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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230207T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230221T100000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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:20260427T162328
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230226T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230226T160000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230104T192553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230106T205857Z
UID:41923-1677402000-1677427200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:SEMAP's 16th Annual Agriculture and Food Conference
DESCRIPTION:Mark you calendars for Sunday\, February 26th\, when SEMAP will host its 16th Annual Agriculture & Food Conference! Farmers\, foodies\, and agricultural advocates alike are all welcome. Join us for a day of engaging virtual workshops on topics ranging all across the food and agricultural space. \nKeynote Speaker: Neftalí Durán\nWe are excited to share that this year’s keynote speaker will be Neftalí Durán! Neftalí is a chef\, advocate\, organizer and educator with a focus on building an equitable food system and indigenizing foodways. \nNeftalí came to the U.S. from Oaxaca\, Mexico in 1997. For the past 13 years\, he has owned and operated El Jardín Bakery at Nuestra Raíces in Holyoke\, Massachusetts\, and has over 25 years of experience in the food industry. He also works as an educator for the No Kid Hungry Cooking Matters campaign\, a program that teaches practical cooking and shopping skills for low-income families and works to provide long-term solutions to hunger. In 2017\, he co-founded I-Collective\, an organization focused on promoting Indigenous peoples’ impacts on food systems\, teaching Indigenous food practices\, and uplifting Indigenous voices. \nTickets will be sold on a sliding scale and you should choose the level that makes sense for you; if cost is still a barrier\, scholarships will be available. Please email shickey@semaponline.org for more information. \nClick here for more information and to buy your ticket. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/semaps-16th-annual-agriculture-and-food-conference/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230301T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230301T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230112T205937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230112T210651Z
UID:42054-1677664800-1677675600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Local Food Trade Show
DESCRIPTION:Join Boston Local Food Program for our 12th Annual Local Food Trade Show – a B2B event focused on strengthening New England wholesale connections between local food producers and buyers. Join us at our new light and life-filled location: Russell’s Garden Center\, home to Boston’s largest winter farmers market. \nFor questions\, reach out to Greg Nicaise (greg@sbnmass.org). \nAttendees/Buyers Register here. ($60) \nExhibitors/Producers Register here ($140). Registration Deadline February 12th.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/local-food-trade-show-2/
LOCATION:Russell’s Garden Center\, 397 Boston Post Road\, Wayland\, MA\, 01778\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230301T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230301T131500
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230126T192738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230126T194053Z
UID:42197-1677672000-1677676500@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Selling Value-Added Products On the Farm
DESCRIPTION:If you are a farmer interested in opening a farmstand on your property\, please join us to learn about key federal\, state and local regulations that impact small food producers who seek to make and sell value-added products from home. We will cover what’s allowed when selling meat\, eggs\, dairy\, cottage foods such as pickles and baked goods\, and more\, and explore the legal solutions that can help these businesses grow and thrive. Click here for more information on the Legal Food Hub’s 2023 Winter Workshops. \nPresenter: Christine Dzujna\, Farm-To-Consumer Legal Defense Fund \nContact legalfoodhub@clf.org or call 844.529.4769 with any questions. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/selling-value-added-products-on-the-farm/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Legal Food Hub":MAILTO:legalfoodhub@clf.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230302T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230309T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230110T205227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230110T210959Z
UID:42010-1677758400-1678366800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:The Art of Negotiation: Getting What You Need
DESCRIPTION:In this two-part workshop\, participants will explore what negotiation really is (and what it is not)\, how to prepare for and execute a successful negotiation\, and how to preserve a relationship when the negotiation is not successful. \nYou’ll have opportunities to discuss\, problem solve\, and practice negotiation approaches relevant to common labor management situations. You’ll also get support and feedback developing a written plan for a negotiation that you anticipate in the coming months. Presenters: Mary Peabody and Beth Holtzman\, University of Vermont Extension. Click here for more information. \nDates: \n\nMarch 2nd\, 12:00pm – 1:00pm\nMarch 9th\, 12:00pm – 1:00 pm\n\nFees & Registration: Advance registration is required. Thanks to grant support\, the workshop is offered free of charge to participants. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/the-art-of-negotiation-getting-what-you-need/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230303T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230307T193000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230120T152237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230307T212511Z
UID:42142-1677866400-1678217400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farmer-to-Farmer Learning on Effective Labor Management
DESCRIPTION:Are you a woman farmer new to managing employees on your farm? Maybe you are thinking about expanding and hiring staff for the first time next season? Or did you just wrap up your first year with staff and want to process what you learned and what you’ll do differently? \nYou’re invited to participate in a unique\, virtual collaborative learning environment for woman-identifying farmers this winter where you’ll learn along side with peers. From effective delegation\, to navigating conflict and developing creative solutions to labor needs\, this three-part virtual series will connect you with relevant resources and a network of women farmer peers addressing similar challenges. \nEach “learning circle” series will consist of three back-to-back daily 75-minute sessions on Tuesdays\, Wednesdays and Thursdays. \nSign up for the month that works best with your schedule.\nNote: Registration for the January session will close on Monday 1/23. Space is limited. \nJanuary Sessions: \nJanuary 24-26\, 11 am-12:30 pm CST \nFebruary Sessions:\nFebruary 14-16\, 9 am -10:30 am CST \nMarch Sessions\nMarch 3-7\, 6 – 7:30 pm CST \nClick here for more information. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farmer-to-farmer-learning-on-effective-labor-management/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230306T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230306T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20221222T143555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230222T183612Z
UID:41775-1678122000-1678125600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:On-Farm Research: Tillage Reduction at Sawyer Farm
DESCRIPTION:Over the past several seasons\, Sawyer Farm has been successfully growing vegetables directly in a perennial Dutch White clover sod. Lincoln Fishman will explain how the system works\, and discuss its benefits and current limitations. He’ll discuss no-till transplanter modifications designed to reduce soil disturbance and weed competition. Join CISA for a virtual presentation and discussion about progress-to-date as well as opportunities for farmers to participate in the research by conducting their own on-farm trials! \nSawyer Farm is in Worthington\, MA. Lincoln\, Hilary\, Erica\, and Butch have been growing vegetables at Sawyer since 2010. \nThis workshop is part of the 2023 Adapt Your Farm to Climate Change Webinar and Workshop Series: On-farm Climate Change Adaptation Case Studies from western Massachusetts. Stay tuned for additional events in this series. \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.  \nContact Stephen Taranto at 413-665-7100 ext. 17 with any questions. \nRegister here! 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/sawyer-farm/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230307T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230307T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20221122T041408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221221T184343Z
UID:41428-1678212000-1678219200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Profitable Meat Marketing: Pricing for Increased Profit & Sales
DESCRIPTION:Workshop presented by Berkshire Grown: \nYou are raising and selling local meat\, but are you making a profit? Learn marketing techniques and how to use the NEW Cornell Meat Pricing Tool to develop prices that deliver a profit in every channel. Click here for more information. \nPresenter: Matt LeRoux\, Extension Associate\, Cornell University \nMatt has over 20 years of experience serving farms through Cornell Cooperative Extension\, non-profits\, and consulting. Specializing in market strategy\, Matt works with a diverse mix of produce and livestock farmers and food businesses. Career highlights include developing the Marketing Channel Assessment Tool for produce growers and the Cornell Meat Price Calculator. \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/meat-marketing/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Berkshire Grown":MAILTO:buylocal@berkshiregrown.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230309T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230309T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230104T185859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T220438Z
UID:41920-1678384800-1678392000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farming Stress and Mental Health Awareness: Recognizing\, Responding\, and Accessing Resources (Spanish Speakers Training)
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.  \nMarch 9th\, 6:00pm-8:00pm – Spanish Speakers Training: This remote 2-hour session\, offered in Spanish\, 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.  \nRegistration information coming soon.   \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/supporting-farmer-mental-health-and-wellness-recognizing-responding-and-accessing-resources-spanish-speakers-training/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230314T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230316T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230208T154436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230208T155047Z
UID:42338-1678782600-1678975200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Preventive Control for Human Food
DESCRIPTION:Would you like the training to learn how to develop food safety plans? UMass is hosting an in-person Preventive Controls for Human Food training on March 14-16th at UMass Amherst. Small processors that register by Feb 24th will get $100 off the registration by using the promo code: 2023PCQI. For details\, go to: Preventive Controls for Human Food | Center for Agriculture\, Food\, and the Environment (umass.edu) \nCOURSE ​DESCRIPTION: ​The ​Current ​Good ​Manufacturing ​Practice\, ​Hazard ​Analysis\, ​and ​Risk-based ​Preventive ​Controls ​for ​Human ​Food ​FDA ​regulation ​is ​intended ​to ​ensure ​safe ​manufacturing/processing\, ​packing ​and ​holding ​of ​food ​products ​for ​human ​consumption ​in ​the ​United ​States. ​The ​regulation ​requires ​that ​certain ​activities ​must ​be ​completed ​by ​a ​“preventive ​controls ​qualified ​individual” ​who ​has ​“successfully ​completed ​training ​in ​the ​development ​and ​application ​of ​risk-based ​preventive ​controls.” ​This ​course ​developed ​by ​the ​FSPCA ​is ​the ​“standardized ​curriculum” ​recognized ​by ​FDA; ​successfully ​completing ​this ​course ​is ​one ​way ​to ​meet ​the ​requirements ​for ​a ​“preventive ​controls ​qualified ​individual.” ​ \nUpon ​completion ​of ​this ​course\, ​the ​trainee ​will ​become ​a ​FDA-recognized ​“Preventive ​Controls ​Qualified ​Individual” ​(PCQI). ​The ​course ​covers: \n\nHow ​to ​create ​a ​Food ​Safety ​Plan ​meeting ​the ​FDA ​requirements ​as ​required ​by ​the ​Food ​Safety ​Modernization ​Act ​(FSMA).\n How ​to ​conduct ​a ​Hazard ​Analysis\, ​and ​differentiate ​between ​prerequisite ​programs ​and ​risk-based ​preventive ​controls.\nGuidelines ​for ​choosing ​Critical ​Limits\, ​setting ​up ​monitoring ​programs\, ​and ​implementing ​corrective ​actions ​when ​deviations ​occur.\nDocumentation ​for ​all ​aspects ​of ​the ​PCHF-required ​Food ​Safety ​Plan ​including ​verification ​and ​validation ​activities\, ​monitoring\, ​corrective ​actions\, ​and ​records ​review.\n\nContact Christina Wormald at cwormald@umass.edu or call 413-545-2278 with questions. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/preventive-control-for-human-food/
LOCATION:IALS Conference Center\, UMass Amherst\, 240 Thatcher Road\, Amherst\, MA\, 01003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230315T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230315T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230215T193812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230215T193812Z
UID:42407-1678874400-1678881600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Integration of pasture management and nutrient management
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is part of the 2023 Tri-State SARE Project Webinar Series: Improving Pasture Management for Sustainable Livestock Production \nSpeakers: Cheryl Cesario (UVM Extension)\nRich Meinert (UConn Extension) \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/integration-of-pasture-management-and-nutrient-management/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230321T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230321T173000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230309T195211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230309T195357Z
UID:42654-1679414400-1679419800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MDAR’s Viability  Programs\, Food Safety\, &  Environmental Grant  Programs
DESCRIPTION:MDAR will be hosting a free one–hour webinar on available funding opportunities for farmers for Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1\, 2023 – June 30th\, 2024). Staff will cover the Ag Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP)\, the Climate Smart for Agriculture Program (CSAP)\, and the Viability Programs including the Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP)\, the Matching Enterprise Grant for Agriculture (MEGA)\, and the APR Improvement Program (AIP). There will be an additional 30 minutes provided for a Q&A. Learn when the upcoming grants will be available\, eligibility requirements\, project examples\, and tips for how to apply. \nFor questions\, contact Laura Barley at Laura.Barley@mass.gov or (857) 507–5548. \nFor more information or to register\, visit MDAR Farmer Grants Webinar
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdars-viability-programs-food-safety-environmental-grant-programs/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230309T205450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230310T144338Z
UID:42664-1679497200-1679502600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Honing your Spring Employee Onboarding Plan
DESCRIPTION:As you gear up for the arrival of new farm employees and seasonal crew members\, let us help you put finishing touches on your employee onboarding plan. With an eye to Massachusetts-specific legal requirements and best management practices\, this information-packed workshop will help you make sure you’re dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s from day 1 and building a solid groundwork for your employees during their initial days at your farm. CISA staffperson Kristen Wilmer will help you hone your employee onboarding checklist and schedule; brush up on legal posting\, notification\, and training requirements; and access resources to help you refine your employee policies and procedures. This workshop is open to all\, and content will be relevant to both new and experienced farm managers. \nThe standard workshop cost is $10. We offer a sliding scale to ensure anyone can attend\, and additional attendees from the same farm business are welcome to attend free of charge; we do not want finances to be a barrier to attendance. \nPlease contact Kristen at kristen@buylocalfood.org or 413-665-7100 ext. 12 with any questions. \nFunding for this workshop was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant AM200100XXXXG178. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/onboarding-march22/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230325T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230325T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230306T204540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230306T205120Z
UID:42580-1679738400-1679745600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Making Food Fun
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the arrival of spring in Franklin County with an outdoor family event! \nCISA and the Franklin Community Co-op are teaming up for an early spring event to celebrate local food with children and families. Meet the farmer who produces sugar at Bergeron’s Sugar House. Try out different grades of maple syrup and maple cream on silver dollar pancakes. Learn to make a new recipe with a food demonstration for kids from Green Fields Market. Taste fresh\, mini croissants baked by Rise Above Bakery using local flour\, butter\, and milk. The morning includes more local surprises\, so come check it out! \nStormy weather? No problem. The event will be held indoors at the Franklin Community Co-op event space at 170 Main Street.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/making-food-fun-3/
LOCATION:144 Main Street\, Greenfield\, MA\, 144 Main Street\, Greenfield\, MA\, 01301\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Community Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.buylocalfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hilltown-Families-MFF-ad-Franklin-Cty-800-×-800-px-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230328T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230328T173000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230309T204350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230310T185242Z
UID:42659-1680019200-1680024600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Insights on Vegetable Farm Financial Benchmarks
DESCRIPTION:For the past couple years\, CISA and Pasa Sustainable Agriculture have worked with a group of diversified vegetable farmers across the region to collect key farm financial metrics and develop benchmarks to help farmers evaluate the health of their vegetable operations. CISA staffperson Kristen Wilmer will share insights gained thus far from this project\, including what the numbers suggest about the health and challenges facing diversified vegetable farms in our region\, and how you can use key financial benchmarks to more strategic business decisions at your farm. Attendees will come away with ideas for how to track and use key numbers – like income generated per acre\, labor invested per acre\, payroll as a percent of gross revenue\, and more – to better understand their farm operations and hone in on opportunities for improvement. The workshop will be geared toward vegetable farmers but is open to all. \nThe standard workshop cost is $10. We offer a sliding scale to ensure anyone can attend\, and additional attendees from the same farm business are welcome to attend free of charge; we do not want finances to be a barrier to attendance. \nPlease contact Kristen at kristen@buylocalfood.org or 413-665-7100 ext. 12 with any questions. \nFunding for this workshop was made possible by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, U.S. Department of Agriculture\, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LNE20-394. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/insights-on-vegetable-farm-financial-benchmarks/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230329T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230329T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230307T215215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230307T220008Z
UID:42623-1680078600-1680109200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:UMass Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings - Amherst 
DESCRIPTION:This in-person training is aimed at fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety\, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule\, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)\, and co-management of natural resources and food safety. This course will also cover the Massachusetts Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP)\, a voluntary 3rd-party audit program. This training satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement for covered farms that “at least one supervisor or responsible party” completes “food safety training … recognized as adequate” by FDA (21 C.F.R. §112.22(c)). See here for more information on the Produce Safety Alliance and the Grower Training Course. \nThese programs are co-hosted by UMass Extension and the MDAR Produce Safety Program \nEvent Details: \n\nWhen: Wednesday\, March 29\, 2023 – 8:30am to 5:00pm\nWhere: Hampshire College\, 893 West St.\, Franklin Patterson Hall Faulty Lounge\, Amherst\, MA\, 01002\nCost is $50 for each program and includes the required PSA Grower Manual ($60 value)\, a Certificate of Course attendance from AFDO ($35 value)\, and lunch and refreshments.\nRegister here!\n\nQuestions? Contact Lisa McKeag\, lmkeag@umass.edu\, 413-658-8631
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/umass-produce-safety-alliance-grower-trainings-amherst/
LOCATION:Franklin Patterson Hall Faulty Lounge\, Hampshire College\, 893 West St\, Amherst\, MA\, 01002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230329T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230329T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T162328
CREATED:20230222T155747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230317T173232Z
UID:42462-1680091200-1680094800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Free Webinar: Marketing Your Farm
DESCRIPTION:Event // Free Webinar: Marketing Your Farm \nWednesday\, March 29\, 12-1pm\, ET \nThe International Workshop on Agritourism is hosting a free webinar on Marketing Your Farm. A farm marketing consultant and two agritourism farmers will discuss the three essential components of marketing your farm\, with a focus on agritourism. \nLearn the three essential components of marketing your farm\, with a focus on agritourism. Myrna Greenfield is the “Top Egg” at Good Egg Marketing and the author of Marketing Your Farm: A practical guide to attracting loyal customers and increasing sales. Ellen Parlee is the co-owner of Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro\, Massachusetts\, which offers pick-your-own fruit and flowers\, along with a farm stand\, bakery\, ice cream stand\, animal petting area\, and a food trailer. Ryan Wilson is the co-owner of DeMeritt Hill Farm in Lee\, New Hampshire\, which offers pick-your-own apples/peaches/blueberries/Xmas trees\, hayrides\, school tours\, special events\, Cross Country running\, and hiking trails and has a full commercial kitchen. The farm plays host to Torey Roderick Performance Horses and every October\, the world-famous Haunted Overload. \nTo request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program\, please contact Lisa Flinn at 802-751-8307 or Lisa.Flinn@uvm.edu so we may assist you. \nClick here to register.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/free-webinar-marketing-your-farm/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR