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Berkshire Grown":MAILTO:buylocal@berkshiregrown.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230208T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230208T131500
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230126T185514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230126T190334Z
UID:42186-1675857600-1675862100@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Hosting a Food Focused Event on Your Farm: The Legal Side of a Delicious Activity
DESCRIPTION:Hosting an event with food on your farm is a great way to gather your community\, educate the public about farming\, and grow your business. Join this webinar to learn about next steps to safely and legally offer samples\, host a tasting\, farm to table meal\, or other event with food on your farm. During the session we will hear from Corie Pierce\, owner of Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne\, Vermont and regular host of burger nights. We will also hear from Andrew Marchev\, Legal Fellow at the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems and Lisa Chase\, Agritourism Expert at University of Vermont Extension. Click here for more information on the Legal Food Hub’s 2023 Winter Workshops. \nPresenters: Corie Pierce\, Bread and Butter Farm VT | Dr. Lisa Chase\, University of Vermont | Attorney Andrew Marchev\, Fellow at Vermont Law School \nContact legalfoodhub@clf.org or call 844.529.4769 with any questions. \nRegister here! 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/hosting-a-food-focused-event-on-your-farm-the-legal-side-of-a-delicious-activity/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230208T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230208T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230120T150955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230120T150955Z
UID:42135-1675864800-1675864800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:NSAC Value-Added Producer Grant Application Webinar with USDA
DESCRIPTION:NSAC hosts USDA to provide an overview of 2023’s Value-Added Producer Grants. This webinar will review funding priorities\, application and eligibility requirements\, and an overview of NSAC’s value-added producer application guide. Registration is limited; however a recording will be made available afterwards. \nRegister here! \nQuestions can be sent to: Greg York\, Management and Program Analyst\, gregory.york@usda.gov or 202-281-5259 or Mike Daniels\, Management and Program Analyst\, mike.daniels@usda.gov or 715-345-7637
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/nsac-value-added-producer-grant-application-webinar-with-usda/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230209T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230209T133000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230110T203527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230110T210352Z
UID:42005-1675944000-1675949400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Staffing Up: Recruiting & Hiring
DESCRIPTION:In this session\, participants will learn share and co-learn effective strategies to create a farm culture and use this to both hire and retain employees. The starting place is to craft clearly articulated farm values and identify systems to move management towards achieving these values. Tools such as organization charts\, position descriptions\, capturing your farm culture in your advertising\, and interviewing process are some of the methods we will discuss. You’ll learn how to use the online Job Description Generator to create job descriptions as a tool for recruiting and managing employees. We will hear from farmers who have found successful solutions to today’s challenging labor market. \nThis is an active learning session where we’ll talk through several employee management topics\, share personal experiences\, and work together to develop tangible outcomes. Prior to the workshop we will send you a short assignment to complete in advance of the session. This assignment will include brief video clips and/or short articles that will set the stage for discussion and learning during the session. Following the session\, there will be opportunities to for follow-up and feedback from session facilitators. Click here for more information. \nFacilitators:  Jesse Wright and Seth Wilner\, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. \nRegister Here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/staffing-up-creating-a-farm-culture-to-drive-the-hiring-and-retention-of-employees-on-your-farm/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230211T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230211T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230208T214300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230208T214300Z
UID:42352-1676109600-1676124000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Climate Resilience: Preparing Yourself and Your Farm Business
DESCRIPTION:The Carrot Project\, Young Farmer Network of Southeastern New England\, and Land & Sea Together are teaming up to offer a multi-faceted workshop on climate resiliency. You’ll learn ways to build your farm business’s financial resilience while adapting to the effects of climate change\, along with methods for boosting personal and community resilience in response to stress. Click here for more information. \nThis half day\, virtual workshop will be held Saturday\, February 11 from 10AM to 2PM\, and it will include plenty of time for dialogue with fellow farmers. \n Register here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/climate-resilience-preparing-yourself-and-your-farm-business/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230215T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230215T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230208T215536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230208T215658Z
UID:42357-1676458800-1676462400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MDAR Energy Grant and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Webinar
DESCRIPTION:The Massachusetts Farm Energy Program will provide an overview of the application process and requirements for MDAR’s energy grant\, as well as the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant. \nThe webinar will be held via Zoom on February 15 from 11:00am to 12:00pm. To register\, please visit this page. For more information\, please contact Megan Denardo at the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program at megan.denardo@cetonline.org or 413-727-3090.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdar-energy-grant-and-rural-energy-for-america-program-reap-webinar/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230215T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230215T131500
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230126T191238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230126T191238Z
UID:42193-1676462400-1676466900@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Media and Marketing 101
DESCRIPTION:As a small business\, you are likely using emails\, text\, and social media to advertise your business and communicate with your customers. You may also have your own webpage spotlighting customer reviews and other content. With all these forms of social media and communication comes a web of laws that are difficult to navigate. During this webinar\, a team of attorneys from Bernstein Shur will help you detangle these laws. We will cover topics such as email\, text\, and social media marketing\, claim substantiation\, website policies\, the proper use of logos and other copyrighted material\, endorsements\, testimonials\, and customer reviews\, and other hot topics in advertising law. Click here for more information on the Legal Food Hub’s 2023 Winter Workshops. \nPresenters: Elliot Brake\, Kevan Lee Deckelmann\, Chad W. Higgins\, Matthew J. Saldaña\, Bernstein Shur \nContact legalfoodhub@clf.org or call 844.529.4769 with any questions. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/media-and-marketing-101/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230215T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230215T183000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230106T201437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230215T144100Z
UID:41791-1676480400-1676485800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Sharing Challenges & Successes in Meat Production: Statewide Farmer Networking
DESCRIPTION:Join fellow meat and poultry producers to discuss challenges and share ideas related to raising\, processing\, and selling meat in Massachusetts. This statewide virtual networking event is open to all\, but oriented toward small\, mid-sized\, or homestead meat producers. The event will include a presentation from poultry farmers Kat Chang Laznicka and Peter Reed Laznicka of Reed Farm\, followed by an opportunity for casual networking and facilitated group discussion. Matt LeRoux of Cornell Extension will also provide expertise related to meat pricing\, and give a brief introduction to the Cornell Meat Price Calculator. The conversation will be driven by the participants\, but may touch on topics such as meat processing\, animal healthcare\, pasture management and strategies for meat pricing. \nPresenters: Kat Chang Laznicka and Peter Reed Laznicka own and operate Reed Farm in Sunderland MA\, a small scale pastured poultry farm and state inspected poultry processing facility offering processing services to the local farming community. Since opening in 2019\, Reed Farm has been awarded state and federal grants to expand production and progress their on-site processing facility towards a USDA grant of inspection. \nThis work is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Ranger Development Program grant no. 2020-70017-32420 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.  \nPlease contact Molly at 413-665-7100 ext. 35 with any questions. \nRegistration is closed. Email molly@buylocalfood.org if you are still interested in registering. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/meat-producers-2023/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230216T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230216T150000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230208T200236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230208T200236Z
UID:42350-1676552400-1676559600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:How to Price CSA Shares Workshop
DESCRIPTION:The Carrot Project will be hosting a virtual workshop on “How to Price CSA Shares” Thursday February 16\, 2023\, 01:00 PM. This workshop will unwrap the steps to creating a pricing strategy and developing pricing for your CSA in order to meet the financial and nutritional needs of your community while building a financially sustainable business. This workshop is aimed at\, but not exclusively for\, farms using the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance’s SNAP CSA Pilot program. Advanced registration is required for this meeting. \nPlease click here to register. \nFor more information\, contact Jeff Cole at jcole@thecarrotproject.org.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/how-to-price-csa-shares-workshop/
LOCATION:Remote
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230222T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230301T000000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230208T130725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230208T155405Z
UID:42333-1677024000-1677628800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Make Your Land Available For Farming
DESCRIPTION:Dates: Wednesday\, February 22\, 12:00pm – 1:00 and Wednesday\, March 1\, 12:00pm – 1:00pm \nAs a landowner\, when you make land available for farming you help secure a future for farming in your community. Farmers are looking for land—from a small vegetable plot\, to livestock or crops. Productive\, sustainable uses for all or parts of your property can bring many rewards!   \nFarming and non-farming private landowners and their representatives (real estate agents\, etc.) are welcome to attend. Feel empowered and prepared to see your land used as an important piece of the crucial farmland base in New England. This virtual workshop series will help you understand your land’s potential for farming and what goes into a good farming arrangement\, explore motivations\, strategies\, and mechanics for making any amount of land available to a farmer. Click here to view the full event description and to register.  \nThis two-part series will take place on Wednesdays at lunchtime\, from 12 – 1pm. \n\nSession 1 – February 22nd\nHear the benefits of making your land available to a farmer\, learn what to expect\, know the importance of communication\, and get tips on evaluating your property for farming. \nSession 2 – March 1st\nLearn different methods for making your land available. Hear from a special guest who will talk about her own experience!\n\nYou will receive the link and login instructions after registering. Workshop recordings will also be made available to all who register to watch at your convenience. \nHosted by the New England Farmlink Collaborative\, a partnership of farm link programs and land access services in New England that provide a variety of farmland access support services\, including Connecticut FarmLink\, Maine FarmLink\, Vermont Land Link\, and Land For Good. \nContact Rachel Brice at 603-357-1600 or info@landforgood.org with any questions. \nRegister here! 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/make-your-land-available-for-farming/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230222T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230222T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230215T193324Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230215T194129Z
UID:42403-1677060000-1677067200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Principals of Nutrient Management
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is part of the 2023 Tri-State SARE Project Webinar Series: Improving Pasture Management for Sustainable Livestock Production \nSpeaker: Kirsten Workman (Cornell Extension PRO-DAIRY) \nThe Tri-State (CT\, MA\, RI) SARE Professional Development Program is planning activities for the next three years – through 2026. The project will focus on training agricultural service providers as well as farmers in CT\, MA and RI on sustainable livestock production practices. Webinars are open to service providers and farmers and will be comprised of time for instruction in addition to interactive breakout sessions. Partaking in all webinars is encouraged\, but not required. For more information click here or contact Rachel Bespuda\, Project Director at rachel.bespuda@uconn.edu \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/principals-of-nutrient-management/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230222T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230222T131500
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230126T192147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230126T192147Z
UID:42195-1677067200-1677071700@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Onboarding New Employees
DESCRIPTION:Congratulations! Your small business is ready to hire your first employees. This is both an exciting and daunting process. Luckily\, we have Tara Walker of Bernstein Shur Portland\, Maine who will walk you through this process. Tara will cover common legal traps for the hiring manager in the hiring and interview process\, she will provide a checklist of best practices\, and recommended documentation for your new employees. Click here for more information on the Legal Food Hub’s 2023 Winter Workshops. \nPresenter: Attorney Tara Walker\, Bernstein Shur \nContact legalfoodhub@clf.org or call 844.529.4769 with any questions. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/onboarding-new-employees/
LOCATION:Remote
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230223T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230223T133000
DTSTAMP:20260427T195048
CREATED:20230110T210248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230110T210248Z
UID:42008-1677153600-1677159000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Practical Techniques to Optimize Employee Performance
DESCRIPTION:In this session\, we’ll explore effective communication practices that share expectations and provide feedback to employees all season long. You’ll have a chance to think about how to ensure your farm’s values are reflected in your employee relationships. We will also talk through communication practices to improve employee performance on your farm. We will introduce interactive tools on the Farm Labor Dashboard that can help you develop written materials supporting this human resource management. Farm policy manuals are effective tools to establish consistent expectations with employees\, support supervision and help your farm to be in legal compliance. \nPrior to the workshop you will receive advance materials to review  — brief video clips and/or short articles — that will set the stage for discussion and learning during the session. Following the session\, there will be opportunities to for follow-up and feedback from session facilitators. Click here for more information. \nFacilitators:  Jesse Wright and Seth Wilner\, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. \nRegister Here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/practical-techniques-to-optimize-employee-performance/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR