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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250410T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250410T160000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250226T173641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T143249Z
UID:49359-1744288200-1744300800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Providing positive and constructive feedback in the farm workplace
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \nJoin CISA and John Henderson of the Employers Association of the Northeast for a workshop exploring the unique challenges faced by farm managers and crew leaders who lead and give direction to their co-workers and staff members. Participants will learn tactics for giving both positive and constructive feedback to improve performance and drive employee engagement. This session will also speak to the unique challenges faced by middle managers who have increased responsibility coupled with limited authority and sometimes perform similar duties as those they lead. In the session\, you will learn to recognize what stops you from sharing feedback and learn tools to move beyond that\, discover ways to include the employee in the feedback process\, and understand the impact that providing effective feedback will have on your team. \n\nDate: Thursday\, April 10th\, 12:30-4pm\nLocation: Hadley Public Library\, 50 Middle Street\nFree | Lunch provided\n\nPlease contact Kristen at kristen@buylocalfood.org or (828) 284-4137 with any questions.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/providing-positive-and-constructive-feedback-in-the-farm-workplace/
LOCATION:Hadley Public Library\, 50 Middle St\, Hadley
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T183000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250307T214525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250310T204346Z
UID:49483-1744131600-1744137000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Soil Health Outcomes in Clover Living Mulch Trials
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \nJoin Lincoln Fishman from Momentum Ag to hear about the results of nearly 50 on-farm trials investigating clover living mulch. Crops ranged from small-scale organic vegetables to small grains to conventional silage corn. \nWe’ll discuss our current thoughts on best management practices for growing cash crops in clover living mulch. \nWe will also look at the soil health test results from these trials. The head of Cornell’s Soil Health Testing Lab\, Bob Schindelbeck\, will join the call to field any farmer questions about how the Lab actually runs its various tests and how their scoring metric is devised. \n\nDate: Tuesday\, April 8th\, 5-6:30pm\nLocation: Remote (Zoom)\n\nContact Stephen at stephen@buylocalfood.org with questions.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/soil-health-outcomes-in-clover-living-mulch-trials/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250402T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250402T150000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250228T203545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T170616Z
UID:49399-1743600600-1743606000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Climate Resilience on Urban Farms: Adapting to Extreme Heat
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \nAs part of our Climate Change & Farming series\, CISA is presenting a webinar on how urban farms can adapt their growing practices to increased and prolonged heat events. In partnership with UMASS Extension Urban Agriculture staff and featuring a panel of urban growers\, the webinar will focus on how growing practices are being adapted\, how other tools like green infrastructure are being used to increase vegetative cover and conserve water\, and how to reduce heat stress on workers and the public that may visit sites. The webinar will also provide an opportunity for participants to share best practices\, and discuss challenges and potential solutions. \n\nDate: April 2nd\, 1:30-3pm ET\nLocation: Remote (Zoom)\n\nContact Molly at molly@buylocalfood.org with questions. \nThis material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/climate-resilience-on-urban-farms-adapting-to-heat-and-extreme-weather/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250331T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250331T190000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250310T184912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T153305Z
UID:49498-1743442200-1743447600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Crowdfunding for farmers: opportunities and challenges
DESCRIPTION:Register here!  \nAs funding uncertainties and extreme weather events continue to rise\, this CISA workshop will help you understand the realistic challenges and opportunities of crowdfunding. Former CISA Executive Director and long-time fundraiser Phil Korman will share tips about when and how to run a crowdfunder\, and the ingredients for success. We’ll also hear from Maggie Toran from Natural Roots about their experience running a GoFundMe emergency fundraiser in 2023. If you want to learn more about crowdfunding\, whether you are considering it or feel unsure about it\, this workshop is for you. Light dinner provided.    \n\nDate: Monday\, March 31st\, 5:30-7pm\nLocation: Sunderland Public Library Community Room\n\nContact Lucy at lucy@buylocalfood.org with questions. \nThis material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/crowdfunding-for-farmers-opportunities-and-challenges/
LOCATION:Sunderland Public Library\, 20 School Street\, Sunderland
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T183000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250306T212828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T213718Z
UID:49461-1743094800-1743100200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farmer Climate Forum: New England Climate Trends\, Soil Hydrology\, and Managing the Effects of Soil Saturation
DESCRIPTION:Click here for more information. \nSean Birkel\, Research Assistant Professor at the University of Maine and the Maine State Climatologist\, will review Maine’s historical temperature and precipitation trends and future climate projections\, and discuss impacts to the growing season. Sean will give an overview of online tools relevant to agriculture\, including growing degree day and precipitation summaries\, frost date estimates\, and other resources. \nJoshua Faulkner\, Director of the UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture\, will discuss general soil and hydrology concepts that relate to drainage and water management in agriculture in the context of extreme rainfall.  He will also address how saturation and soil moisture status can affect nutrient cycling and soil health factors and how those relate to farm management practices. \nTheir presentations will be followed by a facilitated farmer-to-farmer discussion. Come to listen\, share your experiences\, ask questions\, troubleshoot\, and be inspired to make your own farm more resilient. \nThe Climate Forums are brought to you by NOFA-VT and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). \nThis event is one in a three-part series discussing Flooding\, Excess Precipitation\, and Farm Resilience. At the registration link you can choose to attend whichever sessions you wish.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farmer-climate-forum-new-england-climate-trends-soil-hydrology-and-managing-the-effects-of-soil-saturation/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250324T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250324T170000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250313T165413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T165700Z
UID:49519-1742805000-1742835600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:UMass Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \nWho Should Attend: Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety\, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule\, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)\, and co-management of natural resources and food safety. This course will also cover the Massachusetts Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP)\, a voluntary 3rd-party audit program. This training satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement for covered farms that “at least one supervisor or responsible party” completes “food safety training … recognized as adequate” by FDA (21 C.F.R. §112.22(c)). For more information on the Produce Safety Alliance and the Grower Training Course\, click here. \nWhen: Monday\, March 24 (Southbridge)\, 8:30am – 5:00pm \nWhere: See details below \nRegistration: Cost is $50 for each program and includes the required PSA Grower Manual ($60 value)\, a Certificate of Course Attendance from AFDO ($35 value)\, and lunch and refreshments. See below for individual registration links. \nThis program is co-hosted by UMass Extension\, the MDAR Produce Safety Program and New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (Beverly training). \nQuestions? Contact Lisa McKeag\, lmkeag@umass.edu\, 413-658-8631
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/umass-produce-safety-alliance-grower-trainings/
LOCATION:Wellsworth Hotel\, 14 Mechanic St\, Southbridge\, MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T203000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250306T190432Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T213843Z
UID:49449-1742322600-1742329800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:FCCPR Hosting Town Hall with Congressman Jim McGovern
DESCRIPTION:U.S. Congressman\, Jim McGovern\, on his 14th annual farm tour \nU.S. Congressman Jim McGovern will hold a Town Hall\, open to the general public\, on Tuesday\, March 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Greenfield Middle School\, 195 Federal Street. Doors will open at 6:00.   \nCISA has been invited to submit questions about federal impacts on local farms for this event. \nThe Town Hall has been organized by Franklin County Continuing the Political Revolution (FCCPR).  The Congressman will make some opening remarks\, addressing the crisis in our democracy and its impact on his constituents\, including veterans\, farmers\, and people relying on the social safety net.  There will be lots of time for questions from the audience. \nSusan Triolo\, a member of FCCPR’s Coordinating Committee said\, “At a time when many Republicans in Congress are refusing to meet with their constituents\, we are pleased that our Congressman so quickly accepted our invitation to speak with us here in Franklin County. We look forward to hearing his perspectives on the current crisis and what sorts of creative and powerful actions he and we can take to preserve Social Security\, Medicare and all the governmental programs we depend on.” \nCongressman McGovern represents Massachusetts Congressional District 2 which includes 68 towns of which 22 are in Franklin County: Ashfield\, Bernardston\, Buckland\, Colrain\, Conway\, Deerfield\, Erving\, Gill\, Greenfield\, Heath\, Leverett\, Leyden\, Montague\, New Salem\, Northfield\, Orange\, Shelburne\, Shutesbury\, Sunderland\, Warwick\, Wendell\, and Whatley.  He has been in Congress since 1997 and is the ranking member of the House Rules Committee and the Senior Member of the House Committee on Agriculture\, Subcommittee on Nutrition\, Oversight\, and Department Operations. \nFranklin County Continuing the Political Revolution (FCCPR) is a multi-issue community organization that emerged from Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns. FCCPR has task forces on Immigration\, Reproductive Justice\, Education\, Single Payer Health Care\, Climate Crisis and Peace\, works on electoral campaigns\, holds demonstrations\, and has developed a blueprint for a progressive Greenfield.    \nFor more information: info@fccpr.us
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/fccpr-hosting-town-hall-with-congressman-jim-mcgovern/
LOCATION:Greenfield Middle School\, 195 Federal Street\, Greenfield\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250318
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250319
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250109T202040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250109T202040Z
UID:49074-1742256000-1742342399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Massachusetts Ag Date At the State House
DESCRIPTION:Save the Date!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/massachusetts-ag-date-at-the-state-house/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250315T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250317T200000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250318T135334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T135334Z
UID:49562-1742058000-1742241600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: ServSafe in spanish    Nuestras Raices
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our May ServSafe Workshop\, offered in Spanish! Only $85 per person. \nMay 15\, 16\, 17 | 5-8 PM \nExam administered on May 17 \nLimited spots available—first come\, first served! Call us TODAY to register at (413) 535-1789 x209 or for more information. \nBrought to you by Nuestras Raices thanks to the crucial support from MGCC. \n— \n¡Únase a nuestro taller ServSafe de mayo\, que se ofrecerá en español! Sólo $85 por persona. \n15\, 16\, 17 de mayo | 5-8 PM \nExamen administrado el 17 de mayo \n¡Cupos limitados! El primero en llegar es el primero en ser atendido. Llámanos HOY para registrarte al (413) 535-1789 x209 o para más información. \nPresentado por Nuestras Raíces gracias al apoyo crucial de MGCC.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-servsafe-in-spanish-nuestras-raices/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T183000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250306T212602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T213612Z
UID:49459-1741885200-1741890600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farmer Climate Forum: Farmer Perspectives on Flooding\, Adaptation\, and Building Farm Resilience
DESCRIPTION:Click here for more information. \nFarmers throughout New England have been severely impacted by extreme precipitation and flooding. As a result\, farms are innovating\, exploring creative and meaningful ways to adapt their businesses and production systems to climate change. Join us for a discussion with Amanda Andrews of Tamarack Hollow Farm\, Bruce Hennessey of Maple Wind Farm\, and Ryan Fitzbeauchamp of Evening Song Farm to learn how both vegetable and livestock producers throughout New England are impacted by flooding and at the same time adapting their farms to build resilience. \nTheir presentations will be followed by a facilitated farmer-to-farmer discussion. Come to listen\, share your experiences\, ask questions\, troubleshoot\, and be inspired to make your own farm more resilient. \nThe Climate Forums are brought to you by NOFA-VT and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). \nThis event is one in a three-part series discussing Flooding\, Excess Precipitation\, and Farm Resilience. At the registration link you can choose to attend whichever sessions you wish.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farmer-climate-forum-farmer-perspectives-on-flooding-adaptation-and-building-farm-resilience/
LOCATION:Remote
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250306T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250306T200000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250130T193305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T193305Z
UID:49258-1741282200-1741291200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:The Gift of Seed- gifting or seed swap
DESCRIPTION:Petra Page-Mann of Fruition Seeds is holding a ‘gifting’ or seed swap event. \nThe Gift of Seed \nAll flourishing is mutual\, as Robin Wall Kimmerer reminds us\, and seeds brilliantly embody this generosity\, creativity and care. Together\, let’s practice receiving hundreds of varieties of regionally adapted seeds as gifts\, cultivating gift culture as well as community\, nourishing all generations to come! We’re going to laugh\, play\, send each other home with many regionally adapted seeds from Fruition as we sing and perhaps even shed a tear or two.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/the-gift-of-seed-gifting-or-seed-swap/
LOCATION:Forbes Library\, 210 Main Street\, Northampton\, MA\, 01060
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T193000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250129T205449Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T175033Z
UID:49232-1740587400-1740598200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Property Insurance Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \nFree; Dinner provided \nInsurance coverage is one of the major budget decisions farmers make and is also one of the most complex and least well understood. In the realm of farm property insurance\, in particular\, it is common for local farmers to find themselves unexpectedly underinsured in the event of losses. Join this session to learn more about how to make informed decisions about this type of insurance.  The meeting will be divided into two parts\, with the first part including technical presentations via zoom by insurance experts\, with time for questions. The second part will be a facilitated conversation among farmers to share experiences\, questions\, and lessons learned. \n\nDate: Wednesday\, February 26th from 4:30pm-7:30pm \nLocation: Sunderland Public Library\, 20 School St\, Sunderland\, MA 01375\n\nPlease pre-register for this meeting [here] by Monday\, February 24th so that we can plan accurately. \nContact Sonia at sonia@buylocalfood.org with questions.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-property-insurance-workshop/
LOCATION:Sunderland Public Library\, 20 School Street\, Sunderland
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250222T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250222T163000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250130T193751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T193751Z
UID:49260-1740232800-1740241800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Class: No-till\, Climate Resilient Gardening Class
DESCRIPTION:Dreaming of spring? Join longtime valley farmer and educator\, Rose Cherneff\, of Gardening for the Future\, in a 9-month no-till\, climate resilient gardening class this year.  Read more below and check out their business\, Gardening for the Future for other educational offerings as well as one-on-one consultations. \nWe are living in rapidly changing times. This year\, unprecedented hurricanes tore through communities\, while the vast majority of the country experienced drought. Last year was filled with wildfires and floods. Societal forces seek to separate and divide us. And yet\, the earth offers itself as a source of nourishment through it all. How can we learn to work with the earth in the face of all this change? How can we grow food in ways that help build resilient communities? \nThis course meets once a month for 9 months from February 2025- October 2025 at Astarte Farm in Hadley\, MA and guides you through the growing season\, with lessons geared towards the upcoming month’s gardening tasks and connecting you to local community projects. Readings and other educational opportunities will be provided in-between classes. \nEach of the topics\, such as garden planning\, soil health\, cover cropping\, seed saving and more\, will be explored through the lens of climate and social resilience. This course will deepen one’s connection to the natural world through a scientific\, social\, spiritual\, emotional\, and creative lens. There will be space to share knowledge participants bring to the topics\, as well as ask questions specific to your gardening projects and interests. \nGardeners of all levels- from beginner to expert- are invited to join!  Feel free to reach out to Rose at gardening4thefuture@gmail.com with any questions!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/class-no-till-climate-resilient-gardening-class/
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250222T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250222T140000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250211T193113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T193113Z
UID:49305-1740229200-1740232800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Biodynamic Land Healing with Elisha Poulin
DESCRIPTION:Description: Attend a 1 hour workshop where Elisha Poulin will share her approach to biodynamics\, highlighting valuable ways we can contribute to the health of our Earth\, ourselves\, and the animals around us. Elisha’s hope is that attendees will come away with enough to be comfortable starting this practice. This program will focus on biodynamic preparations and the cosmic calendar. \nThis workshop is intended for farmers\, gardeners\, and anyone who wishes to share in the beautiful practice of healing any piece of the earth\, small or large\, using biodynamics. \nSliding scale registration: $10-40 \nFebruary 22\, 2025: Biodynamic Land Healing with Elisha Poulin – Fabric of Life
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/biodynamic-land-healing-with-elisha-poulin/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250218T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250218T200000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20241106T223013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T173429Z
UID:48523-1739901600-1739908800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Strategic Digital Marketing: Managing Social Media During the Busy Season
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \nJoin CISA and digital marketing expert\, Michael Crigler\, to explore social media marketing approaches that strengthen customer engagement\, while avoiding overload and making the most of your time. During your farm’s busiest season\, more is NOT always merrier. At the same time\, it is crucial to maintain a loyal and engaged customer base to weather the seasonal changes and ups and downs of farming. Workshop participants will learn to develop a social media strategy that efficiently cuts through the noise\, leveraging your limited hours to successfully reach\, engage\, and retain as many customers as possible. Use this session to strategize and make a plan for your social media management ahead of the growing season. \n\nDate: Tuesday\, February 18th\, 6-8pm\nLocation: Venture Way Collaborative\, 200 Venture Way\, Hadley\, MA 01035 \n\nContact Molly (molly@buylocalfood.org) with questions. \n\nThis material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/maximizing-your-digital-marketing-efficiency-strategic-social-media-management/
LOCATION:Private: Venture Way Collaborative\, 200 Venture Way\, Hadley\, MA\, 01035\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250216T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250216T190000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250211T192828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T192828Z
UID:49303-1739721600-1739732400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Field Walk with David Fisher of Natural Roots
DESCRIPTION:David Fisher of Natural Roots Farm in Conway leads a field walk and soil improvement presentation. The afternoon includes an assessment of the Fabric of Life vegetable garden and the lower field\, a presentation where David shares his approach to soil improvement through mineralization\, crop rotation\, and cover crops\, and a light supper with plenty of opportunity for hearty discussion. \nThis workshop is appropriate for beginning farmers and home gardeners\, as well as growers with many years of experience. \nSliding scale registration: $20-60 \nFebruary 16\, 2025: Field Walk with David Fisher – Fabric of Life
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/field-walk-with-david-fisher-of-natural-roots/
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250212T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250212T200000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250117T185033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T185033Z
UID:49190-1739381400-1739390400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MDAR: Develop Mission & Marketing Strategies (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:MDAR’s Growing Your Farm Business Plan Course \nIn-person location finalized: W. Springfield – and virtual sessions moved to the evenings. \nGet help developing a farm business plan this winter!  Set goals for your farm business resulting in a written business plan with financial projections in 5 sessions. \nTopics include assessing your resources\, risk management\, developing marketing strategy\, financial & capital planning\, goal setting including quality of life\, and applying it on your farm. The course is taught by professional business planners with years of experience working with farms. \n*Applications accepted through January 29th\, or until course is filled. \nProgram details here. Contact Melissa Adams with any questions\, Melissa.L.Adams@mass.gov\, 857-276-2377.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdar-develop-mission-marketing-strategies-virtual/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250211T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250211T150000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250109T190541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250109T190541Z
UID:49050-1739278800-1739286000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Social Media Marketing Panel- Making social media work for you
DESCRIPTION:Overview: Do you find yourself struggling to prioritize social media among the myriad of other tasks on your to do list? Or are you wondering if what you’re doing on social media is even effective?\nJoin us for a panel presentation of farmers and social media experts who will cover these questions and much more.\nThrough a mix of short presentations and Q&A\, the panelists will share their experience and tips to help you: define your audiences\, choose the right platforms to reach those audiences\, understand the algorithm to increase engagement\, develop strategies to motivate people to action\, and most importantly how to create a social media structure that works for you!\nPresenters: Dawn Stanyon (Dawn Loves Social)\, Kat Ragone (Starry Ridge Farm)\, Meg Bantle (Full Well Farm)\, Abby Angelo (Guido’s)\nDate: Tuesday\, February 11th\, Time: 1 pm – 3 pm\nLocation: Classroom at Downtown Pittsfield\, Inc. – 431 North Street\, Pittsfield\n*Option to Zoom\nJoin us after the workshop for a farmer social at Hot Plate Brewery!\nCost: $20 – Suggested amount\, Sliding Scale payment available
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/social-media-marketing-panel-making-social-media-work-for-you/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250210T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250210T140000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250117T173228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T173228Z
UID:49177-1739178000-1739196000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Cost of Production and Meat Pricing Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Berkshire Agricultural Ventures \nThe most important element of successful pricing is a detailed understanding of your costs. Grace’s session will guide you through using our new costing tool. Our tool separates the costs of raising\, processing\, and marketing your livestock products\, providing the opportunity to think through the details of your costs and ultimately be prepared to nail it when you use the Meat Pricing Calculator. In the second session\, Matt will take you through how to use the Meat Pricing Calculator to establish pricing that ensures you are making the profit you need for your farm business. \nTo register\, please email me directly and include your name\, the name of the farm or organization you are affiliated with\, and its location. \nAny questions please email: jake@berkshireagventures.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-cost-of-production-and-meat-pricing-workshop/
LOCATION:Berkshire South Community Center\, 15 Crissey Rd\, Great Barrington\, 01230\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250208T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250208T180000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20240207T174429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250110T172238Z
UID:45959-1739030400-1739037600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Field Notes/Notas del Campo: Local Food & Farm Stories with CISA
DESCRIPTION:Para leer en Español\, haga clic aquí en la parte superior del sitio web. \n\nCISA’s Field Notes is a live storytelling event celebrating the many ways local food and farming leave their mark on our lives and in our communities. This show is for everyone who grows\, cooks\, or eats – so\, everyone!  \nCome support your western Massachusetts neighbors as they share true stories about following dreams\, sustaining livelihoods\, and connecting with others through food. Recent stories included an adrenaline-fueled race to unload equipment in a lightning storm\, a nurse using vegetables to combat diabetes\, and a testimony about feeding people in Springfield during the pandemic. \nTickets are once again offered on a sliding scale from $10 – 30. Please pay what you can\, mark your calendars\, and we’ll see you there! \nWe are pleased to offer headset interpretation for audience members who prefer to enjoy the show in Spanish. Unfortunately\, the ticketing webpage is not available in Spanish. If you’d like to listen to the show in Spanish\, email lisa@buylocalfood.org by January 31st and we will get you a ticket and make sure we have a headset reserved for you. \nClick here to reserve your tickets today\n \nWinter season health precautions: All are welcome to mask or unmask as you are comfortable. If you are feeling ill\, please stay home to protect the health of others. 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/fieldnotes2025/
LOCATION:Academy of Music\, 274 Main Street\, Northampton\, MA\, 01060\, United States
CATEGORIES:Family events,CISA Events,Community Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.buylocalfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FN-2025-show-promo-wide-EN-ES.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250206T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250206T193000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250102T192509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T151348Z
UID:48978-1738864800-1738870200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:POSTPONED - Climate resilience\, community\, sustainability: Marketing your farm’s values
DESCRIPTION:This event has been POSTPONED due to weather concerns. \nStay tuned for details about a rescheduled event date. Contact Molly (molly@buylocalfood.org) with questions. \n\nAs a farmer\, you’re driven by your own set of values that shape how you farm and engage with your community. Choosing to center your values in farm marketing can be a deeply personal decision\, but also make a difference in attracting and retaining a customer base that’s motivated by your shared values. Join CISA for a panel and farmer-to-farmer discussion exploring how local farmers showcase sustainable practices\, climate resilience\, equitable food access\, and other values-based initiatives to further farm goals and differentiate their business. Farmer guest speakers will include Ellen Drews\, Farm Manager at Astarte Farm in Hadley\, and Abby Ferla\, Farm Manager at Foxtrot Farm in Ashfield. Following the panel\, Local Hero Program Manager\, Jen Smith\, will facilitate a group discussion to dig deeper into how farmers choose when and how to be public about their values\, challenges that arise from making a statement\, and strategies for effective customer communication. \nThis material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/climate-resilience-community-sustainability-marketing-your-farms-values/
LOCATION:Florence Civic Center\, 90 Park Street\, Florence\, MA\, 01062
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T170000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250117T183733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T183820Z
UID:49186-1738764000-1738774800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MDAR: Assessing Resources; Farm Operations & Management Course  (In-person)
DESCRIPTION:MDAR’s Growing Your Farm Business Plan Course \nIn-person location finalized: W. Springfield – and virtual sessions moved to the evenings. \nGet help developing a farm business plan this winter!  Set goals for your farm business resulting in a written business plan with financial projections in 5 sessions. \nTopics include assessing your resources\, risk management\, developing marketing strategy\, financial & capital planning\, goal setting including quality of life\, and applying it on your farm. The course is taught by professional business planners with years of experience working with farms. \n*Applications accepted through January 29th\, or until course is filled. \nProgram details here. Contact Melissa Adams with any questions\, Melissa.L.Adams@mass.gov\, 857-276-2377.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdar-assessing-resources-farm-operations-management-course-in-person/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T130000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250117T184737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T184737Z
UID:49188-1738756800-1738760400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Fiscal Sponsorship: Legal Food Hub Winter Webinar Series
DESCRIPTION:https://www.legalfoodhub.org/2025-winter-webinar-series/ \nAttorneys Russell Stein and Elizabeth Manchester\, Partridge\nSnow & Hahn \nA fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit organization that “sponsors”\ncertain charitable projects. Learn what you need to know when\nconsidering whether to enter into a fiscal sponsor relationship
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/fiscal-sponsorship-legal-food-hub-winter-webinar-series/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250202T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250202T163000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20241204T172048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T172048Z
UID:48813-1738481400-1738513800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Southeast New England Agriculture Conference & Trade Show
DESCRIPTION:Registration \nThe second annual Southeast New England Agriculture Conference and Trade Show will take place on February 2nd at Bristol Aggie High School in Dighton! This collaborative effort brings together regional farmers and food producers for a day of community and learning around some of the most pressing issues facing farmers and our food system. \nTickets are offered on a sliding scale and recommendations are provided at each level. We don’t want cost to be a barrier to attending – please choose the ticket level that is comfortable for you. All tickets include lunch.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/southeast-new-england-agriculture-conference-trade-show/
LOCATION:Bristol County Agricultural High School\, 135 Center Street\, Dighton\, MA\, 02715\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250201T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250201T120000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250117T171601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T171601Z
UID:49166-1738400400-1738411200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2025 Pioneer Valley Regional Agriculture Conference
DESCRIPTION:The Northampton Agricultural Commission would like to invite you to the 2025 Pioneer Valley Regional Agricultural Conference on Saturday\, February 1st from 9am to noon\, at the Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Library in Northampton.  (Snow date — Saturday Feb 8th.) \nAdmission is FREE and all are welcome! \nDoors open at 8:30am and there will be FREE coffee and baked goods. \nWe’ll have two great speakers presenting: \nKristen Sykes from Pie in the Sky Berry Farm will present on “Sharing the Joy of You-Pick Flowers with a focus on the Dazzling Dahlia” on her farm in the Northampton Meadows. \nNicole Schwab from Fletcher Farm will discuss running the last remaining dairy farm in Southampton as well as their pumpkin patch and farm stand. \nRepresentatives from CISA\, NRCS\, and the MA Farm Bureau will also be there.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2025-pioneer-valley-regional-agriculture-conference/
LOCATION:Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School\, 80 Locust Street\, Northampton
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T190000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20241122T183744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T190850Z
UID:48711-1738170000-1738177200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Building a brand that inspires customer investment in your farm
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \nBranding helps your customers understand who you are and what you do as soon as they see your logo and any of your printed or digital marketing assets. It helps you build a deeper connection with your customers and inspires new customers to get to know your farm and your products. Join CISA and Alessandra Corbett and Sara Esthus from The Homegrown Studio for an introductory workshop where you will learn to identify your key customer groups and what sets your business apart. Together\, we will explore the look and feel that you would like your brand to have so your brand is truly authentic to your farm. This is an interactive workshop\, and you will leave with a foundation to help strengthen your marketing strategy and inspire customers to invest in your business. Light dinner provided. \n\nDate: Wednesday\, January 29th\, 5-7pm\nLocation: Greenfield Public Library\, 412 Main St\, Greenfield\, MA 01301\n\nContact Lucy at lucy@buylocalfood.org with questions. \nThis material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/building-a-brand-that-inspires-customer-investment-in-your-farm/
LOCATION:Greenfield Public Library\, 412 Main Street\, Greenfield\, MA 01301
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T130000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250117T182750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T182750Z
UID:49182-1738152000-1738155600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Employment Law Basics:  Legal Food Hub Winter Webinar Series
DESCRIPTION:Register at legalfoodhub.org/webinars25egal \nFood Hub Winter Webinar Series \nAttorney Rachel Armstrong\, Farm Commons\nWith just a few key rules\, farms can navigate employment law with\nconfidence. Learn the fundamentals of farm employment law including\nclassifying workers and the obligations of every farm employer.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-employment-law-basics-legal-food-hub-winter-webinar-series/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T183000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250117T173520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T185246Z
UID:49180-1738078200-1738089000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Athletes in Overalls: Movement Health & Injury Prevention
DESCRIPTION:Not Our Farm \n\n\n\nAnyone who has farmed for a day\, a week\, a month\, or a full season knows that farming is a MARATHON (maybe a series of marathons!)\, and not a sprint. When we look at farm work through the lens of sport and athleticism\, what changes for us? How does that impact our diet\, our noticing in our bodies\, our sleep hygiene\, and our confidence in how we advocate for ourselves? \nAt the next Free School session\, longtime farmer and farmworker\, strength athlete\, and personal trainer Cynthia Flores of Labor-Movement will discuss movement health and wellness for farmworkers from an athletic perspective. Cynthia asks: What does it mean to be a farmworker and an athlete? What is movement self-advocacy? \nYou can expect to learn tips on managing food\, fluid\, sleep\, and stress for best performance over long days and the season. The discussion will focus on safe lifts using hinges and squats\, reducing the potential of low back pain or injury\, and moving and carrying loads. \nThere will be time for Q&A and discussion so bring your questions and experiences! \nJoin us Tuesday\, January 28\, at 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm ET on zoom.\nREGISTER HERE \nAccessibility information: This session will be facilitated in English and simultaneously interpreted into Spanish by Cooperativa Brujúlas. Closed captioning will also be available. \nPlease note that Free School for Farmworkers sessions are a farmworker-only space.\n*We define a farmworker as someone working on a farm they do not own\, for or without pay\, including interns\, apprentices\, cooperative workers\, and aspiring farmworkers. If you have questions about whether you are eligible to participate\, please contact Anita Adalja at anita@notourfarm.org \nFlyer designed by Alicia Robinson-Welsh
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-athletes-in-overalls-movement-health-injury-prevention/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250124T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250124T130000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20241112T224342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250123T153115Z
UID:48582-1737709200-1737723600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:How to talk about climate change with customers and other audiences
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \nPlease note: The location for this event has changed. The event will now be held in the community hall at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst\, 121 N Pleasant St\, Amherst\, MA 01002. \nIn this half-day workshop\, you’ll connect with farmers and others in our local food system to learn and practice effectively communicating about climate change with customers and your community. CISA staff\, including climate coordinator Stephen Taranto and communications coordinator Jacob Nelson\, will share examples of best practices and real world communications strategies from local farms. A facilitated group discussion will then help you apply principles in several practice scenarios\, such as marketing farm products based on climate-smart farming practices\, sharing your story with media or public officials\, or explaining to customers how climate uncertainties impact your business to encourage support and action. Participants will leave with new communications resources\, connections\, and hopefully more confidence in speaking up! The last hour will be an optional lunch and time for casual conversation and networking. \n\nDate: Friday\, January 24th\, 2025\nTime: 9:00am – 1:00pm\nNEW LOCATION: Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst\, 121 N Pleasant St\, Amherst\, MA 01002\n\nContact climate@buylocalfood.org with questions. \nThis material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/talking-about-climate-change/
LOCATION:Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst\, 121 N Pleasant St\, Amherst\, MA\, 01002
CATEGORIES:Climate Events,CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T160000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044501
CREATED:20250109T202828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250109T202828Z
UID:49077-1737626400-1737648000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Managing Your Farm Finances in the Time of Climate Crisis
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, January 23rd from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Greenfield Community College\, Greenfield\, MA. In-person. Snow date: February 6th. \nAre you concerned about revenue shifts\, and bad weather that will affect your business in 2025? Or how to keep farming with personal sustainability and not lose your shirt? We will help you establish or brush up on your skills with financial statements and increase what you can glean from them about your operation. We will mix financial and operational analysis over the course of the day\, using interactive group activities to improve your farm’s planning position against risk and stressors and guard your operation’s future. The training is free of charge and lunch will be provided. \nFor more information and to register\, please click here. Registration closes January 19th. Please help us plan ahead and accommodate your dietary needs by registering before the deadline! \nThe Carrot Project’s Managing Your Finances in the Time of Climate Crisis is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA and NERME under Award Number 2023-70027-40447. Also supported by Farm Credit East.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/managing-your-farm-finances-in-the-time-of-climate-crisis/
LOCATION:Greenfield Community College\, 1 College Drive\, Greenfield\, MA\, 01301
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR