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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for CISA - Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200211T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200211T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200203T213012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200203T213012Z
UID:32741-1581438600-1581444000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Fund Your Farm: State Grants from Massachusetts
DESCRIPTION:Fund Your Farm: State Grants from Massachusetts \n\nFeb 11\, 4:30-6:00pm at the Porches Inn\, North Adams \nFeb 13\, 4:30-6:00pm at the Stockbridge Community Room \n\n$10 for Berkshire Grown members/ $20 for non-members\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo you have a project to help your farm adapt to climate change or improve energy efficiency? Would you like to implement new conservation practices or upgrade your food safety measures? Are you a beginning farmer seeking funds for capital improvements to help your business grow? The Massachusets Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) offers a range of grant programs available for Massachusetts farmers. MDAR staff Melissa Adams and Mike Parker will provide an overview of the programs available as well as provide information and tips about the application process.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/fund-your-farm-state-grants-from-massachusetts/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200212T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200212T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20191219T183028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200127T185136Z
UID:32415-1581526800-1581537600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Conflict resolution skills for supervisors
DESCRIPTION:Gain and practice skills that will help you set the groundwork for positive workplace relationships with your farm team starting on day one. Presenter Christopher Sabo of Foxtrot Farm and the Mediation & Training Collaborative will discuss strategies for creating a foundation of effective communication among your crew\, increasing your capacity to manage conflict\, and maintaining open and accessible communication channels on the farm throughout the season. This session will offer tools to respond to workplace conflict or deal with resistance as a supervisor\, as well as proactively build positive relationships and good communication systems with your team well in advance of conflict. The session will also include facilitated peer-to-peer discussion about team-building strategies with your crew and how best to balance relationship-building and production efficiency. Dinner will be provided. \n \nRegister here!\n\nThis workshop is part of a six-workshop series on farm labor management. Click here for information on the other five workshops in the series.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/conflict-resolution-skills-for-supervisors/
LOCATION:Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center\, Room 303\, 303 Homestead Ave\, Holoyke\, MA\, 01040\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200213T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200213T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200203T213146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200203T213146Z
UID:32743-1581611400-1581616800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Fund Your Farm: State Grants from Massachusetts
DESCRIPTION:Fund Your Farm: State Grants from Massachusetts \nFeb 13\, 4:30-6:00pm at the Stockbridge Community Room \n$10 for Berkshire Grown members/ $20 for non-members\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo you have a project to help your farm adapt to climate change or improve energy efficiency? Would you like to implement new conservation practices or upgrade your food safety measures? Are you a beginning farmer seeking funds for capital improvements to help your business grow? The Massachusets Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) offers a range of grant programs available for Massachusetts farmers. MDAR staff Melissa Adams and Mike Parker will provide an overview of the programs available as well as provide information and tips about the application process.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/fund-your-farm-state-grants-from-massachusetts-2/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200218T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200218T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200203T212559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200203T212559Z
UID:32737-1582027200-1582030800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Protecting your Recipes: Trade Secrets for Food Entrepreneurs [Webinar]
DESCRIPTION:Your pickled watermelon rinds and tomatillo salsa are a success at the farmers’ market. How can you prevent them from being copied? This webinar reviews the ways vendors can protect their food brand and recipes\, focusing on the use of trade secret. Learn what is a trade secret\, and how to create and use them to protect your recipes.\n\n\nTime: Feb 18\, 2020 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)\n\nClick here to register.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/protecting-your-recipes-trade-secrets-for-food-entrepreneurs-webinar/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200220T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200220T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200203T213230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200203T213230Z
UID:32745-1582214400-1582221600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Getting It Right: Pricing Strategies
DESCRIPTION:Getting It Right: Pricing Strategies \nFebruary 20\, 4:00-6:00pm – online workshop \n$10 for Berkshire Grown members/ $20 for non-members\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s the right price for your products? You may look at what others are charging to set your prices but if you don’t know your cost of production\, then you may not be charging enough. Julia Shanks from The Farmer’s Office & Julia Shanks Food Consulting will lead this interactive online workshop to help you understand the factors involved in setting the right price\, from understanding your costs\, to knowing what makes your product special\, to understanding the competition.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/getting-it-right-pricing-strategies/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200222T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200222T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200122T165720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200122T165720Z
UID:32620-1582360200-1582390800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2020 New England Campus Farmer Summit
DESCRIPTION:The 2020 New England Campus Farmer Summit\, Saturday February 22nd at Stonehill College in Easton\, MA! If you haven’t had a chance to look at the exciting program\, be sure to take a look. \nIf you have not registered\, please do so here!  Registration closes Friday\, January 31st. Rates are as follows: Full admission = $50\, Presenters = $40\, Student/AmeriCorps Members = $25. \n8:30am – 5:00pm \nThe Martin Institute at Stonehill College\, Easton\, MA\, \nA gathering of the campus farmer community in New England \nCampus farmers\, students\, and representatives from non-profits and agencies connect in person about what makes campus farms successful. This forum provides an opportunity for stakeholders working at the intersection of food justice\, environmental sustainability\, food access\, and healthy eating to discuss challenges and opportunities. Partners from the nonprofit sector join us in conversation about what colleges and universities can do to forge deeper community alliances and strengthen our regional food system. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates. \nProgram Details
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2020-new-england-campus-farmer-summit/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200227T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200227T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200206T175517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200206T175517Z
UID:32775-1582801200-1582801200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Public Hearing regarding MA overtime for ag workers
DESCRIPTION:SAVE THE DATE: PUBLIC HEARING IN WESTERN MA: regarding overtime pertaining to agricultural and farm work. With appreciation to my colleagues in the valley’s delegation for successfully scheduling this public hearing in our region\, providing direct access to the many stakeholders concerned about this issue. \nIN PERSON: public hearing in western MA is scheduled for: Thursday\, February 27\, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Old Chapel\, UMass Amherst\, MA\, 144 Hicks Way\, Amherst\, MA (parking at UMass Amherst Parking Garage or for handicap parking Lot 64 between Goodell and South College)\n \nIN WRITING: Written testimony is due by March 4 and can be submitted via email to: dlsFeedback@state.ma.us. \nhttps://www.mass.gov/news/notice-of-public-hearings-regarding-minimum-wage-and-overtime-pertaining-to-agricultural-and?new&fbclid=IwAR07VtjJVksCd2ZyLB6SbkbXF_6bSxzW-Z8hk1O-CKqEMSACvW2st7pksTg
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/public-hearing-regarding-ma-overtime-for-ag-workers/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200227T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200227T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200203T212724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200203T212724Z
UID:32739-1582804800-1582808400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Co-op Law 101: A little bit of everything [Webinar]
DESCRIPTION:Co-ops are member owned entities that provide a solid foundation for farms and community members to collaboratively support the local food system. Attorney Dave Swanson is going to provide a baseline knowledge of co-ops\, including consumer co-ops and grower co-ops. He is also going to discuss what to consider when choosing a business structure and specifically the differences between non-profits and co-ops. With over 35 years of experience and Land O’Lakes and dozens of consumer coops as a clients\, Dave is sure to provide a webinar filled with valuable information.\n\n\nTime: Feb 27\, 2020 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)\n\nClick here to register.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/co-op-law-101-a-little-bit-of-everything-webinar/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200227T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200227T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20191219T183149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200226T185316Z
UID:32418-1582806600-1582821000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Performance management – set it\, manage it\, measure it!
DESCRIPTION:Providing effective performance management doesn’t just protect your farm from liability and establish standards and accountability for those you manage – it actually helps your farm grow! Presenter Patti D’Amaddio of the Employers Association of the Northeast will describe how a holistic approach to performance management can increase employee engagement\, help employees on their path to development\, and assist your business in meeting its strategic goals. Through interactive activities and role play you will gain skills to clearly communicate expectations and goals to the people you manage\, to measure employee performance\, and deliver effective feedback. This workshop is limited to 25 attendees. Lunch will be provided. \n\n \nRegister here!\n\nThis workshop is part of a six-workshop series on farm labor management. Click here for information on the other five workshops in the series.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/performance-management-set-it-manage-it-measure-it/
LOCATION:The Food Bank of Western MA\, 97 North Hatfield Road\, Hatfield\, MA\, 01038
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200229T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200229T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200218T195128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200218T195128Z
UID:32843-1582966800-1582981200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Northampton Winter Fare
DESCRIPTION:Winter Fare at the Northampton Winter Farmer’s Market \nIt is Winter Fare time again at the Winter Market! CISA will be sponsoring another great Winter Fare on Saturday\, February 29. Three FREE workshops will be available that day. Please see below for descriptions. No registration required! \n9:00-10:00\nGhee: Repairs the Gut & Calms the Mind\nGhee (clarified butter) has been used for thousands of years to repair the digestive tract\, balance and detoxify the organ systems\, and calm the mind. In this workshop we will discover the many ways ghee can repair and restore our bodies from stress and poor diet. We will make ghee and infuse it with herbal medicines. Recipes and taste tests provided. Led by Hannah Jacobson-Hardy: Community Herbalist & Ghee Queen of Full Moon Ghee \n10:15-11:15\nGrowing Mushrooms at Home\nAlex Kent of Mycoterra Farm explains the ins and outs of DIY mushroom growing at home! \n11:30-12:30\nFire Cider Workshop\nJoin us for workshop celebrating and learning about the beloved folk herbal remedy Fire Cider\, a potent combination of kitchen herbs\, apple cider vinegar\, and honey. We’ll learn about it’s medicinal use and how to make it. Recipes will be demoed and participants will leave with handouts\, recipes\, and the confidence to make their own at home! Led by Jade Alicandro-Mace of Milk & Honey Herbs \nAlong with these great workshops\, we will have our weekly line up of fantastic vendors as well as music by Dave Dersham! \nJoin us for a fun filled February day and celebrate local food and farming in the Pioneer Valley. \nhttps://www.facebook.com/events/185126996174898/
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/northampton-winter-fare-2/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200229T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200229T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200128T162717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200128T162717Z
UID:32668-1582970400-1582984800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Northeast Queer Farmer Alliance Winter Gathering
DESCRIPTION:Calling all LGBTQI+ farmers from Pennsylvania to Maine to join the 2nd annual gathering of the Northeast Queer Farmers Alliance. A loose alliance of LGBTQI+ farmers seeking community and support. \nWhere: Out and the Open\, 74 Cottonmill Hill Road\, Brattleboro\, 05031\nWhen: February 29\, 10AM-2PM\nWhat: Potlock Brunch (bring your own plates\, cup\, utensils) and join our conversation about what the alliance is and what is in store for the year ahead– details TBD. \nADH accessible\nCarpool info coming soon. \nSeeking funding and sponsors! Be in touch! Veggies(at) RockSteadyFarm.com \nLimited Capacity … reserve your spot! \nhttps://www.facebook.com/events/167779807874432/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1580185855031197
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/northeast-queer-farmer-alliance-winter-gathering/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200229T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200229T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200218T195325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200218T195325Z
UID:32845-1582970400-1582984800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Winter Fare: All About Climate Change at Winter Farmers Market at the Hampshire Mall
DESCRIPTION:Join the Center for Eco Technology\, Citizens’ Climate Lobby\, the Red Brigade and Extinction Rebellion Western Mass\, and other area climate groups\, as we focus this year’s Winter Fare on our ever-changing climate. The seeds of change are sown\, commit to helping them grow! \nhttps://www.facebook.com/events/126593878572569/
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/winter-fare-all-about-climate-change-at-winter-farmers-market-at-the-hampshire-mall/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200302T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200302T203000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200228T160106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200228T160123Z
UID:32939-1583172000-1583181000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Pulse Cafe presents: YOUR FOOD\, YOUR CLIMATE
DESCRIPTION:The food system is a key influence on our climate and the well-being of humans\, non-humans\, and ecosystems. Lead by climate scientist Shaina Rogstad and Brittany Gutermuth of Mass Aubudon\, the presentation and discussion will be grounded in the best available science on land use and climate change\, including agricultural contributions. \nShaina will summarize much of the key information contained in the IPCC\, Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change\, report released this August and touch on ways we can all collectively work to improve and help in the climate change challenge. \nRefreshments included: \nShaina Rogstad is a PhD Candidate in Geo sciences with a masters degree in Applied Mathematics. She works as a climate scientist at the Climate Systems Research Center at UMass Amherst. Her research uses global climate models to study how changes in the Antarctic ice sheet under future conditions with increasing greenhouse gas emissions. You can find her online @ScienceShaina on Twitter and Instagram. \nBrittany Gutermuth is Climate Education Coordinator with Mass Audubon’s Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries. \nTo save your spot\, PLEASE REGISTER HERE.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/pulse-cafe-presents-your-food-your-climate/
LOCATION:Pulse Cafe\, 270 Russell Street\, Hadley\, MA\, 01035\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200305T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200305T150000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200212T141723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200212T141723Z
UID:32815-1583398800-1583420400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Vegetable Nutrient Management Workshops
DESCRIPTION:Vegetable Nutrient Management Workshops \nNeed help interpreting your soil test results? Juggling nutrient recommendations for many different fields? The UMass Extension Vegetable Program\, in collaborating with University of Vermont Extension\, is holding 2 workshops on vegetable nutrient management this March aimed at improving soil health practices. Growers are encouraged to bring current soil test results to work with. \nBy the end of an intensive day\, growers will: \n1)      Interpret soil test results\, calculate nutrient requirements\, and choose soil amendments \n2)      Learn how to improve high tunnel nutrient management \n3)      Hear from experienced and innovative farmers sharing their soil health strategies \n4)      Work one-on-one with Extension specialists to develop a nutrient management plan for the 2020 growing season \nThis workshop will be held in two locations: \n\nHadley\, MA\n\nWhen: Thursday\, March 5\, 2020\, 9am-3pm \nWhere: UMass Equine & Livestock Farm (The Hadley Farm)\, 111 North Maple St.\, Hadley\, MA 01035 \nRegistration: $25 per person\, includes lunch and refreshments. Click here to register for the Hadley Nutrient Management workshop. \n\nWestborough\, MA\n\nWhen: Friday\, March 6\, 2020\, 9am-3pm \nWhere: MA Division of Fish & Wildlife Building\, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd.\, Westborough\, MA 01581 \nRegistration: $25 per person\, includes lunch and refreshments. Click here to register for the Westborough Nutrient Management workshop. \nQuestions? Contact Genevieve Higgins at ghiggins@umass.edu or (413) 577-3976.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/vegetable-nutrient-management-workshops/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200305T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200305T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200226T172343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200226T172357Z
UID:32914-1583400600-1583425800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Agricultural Composting Training
DESCRIPTION:MDAR is conducting a no-cost training workshop for registered agricultural composters and other farms interested in agricultural composting (larger than backyard composting). Space is limited\, and first preference will be given to farms already registered in the MDAR Agricultural Composting Program. These workshops will meet the upcoming regulatory requirement for farmers who are currently registered in MDAR’s Agricultural Composting Program to attend a state approved training program in order to continue to maintain a composting registration. Topics include: \n\nPrinciples of Composting\nSite Selection\, Layout and Maintenance\nCompost Recipe Development\nMonitoring\, Troubleshooting\, and Development of Odor Management Plan\nOn-Farm Compost Use\nUpdates to MDAR Agricultural Composting Program Regulations\n\nThese one-day trainings will run from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm\, lunch is provided. Locations and dates are: \n\nMarch 5 – Community Harvest Project\, 37 Wheeler Road\, North Grafton\nMarch 11 – New Entry Sustainable Farming Project\, 733 Cabot Street\, Beverly\nMarch 19 – UMass Cranberry Experiment Station\, 1 State Bog Road\, East Wareham\n\n\nRegistration: Email Dorothy.Du@mass.gov with your name\, farm name\, address\, phone number\, and date/location you wish to attend. \nQuestions\, contact MDAR Agricultural Composting Coordinator\, Sean Bowen at 617-626-1724\, Sean.Bowen@mass.gov.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/agricultural-composting-training/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200305T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200305T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20191219T183249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200228T210242Z
UID:32420-1583409600-1583427600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Improving your farm’s employee policies and management systems
DESCRIPTION:Would you like to have better systems in place for onboarding and training employees\, consistently communicating farm policies\, or giving and receiving employee feedback?  Are you looking to brush up on employment laws to ensure that your farm is in compliance? This session will help you identify incremental changes to improve employee management systems on your farm. Presenter Libby Eiholzer of Cornell Cooperative Extension will lead you through a self-assessment of your farm’s human resources management and help you prioritize areas of improvement. She will discuss best practices for employee management and share her experiences working with dairy farms in NY to improve human resources practices and compliance. Kristen Wilmer of CISA will discuss key legal requirements for MA farm employers to keep in mind when developing farm policies\, drafting employee manuals\, or onboarding employees. You will gain new ideas through facilitated peer-to-peer discussion with other managers\, and leave the workshop with action steps for your farm. Lunch will be provided. \nRegister here!\n\nThis workshop is part of a six-workshop series on farm labor management. Click here for information on the other workshops in this series.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/improving-your-farms-employee-policies-and-management-systems/
LOCATION:The Food Bank of Western MA\, 97 North Hatfield Road\, Hatfield\, MA\, 01038
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200306T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200306T150000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200220T165121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200220T165121Z
UID:32868-1583496000-1583506800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Making it Happen: Profitability and Success
DESCRIPTION:The Making It Happen: Profitability and Success Training for farmers and food processors will give you the financial management toolbox needed to confidently answer these questions and improve your business decision making and profitability. \nThis interactive course presents four tools — cash flow budgeting\, scenario planning\, enterprise budgeting\, and sensitivity analysis — that “are fundamental and work well together to provide a comprehensive toolbox\,” according to a 2018 course participant. \nThe training is intended for producers with at least one year of operating experience and is approved as a USDA Farm Service Agency borrower training in Massachusetts\, New York\, Connecticut\, and Rhode Island. Participants in these areas receive registration priority. \n\n\nThis remote learning series is limited to 12 businesses and takes place in 3 sessions of approximately 3 hours each.    \nSession one:        Friday March 6       Noon to 3 PM \nSession two:        Friday March 13      Noon to 3 PM \nSession three:     Monday March 30    Noon to 3 PM \nRegister here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/making-it-happen-profitability-and-success-3/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200309T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200309T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200225T210641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200225T210641Z
UID:32905-1583766000-1583771400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Value-Add Program info session
DESCRIPTION:Turn Your Produce into Value-Added Products at the Western MA Food Processing Center\n\nInfo Session March 9 from 3-4:30pm\n324 Wells St. Greenfield MA \nThe Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center (WMFPC) is a shared-use food processing facility in Greenfield MA\, which offers both rental and co-packing services to regional food entrepreneurs and local farms. \nThis summer and fall\, they will be launching a Value-Add Program for local farms. This program aims to increase our region’s capacity to lightly process fruits and vegetables to make local food accessible year-round. The WMFPC works with farmers to process their fresh produce into frozen and value-added\, shelf-stable products. \n\nJoin us at our info session next month or email Kate at katev@fccdc.org for more information.\n\nRSVP here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/value-add-program-info-session/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200310T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200310T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20191219T183401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200228T210145Z
UID:32422-1583848800-1583857800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Building a positive workplace culture through active bystander training
DESCRIPTION:Farm managers are responsible for setting the tone and ensuring a respectful\, safe\, and productive work environment. However\, they are by no means alone in contributing to workplace culture – each member of the farm team has unique skills and opportunities to help build a more positive workplace culture. This workshop will equip farm managers\, crew leaders\, and other employees with tools to respond proactively to workplace conflict and to contribute to improving the culture on their farm. Presenters Sharon Tracy and Susan Wallace of Quabbin Mediation will train attendees in principles of active bystandership\, building competencies to assess opportunities for taking action when witnessing something they find troubling. Active bystandership leads to more positive interactions among people\, creates an improved workplace atmosphere where all employees feel safe\, and contributes to workplace productivity. This training will also promote collaborative team building\, strong leadership skills\, and a greater sense of competence and commitment to the farm. \nRegister here!\n\nThis workshop is part of a six-workshop series on farm labor management. Click here for information on the other workshops in this series.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/building-a-positive-workplace-culture-through-active-bystander-training/
LOCATION:The Food Bank of Western MA\, 97 North Hatfield Road\, Hatfield\, MA\, 01038
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200311T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200311T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200226T172502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200226T172502Z
UID:32916-1583919000-1583944200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Agricultural Composting Training
DESCRIPTION:MDAR is conducting a no-cost training workshop for registered agricultural composters and other farms interested in agricultural composting (larger than backyard composting). Space is limited\, and first preference will be given to farms already registered in the MDAR Agricultural Composting Program. These workshops will meet the upcoming regulatory requirement for farmers who are currently registered in MDAR’s Agricultural Composting Program to attend a state approved training program in order to continue to maintain a composting registration. Topics include: \n\nPrinciples of Composting\nSite Selection\, Layout and Maintenance\nCompost Recipe Development\nMonitoring\, Troubleshooting\, and Development of Odor Management Plan\nOn-Farm Compost Use\nUpdates to MDAR Agricultural Composting Program Regulations\n\nThese one-day trainings will run from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm\, lunch is provided. Locations and dates are: \n\nMarch 11 – New Entry Sustainable Farming Project\, 733 Cabot Street\, Beverly\nMarch 19 – UMass Cranberry Experiment Station\, 1 State Bog Road\, East Wareham\n\n\nRegistration: Email Dorothy.Du@mass.gov with your name\, farm name\, address\, phone number\, and date/location you wish to attend. \nQuestions\, contact MDAR Agricultural Composting Coordinator\, Sean Bowen at 617-626-1724\, Sean.Bowen@mass.gov.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/agricultural-composting-training-2/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200312T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200312T210000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200226T141559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200312T175330Z
UID:32908-1584039600-1584046800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Decolonizing the East Coast Food System- Postponed!
DESCRIPTION:Decolonizing the East Coast Food System\n\nJoin seven food justice community organizers in a discussion about creating an alternate food system for and by people of color and dismantling systemic barriers to ensure everyone has access to healthy\, fresh\, affordable food and produce.Moderated by students of color. \nPanelists include: \n\nEric Jackson\, Black Yield Institute\, Baltimore\, MD\nKaren Washington\, Rise and Root Farm\, Orange County\, NY\nShanelle Morris\, Grow Hartford\, Hartford\, CT\nLiz O’Gilvie\, Gardening the Community\, Springfield Food Policy Council\, Springfield\, MA\nIbrahim Ali\, Gardening the Community\, Springfield\, MA\nZephrin Mongroo\, Garden of Eat’n\, Springfield\, MA\nNicole Coker\, Garden of Eat’n\, Springfield\, MA\n\n\n  Thursday\, March 12 at 7:00pm  to 9:00pm \n Clapp Laboratory\, Hooker Auditorium (016) at Mount Holyoke College
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/decolonizing-the-east-coast-food-system/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200313T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200313T150000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200220T165220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200220T165220Z
UID:32870-1584100800-1584111600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Making It Happen: Profitability and Success
DESCRIPTION:The Making It Happen: Profitability and Success Training for farmers and food processors will give you the financial management toolbox needed to confidently answer these questions and improve your business decision making and profitability. \nThis interactive course presents four tools — cash flow budgeting\, scenario planning\, enterprise budgeting\, and sensitivity analysis — that “are fundamental and work well together to provide a comprehensive toolbox\,” according to a 2018 course participant. \nThe training is intended for producers with at least one year of operating experience and is approved as a USDA Farm Service Agency borrower training in Massachusetts\, New York\, Connecticut\, and Rhode Island. Participants in these areas receive registration priority. \n\n\nThis remote learning series is limited to 12 businesses and takes place in 3 sessions of approximately 3 hours each.    \nSession one:        Friday March 6       Noon to 3 PM \nSession two:        Friday March 13      Noon to 3 PM \nSession three:     Monday March 30    Noon to 3 PM \nRegister here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/making-it-happen-profitability-and-success-4/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200314T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200314T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200129T201744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200129T201844Z
UID:32679-1584180000-1584187200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Pruning Blueberries: a Hands-on Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Pruning Blueberries: a Hands-on Workshop\n$50/person\nMs. Sonia Schloemann \nMarch 14\, 2020\, 10:00am to 12:00pm\nSholan Farm: 1124 Pleasant St.\, Leominster\, MA 01453 \nBlueberries are among the most popular fruits to grow in the home garden. They are healthful and well suited tour New England conditions.Come learn the basics for pruning blueberries for your home landscape. Participants will get some hands-on pruning lessons. We’ll learn about tool maintenance and sharpening\, too. Tools provided \nRegister online for any of the Mass Aggie seminars by clicking here.  Some workshops have limited space so registering online is more likely to ensure enrollment. \nIf you do not wish to register online\, you may print a registration form to mail. Click 2020 Mass Aggie Workshop Series\, and you will open a pdf version of the registration form. You can print this form\, select the seminars that you wish to attend\, and mail it with a check for the appropriate amount. \nPlease do not bring children or pets (except certified service animals) to any of these workshops.  We are not equipped to ensure their comfort or safety.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/pruning-blueberries-a-hands-on-workshop/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200316T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200316T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200227T141109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200227T141109Z
UID:32935-1584360000-1584367200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Financial Management Calendar  - Webinar
DESCRIPTION:The Carrot Project’s free\, live webinar – the Financial Management Calendar  is open for registration. This tool is designed to help you stay on top of financial management tasks critical to making effective business decisions during the busy growing season. Learn how to adapt the Calendar to your farm’s needs and realities and create a personalized financial management calendar that meets your needs. \nThe webinar will be held Monday March 16th from noon to 2 PM.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/financial-management-calendar-webinar/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200317T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200317T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20191219T183536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200314T000452Z
UID:32424-1584448200-1584462600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:WORKSHOP CANCELED: Leadership strategies for achieving workplace respect
DESCRIPTION:**NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS. WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO RESCHEDULE IT AT A LATER TIME.** \nGaining respect as a manager is not always easy. Take a deep dive into the meaning of workplace respect\, learn to identify barriers to respect\, and discuss how the concept of respect relates to topics like diversity and inclusion\, bullying\, and compliance with federal and state anti-harassment and discrimination laws. You will reflect on your own behaviors and actions\, as well as engage in interactive exercises to learn and apply new tools and strategies for creating a more positive and productive workplace. Presenter Mark Emrick of the Employers Association of the Northeast will discuss immediately applicable communication techniques that will help you interact in a respectful manner with those you manage\, and successfully ask for mutual respect from them. This workshop is limited to 25 attendees. Lunch will be provided. \nRegister here!\n\nThis workshop is part of a six-workshop series on farm labor management. Click here for information on the other workshops in this series.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/leadership-strategies-for-achieving-workplace-respect/
LOCATION:ServiceNet\, 21 Olander Drive\, Northampton\, MA\, 01060
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200317T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200317T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200203T213505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200203T213505Z
UID:32747-1584457200-1584468000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Managing Conflict for Farmers: Communication Skills and Resources
DESCRIPTION:Managing Conflict for Farmers: Communication Skills and Resources \nTuesday\, March 17\, 3:00-6:00pm \nStockbridge Community Room\, 50 Main Street\, Stockbridge\, MA \n$15 for Berkshire Grown members/ $25 for non-members\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave you experienced disputes on your farm? With neighbors? Workplace interactions with your staff? Perhaps you are facing a farm transition or conflict over agricultural and leasing issues. Agricultural Mediation services in Berkshire County recently expanded to cover all of these and more. Program Director\, Kayla Wendling will be joined by New York Ag Mediation Statewide Director\, Claudia Kenny to share skills and knowledge about approaches to conflict\, what mediation is\, and services available in each state.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/managing-conflict-for-farmers-communication-skills-and-resources/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200317T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200317T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200212T141516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200212T141516Z
UID:32811-1584457200-1584468000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Managing Conflict for Farmers: Communication Skills and Resources
DESCRIPTION:Managing Conflict for Farmers: Communication Skills and Resources \nTuesday\, March 17\, 3:00-6:00pm\nStockbridge Community Room\, 50 Main Street\, Stockbridge\, MA\n$15 for Berkshire Grown members/ $25 for non-members \nPerhaps you’ve had a difficult interaction with a customer\, or come into conflict with family or neighbors about your practices. Berkshire County and New York mediators Kayla Wendling and Claudia Kenny will guide us through using skills like active listening  to create better communication and help you navigate the challenges we all face. \nLearn More.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/managing-conflict-for-farmers-communication-skills-and-resources-2/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200318T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200318T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200226T173248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200226T173248Z
UID:32920-1584520200-1584550800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Produce Safety Grower Training 2020 Series
DESCRIPTION:Who Should Attend \nFruit 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. \nThis 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)). \nFor more information on the Produce Safety Alliance and the Grower Training Course\, see: https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/training/grower-training-courses \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. \nInstructors:  \n\nLisa McKeag\, UMass Extension\nMichael Botelho\, MDAR Produce Safety Inspection Program\n\nThe training will be held in 3 locations:  \n\nWednesday\, March 18 – 8:30 am to 5 pm – Hampshire College\, Franklin Patterson Hall\, 893 West St\, Amherst\n\nRegister here: https://umasscafe.irisregistration.com/Form/PSAAmherst20 \n\nWednesday\, March 25 – 8:30 am to 5 pm – Wylie Inn & Conference Center\, 295 Hale St.\, Beverly\n\nRegister here: https://umasscafe.irisregistration.com/Form/PSABeverly20 \n\nWednesday\, April 1 – 8:30 am to 5 pm – Rosebrook Event Center\, 50 Rosebrook Place\, Wareham\n\nRegister here: https://umasscafe.irisregistration.com/Form/PSAWareham20 \nQuestions? Contact for all programs: Lisa McKeag\, lmckeag@umass.edu\, 413- 545-1051.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/produce-safety-grower-training-2020-series/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200319T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200319T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200226T172543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200226T172543Z
UID:32918-1584610200-1584635400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Agricultural Composting Training
DESCRIPTION:MDAR is conducting a no-cost training workshop for registered agricultural composters and other farms interested in agricultural composting (larger than backyard composting). Space is limited\, and first preference will be given to farms already registered in the MDAR Agricultural Composting Program. These workshops will meet the upcoming regulatory requirement for farmers who are currently registered in MDAR’s Agricultural Composting Program to attend a state approved training program in order to continue to maintain a composting registration. Topics include: \n\nPrinciples of Composting\nSite Selection\, Layout and Maintenance\nCompost Recipe Development\nMonitoring\, Troubleshooting\, and Development of Odor Management Plan\nOn-Farm Compost Use\nUpdates to MDAR Agricultural Composting Program Regulations\n\nThese one-day trainings will run from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm\, lunch is provided. Locations and dates are: \n\nMarch 19 – UMass Cranberry Experiment Station\, 1 State Bog Road\, East Wareham\n\n\nRegistration: Email Dorothy.Du@mass.gov with your name\, farm name\, address\, phone number\, and date/location you wish to attend. \nQuestions\, contact MDAR Agricultural Composting Coordinator\, Sean Bowen at 617-626-1724\, Sean.Bowen@mass.gov.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/agricultural-composting-training-3/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200319T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200319T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T000614
CREATED:20200203T213618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200203T213618Z
UID:32749-1584630000-1584640800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Adapting to the Changing Local Foods Market
DESCRIPTION:Adapting to the Changing Local Foods Market \nThursday\, March 19\, 3:00-6:00pm \nStockbridge Community Room\, 50 Main Street\, Stockbridge\, MA \n$15 for Berkshire Grown members/ $25 for non-members\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the local foods market matures and competition increases\, it’s becoming harder for experienced farmers to maintain market share and new farmers to break in. Learn tools and techniques to help your farm adapt to market trends\, differentiate yourself and stay relevant. \nGood Egg Marketing is a Boston-based business that helps good businesses grow. Good Egg was hatched by Myrna Greenfield\, a “good egg” with a passion for sharing good food and bad puns. Greenfield works with associates in business planning\, finance\, graphic design\, web development\, and social media to help small businesses and organizations solve their toughest marketing problems. She’s a board member for the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts and a former board member for Harvest Co-op Markets\, Equal Exchange\, and Sustainable Step New England.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/adapting-to-the-changing-local-foods-market/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR