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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220125T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220125T183000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220119T142956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220119T142956Z
UID:39222-1643131800-1643135400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Entity Formation Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Entity Formation Workshop\n\nBEST FOR: For anyone planning to start a food business\nDATE: January 25\, 5:30-6:30pm EST (online)\nCOST: Free \nWhen starting a food business (or really any business)\, it’s important to set up a separate legal structure for tax\, finance\, and insurance purposes. In this workshop\, you will learn about the pros and cons of different business structures\, like S-corporations\, B-corporations\, and LLCs\, and the implications of each one\, including liability\, taxation\, management\, control\, continuation of the business\, and raising capital.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister now
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/entity-formation-workshop/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220126T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220126T120000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211222T181314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211222T181614Z
UID:38950-1643193000-1643198400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Responding to Change\, Pivoting for Profitability: Session 3: Adjusting
DESCRIPTION:Join farmer and Carrot Project business advisor and lead trainer Cian Dalzell for one of two\, four-session online training series. This training is designed to provide you skills and support for both short and long term improvement in business operations and financial security. \nSessions can be mixed and matched to fit your schedule. \nSession 3: Adjusting\nWednesday Jan 26\, 2022 or Monday Feb 14\, 2022 \nA budget is simply a numerical representation of your plan for the year. Even if your plans are thrown for a loop\, it still helps to look back at your budget\, so you can make real-time adjustments when things go off the rails. \nThis session will prepare you to address problems and create solutions before you continue down a path that is just not working. \nYou will come out of this session understanding: \n\nThe process of comparing your budget to your real numbers.\nHow to assess what changes you need to make to get back on track.\nHow to make adjustments to your budget to ensure that it helps you going forward.\n\nWho It’s For: \nThese trainings are designed for farmers and food business owners with moderate or greater experience in operations and who have an established financial recordkeeping system in place. Priority will be given to businesses in RI\, MA\, and CT. \nFishermen\, aquaculturists\, and small processors using local farm and sea ingredients are welcome and encouraged to attend. \nDetails: \nSeries 1: Mondays – Jan 31\, Feb 7\, 14\, and 28: 10 AM to 12:30 PM \nSeries 2: Wednesdays – Jan 12\, 19\, 26\, and Feb 9: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/session-3-adjusting/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220126T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220126T120000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211222T181441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211222T181712Z
UID:38954-1643193000-1643198400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Responding to Change\, Pivoting for Profitability: Session 4: Roadblocks
DESCRIPTION:Join farmer and Carrot Project business advisor and lead trainer Cian Dalzell for one of two\, four-session online training series. This training is designed to provide you skills and support for both short and long term improvement in business operations and financial security. \nSessions can be mixed and matched to fit your schedule. \nSession 4: Roadblocks\nWednesday Feb 9\, 2022 or Monday Feb 28\, 2022 \nThis session is all about the things that get in the way of keeping up on recordkeeping\, using your financial plans and real time results during the season to manage operations or respond to unplanned conditions. \nThen we will show you how to devise a realistic path to overcome those obstacles. \nWho It’s For: \nThese trainings are designed for farmers and food business owners with moderate or greater experience in operations and who have an established financial recordkeeping system in place. Priority will be given to businesses in RI\, MA\, and CT. \nFishermen\, aquaculturists\, and small processors using local farm and sea ingredients are welcome and encouraged to attend. \nDetails: \nSeries 1: Mondays – Jan 31\, Feb 7\, 14\, and 28: 10 AM to 12:30 PM \nSeries 2: Wednesdays – Jan 12\, 19\, 26\, and Feb 9: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/session-4-roadblocks/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220126T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220126T190000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220113T154013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220113T154013Z
UID:39130-1643216400-1643223600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Brand Integrity of Your Farm – Online and In Print
DESCRIPTION:Brand Integrity of Your Farm – Online and In Print \nwith Caroline Alexander \nWednesday\, January 26\, 2022 \n5:00 – 7:00pm\n$10 members/$15 non-members \nYour website is the ideal platform to increase your farm’s visibility. Websites create a visual and content-rich branding opportunity\, giving you a voice of authority and educating potential customers about your products\, markets and services. Learn how to tell your story through eye catching website design and informative newsletters. Website photos and text show transparency in business\, an imperative for food producers. Newsletters reinforce and supplement website information and keep you in touch with customers. \nFor more information\, and to register\, click here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/brand-integrity-of-your-farm-online-and-in-print/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220127T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220127T210000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220119T141739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220119T141739Z
UID:39201-1643310000-1643317200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Business Planning Virtual Workshop Series: Financial Planning
DESCRIPTION:Business Planning Virtual Workshop SeriesFinancial\, Marketing & Risk Management Planning\nGeared to New\, Beginning & Expanding Vegetable & Small Fruit Producers\nAll Sessions (6)\, Thursday Evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pmJanuary 27\, February 3\, 17\, 24 & March 10\, 17 \n•Are you thinking about starting your own farm?• Are you a beginning farmer and wonder what’s out there for assistance to fund capital improvementsand upgrade your equipment?• Where can I go to get production advice/information?• Do you want to upgrade your marketing outlets but don’t know how to go about doing this?• Do you want to learn how to better manage risks on your farm especially in light of recent adverseweather?• Are you a small farmer looking to grow and expand your business?\nIf you answered “Yes” to any of the above then this business planing workshop can help you answer thosequestions. National Crop Insurance Services in conjunction with the UMass Extension Risk ManagementEducation Program is offering this workshop series at no cost to participants. Each session will include a formalpresentation on the subject topic as well as guest speakers who are farmers or agricultural service provers withexperience in the topics and provide adequate time for questions.\nThis is a great opportunity to learn about a variety of topics that can benefit your farming operation.To register\, email either Tom Smiarowski: tsmiarowski@umass.edu or Paul Russell: pmrussell@umass.eduand include your name\, email address and location (City/Town & State \nSession 1 (January 27): Financial Planning \nThis session will focus on basic financial planning and include information on preparing a Balance Sheet andIncome Statement. Guest speaker is Chris Laughton\, Director of Knowledge Exchange & Farm Start ProgramManager\, Farm Credit East\, who will explain how Farm Credit East uses financial statements in making creditdecisions and what you as a potential borrower should focus on. \nEach session will include a homework assignment in which you will take the information discussed duringthe session to complete your assignment. Don’t worry you won’t be graded and you don’t have to submit theassignment! The purpose of the assignments are to get you to put to use in your operation the informationcovered during each session!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/business-planning-virtual-workshop-series-financial-planning/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220128T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220128T170000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220119T142451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220119T142520Z
UID:39213-1643356800-1643389200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Santander's Cultivate Small Business:  Information Session
DESCRIPTION:Santander’s Cultivate Small Business:  Information Session\nBEST FOR: Early-stage food entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods in MA\, NY\, or NJ\nDATE: January 11\, 11am-12pm EST (online)\nCOST: Free \nSantander’s Cultivate Small Business is a 12-week dynamic education and training program created to help early-stage food entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods (focused on women\, people of color\, and immigrants) build strong businesses. Join us on January 11 to learn more and hear from past participants. \nThe program is ideal for people who have been running their food businesses for at least a year and are looking to strengthen their skills\, knowledge\, and peer network. Applications due January 28\, 2022. \nCultivate Small Business is fully funded by Santander and run in partnership with CommonWealth Kitchen\, Babson College\, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City\, Latin American Education Development Association (NJ)\, and The Columbia-Harlem Small Business Development Center (NY).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister now
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/santanders-cultivate-small-business-information-session/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220131T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220131T180000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211222T181014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211222T181704Z
UID:38944-1643643000-1643652000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Responding to Change\, Pivoting for Profitability: Session 1: Better Bookkeeping
DESCRIPTION:Join farmer and Carrot Project business advisor and lead trainer Cian Dalzell for one of two\, four-session online training series. This training is designed to provide you skills and support for both short and long term improvement in business operations and financial security. \nSessions can be mixed and matched to fit your schedule. \nWednesday Jan 12\, 2022 or Monday Jan  31\, 2022 \nUnderstanding and evaluating what’s going on in your business starts with having good records – and you want to make sure you’re getting the best information about your business. \nIf your records don’t give you the answers you need\, or you need to be more efficient in your bookkeeping effort\, this session is what you need. \nWe’ll cover the keys to success in maintaining current and accurate financial information\, and understanding how to use it. \nYou will come out of this session understanding: \n\nWhen cash or accrual bookkeeping works best\, and how it affects your data and reports.\nUsing your chart of accounts to both file your taxes and make important management decisions.\nHow to  understand and use your balance sheet to evaluate your business operations in addition to  your income statement (Profit & Loss). \n\nWho It’s For: \nThese trainings are designed for farmers and food business owners with moderate or greater experience in operations and who have an established financial recordkeeping system in place. Priority will be given to businesses in RI\, MA\, and CT. \nFishermen\, aquaculturists\, and small processors using local farm and sea ingredients are welcome and encouraged to attend. \nDetails: \nSeries 1: Mondays – Jan 31\, Feb 7\, 14\, and 28: 10 AM to 12:30 PM \nSeries 2: Wednesdays – Jan 12\, 19\, 26\, and Feb 9: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/session-1-better-bookkeeping/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220201T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220201T080000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211112T213504Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211115T213137Z
UID:38472-1643702400-1643702400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Quickbooks for Farmers Series: Part 4: Assets and Liabilities
DESCRIPTION:Presenter: Bonnie Collins \nThis is Part 4 of a 6 Part series. Click here for information about this workshop series. It’s not too late to register! \nEvery business needs resources to acquire goods\, produce products\, and purchase equipment. Usually\, we need to borrow capital to purchase those assets. Assets are those resources used to produce revenue and have a future economic benefit. Liabilities are the amount your business owes to other parties. We will learn how to categorize assets and liabilities into their main types.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/assets-and-liabilities/
CATEGORIES:CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220203T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220203T210000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220119T141913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220119T141913Z
UID:39203-1643914800-1643922000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Business Planning Virtual Workshop Series: Marketing Basics
DESCRIPTION:Business Planning Virtual Workshop SeriesFinancial\, Marketing & Risk Management Planning\nGeared to New\, Beginning & Expanding Vegetable & Small Fruit Producers\nAll Sessions (6)\, Thursday Evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pmJanuary 27\, February 3\, 17\, 24 & March 10\, 17 \n•Are you thinking about starting your own farm?• Are you a beginning farmer and wonder what’s out there for assistance to fund capital improvementsand upgrade your equipment?• Where can I go to get production advice/information?• Do you want to upgrade your marketing outlets but don’t know how to go about doing this?• Do you want to learn how to better manage risks on your farm especially in light of recent adverseweather?• Are you a small farmer looking to grow and expand your business?\nIf you answered “Yes” to any of the above then this business planing workshop can help you answer thosequestions. National Crop Insurance Services in conjunction with the UMass Extension Risk ManagementEducation Program is offering this workshop series at no cost to participants. Each session will include a formalpresentation on the subject topic as well as guest speakers who are farmers or agricultural service provers withexperience in the topics and provide adequate time for questions.\nThis is a great opportunity to learn about a variety of topics that can benefit your farming operation.To register\, email either Tom Smiarowski: tsmiarowski@umass.edu or Paul Russell: pmrussell@umass.eduand include your name\, email address and location (City/Town & State \nSession 2 (February 3): Marketing BasicsThis session will explain basic marketing principles including the 5 P’s (Product\, Price\, Place\, Promotion &People). Participants will learn how to identify their audience and in turn target that audience. Guest speakers willinclude farmers discussing how they have gone about identifying and targeting their audience. \nEach session will include a homework assignment in which you will take the information discussed duringthe session to complete your assignment. Don’t worry you won’t be graded and you don’t have to submit theassignment! The purpose of the assignments are to get you to put to use in your operation the informationcovered during each session!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/business-planning-virtual-workshop-series-marketing-basics/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220207T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220207T180000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211222T181215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211222T181656Z
UID:38948-1644247800-1644256800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Responding to Change\, Pivoting for Profitability: Session 2: Evaluating Options and Making Plans
DESCRIPTION:Join farmer and Carrot Project business advisor and lead trainer Cian Dalzell for one of two\, four-session online training series. This training is designed to provide you skills and support for both short and long term improvement in business operations and financial security. \nSessions can be mixed and matched to fit your schedule. \nSession 2: Evaluating Options and Making Plans\nWednesday Jan 19\, 2022 or Monday Feb 7\, 2022 \nUse your records to figure out  what really makes you money and what doesn’t\, plus what changes will help you increase your profits. \nYou will come out of this session understanding: \n\n\nHow to evaluate a change in. operations or investments – time/labor\, materials\, equipment\, you name it.\n\n\nHow to incorporate risk into decision making.\n\n\nHow to evaluate segments of your business (enterprises) .\n\n\nHow to know if you need to borrow money – and how much and for how long?\n\n\nWho It’s For: \nThese trainings are designed for farmers and food business owners with moderate or greater experience in operations and who have an established financial recordkeeping system in place. Priority will be given to businesses in RI\, MA\, and CT. \nFishermen\, aquaculturists\, and small processors using local farm and sea ingredients are welcome and encouraged to attend. \nDetails: \nSeries 1: Mondays – Jan 31\, Feb 7\, 14\, and 28: 10 AM to 12:30 PM \nSeries 2: Wednesdays – Jan 12\, 19\, 26\, and Feb 9: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/session-2-evaluating-options-and-making-plans-2/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220208T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220208T080000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211112T213646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211115T213304Z
UID:38474-1644307200-1644307200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Quickbooks for Farmers Series: Part 5: QuickBooks Reporting
DESCRIPTION:Presenter: Bonnie Collins \nThis is Part 5 of a 6 Part series. Click here for information about this workshop series. It’s not too late to register! \nThe reporting for business should depict true and accurate financial information. Hence the goal of these reports is to provide a precise and detailed account of your business activity\, upon which management decisions should be made. Let’s learn what type of reports and documents we can gather from QuickBooks to support our decision making. \nThis class is part of a series. See the full series here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/quickbooks-reporting/
CATEGORIES:CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220210T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220210T170000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220202T152144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220202T152144Z
UID:39333-1644480000-1644512400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:SNEFCC Virtual Course on Land Access for Farmers of Color
DESCRIPTION:The Southern New England Farmers of Color Collaborative (SNEFCC) is now offering their first course on land access for BIPOC farmers in CT\, MA and RI. In this course\, students will learn about the history of the land and the original people in Southern New England\, how we can steward the land in ways that uphold our values\, and how to evaluate farmland for farm enterprises. Students will learn about alternative and creative models for gaining access to land that may allow them to start farming soon even if they cannot afford to purchase a farm on their own. Students will begin to develop knowledge and skills to navigate the rules\, regulations\, and systems that affect agriculture. And they will learn about how they can influence local\, state and federal policies that impact their access to land. Please see the attached PDF for more details. \nThere is a lot to learn over the course of 7 weeks. The class will meet live\, online\, every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 7pm\, starting on February 15 and ending on March 29. Students will have access to pre-recorded video presentations on these topics so that class time is devoted to discussion and answering their specific questions. They will also have an opportunity to meet some great farmers of color in New England who will share how they started farming. Plus they will develop a personal network of other farmers just like them in CT\, MA and RI. \nTo allow for in depth discussions with all participants\, enrollment is limited. But we encourage everyone who is interested to apply because we plan to offer this course again in the near future. Students can apply using this link: \nhttps://airtable.com/shrK7nDwaMiCFriRA \nPlease note that the deadline for applications is February 10. Because SNEFCC received some additional funding related to COVID relief\, we are able to offer students a stipend of $160 to attend this course. If you have any additional questions\, please contact them at info@snefcc.org. \nThe priority of the space in this course is for farmers/market gardeners who identify as Black\, Indigenous\, Latinx\, Asian\,\nor another ethnicity or race of color. \nApplications must be received by 11:59 pm EST on February 10\, 2022 \nIf you have any questions\, please contact us at info@snefcc.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/snefcc-virtual-course-on-land-access-for-farmers-of-color/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220210T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220210T180000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211215T180301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211215T181252Z
UID:38803-1644508800-1644516000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Taking your farm financial recordkeeping to the next level
DESCRIPTION:This is the first of CISA’s three-workshop series on “Farm financial management: taking it to the next level.” Click here for information about this workshop series. It’s not too late to register! \nThis session will help you optimize your chart of accounts setup\, tease apart which parts of your farm are and aren’t making money\, and use your financial statements for more strategic farm decision making. Learn how to draw key information from your farm’s profit and loss statement and balance sheet to help you monitor the health of your business and improve its profitability. \nThis three-session series is geared towards experienced farm managers and QuickBooks users who are looking to step up their farm financial management game. The series will be taught by Elaine Lemmon of Kitchen Table Consultants\, and farmers attending all three sessions will be eligible to receive up to three hours of expert one-on-one assistance in financial recordkeeping\, planning\, or analysis.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/taking-your-farm-financial-recordkeeping-to-the-next-level/
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220210T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220210T190000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220113T154102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220113T154102Z
UID:39132-1644512400-1644519600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Soil Management in Response to Climate Change
DESCRIPTION:Soil Management in Response to Climate Change\nwith Jim Schultz; owner of Red Shirt Farm\, Lanesboro\, MA \nThursday\, February 10\, 2022\n5:00 – 7:00 pm\n$10 members/$15 non-members \nDroughts\, floods\, high winds\, increasing temperatures\, intensified storms\, shifting seasons and more diseases and pests. As farmers we have always had to contend with the vagaries of weather but climate change has upped the ante. What strategies can we employ to meet the daunting challenge of producing food in a changing climate? What techniques can increase our resilience and adaptability while enhancing economic and ecological sustainability? This workshop will mesh concept with practice as Jim Schultz shares strategies and techniques that are working on his farm and small- to medium-sized farms. \nFor more information\, and to register\, click here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/soil-management-in-response-to-climate-change/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220214T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220214T180000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211222T181348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211222T181648Z
UID:38952-1644852600-1644861600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Responding to Change\, Pivoting for Profitability: Session 3: Adjusting
DESCRIPTION:Join farmer and Carrot Project business advisor and lead trainer Cian Dalzell for one of two\, four-session online training series. This training is designed to provide you skills and support for both short and long term improvement in business operations and financial security. \nSessions can be mixed and matched to fit your schedule. \nSession 3: Adjusting\nWednesday Jan 26\, 2022 or Monday Feb 14\, 2022 \nA budget is simply a numerical representation of your plan for the year. Even if your plans are thrown for a loop\, it still helps to look back at your budget\, so you can make real-time adjustments when things go off the rails. \nThis session will prepare you to address problems and create solutions before you continue down a path that is just not working. \nYou will come out of this session understanding: \n\nThe process of comparing your budget to your real numbers.\nHow to assess what changes you need to make to get back on track.\nHow to make adjustments to your budget to ensure that it helps you going forward.\n\nWho It’s For: \nThese trainings are designed for farmers and food business owners with moderate or greater experience in operations and who have an established financial recordkeeping system in place. Priority will be given to businesses in RI\, MA\, and CT. \nFishermen\, aquaculturists\, and small processors using local farm and sea ingredients are welcome and encouraged to attend. \nDetails: \nSeries 1: Mondays – Jan 31\, Feb 7\, 14\, and 28: 10 AM to 12:30 PM \nSeries 2: Wednesdays – Jan 12\, 19\, 26\, and Feb 9: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/session-3-adjusting-2/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220215T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220215T080000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211112T213802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211115T213341Z
UID:38476-1644912000-1644912000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Quickbooks for Farmers Series: Part 6: Recordkeeping Best Practices
DESCRIPTION:Presenter: Ellen Polishuk \nThis is Part 6 of a 6 Part series. Click here for information about this workshop series. It’s not too late to register! \nYou’ve probably pledged each New Year to improve your farm records. But when the season gets hot and heavy\, it all falls apart. Let’s talk about ways you can set up a rhythm and process that you can stick to.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/recordkeeping-best-practices/
CATEGORIES:CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220215T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220215T160000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211130T174346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220120T143101Z
UID:38627-1644915600-1644940800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Succession School
DESCRIPTION:Farm Succession School \nThree Tuesdays – February 15\, March 8\, and March 29\, 2022 – Greenfield\, MA \nMDAR is hosting Land For Good’s Farm Succession School for Massachusetts farmers 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. \nMeet in-person following current COVID-19 protocols at the John W. Olver Franklin Transit Center in Greenfield for a three-session program between 9:00am – 4:00pm on the following Tuesdays: February 15\, March 8\, 2022\, and March 29\, with snow dates on each Friday of the same weeks. (*Originally scheduled to begin in January\, this course has been postponed to start in Feb due to the recent increase in COVID cases.)  \nThe cost is $100 per farm. \nLearn more and register here.  Contact: Shemariah at Land For Good shemariah@landforgood.org or 603-357-1600 with any questions. \nFunding provided by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Agricultural Business Training Program.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-succession-school/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220215T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220215T140000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220106T170612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220118T150449Z
UID:39037-1644930000-1644933600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:How to accept SNAP and WIC/Senior Coupons
DESCRIPTION:Making Local Food More Accessible: Welcoming SNAP & WIC/Senior Coupons\, and All Who Use Them\nPart 1: How to accept SNAP and WIC/Senior Coupons\nLearn what it takes to accept SNAP and WIC & Senior coupons at your farm and how being a part of these programs enables you to feed your neighbors and boost your bottom line. We’ll be covering what these programs are\, how they can fit into your business\, and what it takes to register with these state and federal programs in order to accept these forms of payment at your business. \nParticipants will come away with an understanding of how to set up SNAP at their business\, their options for getting SNAP processing equipment\, how to accept WIC and Senior coupons\, and who to ask for help when they go through these application processes. Attendees will also come away with a step-by-step list of how to accept SNAP and coupons at their business plus a contact list of relevant people they can ask questions along the way. \nWe’ll be joined by Lisa Roach of MarketLink\, an organization that administers grants for SNAP equipment and helps farms navigate the SNAP application. We’ll also be joined by Rebecca Davidson\, Program Coordinator for the coupon program from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture. \nThe sister workshop to this session is Best Practices: SNAP and welcoming low-income customers at your farm on March 1. This second session will cover best practices in welcoming customers\, training your staff\, and SNAP outreach. It will feature a panel of farmers who incorporate SNAP well in their business\, who will share how they implemented SNAP and accommodate low-income customers. This workshop is co-hosted by CISA and Berkshire Grown. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/how-to-accept-snap-and-wic-senior-coupons/
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220215T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220215T170000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220201T124215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220201T124215Z
UID:39318-1644937200-1644944400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Listening Session: on the development of the MA Farmland Action Plan
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to attend a Listening Session to provide input for the development of the MA Farmland Action Plan. The purpose of the MA Farmland Action plan is to develop state level goals and recommendations for increasing farmland protection\, farmland access\, food security\, and the long-term economic and environmental viability of farms across all regions of the state. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is supporting the development of the plan\, and has engaged the UMass Donahue Institute to gather the input and recommendations from farmers\, advocates\, investors\, landowners\, land trusts\, agricultural technical assistance providers\, scientists\, public officials\, policy makers\, and other agricultural stakeholders.  \nToward that end\, we hope you will attend one of two Listening Sessions to share your ideas and suggestions for strategies to be included in the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan. Input from stakeholders like you are key to the successful development of a plan. \nThe Listening Sessions will be held via Zoom on: \n\nTuesday\, February 15 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm\nWednesday\, February 16 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm\n\nClick HERE to register for the Listening Sessions by February 14. The expanded link is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXZdpPS0TU2Mxv68t5TLlLNcyWU_DwSLdywklubEv-soIIyw/viewform?usp=sf_link. \nPlease share this email broadly with those within your network who you feel would be interested. We want to hear from as many stakeholders as possible. \nAfter you register\, you will receive information to join a Zoom meeting with a unique link and enhanced security settings. Please do not share this link with others. \nWe hope you can join. If you have questions please contact Sonia Bouvier\, Project Manager with UMass Donahue Institute. If you are unable to attend the session\, you may also submit written suggestions to: sbouvier@donahue.umass.edu.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/listening-session-on-the-development-of-the-ma-farmland-action-plan/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220216T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220216T120000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220105T185402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220105T185402Z
UID:39022-1645005600-1645012800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Getting More for Your Milk: Partnering with processors to venture into value-added sales
DESCRIPTION:The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is launching a new initiative to connect dairy farmers with small-scale dairy processors. Ever think about starting your own brand of cheese\, yogurt or butter? Do you need help finding a co-packer to make the product for you and don’t know where to start? Or\, are you seeking ways to add value and additional income to your wholesale dairy? \nJoin our virtual Learning Session on Wednesday\, February 16th from 10am-12pm\, where we’ll tackle transportation\, how to work with your cooperative to diversify production\, food safety\, business planning\, the FMMO\, and more. We will also share details on how you can access technical support to help you assess whether working with a co-packer will be feasible for your business. \nWho should attend? \nThis workshop is co-hosted with CISA and MDAR. The target audience for this session are cow dairy operations in Massachusetts. However\, this session is open to the public and any dairy farmer is welcome to attend to learn more about these programs. \n\nClick here to register.\nFor more information\, email: Rebecca.Davidson@Mass.gov or call 857-202-7699 \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nFunding for this series was made possible by the following grants and programs: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grants AM200100XXXXG178 and AM190100XXXG150 and the CISA Local Hero Program.  \nIts contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/getting-more-for-your-milk-partnering-with-processors-to-venture-into-value-added-sales/
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220216T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220216T193000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220201T124317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220201T124317Z
UID:39320-1645032600-1645039800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Listening Session on the development of the MA Farmland Action Plan
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to attend a Listening Session to provide input for the development of the MA Farmland Action Plan. The purpose of the MA Farmland Action plan is to develop state level goals and recommendations for increasing farmland protection\, farmland access\, food security\, and the long-term economic and environmental viability of farms across all regions of the state. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is supporting the development of the plan\, and has engaged the UMass Donahue Institute to gather the input and recommendations from farmers\, advocates\, investors\, landowners\, land trusts\, agricultural technical assistance providers\, scientists\, public officials\, policy makers\, and other agricultural stakeholders.  \nToward that end\, we hope you will attend one of two Listening Sessions to share your ideas and suggestions for strategies to be included in the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan. Input from stakeholders like you are key to the successful development of a plan. \nThe Listening Sessions will be held via Zoom on: \n\nTuesday\, February 15 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm\nWednesday\, February 16 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm\n\nClick HERE to register for the Listening Sessions by February 14. The expanded link is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXZdpPS0TU2Mxv68t5TLlLNcyWU_DwSLdywklubEv-soIIyw/viewform?usp=sf_link. \nPlease share this email broadly with those within your network who you feel would be interested. We want to hear from as many stakeholders as possible. \nAfter you register\, you will receive information to join a Zoom meeting with a unique link and enhanced security settings. Please do not share this link with others. \nWe hope you can join. If you have questions please contact Sonia Bouvier\, Project Manager with UMass Donahue Institute. If you are unable to attend the session\, you may also submit written suggestions to: sbouvier@donahue.umass.edu.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/listening-session-on-the-development-of-the-ma-farmland-action-plan-2/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220217T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220217T180000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211215T180823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211215T181101Z
UID:38807-1645113600-1645120800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Finding cash in your farm business: profitability vs. cash flow
DESCRIPTION:This is the second of CISA’s three-workshop series on “Farm financial management: taking it to the next level.” Click here for information about this workshop series. It’s not too late to register! \nJust because you have $40K in net profit doesn’t mean you have $40K in the bank. These two ideas get confused very often\, but net income and cash flow are each important — and distinct — measures of success. Learn the best ways to track where your cash is going\, control your cash flow\, and identify your options when cash gets tight. \nThis three-session series is geared towards experienced farm managers and QuickBooks users who are looking to step up their farm financial management game. The series will be taught by Elaine Lemmon of Kitchen Table Consultants\, and farmers attending all three sessions will be eligible to receive up to three hours of expert one-on-one assistance in financial recordkeeping\, planning\, or analysis.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/finding-cash-in-your-farm-business-profitability-vs-cash-flow/
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220217T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220217T210000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220119T142019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220120T192516Z
UID:39205-1645124400-1645131600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Business Planning Virtual Workshop Series: Risk Management
DESCRIPTION:Business Planning Virtual Workshop Series —Financial\, Marketing & Risk Management Planning\nGeared to New\, Beginning & Expanding Vegetable & Small Fruit Producers\nAll Sessions (6)\, Thursday Evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pmJanuary 27\, February 3\, 17\, 24 & March 10\, 17 \n\nAre you thinking about starting your own farm?\nAre you a beginning farmer and wonder what’s out there for assistance to fund capital improvementsand upgrade your equipment?\nWhere can I go to get production advice/information?\nDo you want to upgrade your marketing outlets but don’t know how to go about doing this?\nDo you want to learn how to better manage risks on your farm especially in light of recent adverseweather?\nAre you a small farmer looking to grow and expand your business?\n\nIf you answered “Yes” to any of the above then this business planing workshop can help you answer those questions. National Crop Insurance Services in conjunction with the UMass Extension Risk Management Education Program is offering this workshop series at no cost to participants. Each session will include a formal presentation on the subject topic as well as guest speakers who are farmers or agricultural service provers with experience in the topics and provide adequate time for questions. \nThis is a great opportunity to learn about a variety of topics that can benefit your farming operation. To register\, email either Tom Smiarowski: tsmiarowski@umass.edu or Paul Russell: pmrussell@umass.edu and include your name\, email address and location (City/Town & State) \nSession 3 (February 17): Risk ManagementThis session will look at the 5 areas of risk (Production\, Marketing\, Financial\, Human Resources and Legal). Participants will learn how to complete a SWOT (Strengths\, Weaknesses\, Opportunities & Threats) Analysis on their operation. Guest speakers will include farmers explaining how they manage risks on their farms.\n \nEach session will include a homework assignment in which you will take the information discussed during the session to complete your assignment. Don’t worry you won’t be graded and you don’t have to submit the assignment! The purpose of the assignments are to get you to put to use in your operation the information covered during each session!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/business-planning-virtual-workshop-series-risk-management/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220224T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220224T151500
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220113T212731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220113T212822Z
UID:39149-1645711200-1645715700@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA's summer farmers’ market manager meetup
DESCRIPTION:Summer farmers’ market manager meetup\nThursday\, February 24\, 2-3:15\nFree\, remote \nOpen to all managers of summer farmers’ markets in Hampden\, Hampshire\, and Franklin counties! This is an opportunity for farmers’ market managers to connect with one another and learn the challenges and opportunities their fellow markets are facing. This will be an informal session facilitated by CISA with some guiding questions. CISA will also share the farmers’ market support opportunities managers have available to them. This will help inform CISA how we can best assist markets in the upcoming season. \nRegister here!\nQuestions\, reach out to Zoey at zoey@buylocalfood.org.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/summer-farmers-market-manager-meetup/
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220224T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220224T180000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211215T180912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211215T181133Z
UID:38809-1645718400-1645725600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Budgeting tools to keep your farm on track
DESCRIPTION:This is the third of CISA’s three-workshop series on “Farm financial management: taking it to the next level.” Click here for information about this workshop series. It’s not too late to register! \nLearn why budgets are an incredibly powerful — though underutilized — tool for farm business management. This session will equip you with a flexible budgeting tool that you can use year after year for your farm. You’ll get expert advice on how to identify past trends\, methodically forecast sales\, and plan for contingencies\, plus practical tips for using your budget to steer mid-season decision making. \nThis three-session series is geared towards experienced farm managers and QuickBooks users who are looking to step up their farm financial management game. The series will be taught by Elaine Lemmon of Kitchen Table Consultants\, and farmers attending all three sessions will be eligible to receive up to three hours of expert one-on-one assistance in financial recordkeeping\, planning\, or analysis.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/budgeting-tools-to-keep-your-farm-on-track/
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220224T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220224T210000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220119T142111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220119T142111Z
UID:39207-1645729200-1645736400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Business Planning Virtual Workshop Series: Production Management
DESCRIPTION:Business Planning Virtual Workshop SeriesFinancial\, Marketing & Risk Management Planning\nGeared to New\, Beginning & Expanding Vegetable & Small Fruit Producers\nAll Sessions (6)\, Thursday Evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pmJanuary 27\, February 3\, 17\, 24 & March 10\, 17 \n•Are you thinking about starting your own farm?• Are you a beginning farmer and wonder what’s out there for assistance to fund capital improvementsand upgrade your equipment?• Where can I go to get production advice/information?• Do you want to upgrade your marketing outlets but don’t know how to go about doing this?• Do you want to learn how to better manage risks on your farm especially in light of recent adverseweather?• Are you a small farmer looking to grow and expand your business?\nIf you answered “Yes” to any of the above then this business planing workshop can help you answer thosequestions. National Crop Insurance Services in conjunction with the UMass Extension Risk ManagementEducation Program is offering this workshop series at no cost to participants. Each session will include a formalpresentation on the subject topic as well as guest speakers who are farmers or agricultural service provers withexperience in the topics and provide adequate time for questions.\nThis is a great opportunity to learn about a variety of topics that can benefit your farming operation.To register\, email either Tom Smiarowski: tsmiarowski@umass.edu or Paul Russell: pmrussell@umass.eduand include your name\, email address and location (City/Town & State \nSession 4 ( February 24): Production ManagementThis session will focus on where to find information on production issues and Best Management Practices (BMP’s).Guest speakers will include representatives from Extension as well as a young farmer who will explain the sourceshe uses to obtain production information as well as how he goes about deciding what crops to grow in his operation. \nEach session will include a homework assignment in which you will take the information discussed duringthe session to complete your assignment. Don’t worry you won’t be graded and you don’t have to submit theassignment! The purpose of the assignments are to get you to put to use in your operation the informationcovered during each session!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/business-planning-virtual-workshop-series-production-management/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220227T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220227T160000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220113T153820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220113T153820Z
UID:39127-1645948800-1645977600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2022 Agriculture & Food Conference
DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, February 27th is SEMAP’s 15th Annual Agriculture & Food Conference! Farmers\, foodies\, and agricultural advocates alike are all welcome. Join us for 12 engaging workshops and panels with more than 20 speakers – farmer and academic experts from our region! \nWe are also excited to welcome our keynote speaker\, Ray Archuleta. Ray is a farmer\, soil scientist\, and the founder of the Soil Health Academy. \nWith over 30 years of experience in soil science at NRCS which led him across the entire country\, Ray is an expert on all things soil. Prior to that\, Ray served with the Peace Corps in Guatemala as a Livestock Specialist. After his retirement from the NRCS in 2017\, Ray founded Understanding Ag\, LLC\, and Soil Health Academy\, LLC\, to bring his soil teachings to a wider audience. Ray also owns and operates a 150-acre farm near Seymour\, Missouri along with his wife and family. \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. \nGet your ticket today!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2022-agriculture-food-conference/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220228T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220228T180000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20211222T181516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211222T181638Z
UID:38956-1646062200-1646071200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Responding to Change\, Pivoting for Profitability: Session 4: Roadblocks
DESCRIPTION:Join farmer and Carrot Project business advisor and lead trainer Cian Dalzell for one of two\, four-session online training series. This training is designed to provide you skills and support for both short and long term improvement in business operations and financial security. \nSessions can be mixed and matched to fit your schedule. \nSession 4: Roadblocks\nWednesday Feb 9\, 2022 or Monday Feb 28\, 2022 \nThis session is all about the things that get in the way of keeping up on recordkeeping\, using your financial plans and real time results during the season to manage operations or respond to unplanned conditions. \nThen we will show you how to devise a realistic path to overcome those obstacles. \nWho It’s For: \nThese trainings are designed for farmers and food business owners with moderate or greater experience in operations and who have an established financial recordkeeping system in place. Priority will be given to businesses in RI\, MA\, and CT. \nFishermen\, aquaculturists\, and small processors using local farm and sea ingredients are welcome and encouraged to attend. \nDetails: \nSeries 1: Mondays – Jan 31\, Feb 7\, 14\, and 28: 10 AM to 12:30 PM \nSeries 2: Wednesdays – Jan 12\, 19\, 26\, and Feb 9: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/session-4-roadblocks-2/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220301T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220301T113000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220106T170454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220208T223019Z
UID:39038-1646128800-1646134200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Best Practices: SNAP and welcoming low-income customers at your farm
DESCRIPTION:Making Local Food More Accessible: Welcoming SNAP & WIC/Senior Coupons\, and All Who Use Them\nPart 2: Best Practices – SNAP and welcoming low-income customers at your farm\nYour farm accepts SNAP (or you’re working on setting up SNAP)\, but how to make the most of this tool and have it be a success?  Join us to hear a panel of farmers on how they incorporate accepting SNAP at their business in a way that makes clients feel welcome and keeps customers coming back. \nAttendees will come away with context for how other farms effectively incorporate SNAP at their business and ideas for best practices they can use themselves. The panel will cover how accepting SNAP affected their business\, how they effectively promote that they accept SNAP\, how they do outreach to low-income customers\, and how they tailor their offerings in ways that meet their customers demands and expectations. There will also be time for questions. \nCISA and Berkshire Grown will also be sharing other resources attendees can use to make the most of the SNAP program at their business. This workshop is co-hosted by CISA and Berkshire Grown. \nRegister here!\n\nPanelists: \nEmily Chiara of Just Roots\nJust Roots is a nonprofit farm that has been accepting SNAP since 2015. Just Roots runs one of the the largest SNAP CSAs in the state and serves hundreds of SNAP customers each year. Emily is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Just Roots and has ample experience in doing outreach to customers and partners around SNAP and HIP. \nHarrison Bardwell of Bardwell Farm\nHarrison had Bardwell Farm became authorized to accept SNAP in the spring of 2021. They now accept SNAP at their farmstand and at the multiple farmers’ markets they attend throughout the year. Bardwell Farm is a twenty five acre diversified vegetable farm in Hatfield\, MA. \nMeg Bantle and Laura Tupper-Palches of Full Well Farm\nMeg Bantle (they/she) is a sixth generation farmer in the Berkshires with eight years of organic vegetable growing and gardening experience under their belt\, including three seasons of co-owning and managing Full Well Farm. They grew up on the farm property in Adams and are excited to be growing food for the community that they grew up in. Laura Tupper-Palches (she/her) is a co-owner and manager of Full Well Farm in Adams\, MA. After briefly living in a food desert in New York city she became interested in food security which\, combined with her passion for nature\, led her to agriculture. She had several years of organic farming experience before starting Full Well Farm with Meg Bantle in 2019. Going into the fourth season at Full Well\, she is focusing on soil health and furthering community connections. \nSharon Wyrrick of Many Forks Farm\nMany Forks Farm is in Clarksburg\, Massachusetts. With 2 acres in cultivation of vegetables\, berries\, flowers and herbs\, the farm has an 85-member household CSA and sells produce through other direct-to-consumer markets and on-farm sales. The farm has taken SNAP for its CSA shares and other eligible farm products since 2013\, is a HIP certified vendor\, and participates in other programs and community collaborations supporting food access such as WIC/Senior Coupons\, Berkshire Grown/Share the Bounty\, and Hoosac Harvest.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/best-practices-snap-and-welcoming-low-income-customers-at-your-farm/
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220307T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220307T210000
DTSTAMP:20260424T193616
CREATED:20220125T161007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220125T161007Z
UID:39273-1646677800-1646686800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Exploring the Small Farm Dream: Self-Assessment and Researching the Farming Landscape
DESCRIPTION:Exploring the Small Farm Dream\nMondays\, 6:30-9pm\nZoom\nMarch 7th\, 14th\, 21st\, 28th \nThis workshop is a partnership between Penn State Extension and Cornell Cooperative Extension/Broome County. \nIf you considering launching a small farm enterprise\, but are not sure where to start\, this 4-session series will give you the tools to start making choices to determine if farming is right for you. \nABOUT THE PROGRAM \nThe Exploring the Small Farm Dream course (designed by the New England Small Farm Institute and taught by trained facilitators) is designed to help you\, and your partner\, decide whether starting a farm business is right for you. This ten-hour (four evening sessions) virtual course includes exploratory discussion\, curated research tools\, and self-assessment activities provided by the instructors as well as a workbook for hands-on application both during class and at home. Each week we will hear from subject matter experts and community partners\, as well as existing farmers. By the end of the series\, you will create an action plan that works best for you and will have the tools and contacts to help you get started. \nSCHEDULE: Participants are expected to attend all four sessions since the program builds upon the knowledge of the previous session. \n\nMonday March 7th\nSession I: Self-Assessment and Researching the Farming Landscape\nMonday March 14th\nSession II: Assessing Resources and Risks\nMonday March 21st\nSession III: Marketing and Market Channel Evaluation\nMonday March 28th\nSession IV: Next Steps\n\n WHO IS THIS FOR?  \n\nAnyone interested in starting a small farm business\nHobby and lifestyle farmers that are considering developing their farm into a business\nRecently retired individuals or individuals who will retire soon who think they may want to start a small farm business\nImmigrants with agricultural experience who wish to start farming in the US\nRecent high school or college graduates who are considering a career in agriculture\nIndividuals who are inheriting or taking over a farm from a family member\nThose who are considering an on-farm market\, farmer’s market vendors\, farm stands\, livestock and poultry growers\, and specialty products – such as mushrooms or maple syrup\, are all agricultural businesses that started somewhere.\n\nWHAT WILL YOU LEARN?  \n\nLearn how new and beginning farmers can access agricultural resources\nLearn about opportunities to connect with local farm business owners\, agricultural professionals\, and others interested in new farm enterprises\nLearn how to manage a small business\nLearn how to assess and manage risks\nLearn how to assess and identify available and necessary resources for your farm business\nLearn how to engage your family and resource partners in decision-making related to your enterprise choices\nLearn how to evaluate various farm enterprise choices\nLearn how to create an action plan to move your farm dream towards reality\n\nFee: $75 per family\, includes a workbook valued at $25. Extra workbooks can be purchased for $25. Please include all email addresses of those who should receive the zoom link in your registration.\nVeterans located in NY or NJ may attend free of charge with support from the Canandaigua VA and Cornell Small Farms Program Farm Ops Initiative. \nAny questions can be directed to Laura Biasillo at lw257@cornell.edu. \nClick here to register.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/exploring-the-small-farm-dream-self-assessment-and-researching-the-farming-landscape/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR