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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20201110T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20201110T183000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201109T162628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201109T162939Z
UID:35080-1605033000-1605033000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Tips for Making High Quality Maple Syrup
DESCRIPTION:Tips for Making High Quality Maple Syrup \nTuesday\, November 10\, 6:30PM-7:45PM (on ZOOM) \n$10 Berkshire Grown members/ $15 non-members \nJoin Cornell Maple Program’s Maple Specialist\, Aaron Wightman\, in a discussion on practices to eliminate off-flavors and strategies to amplify good flavors. Learn more. \nClick here to register. \nIf you’ve tasted a lot of syrup\, then you know there is tremendous variation in quality and flavor.  In this talk we will discuss practices to eliminate off-flavors and strategies to amplify good flavors.  We will also take a look at new methods developed by Cornell to make intense-flavored maple sugar from dark syrup and the potential use of this sugar in new value-added products. Read the Cornell Maple Program blog at  https://blogs.cornell.edu/cornellmaple/ \nAaron Wightman conducts research in all aspects of maple production\, marketing and forest management. He also supports the operation of the 7\,000 tap research sugarbush at the Arnot Forest\, and participates in extension and educational programs. Aaron’s research interests include improved sap handling processes\, maple-based nutritional supplements\, sugarbush silviculture\, and the development of maple beer\, wine and distilled spirits.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/webinar-tips-for-making-high-quality-maple-syrup/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20201114T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20201114T113000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20200303T145326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200909T132633Z
UID:33000-1605348000-1605353400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Create a Woodland Terrarium
DESCRIPTION:Due to COVID-19 farms are not permitted to hold educational or recreational activities at the present time. We are closely watching state guidelines and MAY be able to hold some socially distant\, outdoor workshops later in the year. Stay tuned for details. \nCreate a Woodland Terrarium\, Saturday November 14\, 10-11:30 a.m. \nBrighten the coldest of winter days with a terrarium full of native woodland plants. Assemble your own mini ecosystem. Registration includes terrarium jar\, supplies\, sustainably harvested woodland plants from QQ\, and light refreshments. Registration includes all supplies and light refreshments. $50.00 \nRegister for workshops from the Farm Events Calendar.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/create-a-woodland-terrarium/
LOCATION:Quonquont Farm\, Whately\, MA\,  
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20201117T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20201117T090000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201112T205928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201112T205928Z
UID:35136-1605603600-1605603600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Harris Beach and Farm Credit East Present Webinar on H-2A Labor
DESCRIPTION:Join Harris Beach\, PLLC and Farm Credit East on Tuesday\, November 17 at 9 a.m. for a webinar titled\, “H-2A: Getting the Agricultural Workers You Need Legally.” This webinar is free to attend. \n  \nThis 90-minute webinar is the second in a Seasonal Business Labor and Immigration Webinar Series. This webinar will provide an overview of the H-2A process in 2021\, including employer obligations and compliance requirements. It will also cover what constitutes “agricultural” employment\, whether you qualify for H-2A or H-2B\, and how to navigate the DOL’s “Single Employer Test” in H-2A and whether year-round employment still possible. Other topics will include\, the new AEWR methodology\, paid sick leave for H-2A workers and an update from NYS Department of Labor. \n  \nTo register to attend this webinar\, visit FarmCreditEast.com/Webinars. Contact Chris Laughton at (800) 562-2235 or Chris.Laughton@farmcrediteast.com for more information. \n  \nThe final webinar in this series titled “Permanent Foreign Labor Options for Seasonal Businesses” will be held on Tuesday\, December 15. To view the recording from the webinar previously held on H-2B labor\, visit FarmCreditEast.com/Webinars.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/harris-beach-and-farm-credit-east-present-webinar-on-h-2a-labor/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20201117T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20201117T183000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201109T162839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201109T163134Z
UID:35083-1605637800-1605637800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Leasing Land: Alternative to Purchasing for Beginning Farmers
DESCRIPTION:November 17\, 2020\nLeasing Land: Alternative to Purchasing for Beginning Farmers\nWith Jae Silverman\, Massachusetts Field Agent\, Land for Good \n$10 Member; $15 Nonmember\n6:30 pm via Zoom. \nIn collaboration with Jae Silverman\, Land for Good’s Field Agent for Massachusetts\, this workshop is an introduction to the different ways beginner farmers can access land and start farming as well as farmland owners  looking to lease out their farmland.  Jae will also discuss how leasing can be a viable long-term strategy in addition to being a stepping stone toward ownership. In addition to talking about different types of lease agreements we will also hear from a panel of farmers currently leasing land in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. A question and answer period immediately follows panel discussion. \nClick here to register. \nOnce you register you will be given login information for the virtual meeting space. Contact Andrea Caluori\, Berkshire Grown Program Manager\, at andrea@berkshiregrown.org with any questions.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/webinar-leasing-land-alternative-to-purchasing-for-beginning-farmers/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20201119T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20201119T190000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201102T193611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201113T185418Z
UID:34905-1605805200-1605812400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Using Point-of-Sale Data to Increase Sales
DESCRIPTION:Presenter: Matt LeRoux\, Ag Marketing Consultant\n \nGrocery stores have used scanner data to inform marketing techniques for decades. Farmer-friendly point of sale software\, such as Square\, now gives farmers similar potential to track their sales. Learn how Cornell researchers used this technology in conjunction with eight NY-based vegetable production farms. Leave this workshop with specific takeaways and tips for your own production and sales methods. \nThis workshop is applicable to all producers selling directly to consumers using POS software. We especially welcome livestock producers to join as Matt LeRoux will be presenting important information on data needed to attend CISA’s Winter Program for Livestock Farmers: Profitable Meat Pricing this winter. \nClick here to register for the “Using Point-of-Sale Data to Increase Sales” webinar. \nMatt has nearly 20 years’ experience serving farms through Cornell Cooperative Extension\, non-profits\, and consulting. Specializing in market strategy\, Matt works with a diverse mix of produce and livestock farmers and food businesses. Career highlights include developing the Marketing Channel Assessment Tool for produce growers and the Cornell Meat Price & Yield Calculator.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/webinar-using-point-of-sale-data-to-increase-sales/
CATEGORIES:CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20201205T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20201205T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20200303T145429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200909T132356Z
UID:33002-1607155200-1607187600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Winter Wreath Making
DESCRIPTION:Due to COVID-19 farms are not permitted to hold educational or recreational activities at the present time. We are closely watching state guidelines and MAY be able to hold some socially distant\, outdoor workshops later in the year. Stay tuned for details. \nWinter Wreath Making\nSaturday December 5\, 10-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-3 p.m. \nOur 2019 Winter Wreath Workshop was so much fun (and so crowded) that we’re scheduling two (smaller) sessions for this year.  Deck your halls and ward off evil spirits by creating your own winter wreath from scratch with greens\, pods\, berries\, cones\, and dried flowers. Registration includes all supplies and light refreshments. $65.00 \nRegister for workshops from the Farm Events Calendar.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/winter-wreath-making/
LOCATION:Quonquont Farm\, Whately\, MA\,  
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20201209T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20201209T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201123T130621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201123T131804Z
UID:35178-1607522400-1607522400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Response\, Recovery\, and Resilience in the MA Local Food System (Discussion Series - Keynote Panel)
DESCRIPTION:Keynote Panel: Furthering Racial Equity Through Local Food System Work and Policy Development \nWednesday\, Dec 9 from 2 – 4pm (Register Here) \nOur food system\, like our country\, was constructed within a systemically racist framework. As healthy food relies on healthy soil\, a healthy food system relies on practices based on an understanding of this framework and a commitment to dismantling it. The speakers will discuss their organizations’ efforts to embed racial equity into their work. We will explore ways to develop racially just practices and policies in local food system work\, and consider opportunities to further this work through policy change. \nModerator: Liz Wills-O’Gilvie\, MFSC Steering Committee member and Chair of the Springfield Food Policy Council \nSpeakers:\nMaria Moreira\, World Farmers\nJen Faigel\, Commonwealth Kitchen\nJohn Waite\, Franklin County Community Development Corporation  \nRegister for the Keynote Panel here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/discussion-series-response-recovery-and-resilience-in-the-ma-local-food-system-keynote-panel/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20201217T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20201217T160000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201123T131442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201123T132143Z
UID:35183-1608213600-1608220800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Response\, Recovery\, and Resilience in the MA Local Food System (Discussion Series - Panel 1)
DESCRIPTION:Panel 1: Challenges Facing Massachusetts Farms: Land\, Education\, Regulation\, and Economic and Financial Sustainability \nThursday\, Dec 17 from 2 – 4pm \nFarmers in Massachusetts struggle to compete in larger markets\, due in part to higher costs of land\, energy and other inputs. Programs that address farmland protection and access are not proving sufficient to meet the need\, educational and technical assistance resources are limited\, and regulations often challenge farmers’ ability to function sustainably. Join farmers\, other practitioners\, and policy experts to discuss these challenges and the need for policies and investments to address them. \nSpeakers:\nJeff Cole\, MA Food System Collaborative\nJoy Gary\, Greater Ashmont Main Streets & Effloresce Culture & Design\nAndre Tougas\, Tougas Farm \nRegister here. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/response-recovery-and-resilience-in-the-ma-local-food-system-discussion-series-panel-1/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20201219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20201219T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201210T203517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201210T203517Z
UID:35337-1608372000-1608382800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Pop-Up Northampton Winter Farmers' Market
DESCRIPTION:It’s a Pop-Up Winter Farmers Market\, hosted by Grow Food Northampton!\n\nStock up on local food and gifts safely outdoors in the plaza between Thornes and the parking garage\, downtown Northampton.\n\nVendors (check back as the list grows): \n\nSunrise Farms (maple syrup and products)\nRed Barn Honey (honey\, beeswax gifts and candles)\n*Winter Moon Farm (root vegetables)\n*New England Wild Edibles (mushrooms\, sauces\, ghee\, spices\, vegetables)\nParnella Naturals (soap)\nMany Graces Farm (dried flowers\, gifts and wreaths)\nMorgan English (crafts)\n*Sweet Morning Farm (root vegetables\, pork and beef)\n\n*HIP accepted\nSNAP MATCH made available by Grow Food Northampton- up to $10
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/pop-up-northampton-winter-farmers-market/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.buylocalfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/noho-winter-market.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20201220T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20201220T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201211T152353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201211T153026Z
UID:35380-1608458400-1608472800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Easthampton Winter Farmers' Market
DESCRIPTION:The Easthampton Farmers’ Market has moved indoors for December! The market is set up in the Keystone Building in Easthampton\, at is 122 Pleasant Street. There is a parking lot across from the building’s loading bays. A crosswalk at the parking lot leads to the entrance door of the market\, pictured below. \nThere are two major HIP vendors selling produce: Red Fire Farm and Sweet Morning Farm\, so be sure to come use your HIP benefits! \nThe indoor market is smaller\, but the vendors have lots to offer. The market will run every Sunday through the month of December\, from 10am to 2pm. There is a possibility that the market may be extended beyond December but that decision has not yet been made. We will keep you posted. \n \nKeystone has taken steps to make the space safe as possible during this COVID-19 pandemic. They have provided giant HEPA filters in the hallways where the market will be located. There are arrows marking one-way traffic as well as markers on the floor to encourage social distancing. There are also convenient hand-washing stations located in the market\, as well as hand-sanitizing stations. All attendees are encouraged to follow local guidelines for Covid -19 restrictions\, and the wearing of face masks while in the building is mandatory.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/easthampton-winter-farmers-market/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20201227T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20201227T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201211T153124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201211T153124Z
UID:35383-1609063200-1609077600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Easthampton Winter Farmers' Market
DESCRIPTION:The Easthampton Farmers’ Market has moved indoors for December! The market is set up in the Keystone Building in Easthampton\, at is 122 Pleasant Street. There is a parking lot across from the building’s loading bays. A crosswalk at the parking lot leads to the entrance door of the market\, pictured below. \nThere are two major HIP vendors selling produce: Red Fire Farm and Sweet Morning Farm\, so be sure to come use your HIP benefits! \nThe indoor market is smaller\, but the vendors have lots to offer. The market will run every Sunday through the month of December\, from 10am to 2pm. There is a possibility that the market may be extended beyond December but that decision has not yet been made. We will keep you posted. \n \nKeystone has taken steps to make the space safe as possible during this COVID-19 pandemic. They have provided giant HEPA filters in the hallways where the market will be located. There are arrows marking one-way traffic as well as markers on the floor to encourage social distancing. There are also convenient hand-washing stations located in the market\, as well as hand-sanitizing stations. All attendees are encouraged to follow local guidelines for Covid -19 restrictions\, and the wearing of face masks while in the building is mandatory.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/easthampton-winter-farmers-market-2/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210104T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210104T160000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201123T132210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201123T132210Z
UID:35193-1609768800-1609776000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Response\, Recovery\, and Resilience in the MA Local Food System (Discussion Series - Panel 2)
DESCRIPTION:Panel 2: Local Food System Supply Chain: Balancing Safety\, Efficiency\, and Sustainability \nMonday\, January 4 from 2 – 4pm \nFood supply chains were interrupted this spring as stay at home orders took effect\, but local supply chains proved more resilient and adaptable than national and global ones. That adaptation was costly\, though\, requiring expensive infrastructure\, labor-intensive practices\, and navigating through complex regulatory systems. Policy experts and practitioners will discuss how they’ve adapted their practices to ensure food can be safely produced and consumed in their communities\, and will consider possible policy solutions to overcome the obstacles to sustainability. \nSpeakers:\nDr. Sam Wong\, Framingham DPH\nJulia Coffey\, Mass Food Delivery & Sunderland Farm Collaborative\nChuck Currie\, Freedom Food Farm\nCheryl Straughter\, Soleil Boston \nRegister here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/response-recovery-and-resilience-in-the-ma-local-food-system-discussion-series-panel-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20210106T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20210106T150000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201106T041505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201106T041505Z
UID:34951-1609939800-1609945200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Pre-Series Session: “What is Good Data?”
DESCRIPTION:Presented by Julia Shanks \nDates:\nPre-Series Session part I: Wednesday\, January 6th 1:30-3:00pm\nPre-Series Session part II: Friday\, January 8th 1:30-3:00pm \nThis workshop is a pre-series session for the main workshop series “Making Sound Decisions with Good Data and Practical Framework”. It is open to all regardless of attending the main series.  We strongly encourage anyone who is new to financial recordkeeping and analysis or want to refresh their knowledge to attend this session ahead of attending the main series with CISA.  \nYou’ve heard the expression “Garbage in\, garbage out.” You know this in your farm business. If you use low quality seed and soil\, you’ll have low quality crops. The same is true with recordkeeping. If you put garbage into your bookkeeping system\, that’s what you’ll get out. But if you take time and care with your recordkeeping\, then you will have the data you need to make important decisions about your business. \nIn this workshop\, we’ll talk about “good data” – all the things you need to take into consideration as you get ready to analyze your business and make decisions for growth. We will cover: \n\nDifferent types of recordkeeping systems\nHow to organize your financial transactions so you can get the information you need to make decisions\nA framework to think about numbers as you get ready to do seasonal planning.\n\nREGISTER HERE for this pre-series as well as the Farm Decision-Making Workshop Series. \nSee more information here about the Making Sound Decisions with Good Data and Practical Framework series. \nSee here for other CISA winter programs for farmers.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/pre-series-what-is-good-data/
CATEGORIES:CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20210108T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20210110T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201109T194418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201109T194418Z
UID:35088-1610092800-1610298000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:NOFA/Mass Winter Conference (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:In midst of continued pandemic\, we at NOFA/Mass offer our annual Winter Conference virtually this year as a three-day informative\, interactive\, educational hub of happenings – Friday-Sun Jan 8-10\, 2021. #NOFAWC \nPlease Register HERE \nThe event aims to highlight critical\, solutions-oriented work happening state-wide to scaffold food security and to celebrate the resilience of the people of Massachusetts\, embracing and ensuring communal pathways to sustained nourishment – particularly our farmers\, gardeners\, growers and champions of the grassroots organic soil health movement from across the Northeast. Workshop schedule and more information available on our registration site. \nWe are delighted to announce that Greg Watson\, Director of Policy and Systems Design at Schumacher Center for a New Economics\, and Eric Toensmeier\, author of Perennial Vegetables and The Carbon Farming Solution\, will be our keynote speakers. \nABOUT THE CONFERENCE: \nThis coming January\, attendees will have an opportunity to gather\, learn about and connect with the tremendous proactive local efforts around soil health and food security in response to the demands made apparent by the pandemic. \nABOUT NOFA/MASS: \nAbout NOFA/Mass: A member-funded non-profit organization focused on education and advocacy for organic agriculture. Mission: Through education and advocacy NOFA/Mass promotes organic agriculture to expand the production and availability of nutritious food from living soil for the health of individuals\, communities and the planet. NOFA/Mass is the Massachusetts state chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association. Other regional NOFA chapters include New York\, New Jersey\, Rhode Island\, Connecticut\, New Hampshire and Vermont.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/nofa-mass-winter-conference-virtual/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210112T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210112T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210106T131722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210106T131722Z
UID:35481-1610449200-1610452800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Credit East Presents Cybersecurity Awareness Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Cyber scams are at an all-time high. To ensure your information stays secure\, join Farm Credit East for a webinar on Tuesday\, January 12\, at 11 a.m.\, that will cover important cybersecurity tips and information. The webinar is free to attend. \n  \nMichael Levin\, the founder of the Center for Information Security Awareness\, will present this webinar. He will speak about cybersecurity awareness and provide information on how to keep your devices and data safe\, both at home and in your business. This informational session will include tips to keep you on the lookout for the biggest security risks\, as well as the different ways cybercriminals work to steal personal information so that you will be able to prevent and protect yourself from the biggest threats that are on the rise. \n  \nAs we begin the new year\, be sure to join this webinar on January 12 to ensure your data remains secure. Visit FarmCreditEast.com/Webinars to register for this free webinar\, or contact Chris Laughton at (800) 562-2235 or Chris.Laughton@farmcrediteast.com for more information.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-credit-east-presents-cybersecurity-awareness-webinar/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210113T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210113T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201208T201513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201214T193237Z
UID:35305-1610542800-1610557200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:How do I prepare for 2021? Session #1: Better Bookkeeping
DESCRIPTION:COVID Round 2: How do I prepare for 2021? \nJoin The Carrot Project for a four-part training series this winter.\nWe’ll walk you through what you need to be thinking about for adapting and/or growing your business. \nAll sessions will be online beginning at 3PM EST and ending no later than 5 PM \n\nJanuary 13 – Session #1: Better Bookkeeping – For anyone who thinks their bookkeeping could be better:\n\nUnderstand how to track your financial results\, so you have the information you need to evaluate challenges and opportunities.  \nParticipants have access to webinars to understand key concepts and the opportunity to work individually with a business advisor during the 2021 season to help you apply what you learn. \nRegister here. \nQuestions? Email Jeff Cole
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/how-do-i-prepare-for-2021-session-1-better-bookkeeping/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210114T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210114T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210111T172527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210111T172527Z
UID:35534-1610622000-1610625600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Credit East Presents Webinar on the Agricultural Tax Considerations of New COVID-19 Relief Bill
DESCRIPTION:The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 was signed into law in the final hours of 2020. How does this new bill impact agricultural producers? Find out during a free Farm Credit East webinar on Thursday\, January 14\, at 11 a.m. \n  \nFarm Credit East Senior Tax Consultant Dario Arezzo will present this webinar\, digging into some of key tax considerations of the newly signed COVID-19 relief bill that impact agricultural producers. He will discuss topics such as net operating losses for farmers and changes to the employee retention credit and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  \n  \nTo register for this free webinar on January 14\, visit FarmCreditEast.com/Webinars. To stay up-to-date on other important tax information\, subscribe to Farm Credit East’s Today’s Harvest blog at FarmCreditEast.com/TodaysHarvest\, where Dario hosts a monthly column.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-credit-east-presents-webinar-on-the-agricultural-tax-considerations-of-new-covid-19-relief-bill/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210114T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210114T160000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201123T132416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201123T132416Z
UID:35195-1610632800-1610640000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Response\, Recovery\, and Resilience in the MA Local Food System (Discussion Series - Panel 3)
DESCRIPTION:Panel 3: Strengthening Food Security and Increasing Local Food Access for All   \nThursday\, January 14 from 2 – 4pm \nHunger has increased dramatically in Massachusetts this year as a result of job losses due to the COVID-19 state of emergency – currently around one million people do not have adequate access to food. Emergency food services are stretched thin and access to public benefits programs has been challenging for many who need help affording basic needs for themselves and their families. Policy experts and practitioners will discuss advocacy and on-the-ground work being done to make sure our neighbors are fed\, and we will strategize together on potential new equitable solutions. \nSpeakers:\nLeran Minc\, Project Bread\nLaura Sylvester\, Food Bank of Western Mass\nCasey Burns\, Coalition for Healthy Greater Worcester & Worcester Food Policy Council\nNorris Guscott\, Lynn Food and Fitness Alliance \nRegister here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/response-recovery-and-resilience-in-the-ma-local-food-system-discussion-series-panel-3/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20210119T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20210119T190000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201106T041500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210107T152932Z
UID:34970-1611075600-1611082800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Basic Farm Financials for Successful Pricing
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever struggled to understand how to successfully price your meat products?  The basis of any profitable business strategy is good record keeping and understanding your costs. Join NC Choices Technical Coordinator Lee Menius as we explore the basics of understanding your farm’s financial goals\, records\, and how to use that understanding to evaluate new enterprises and pricing. \nIn this session we will cover: \n\nDetermining financial goals\nUnderstanding fixed & variable costs\nUnderstanding cash flow versus net worth\nUnderstanding the basics of marketing and selecting farm enterprises\nHow to incorporate all of these to set a pricing structure that works for your operation\n\nThis should lead into the information that participants will need to have and understand for Matt LeRoux’s presentation on the price calculator.\n\nThe next workshop in this series is the Profitable Meat Pricing workshop. See here for more information on this workshop and the Profitable Meat Pricing Workshop. \nSee here for other CISA programs for farmers. \nREGISTER HERE for this workshop and/or the Profitable Meat Pricing Workshop.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/basic-farm-financials-for-successful-pricing/
CATEGORIES:CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210120T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210120T153000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210111T173002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210111T173002Z
UID:35536-1611151200-1611156600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Local Wood: Grow\, Build\, Live Webinar Series    ... Tree to Table
DESCRIPTION:Local Wood: Grow\, Build\, Live Webinar Series \nMassachusetts Woodlands Institute*\, Northern Woodlands\, and New England Forestry Foundation present the Local Wood: Grow\, Build\, Live webinar series. Join us as we explore examples of how to grow\, build\, and live with beautiful and sustainable local wood products at different scales—from furniture to homes to institutional buildings. \n\nJanuary 20th\, 2pm-3:30: Tree to Table\nFebruary 24th\, 2pm-3:30: Woods to Home\nMarch 17th\, 2pm-3:30:  Forests to Cities\n\n*The Massachusetts Woodlands Institute is a subsidiary of Franklin Land Trust \nTree to Table  \nOn January 20th from 2:00-3:30pm we will hear an in-depth account of the design processes and sustainability considerations that went into creating a set of custom tables from local\, sustainably harvested wood. Mitch Ryerson\, a master carpenter and Professor of Sustainable Furniture Design at MassArt\, will tell the story of how his students developed a set of conference tables for New England Forestry Foundation\, from wood sourced from local forests managed according to the organization’s Exemplary Forestry standards. The discussion will explore the connections between sustainable forestry and craft woodworking\, giving us insight into how local wood can be used to create beautiful and sustainable goods to meet the challenges we face from global climate change. We will hear from Mitch about the features and details of the tables; the creative and prototyping processes the MassArt class engaged in to design them. Together with Massachusetts Woodlands Institute Executive Director Emily Boss\, we will then talk about the growth and harvesting practices used for hardwoods in New England\, and the positive climate benefits of forests\, forestry\, and furniture making. \nRegistration link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hCEKyeBbQZqXb-u6FqSPeg
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/local-wood-grow-build-live-webinar-series-tree-to-table/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210121T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210121T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210114T164046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210114T164046Z
UID:35704-1611234000-1611237600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Credit East Presents 2021 Dairy Outlook Webinar
DESCRIPTION:COVID-19 had large impacts on schools and foodservice markets in 2020\, causing complications for the dairy industry. Join Farm Credit East and guest presenter\, Dr. Chris Wolf of Cornell University\, for a look at what 2021 may have in store for the dairy industry. This webinar is free to attend\, and will take place on Thursday\, January 21 at 1 p.m. \nDr. Wolf will give an overview of the economy\, changes to milk and production sales\, dairy markets around the world\, and other factors that may influence the coming year for dairy producers in the Northeast. \nVisit FarmCreditEast.com/Webinars to register for this free webinar\, or contact Chris Laughton at (800) 562-2235 or Chris.Laughton@farmcrediteast.com for more information.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-credit-east-presents-2021-dairy-outlook-webinar/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210123T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210123T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210111T174410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210111T183457Z
UID:35542-1611396000-1611403200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:All the Best About Blueberries - a Virtual Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Mass Aggie Seminars 2021\nAll the Best About Blueberries – a Virtual Workshop \nBlueberries are among the most popular fruits to grow in the home garden. They are healthful and well suited to grow in our New England conditions Come learn the basics for pruning blueberries for your home landscape. \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 mass_aggie_mail_in.pdf\, 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.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/all-the-best-about-blueberries-a-virtual-workshop/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210127T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210127T170000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201208T201615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201214T193205Z
UID:35307-1611759600-1611766800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:How do I prepare for 2021?  Session #2: Adaptation
DESCRIPTION:COVID Round 2: How do I prepare for 2021? \nJoin The Carrot Project for a four-part training series this winter.\nWe’ll walk you through what you need to be thinking about for adapting and/or growing your business. \nAll sessions will be online beginning at 3PM EST and ending no later than 5 PM \n\nJanuary 27 – Session #2: Adaptation – For those who have been in business for at least one season:\n\nPractice creating a plan that is the right path for you in these tumultuous times.   \nParticipants have access to webinars to understand key concepts and the opportunity to work individually with a business advisor during the 2021 season to help you apply what you learn. \nRegister here. \nQuestions? Email Jeff Cole
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/how-do-i-prepare-for-2021-session-2-adaptation/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20210127T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20210127T180000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201105T202500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210107T161551Z
UID:35042-1611763200-1611770400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Main Series: Making Sound Decisions with Good Data and Practical Framework
DESCRIPTION:Presented by Crystal Stewart-Courtens\, Stevie Schafenacker\, and Rose Wilson \nSeries Dates:\nSession 1: Wednesday\, January 27th 4-6pm\nSession 2: Wednesday\, February 3rd\, 4-6pm\nSession 3: Wednesday\, February 10th\, 12:30-2:30pm\nSession 4: Wednesday\, February 17th\, 12:30-2:30pm\nCohort Gathering: March 10th\, 12:30-2:30pm \nThe main series will focus on the “practical framework” needed to make sound decisions. Rose Wilson\, Stevie Schafenacker\, and Crystal Stewart combine concepts of Whole Farm Planning\, financial analysis\, and feasibility study over the course of four sessions\, post session assistance\, and a late winter peer cohort meeting. \nContent in workshop series will be adapted to the needs and experience levels of participants. We will reach out to attendees after registration to get to know your farm and the current challenges you wish to address or opportunities you wish to take advantage. \nSessions 1 & 2: Holistic Management International (HMI) developed a Whole Farm Planning framework that assists farmers with sound decision-making; one that incorporates the diverse factors impacted by our decisions such as social needs\, long-term visions\, and financial health. \nPresenters Crystal Stewart-Cortens and Stevie Schafenacker adapt the core principles of HMI for the first half of the series. In these two sessions we will: \n\nDevelop working values based goals\nPractice Holistic Decision-Making process including testing methods and root cause analysis\nIntroduce the holistic approach to prioritizing financial decisions\nBrainstorm solutions and prioritize next steps for the second half of the session\n\nIn Session 3 we will consider the logistical and financial needs to determine the feasibility of actions prioritized in the first half of the series: What questions need to be asked to assess whether an action is feasible? Where and how to find the answers? And what to do with the data? Presenter Rose Wilson will introduce an excel financial workbook designed originally for the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board Farm Viability Program that can be used to store data and create scenarios to test various actions. \nIn Session 4\, utilizing the financial workbook\, we will begin assessing whether the idea is feasible and continue an iterative process of evaluating next steps or what changes need to be made after an initial assessment. \nAfter Session 4\, participants will take what was learned and work from home with their other farm managers and decision-makers to move forward with their current scenario (or a new one). With the presenters\, we will identify next steps and determine if one on one support is needed. We will gather together again in March to share progress and receive small group peer feedback. \nREGISTER HERE. \nSee more information here about the Making Sound Decisions with Good Data and Practical Framework series.\nSee here for other CISA winter programs for farmers.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/main-series-making-sound-decisions-with-good-data-and-practical-framework/
CATEGORIES:CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210130T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210130T123000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210111T183625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210111T184902Z
UID:35555-1612000800-1612009800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Growing & Pruning Grapes - a Virtual Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Mass Aggie Seminars 2021\nGrapes are one of the most universally enjoyed fruits available. Many of the new varieties have excellent taste\, are winter hardy\, and can make excellent wine. Grapes are fun to grow but present some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is knowing how to correctly prune them. Join Dr. Petit to learn all about this marvelous fruit! \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 mass_aggie_mail_in.pdf\, 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.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/growing-pruning-grapes-a-virtual-workshop/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210130T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210130T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210125T142653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210125T142653Z
UID:35889-1612002600-1612008000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:The Five Risky Decisions That Defined Our Lives
DESCRIPTION:The Five Risky Decisions That Defined Our Lives \n43 years ago Jack Kittredge and Julie Rawson were a young couple working and starting a family in Dorchester\, MA. During the next few years we made five risky decisions that changed our life paths and created Many Hands Organic Farm in Barre. \nIn the past year (2020) many volunteers have come from the city to work on our farm and expressed an interest in doing something similar. We thought it might be interesting to share what we did\, the difficulties it presented and the chances we took\, and how it ended up working for us to build our community oriented energy conscious house\, homestead and working organic farm. \nWe will be presenting our story on January 30\, 2021\, from 10:30 to noon\, at the farm and via Zoom. Stick around for a pot luck lunch if you like\, right at the end of the workshop.  Register at bit.ly/MHSCWorkshop1
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/the-five-risky-decisions-that-defined-our-lives/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210201T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210201T163000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210125T181602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210125T181602Z
UID:35903-1612191600-1612197000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Balance\, Health\, and Passion: Strategies by Farmers\, for Farmers (2-part session)
DESCRIPTION:Balance\, Health\, and Passion: Strategies by Farmers\, for Farmers (2-part session)\nFebruary 1 & February 8\, 2021\, from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. via Zoom \n[registration link] \nFor many farmers\, the work is never done. Even in these quieter ‘off-season’ months for those of us in the Northeast region\, the ‘to-do’ list is long. When work always calls\, it can be hard to carve out time to take care of ourselves and reconnect with the passion that led us to farming in the first place. In this virtual session\, several farmers including Jen Salinetti of Woven Roots Farm\, Derek Christianson of Brix Bounty Farm and Deb Habib of Seeds of Solidarity\, will describe some practices they employ to maintain health and wellbeing for themselves and others on the farm\, and how these manifest in their overall approach to farming. The workshop allows ample time for participants to reflect on and share ideas\, questions\, and concerns regarding health\, balance\, and passion on the farm. Participants will leave inspired with strategies that ease some of these real challenges. At the close of this workshop\, participants will be invited to choose an element or value regarding wellbeing from the workshop that resonated\, and gently practice it over the following week. Participants are encouraged to reconvene one week later to reflect on their experiences. \nFacilitator: Deb Habib\, Seeds of Solidarity Farm \nRegistration.  This workshop is for anyone identifying as a farmer or earth worker in the Northeast U.S.*\, urban and rural\, including employees\, interns\, family members\, and partners. This workshop is able to welcome a total of 25 committed participants.  Registrants beyond 25 will be placed on a waitlist and notified if space becomes available. Please register here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/balance-health-and-passion-strategies-by-farmers-for-farmers-2-part-session/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210203T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210203T150000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20201208T201750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201214T193148Z
UID:35310-1612364400-1612364400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:How do I prepare for 2021?  Session #3: Adjusting
DESCRIPTION:COVID Round 2: How do I prepare for 2021? \nJoin The Carrot Project for THE THIRD Part OF A four-part training series this winter.\nWe’ll walk you through what you need to be thinking about for adapting and/or growing your business. \nAll sessions will be online beginning at 3PM EST and ending no later than 5 PM \n\nFebruary 3 – Session #3: Adjusting – For those who have been in business for at least one season:\n\nLearn and practice how to compare your budget (or projections) to what actually happened\, and how to use that information to inform real time responses. \nParticipants have access to webinars to understand key concepts and the opportunity to work individually with a business advisor during the 2021 season to help you apply what you learn. \nRegister here. \nQuestions? Email Jeff Cole
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/how-do-i-prepare-for-2021-session-3-adjusting/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210208T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210208T140000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210114T164921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210114T164921Z
UID:35710-1612789200-1612792800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Navigating the Alphabet Soup of Food Safety
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a 1-hour webinar as an orientation to farm food safety. Resources will be provided to help direct you to the next steps for your farm business\, big or small. Webinar will be for 1 hour. Choose from two dates: February 8\, 2021 at 1:00pm OR March 8\, 2021 at 10:00am. Once registered you will receive a confirmation email with webinar URL. \nRegister here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/navigating-the-alphabet-soup-of-food-safety/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210211T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210211T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T030256
CREATED:20210128T123134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210128T123243Z
UID:35940-1613037600-1613041200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Rural Development Training Webinar: Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG
DESCRIPTION:Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Training Webinar to be held on Thursday\, February 11\, 2021 at 10:00 AM. \nAt the time of the webinar please follow this link to join the Microsoft Teams Live Event. \nRSVP: Jordan.Henault@usda.gov by Thursday\, February 4\, 2021.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/rural-development-training-webinar-value-added-producer-grant-vapg/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR