Learn what it takes to launch a new value-added product, and get inspiration from seasoned producers. Joanna Benoit from the Western MA Food Processing Center will discuss key product considerations, regulations, and start-up costs, and a panel of producers will share their experiences assessing opportunities, refining recipes, getting funding, developing infrastructure, and more.
Get tips on marketing your value-added product and refining your business model to meet your long-term goals. A panel of producers -- including Abe Hunrichs of Hosta Hill, Nicole Blum of Carr's Ciderhouse, and Jessica Tudryn Wisniewski of Relish the Harvest -- will share how they branded their products, evaluated and developed markets, set goals, arrived at their current marketing plan, and faced challenges and successes along the way.
This presentation will explore how fruit can be incorporated into an edible landscape setting. We’ll talk about common fruit like strawberries and blueberries and also more unusual fruit like Aronia and Lingonberries. Participants will learn what these plants can contribute to a home landscape and what it takes to grow them successfully. The end of the class we will tour the UMass Permaculture Garden.
Led by Ms. Sonia Schloemann.
Simple Gifts will be raising the barn for their new farmstand on Saturday! Come and see the lock-n-log pieces go up together into a beautiful new structure. They will be serving hot dogs, french fries, and maybe parsnip fries (we are still trying to figure out some details about making parsnip fries). There will be salad greens and other farm produce for sale, and it would be an excellent time to sign up for a farm share or a market card!
Little Brook Farm Camp is a children’s educational program that takes place on a small family farm in Sunderland. The farm owner and camp director is a DOE certified educator and Registered Nurse. Children at camp will have the opportunity to learn about livestock and sustainable agriculture. Campers start each day by helping with morning […]
The snow is melting and CISA invites you to come make fresh connections and build new relationships. This networking event is all about showing off your goods and offering prepared samples of your products — anything from meats and cheeses to spreads, beverages, and sliced produce. Buyers, bring your shopping list! Each attendee will have […]
The GARDEN Project 2017 is a partnership among Greenfield Community College, Montague Catholic Social Ministries, NELCWIT, and Seeds of Solidarity through a grant from the Women's Fund of WMass. Instructors of the four courses that comprise the program seek to create an engaging, inclusive setting with trauma-informed teaching. This is the 3rd year of this successful program and it will be located in Orange Center, so North Quabbin women are especially encouraged, but feel free to share with women throughout Franklin County. Women must take all four courses- these form the whole experience. Women who complete the program are then eligible for a free Serv-Safe course in Spanish or English!
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) are hosting a SNAP retailer sign-up day to get you ready to accept SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) at your farm stand, farmers’ market booth, and through your CSA program. USDA, DTA and MDAR staff will be on site to assist […]