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2026 Local Hero Enrollment
Local Hero enrollment is now open for all new and renewing members. Have questions about the program or your membership? Contact the Local Hero team at localhero@buylocalfood.org!
Enroll in the Local Hero Program for 2026 Here!
Already a member? You can fill out the shorter renewal form here if not much has changed with your business over the past year.
CISA’s Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® public awareness and marketing campaign was launched in 1999 and has since become the country’s longest running and most comprehensive “buy local” program for farm products. Local Hero membership benefits your business. Farms and non-farm businesses alike can be eligible as long as they operate in the western Massachusetts region. Being a part of CISA’s Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® program signals to consumers that your products are local and your business is in their backyard. We will continue our paid advertising, along with Local Hero spotlight segments and other media promotion of our members throughout 2026.
CISA is offering a sliding scale payment structure for membership fees in a continued effort to make access to Local Hero membership more equitable. We hope this will help encourage you to take the time now to enroll so CISA can continue to provide you with the resources and support you need to keep your business viable. We value your participation and look forward to working with you throughout the year to make 2026 better than the rest.
The Local Hero campaign uses a wide array of media (print, radio, television, and web) to promote Local Hero members, engage the public, and increase support for local farmers. And it works!
“I tell other farmers all the time that being a CISA member is the most well spent advertising money. This organization has done more to create a local market than anything else you could be a part of.”
-Little Brook Farm
“I think CISA’s partnership with other ag organizations is huge and very powerful when advocating for the farmers.”
-Fletcher Farm
“Our association with CISA gives customers a sense of what we’re about: good food for our community.”
-The Benson Place
“CISA does a tremendous job and their hard work is much appreciated! It’s an honor and of great benefit to be part of CISA and the “local” tools are a big plus! Thank you!”
-Mount Warner Vineyards
Local Hero = Success
A 2025 survey of Local Hero farmers found that:
- 94% of respondents were satisfied with the Local Hero membership program.
- 93% of participating farms reported that CISA’s assistance has contributed to their ability to keep farming.
Our most recent market research found that:
- Over 78% of residents of Franklin and Hampshire counties and 52% of Hampden county residents recognize the Local Hero logo.
- People who recognize the logo are twice as likely to shop at their local farm stand or farmers’ market or to choose local product at their grocery store.