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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180402T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180402T113000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180328T211159Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180328T211826Z
UID:26948-1522663200-1522668600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:HIP Suspension Regional Meeting
DESCRIPTION:The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) are holding regional meetings for our HIP partners and retailers. In February\, you received notification from DTA regarding the upcoming suspension of the Healthy Incentives Program. We know that the HIP suspension impacts retailers in a more nuanced manner and hope these regional meetings can provide you with more information and resources to better equip you at your markets when dealing with customers during the suspension. \nBelow are the dates\, times and locations for each regional meeting. Please RSVP at the links below as soon as possible. \nAgenda: \n\nWelcome and Introductions\nTools/Resources to communicate the HIP suspension effectively\nBest practices you or your agency have developed to assist you during the HIP suspension\nMaterial Swap\nPlease submit any materials ahead of time to DTA.HIP@state.ma.us using “Regional Meetings Material Swap” in the subject line.\nUpdates on Points of Contact for future inquiries\nQ & A\n\nPlease Note: As outlined in the communication you received in February\, the Departments will provide more information regarding the status of HIP as that information becomes available. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the HIP suspension. It is unlikely we will have any updates beyond that. \nThank you to our community partners for assistance in planning the meetings: Central Mass Grown\, CISA\, Berkshire Grown\, Northeast Harvest\, SEMAP\, Cape Cod Buy Fresh Buy Local\, and the City of Boston\, Office of Food Access. \nDates and Locations: Please RSVP through the links: \n\nBoston\, March 28\, 10:00 am – 11:30 am\, BCYF Tobin Center – 2nd Floor Conference Room\, 1481 Tremont St.\, 02120 (by the Roxbury Crossing Orange Line stop)\nHolyoke\, April 2\, 10:00 am – 11:30 am\, Holyoke Public Library\, 250 Chestnut St.\, 01040\nWorcester\, April 2\, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm\, Worcester Public Library\, Saxe Room\, 3 Salem St\, 01608\nLenox\, April 3\, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\, Lenox Community Center\, 65 Walker St\,01240\nTopsfield\, April 5\, 9:30 am – 11:00 am: Topsfield Fairgrounds Bee Building\, 207 Boston St\, 01983\nHyannis\, 4/9\, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm\, Hyannis Golf Course 1800 Iyannough Rd\, 02601\nDartmouth\, 4/9\, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: UMass Dartmouth School of Law\, Larkin Moot Court Room\, 333 Faunce Corner Rd.\, Dartmouth 02747\nConference Call: April 11th \, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/hip-suspension-regional-meeting/
LOCATION:Holyoke Public Library\, 250 Chestnut Street\, Holyoke\, MA\, 01040\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180402
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180406
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180307T165800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180307T165800Z
UID:26794-1522627200-1522972799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Food Justice Certified Training
DESCRIPTION:The Agricultural Justice Project will hold a three day training for Food Justice Certification (FJC) for reviewers and inspectors in Deerfield\, MA\, April 2 – 5\, 2018 at Woolman Hill Conference Center.  Please register now to participate!  The training is for organic certification staff\, organic inspectors and representatives of worker organizations who would like to participate in implementing Food Justice Certification on farms and food businesses across North America. Registration forms are due by March 15\, 2018. \nThe Food Justice Certified standards address: \n\nFair prices for farmers negotiated with buyers and based on actual costs to produce food that does not abuse the environment\, laborers or livestock\,\nLiving wages\, respect and decent working conditions for all food workers\nTransparency of expectations for workers\, farmers and their trade partners\,\nGrievance procedures and conflict resolution free from retaliation\nProtections for children from hazards and assured access to schooling\,\nAccess to healthcare and freedom from exposure to toxic materials\,\nThe right to organize for farmworkers and for farmers and other food system workers\,\nClosing the income gap between highest and lowest paid employees within a company.\n\nFind more info here
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/food-justice-certified-training/
LOCATION:Woolman Hill Retreat Center\, 107 Keets Road\, Deerfield\, MA\, 01342\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180329T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180329T200000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180326T195823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180326T195823Z
UID:26913-1522348200-1522353600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Your Woods and the Values of Trees
DESCRIPTION:Your woods are important to you\, to your community\, and to the environment. Collectively\, the forests of Massachusetts provide us with many benefits\, including purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink\, space for wildlife and people to roam\, wood to build and heat our homes\, plus a beautiful backdrop as we drive along the region’s roads. The woods are a vital part of our quality of life. \nJoin with your neighbors to discuss: \n\nstrategies to keep woods as woods for the long-term\npotential cash from a timber sale\, and challenges too\ndiscuss changes after a tree cutting\, how the land looks and\nimplications for wildlife\n\nThese programs are for you if you are a woodland owner\, forest products professional\, or community member who cares about the woods. Let’s learn from each other. Pie\, coffee and other light refreshments will be served. Both programs are free and open to the public. \nThursday\, March 29th\n6:30 to 8:00 pm\nBelchertown Town Hall\, 2 Jabish Street \nThursday\, April 5th\n6:30 to 8:00 pm\nBarre Senior Center\, 557 South Barre Road Barre \nThese programs feature presentations by\, and discussion with: \n\nA local landowner who is actively managing their forested land will talk about their experience.\nRon Rich\, a professional logger and chairman of the Barre\, Massachusetts Conservation Commission.\nDoug Hutcheson\, Service Forester for Massachusetts Division of Conservation and Recreation.\nAnd conservation professionals from your local land trust who will be on hand to provide information about land conservation options for those who are interested.\n\nFor more information: Contact Ed Hood of the MassConn Sustainable Forest Partnership at ehood@opacumlt.org or by leaving a message at 508-347-9144\, ext. 2 or Cynthia Henshaw at chenshaw@EQLT.org or 413-477-8229.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/your-woods-and-the-values-of-trees/
LOCATION:Belchertown Town Hall\, 1 South Main Street\, Belchertown\, MA\, 01007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180329T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180329T193000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180307T204751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180320T144710Z
UID:26809-1522341000-1522351800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Workshop: How to Create a Content Strategy that Increases Customer Awareness and Drives Sales
DESCRIPTION:In today’s over-saturated digital media landscape\, how can you reach new audiences while cultivating loyal followers\, communicate your distinction\, and develop effective messaging that will inspire customers to keep coming back? The answer is to focus on a content marketing strategy that works for your business. In this workshop\, Robin Catalano will look at the main digital communication channels—websites\, blogs\, social media\, and email—and explain which types of content perform best on each. We’ll also cover how to create a marketing calendar that will take the guesswork out of posting and streamline your workflow\, posting frequency\, and timing\, as well as SEO basics that you can start implementing today. Dinner will be provided. The cost of this workshop is $10 and we ask that you please RSVP to Devon Whitney-Deal at devon@buylocalfood.org or call 413-665-7100\, ext. 22. \n\n \n\n\n\nRegister for Workshop\n\n\nMarch 29: Content Strategy $10.00 USD\n\n\nEnter name(s) of attendees:
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/how-to-create-a-content-strategy-that-increases-customer-awareness-and-drives-sales/
LOCATION:Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center Room 302
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180327T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180327T210000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180207T214456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180207T214559Z
UID:26571-1522173600-1522184400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Create a Farm Marketing Plan to Achieve Your Sales Goals
DESCRIPTION:Marketing can help you decide what to grow or produce\, choose where and how you want to sell it\, differentiate yourself from other farmers\, and make effective use of social media and other marketing tools. Learn the basics to doing your own direct marketing or supervising someone else. This series of 4 workshops is designed as a complete direct marketing class\, but you can register for as many as you like. Sessions will include guest speakers\, handouts\, discussions and in-class exercises. \nSession 2: Create a Farm Marketing Plan to Achieve Your Sales Goals (3/27/2018) \nLearn how to create a simple marketing plan that will help you reach your sales goals. We’ll review product\, pricing\, and distribution options and discuss the design\, promotion\, and people you’ll need to implement your plan. Participants will receive and learn to use a marketing plan worksheet to map out your strategies. A guest consultant who works with farms will discuss how to create sales forecasts that integrate with your marketing plan. \nGuest Speaker: Julia Shanks\, Julia Shanks Food Consulting \nInstructors: \nMyrna Greenfield\, founder and “Top Egg” at Good Egg Marketing\, provides expert marketing for good food and good causes. Good Egg helps businesses increase sales and build customer loyalty through brand development\, sales and marketing strategies\, websites\, and social media. Greenfield is a frequent speaker\, trainer and workshop presenter. She holds an MBA from the Simmons School of Management and lives in Boston\, Massachusetts. \nJustin Chase\, Farmer Training Program Manager at New Entry Sustainable Farming Project. Justin is also a twelfth-generation farmer on his family’s farm in Newburyport\, Massachusetts. He was faculty at Northern Essex Community College where he taught business and advanced mathematics and he holds an MBA from Bentley University. \nFunding for this Direct Market Education series was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through Grant Agreement No. 16FMPPMA0047. Its 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/workshop-create-a-farm-marketing-plan-to-achieve-your-sales-goals/
LOCATION:The Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine\, 200 Westboro Road\, North Grafton\, MA 
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180322T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180322T183000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180308T223418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180308T223418Z
UID:26821-1521736200-1521743400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Mass Farmers' Markets Association Annual Meeting
DESCRIPTION:The Annual Meeting for the Mass Farmers Markets Association will be held on March 22nd\, 2018 at the Hogan Campus Center at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester from 4:30 – 6:30pm. \nThe Annual Meeting will include a recap of MFM’s activities over the past year along with a review of forward-looking plans and a celebration of Mass Farmers Markets’ 40th Anniversary. Election of the Board of Directors will also take place. All are welcome to attend this free event. \nThe Annual Meeting will immediately follow the Farmers Market Managers Professional Development Seminar. For more information on the seminar and the annual meeting\, click here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mass-farmers-markets-association-annual-meeting/
LOCATION:The Hogan Center: College of the Holycross\, Worcester\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180322T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180322T180000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20171204T182700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20181108T133137Z
UID:25999-1521730800-1521741600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Workshop: Improving Workplace Communication
DESCRIPTION:(THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CHANGED TO MARCH 22ND) \nDevelop effective communication tools and explore strategies to improve our relationships with\, and the well-being of farm employees. Presenter\, Mary Jo Dudley of the Cornell Farmworker Program will address how to create a positive workplace and reduce communication misunderstandings including tips and tools for employers of foreign born farmers. Based on the extensive work of the Cornell Farmworker Program in capacity building for foreign-born farmworkers. \nLocation: Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center Room 301\, 303 Homestead Avenue\nPresenter: Mary Jo Dudley\, Cornell University and Director of Cornell Farmworker Program  \n\n \n\n\n\nRegister for Workshop\n\n\nMarch 22: LH Member $15.00 USDMarch 22: non-LH Member $18.00 USDMarch 22: Additional Attendee $5.00 USD\n\n\nEnter name(s) of attendees:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nThis workshop is part of the CISA Winter Workshop Series:  \nPolicies Practices\, and People\nFarmers and related business owners and operators\, you are invited to participate in CISA’s seven-workshop series “Labor Management: Policies\, Practices and People” beginning January 2018. \nA well rounded farm operation needs to be a positive workplace that meets the needs and expectations of managers and employees. Addressing the issues of ethical management\, staff retention\, and effective communication and training tools\, this series’ topics span the needs of multiple farm audiences. Whether you are new to farm employment or looking for advanced methods to improve staff management and workplace culture\, these workshops will provide tools for a productive\, healthy\, and just workplace that improves farm operations. Examples in the workshops will be farm related\, but the skills and methodology will be relevant to all businesses. \nBy participating in at least three workshops\, you will be eligible to receive a one-on-one consultation to improve your staff management and operations. \nThe cost to attend the whole series is $75\, or $15 for each individual workshop. Food will be provided at each session. If cost is a barrier to your participation\, please feel free to contact Stevie to discuss options—we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. Scholarships may be available. \nContact Stevie Schafenacker via email or at (413) 665-7100\, ext. 27 for more information. \nTranslation services may be provided upon request. \nFunding for CISA’s Winter Workshop Series is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/National Institute of Food and Agriculture under award 2016-70017-25423\, USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through grant USDA-AMS-SCBGP-2016\, USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 16FMPPMA0002\, and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/cisa-workshop-improving-workplace-communications/
LOCATION:Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center Room 301\, 303 Homestead Ave\, Holyoke\, 01040
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180321T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180321T200000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180206T190628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180306T152416Z
UID:26563-1521655200-1521662400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:RESCHEDULED: Next Generation of Farmers Gathering
DESCRIPTION:This event was originally scheduled for March 7th. It has been rescheduled for March 21st due to snow. \nOrganized by farmers\, for farmers. \nOn Wednesday\, March 21st at 6:00pm the Greenfield Farmers Cooperative Exchange will host an event for farmers who are carrying on their family business. The organizers\, who are next generation farm owners themselves\, are creating an opportunity to gather with their peers and collaborate on current needs\, future goals\, and actions to support the continuation of their family farm legacies. \nThis event is intended to form a network of support and resources among those who may be returning to their own family farm\, taking on leadership roles at their family farm\, or stepping out on their own. Young and beginning operators and managers are encouraged to attend! \nCISA is proud to support this event. It is a great opportunity for future generations to continue their farming legacy and keep the family business viable for many years to come. \nFor more information and the RSVP\, contact Jeff Budine at Greenfield Farmers Cooperative Exchange – farmers@crocker.com or 413-773-9639. \nThis event is co-organized by Tessa White-Diemand of Diemand Farm\, Greenfield Farmers Cooperative\, Hardwick Farmers Co-op\, and Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture\, with support from Local Hero “next generation” farmers.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/next-generation-of-farmers-gathering/
LOCATION:Greenfield Farmers Cooperation\, 269 High St.\, Greenfield\, MA\, 01301\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180320T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180320T210000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180207T213042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180207T215830Z
UID:26569-1521568800-1521579600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Use Market Research to Guide Farm Business Decisions
DESCRIPTION:Marketing can help you decide what to grow or produce\, choose where and how you want to sell it\, differentiate yourself from other farmers\, and make effective use of social media and other marketing tools. Learn the basics to doing your own direct marketing or supervising someone else. This series of 4 workshops is designed as a complete direct marketing class\, but you can register for as many as you like. Sessions will include guest speakers\, handouts\, discussions and in-class exercises. \nSession 1: Use Market Research to Guide Farm Business Decisions (3/20/2018) \nIf you want to grow your business\, you need to sell more to your existing customers\, sell to new customers\, and/or expand the number of products or services you offer. Market research can help you generate new ideas and choose the best options. This session will show you how to use basic market research to assess market trends\, understand your current or potential customers\, and decide what products\, prices and channels make sense for your farm. Participants will receive and learn to use a worksheet to profile the demographics\, interests\, and needs of your target customers. A guest speaker will discuss how to sell to wholesale and institutional markets. \nGuest Speaker: Simca Horwitz\, Mass. Farm to School Project \nFind more info and register here \nInstructors: \nMyrna Greenfield\, founder and “Top Egg” at Good Egg Marketing\, provides expert marketing for good food and good causes. Good Egg helps businesses increase sales and build customer loyalty through brand development\, sales and marketing strategies\, websites\, and social media. Greenfield is a frequent speaker\, trainer and workshop presenter. She holds an MBA from the Simmons School of Management and lives in Boston\, Massachusetts. \nJustin Chase\, Farmer Training Program Manager at New Entry Sustainable Farming Project. Justin is also a twelfth-generation farmer on his family’s farm in Newburyport\, Massachusetts. He was faculty at Northern Essex Community College where he taught business and advanced mathematics and he holds an MBA from Bentley University. \nFunding for this Direct Market Education series was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through Grant Agreement No. 16FMPPMA0047. Its 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/workshop-use-market-research-to-guide-farm-business-decisions/
LOCATION:The Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine\, 200 Westboro Road\, North Grafton\, MA 
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180313
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180316
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180215T212909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180215T212909Z
UID:26632-1520899200-1521158399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Preventive Controls for Human Food Certification Training
DESCRIPTION:Under the Food Safety Modernization Act\, or FSMA\,certain activities must be completed by a “preventive controls qualified individual” who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventative controls\, intended to ensure safe manufacturing\, processing\, packing\, and holding of food products for human consumption. This course meets the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA-successfully completing this course is one way to meet the requirements to become a preventive controls qualified individual. This is a 20 hour (2.5 day) training and the cost is $595 per person. You can register here. \nFor more information on whether or not you should attend this training\, contact Amanda Kinchla at UMass Extension or call 413-545-1017.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/preventive-controls-for-human-food-certification-training/
LOCATION:UMass Amherst\, Amherst\, MA\, 01003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180308T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180308T210000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180228T211032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180228T211259Z
UID:26725-1520528400-1520542800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Bella Foodie at Iron Duke Brewing
DESCRIPTION:Stop by to try Bar Bites by Bella Foodie\, enjoy a raffle\, and try an excellent selection of locally brewed beer from Iron Duke!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/bella-foodie-at-iron-duke-brewing/
LOCATION:Iron Duke Brewing\, 100 State Street #122\, Ludlow\, MA\, 01056\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180306T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180306T153000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180215T232800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180215T232800Z
UID:26660-1520328600-1520350200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Strategies to Optimize Yield and Quality of Forage on Your Farm
DESCRIPTION:Free registration\, lunch provided. \nPlease join the UMass Extension Crop\, Dairy\, Livestock\, & Equine team for a multi-state collaborative event that focuses on innovations in sustainable forage production\, featuring presentations from several distinguished professors and professionals in the Northeast. Featured \nTopics: Perennial Forage Variety Selection (Dr. Heather Darby\, UVM; Double Cropping: Making Money on Both Ends (Tom Kilcer\, NY); Managing Weeds in Pastures (Dr. Sid Bosworth\, UVM); Estimates of MA Dairy Costs and Returns (Dr. Dan Lass\, UMass); Understanding the Importance of Fiber Digestibility (Rick Kersbergen\, UMaine); Get Your Planter Ready for No-Till (Jeff Sanders\, UVM); Troubleshooting Corn After Cover Crops (Sam Corcoran\, UMass); and Forage Sorghum: The Other Corn Crop (Tom Kilcer\, NY). Please RSVP if you plan on attending to ensure that the event runs smoothly. \nFor questions or to RSVP\, please contact: Alexa Smychkovich\, asmychko@umass.edu; (413) 545 -5221 \nFor more information\, please visit: https://ag.umass.edu/crops-dairy-livestock-equine/events/strategies-to-optimize-yield-quality-of-forage-on-your-farm
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/strategies-to-optimize-yield-and-quality-of-forage-on-your-farm/
LOCATION:UMass Crop & Livestock Research & Education Farm\, 89 River Rd\, South Deerfield\, MA\, 01373\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180305T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180305T150000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20171115T181846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171115T182532Z
UID:25725-1520236800-1520262000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Local Specialty Crop & Local Food Trade Show
DESCRIPTION:The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) is offering our 7th Specialty Crop and Local Food Trade Show. The 2018 Local Food Trade Show is designed to facilitate connections and stimulate business relationships between producers and wholesale buyers of local food\, with a focus on specialty crop food products in Massachusetts. At this event\, buyers will have the unique opportunity to meet nearly 100 farmers and producers who grow and craft some of New England’s finest foods. \nThis event is ideal for restaurants\, retailers and institutional buyers interested in trading with local food suppliers and who desire to buy more locally produced products from growers\, fishermen\, and value added producers from Massachusetts and New England. \nThe Local Specialty Crop Trade Show\, Presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) \nExhibitors will include New England based farmers\, produce distributors and local specialty crop producers (products made with 50% or more specialty crops also qualify). Please view the USDA definition of specialty crops here. This Trade Show is funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant\, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. The deadline to register is February 10\, 2018. Please note that booths may sell out. \nExhibition booths are free for specialty crop farmers + producers. \nSpecialty Crop Farmers and Produers–> REGISTER HERE \nLocal Food Trade Show \nThis trade show is open to all non-specialty crop food producers including meat and dairy farms\, fisheries\, baked goods and other added value producers. \nExhibition booths are $150.00\, $25 Discount for SBN Members \nLocal Food Vendors (Non-Specialty Crop) –> REGISTER HERE \nAttendees + Buyers \nThe Trade Shows will include workshops offering best practice topics around some of the most pressing barriers to specialty crop sales in Massachusetts. One-on-One consultation sessions with industry experts will also be available. \nWho should attend? \nAny wholesale buyers\, who are interested in purchasing Massachusetts or New England-produced food items. These buyers can be supermarkets\, co-ops\, restaurants\, hotels\, resorts\, institutions\, schools\, food processors in search of ingredients\, distributors\, or anyone else interested in local purchasing options.*This event is intended for commercial buyers\, not individual consumers.* \nAdmission is $30\, $10 Discount for SBN Members  \nBuyers & Attendees –> REGISTER HERE
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/local-specialty-crop-local-food-trade-show/
LOCATION:Curry Student Center\, Northeastern University\, 360 Huntington Avenue\, Boston\, MA\, 02115\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180303T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180303T120000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180215T221020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180215T221020Z
UID:26636-1520071200-1520078400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Mass Aggie Fruit Seminar: Edible Landscaping with Fruit
DESCRIPTION:This presentation will explore how fruit can be incorporated into an edible landscape setting. Participants will 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. \nRegister and pay via credit card for this Mass Aggie seminar by clicking here (link is external). You will be taken to a secure RegOnline site where you will be able to choose which seminars you wish to attend and to pay. You will receive an e-mail receipt of your transaction. \nIf you do not wish to register and pay online\, you may print a registration form to mail. Click here\, 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/mass-aggie-fruit-seminar-edible-landscaping-with-fruit/
LOCATION:French Hall\, UMass\, Amherst\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180228T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180228T193000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180215T230139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180215T230139Z
UID:26654-1519839000-1519846200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Get to Know the Springfield Food Policy Council
DESCRIPTION:Learn more about the Springfield Food Policy Council here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/get-to-know-the-springfield-food-policy-council/
LOCATION:Springfield Central Library\, 220 State Street\, Springfield\, MA\, 01103
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180227T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180227T190000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20171204T173452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180219T194612Z
UID:25997-1519747200-1519758000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop: Farmer to Farmer
DESCRIPTION:Join farmers from across the Northeast as we talk about experiences\, successes and challenges in our relationships as managers and people in the broader community of food and agriculture. We will also talk with each other about the future of farmers as managers\, workers\, leaders\, activists\, and family members. \nFarmer Guests: \nBen Dana and Danielle Allen – Root 5 Farm\, Fairlee VT\nAl and Nancy Rose – Red Apple Farm\, Phillipston MA\nJody Bolluyt – Roxbury Farm\, Kinderhook NY \nLocation: World War II Club\, 50 Conz. St. Northampton  \n  \nPrice is slightly less than other Winter Workshops:  \n\n\n \n\n\n\nRegister for Workshop\n\n\n1 Attendee: February 27 $10.00 USD2 Attendee: Feburary 27: $15.00 USD3 Attendee: February 27 $20.00 USD\n\n\nEnter name(s) of attendees:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nAbout the Farms:\nRed Apple Farm:  \nRed Apple Farm is a 4th generation farm established in 1912.  Although once a predominantly apple wholesale operation it is now a diversified direct-marketing farm operation.  The farm grows over 50 varieties of apples\, peaches\, pears\, blueberries\, raspberries\, pumpkins\, and potatoes.  The farm produces and makes a wide assortment of products year-round that include cider donuts\, fudge\, apple crisp\, fresh cider\, etc.  The farm operates and manages four retail locations.  The farm hosts several major events and festivals throughout the year and operates a function barn for private events and farm weddings. \n\nRed Apple Farm is proud to employ 100% local employees.  Many of the employees have family who have been part of the farm for several generations.  In the peak Fall season the farm employs over 100 folks.  The stall at the Boston Public Market has staff of approximately 20 folks while the farm staff at Wachusett Mountain is close to 40.  The farm has a team of 8 year-round managers overseeing different aspect of the operations.  Nancy and Al\, the current generation\, have four kids and live and work full time at the farm.\n\nRoot 5 Farm: \n\nRoot 5 Farm is located in Fairlee\, Vermont. We grow 8 acres of certified organic vegetables and we hire 5 full time employees from March to December. We grow for 175 CSA members\, 2 local grocery stores\, 6 restaurants\, and 2 farmers markets. One of our strategies to maintain happy\, healthy employees is to avoid huge spikes in the workload\, which is a burden on workers and causes burnout. We focus on careful crop planning and season extension so we can spread out the workload and provide consistent work for our employees for 10 months of the year.\n\nRoxbury Farm: \n\nRoxbury Farm is a community supported farm; a partnership between the farmers and the customers.  Through this partnership we can work together to create a food system that works for everyone.   Our customers know where their food comes from and who grows their food.  They have a direct relationship with the farmers and the land.  Our customers trust us to farm in a regenerative way and to produce the freshest and highest quality food possible at a fair price. \nWe have a guaranteed market for our products and we receive a fair price.  This allows us to pay better wages to people working on the farm\, use regenerative farming practices\, raise our livestock humanely\, and to share our farming knowledge with other farmers.  We want our farm to be here for our customers for generations to come. \n\n\n\nThis workshop is part of the CISA Winter Workshop Series:  \nPolicies Practices\, and People\nFarmers and related business owners and operators\, you are invited to participate in CISA’s seven-workshop series “Labor Management: Policies\, Practices and People” beginning January 2018. \nA well rounded farm operation needs to be a positive workplace that meets the needs and expectations of managers and employees. Addressing the issues of ethical management\, staff retention\, and effective communication and training tools\, this series’ topics span the needs of multiple farm audiences. Whether you are new to farm employment or looking for advanced methods to improve staff management and workplace culture\, these workshops will provide tools for a productive\, healthy\, and just workplace that improves farm operations. Examples in the workshops will be farm related\, but the skills and methodology will be relevant to all businesses. \nBy participating in at least three workshops\, you will be eligible to receive a one-on -ne consultation to improve your staff management and operations. \nThe cost to attend the whole series is $75 for Local Hero Members or $15 for each individual workshop. The non-member cost is $95 for the series\, or $18 for each individual workshop. Food will be provided at each session. If cost is a barrier to your participation\, please feel free to contact Stevie to discuss options—we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. Scholarships may be available. \nContact Stevie Schafenacker via email or at (413) 665-7100\, ext. 27 for more information. \nTranslation services may be provided upon request. \nFunding for CISA’s Winter Workshop Series is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/National Institute of Food and Agriculture under award 2016-70017-25423\, USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through grant USDA-AMS-SCBGP-2016\, USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 16FMPPMA0002\, and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/cisa-winter-workshop-farmer-to-farmer/
LOCATION:World War II Club\, 50 Conz Street\, Northampton\, MA\, 01060\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180225T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180225T170000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180110T182442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180110T182442Z
UID:26336-1519549200-1519578000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:SEMAP 2018 Ag & Food Conference
DESCRIPTION:**This event is presented by the Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) and is focused on Bristol\, Plymouth\, and Norfolk counties.** \nMore details about SEMAP’s 2018 conference coming soon\, check back for updates!\nWhether you’re a professional farmer\, a backyard gardener\, or just curious about locally grown food\, this is the event for you! Each year\, the lineup includes workshops for the general public as well as info-packed sessions for farmers and gardeners of all experience levels. \nRegistration includes a locally-sourced lunch and at the Resource Fair you’ll learn about local organizations and businesses that provide services and products to help you grow\, whether you’ve got a hundred acres or a couple of window boxes. \nSNAP Resource Workshop & Retailer Sign-up – Day long Drop-in\, 9:00 am – 5: 00 pm\nConcerned that accepting HIP benefits will be a long and complicated process? SEMAP will be offering a drop-in information session where you can get your farm\, farm stand or farmers market authorized for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)\, SNAP (formerly food stamps)\, and receive your USDA FNS number the very same day! USDA staff will be on site to walk you through the process and assist with your application. Find out about wireless equipment options to process HIP/SNAP payments (as well as credit/debit) and learn about other resources available.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/semap-2018-ag-food-conference/
LOCATION:Bristol County Agricultural High School\, 135 Center Street\, Dighton\, MA\, 02715\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180224T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180224T130000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180215T220232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180215T220232Z
UID:26634-1519470000-1519477200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Grow Food Northampton Seed Swap
DESCRIPTION:On February 24th\, Grow Food Northampton is hosting their 4th annual Seed Swap! The Seed Swap is co-sponsored by Nuestras Raices\, Northampton Winter Farmers Market\, and the Hilltown Seed Saving Network. The Swap will be held at the Northampton Senior Center located on 67 Conz Street in Northampton. Please check out this Facebook event page to learn more and RSVP (but you can come without an RSVP). \nAll are welcomed – you do not need to bring any seeds to participate! \nCome and share the seeds you saved from your garden or have purchased and don’t need.  Pick out seeds for your garden and attend workshops on basic seed saving\, plant breeding\, and indigenous seed saving. Meet other community members that are passionate about gardening and the local food system. \nSuggested minimum donation $5\, cash or check. \nSCHEDULE:\n10:00am to 11:00am – Drop off Seeds at the Seed Swap \n11:00am to 1:00pm – Seed Swap  \nWORKSHOPS:\n10:00am to 11:00am – Intro to Seed Saving with Daniel Botkin of Laughing Dog Farm. Gill\,MA \n11:30am to 12:30pm – Indigenous Seed Keeping with Liz Charlebois\, Abenaki basketmaker and agriculturalist \n11:30am to 12:30pm – Seed Breeding with Tevis Roberston-Goldberg of Crabapple Farm \nKIDS PROGRAM:\n11:00am to 1:00pm – Seed Paper Making. Join Heather Smokler\, our Youth Education Coordinator\, in making homemade recycled paper with seeds that you can take home and plant in your garden! \nThose wishing to drop off seeds before the event can do so on Saturdays at the Northampton Winter Farmers Market at Northampton Senior Services\, 67 Conz Street\, between 9am and 2pm. Please label them with variety names\, collection date\, and information on whether they are open-pollinated or hybrids. \nThank you to River Valley Co-op\,  Amherst Nurseries\, and Bear Path Compost for being Leading “Heirloom” sponsors for this event!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/grow-food-northampton-seed-swap/
LOCATION:Northampton Senior Center\, 67 Conz St\, Northampton\, MA\, MA\, 01060\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180224T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180224T120000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180215T223629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180215T223629Z
UID:26651-1519466400-1519473600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Mass Aggie Seminar: Pruning Grapes
DESCRIPTION:Grapes 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.  Participants will have the opportunity to conduct actual pruning and gain both experience and confidence in pruning and training grapes in order to produce a bountiful crop. We’ll learn about tool maintenance and sharpening\, too.  Bring your own tools or use ours. \nThis workshop will be partially out of doors\, so please dress appropriately for potentially wet\, cold\, and muddy conditions. \nFee: $35. To register\, go to: UMassGarden.com. or mail a check payable to: Mass Aggie Seminars. Attn: Doreen York\, UMass\, 101 French Hall\, Amherst\, MA 1003-9294 \nTo view the full schedule\, go to: UMassGarden.com \nSponsored by: Nourse Farms and OESCO\,Inc..
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mass-aggie-seminar-pruning-grapes/
LOCATION:UMass Cold Spring Orchard\, 391 Sabin St\, Belchertown
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180224T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180224T120000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20171213T182406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171213T182406Z
UID:26092-1519466400-1519473600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Responsible Backyard Beekeeping Series: Increasing Your Hives without Buying Bees
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to sustainably increase the size of your apiary using your own bees without buying more packages or nucs. Some beekeeping experience is recommended. Following this class\, participants are welcome to stay to meet and discuss beekeeping with others. Light refreshments will be provided. Members: $5 Non-members: $10
.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/responsible-backyard-beekeeping-series-increasing-your-hives-without-buying-bees/
LOCATION:Berkshire Botanical Garden\, Route 102 and 183\, Stockbridge\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Berkshire Botanical Garden":MAILTO:info@berkshirebotanical.org	
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180222T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180222T203000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180215T231920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180215T231920Z
UID:26657-1519324200-1519331400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Hunger Forum with Congressman Jim McGovern
DESCRIPTION:Join the Franklin County Young Professionals for a panel discussion to bring awareness to food insecurity in Franklin County. Hear from Congressman Jim McGovern about his work to fight hunger on a federal level as well local leaders that are working every day\, right here\, to ensure food equality for all. \nThis discussion is for and open to the community. \nHear about the proactive work being done from the Community Meals Program\, The Coalition to End Hunger\, Lifepath and Center for Self Reliance Food Pantries. \nPanelists include: \nCongressman Jim McGovern\nAndrea Leibson – Executive Director\, Franklin County Community Meals Program\nJustin Costa – Program Coordinator – Center for Self Reliance Food Pantries/ Franklin County Hunger Task Force\nRoseann Martoccia – Executive Director – Lifepath (Meals on Wheels Program)\nMonte Belmonte – WRSI\, Coalition to End Hunger\, President of the Shea Theater and leader of Monte’s March.\n \nFind more information here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/hunger-forum-with-congressman-jim-mcgovern/
LOCATION:Shea Theater\, 71 Avenue A\, Turners Falls\, MA\, 01376\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180213T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180213T190000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20171204T172934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180105T212956Z
UID:25995-1518537600-1518548400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop: Agriculture Labor Laws
DESCRIPTION:We will cover federal and state labor laws\, including the Fair Labor Standards Act. CLF’s Legal Services Food Hub will present resources for understanding how to comply with regulations\, as well as how laws protect both workers and farm owners. \nLocation: Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center\, Room 303\, 303 Homestead Ave.\, Holyoke\nPresenter: Attorney John S. Gannon\, Skoley Abbott – Springfield\, MA\,  Conservation Law Foundation\, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project \n\n\n \n\n\n\nRegister for Workshop\n\n\nFebruary 13: LH Member $15.00 USDFebruary 13: non-LH Member $18.00 USDWinter Workshop series- LH member $75.00 USDWinter Workshop series- non-LH member $95.00 USD\n\n\nEnter name(s) of attendees:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nSnow Date: March 14 \n\nThis workshop is part of the CISA Winter Workshop Series:  \nPolicies Practices\, and People\nFarmers and related business owners and operators\, you are invited to participate in CISA’s seven-workshop series “Labor Management: Policies\, Practices and People” beginning January 2018. \nA well rounded farm operation needs to be a positive workplace that meets the needs and expectations of managers and employees. Addressing the issues of ethical management\, staff retention\, and effective communication and training tools\, this series’ topics span the needs of multiple farm audiences. Whether you are new to farm employment or looking for advanced methods to improve staff management and workplace culture\, these workshops will provide tools for a productive\, healthy\, and just workplace that improves farm operations. Examples in the workshops will be farm related\, but the skills and methodology will be relevant to all businesses. \nBy participating in at least three workshops\, you will be eligible to receive a one-on-one consultation to improve your staff management and operations. \nThe cost to attend the whole series is $75 for Local Hero Members or $15 for each individual workshop. The non-member cost is $95 for the series\, or $18 for each individual workshop. Food will be provided at each session. If cost is a barrier to your participation\, please feel free to contact Stevie to discuss options—we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. Scholarships may be available. \nContact Stevie Schafenacker via email or at (413) 665-7100\, ext. 27 for more information. \nTranslation services may be provided upon request. \nFunding for CISA’s Winter Workshop Series is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/National Institute of Food and Agriculture under award 2016-70017-25423\, USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through grant USDA-AMS-SCBGP-2016\, USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 16FMPPMA0002\, and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/cisa-winter-workshop-agriculture-labor-laws/
LOCATION:Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center\, Room 303\, 303 Homestead Ave\, Holoyke\, MA\, 01040\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180210T140000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20151223T192825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180207T222854Z
UID:17563-1518256800-1518271200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Amherst Winter Fare
DESCRIPTION:Join CISA at the Amherst Winter Farmers’ Market on February 10 for a special Winter Fare day! A full day of free demos\, activities for kids\, music\, and more\, plus the amazing range of great local food and crafts that await you weekly at this market. \nWorkshops\nAll Day: Sam Coates of Backyard Bread\nBread and pizza samples\, and dough-making and pizza-making demos \nAll Day: Ed Rutledge of the Center for EcoTechnology\nUpcycling craft workshop—making old cabinet doors into home chalkboards \n11am: Matt Kushi of the North Hadley Chili Pepper Company\nGrowing\, and cooking with\, local chili peppers \n12pm: Willie Crosby from Fungi Ally\nGrowing mushrooms at home \nAll Winter Fare events are free\, open to the public\, and do not require an RSVP. Come join us!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/amherst-winter-fare/
LOCATION:Amherst Winter Farmers’ Market\, Hampshire Mall\, 367 Russell St\, Hadley
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180209T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180209T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20171204T171757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180122T185417Z
UID:25991-1518181200-1518192000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop: Developing Farm SOPs and Training Staff
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with MDAR and UMass we will go over how to create and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and how to train your staff as it relates to Food Safety and the Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Gary Gemme of Harvest Farm of Whately will talk about some of his methods for staff training and management. \nLocation: Harvest Farm of Whately\, 125 Long Plain Rd.\, South Deerfield\nPresenter: Lisa McKeag – UMass Extension\, Michael Botelho and Alexandra Hachem – MDAR\, Gary Gemme – Harvest Farm of Whately \n\n \n\n\n\nRegister for Workshop\n\n\nFebruary 9: LH Member $15.00 USDFeburary 9: non-LH Member $18.00 USDWinter Workshop series- LH member $75.00 USDWinter Workshop series- non-LH member $95.00 USD\n\n\nEnter name(s) of attendees:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n \nSnow Date: February 23 \n\nThis workshop is part of the CISA Winter Workshop Series:  \nPolicies Practices\, and People\nFarmers and related business owners and operators\, you are invited to participate in CISA’s seven-workshop series “Labor Management: Policies\, Practices and People” beginning January 2018. \nA well rounded farm operation needs to be a positive workplace that meets the needs and expectations of managers and employees. Addressing the issues of ethical management\, staff retention\, and effective communication and training tools\, this series’ topics span the needs of multiple farm audiences. Whether you are new to farm employment or looking for advanced methods to improve staff management and workplace culture\, these workshops will provide tools for a productive\, healthy\, and just workplace that improves farm operations. Examples in the workshops will be farm related\, but the skills and methodology will be relevant to all businesses. \nBy participating in at least three workshops\, you will be eligible to receive a one-on-one consultation to improve your staff management and operations. \nThe cost to attend the whole series is $75 for Local Hero Members or $15 for each individual workshop. The non-member cost is $95 for the series\, or $18 for each individual workshop. Food will be provided at each session. If cost is a barrier to your participation\, please feel free to contact Stevie to discuss options—we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. Scholarships may be available. \nContact Stevie Schafenacker via email or at (413) 665-7100\, ext. 27 for more information. \nTranslation services may be provided upon request. \nFunding for CISA’s Winter Workshop Series is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/National Institute of Food and Agriculture under award 2016-70017-25423\, USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through grant USDA-AMS-SCBGP-2016\, USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 16FMPPMA0002\, and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/cisa-winter-workshop-developing-farm-sops-and-training-staff/
LOCATION:125 Long Plain Rd.\, South Deerfield\, MA\, 125 Long Plain Rd.\, South Deerfield\, Massachusetts
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180208T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180208T203000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180124T230418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180124T230418Z
UID:26460-1518118200-1518121800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Leah Penniman from Soul Fire Farm
DESCRIPTION:Leah Penniman from Soul Fire Farm is a woman of color\, educator\, farmer\, writer and food justice activist. She will speak about the intersection of Black Lives Matter and food justice\, land and food as tools to end mass incarceration\, and how gender influences this dynamic. \nFind more information here
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/leah-penniman-from-soul-fire-farm/
LOCATION:Amherst College\, 100 Boltwood Ave\, Amherst\, MA\, 01002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180207T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180207T203000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20171213T181915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171213T181915Z
UID:26090-1518028200-1518035400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Herbal Extractions: Making Herbal-Infused Oils\, Vinegars and Tinctures
DESCRIPTION:A hands-on exploration of the world of herbal extractions. Straddle the line between food and medicine. We will learn to make three categories of herbal extractions: infused oils\, infused vinegars\, and tinctures. The class will make a spiced bitters tincture that will serve as both a health-supporting digestive aid and a warming remedy for a cold winter’s day. Supplies Fee $20 Members: $15; Non-Members: $25.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/herbal-extractions-making-herbal-infused-oils-vinegars-and-tinctures/
LOCATION:Berkshire Botanical Garden\, Route 102 and 183\, Stockbridge\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Berkshire Botanical Garden":MAILTO:info@berkshirebotanical.org	
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180206T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180206T170000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20180109T210342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180109T220108Z
UID:26324-1517907600-1517936400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
DESCRIPTION:Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety and the FSMA Produce Safety Rule are invited to attend this course. This course is one way to satisfy the Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in §112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’ \nInstructors Lisa McKeag of UMass Extension and Michael Botelho of the MDAR Commonwealth Quality Program will discuss produce safety best practices\, key parts of the Produce Safety Rule requirements\, and how these requirements will be enforced in MA through MDAR’s Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP). There will be time for questions and discussion\, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. \n\nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nRegistration costs $40\, which includes the required PSA Grower Manual ($50 value)\, a certificate of course attendance from AFDO ($35 value)\, a certificate of attendance from UMass/MDAR\, and lunch and refreshments. This course is co-sponsored by UMass Extension\, MDAR\, and CISA. \nWhat to expect:\n \nParticipants will learn about Good Agricultural Practices\, Produce Safety Rule requirements\, and how to develop a farm food safety plan. The following topics will be covered: \n\nIntroduction to produce safety\nWorker health\, hygiene\, and training\nSoil amendments\nWildlife\, domesticated animals\, and land use\nAgricultural water (used both in production and postharvest)\nPostharvest handling and sanitation\nHow to develop a farm food safety plan\n\nAfter attending the entire course and submitting the appropriate paperwork to instructors\, participants will receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials that verifies they have completed the training course. \n\n\n\n\nFor more information\, contact Lisa McKeag at 413-577-3976.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/psatraining/
LOCATION:Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center\, Room 303\, 303 Homestead Ave\, Holoyke\, MA\, 01040\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180203T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180203T170000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20171213T181609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171213T181609Z
UID:26088-1517666400-1517677200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Cheesemaking at Home
DESCRIPTION:Make a simple cheese in your own kitchen. Learn of the  equipment\, supplies\, and basic techniques used in making most types of cheese. Participants will learn to make 2-3 types of cheese\, including fresh mozzarella from start to finish. Then take home instructions and a set of ingredients to make a batch or two at home. This workshop is for beginners\, and participants will learn by doing. Space is limited. Members: $25 Non-members: $35.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/cheesemaking-at-home/
LOCATION:Berkshire Botanical Garden\, Route 102 and 183\, Stockbridge\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Berkshire Botanical Garden":MAILTO:info@berkshirebotanical.org	
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20180203T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20180203T130000
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20151223T193358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180126T160223Z
UID:17564-1517652000-1517662800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Greenfield Winter Fare
DESCRIPTION:Come on out to the Greenfield Winter Farmers’ Market on February 3 at the Four Corners School for a special Winter Fare day! A full day of free demos\, activities for kids\, music\, and more\, plus the amazing range of great local food and crafts that await you monthly at this market. Come on out and bring a friend! \nWorkshops\nAll Day: Upcycle Your T-Shirts! with Jess Rigollaud \n10am: Cultivating Mushrooms at Home with Paul Lagreze of New England Wild Edibles \n11am: Seed Saving and Heirloom Vegetables with Danny Botkin of Laughing Dog Farm \n12pm: Make Your Own Ghee with Hannah Jacobson-Hardy of Full Moon Ghee \nCISA is also organizing a special Winter Fare day at the Amherst Winter Farmers’ Market on February 10. All Winter Fare events are free\, open to the public\, and do not require an RSVP. Come join us!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/greenfield-winter-fare/
LOCATION:Four Corners School\, 21 Ferrante Avenue\, Greenfield\, MA\, 01301\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Community Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180204
DTSTAMP:20260425T163241
CREATED:20171113T181949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171113T181949Z
UID:25690-1517443200-1517702399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:The Food Project's Winter Institute
DESCRIPTION:Want to Learn About Youth Development and Sustainable Agriculture? \nLearn\, grow\, and connect with your peers from across the country and the world at The Food Project’s Winter Institute from February 1 to 3\, 2018. \nThe Food Project’s three-day Winter Institute is packed with activities\, workshops\, and engaging conversation that will teach you about youth development\, sustainable urban and suburban agriculture models\, food and social justice initiatives\, and how to build more food secure communities. \nThe Winter Institute fills up quickly. Sign up today to secure your spot! \nLearn \n\nThe foundations of youth leader development in the context of farming\, social justice and food access initiatives\nSummer season planning and youth crew design\nHow to build a year-round tiered youth leader development structure to support your work\nWhat it takes to run dynamic farm operations with high school youth\n\nGrow \n\nInspire and support others to create change in their own communities\nWork alongside youth and hear about their work\n\nConnect \n\nIn-depth conversations with The Food Project staff\nEnjoy engaged conversations with Dirt Crew and Root Crew youth\nInteract with and learn from Institute peers\nNetwork with others interested in youth-led sustainable\, local agriculture\n\nCost: $450. Click for more information and to register! \nQuestions? Contact Cindy Davenport via email at institute@thefoodproject.org.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/the-food-projects-winter-institute/
LOCATION:The Food Project\, Greater Boston Area\, MA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
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