Make your own wreath! $30 — Outside Montague center, address provided upon registration. Master wreathmaker Emmet Van Driesche of the Pieropan Christmas Tree Farm and Lauren Bruns of Even Break Flowers will teach you how to hand tie a strong, elegant wreath that will last until Valentine’s Day. Cost of workshop includes a mix of […]
Join us to learn about the financial assistance available to help farms cope with 2016 losses and plan for the future. This workshop will discuss the direct financial compensation for losses available through USDA-FSA disaster assistance programs; funding available from USDA-NRCS and MDAR; new insurance options like Whole Farm Revenue Protection; and low-interest loan programs. […]
The Carrot Project is excited to announce Deepening Roots, Growing Success, a business training program for current or aspiring urban farmers and locally-sourced food processing business operators. Training is open to ALL, not just Boston residents. The training program will kick off with a Saturday Intensive Crash Introduction to the world of growing, sourcing, and […]
Why Shop Local is the brainchild of Jasper Lapienski, a Northampton resident who has no affiliation with Serio’s Market other than as a customer. Jasper grew up in Amherst and has lived in Northampton since 2009. Jasper has been bringing our community together for a cause ever since, organizing for peace with the Northampton Committee to […]
The Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Human Food FDA regulation is intended to ensure safe manufacturing/processing, packing and holding of food products for human consumption in the United States. The regulation requires that certain activities must be completed by a “preventive controls qualified individual” who has “successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls.” This course developed by the FSPCA is the “standardized curriculum” recognized by FDA; successfully completing this course is one way to meet the requirements for a “preventive controls qualified individual.” To complete the course, a participant must be present for the entire workshop and participate in the exercises. Click here to register!
Attention Growers! Leave winter school ready for a Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP) audit and the peace of mind that you are prepared to handle the requirements of: the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), EPA Worker Protection Standards (WPS), Nutrient Management Regulations, and changes in Employment Law. Get up to date on research and IPM practices […]
Julia Shanks Food Consulting offering a new program for beginning and experienced farmers… The Farmer’s Edge. This is a year-long course designed to give farmers the skills and tools needed to cultivate financially sustainable businesses. Whether you struggle to understand the economics of your business or just want to increase your farm’s profitability, this course […]
Do you ever run out of ideas for cooking with winter vegetables like beets, carrots, squash, turnips and celeriac? Many of our local farms grow and store vegetables so they are abundant throughout the winter months, but home cooks sometimes tire of them. From soups to souffles, to hearty salads and baked treats, the possibilities […]