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2026 Local Hero Membership Agreement
By joining CISA’s Local Hero program, you are entering into the following agreement with CISA.
FARMERS & FARMER COOPS
LOCAL HERO MEMBERS AGREE:
- To comply with these conditions for use of CISA’s trademarked Local Hero logo and Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown slogan:
- To use the logo and slogan to promote products grown in the Western Massachusetts Region.
- To use the logo and slogan without alteration, unless specific written permission is granted by CISA’s Executive Director.
- To not use the Local Hero brand in any manner that encourages consumers to associate the Local Hero campaign with products that do not meet eligibility requirements.
- That they will immediately discontinue use of the logo and slogan if they leave the Local Hero campaign.
- To complete the year-end Local Hero program survey.
- To operate their business with the highest level of integrity and respect.
*Note: If you produce a value-added product that uses local ingredients and contains 50% or more locally grown ingredients, then you can use the Local Hero logo on your product; otherwise you cannot use the logo on the item.
CISA AGREES:
- To provide members with coordinated and visible promotional support through the Local Hero
campaign. - To promote members in our online guide.
- To organize media and consumer events that focus on the ways in which Western Massachusetts
producers and the businesses that support them contribute to the local economy, quality of life, and
scenic beauty of the region. - To provide members with the services and benefits outlined above.
- To offer and help members find technical assistance in areas like marketing, financial planning, and
business decision making. - To promote the long-term goals of profitability, stability, and sustainable stewardship for our
members. - To actively promote and encourage the highest level of integrity among members.
CISA reserves the right to verify information provided in the membership application. CISA may revoke or deny membership of any participant who no longer meets the eligibility requirements and seek the return of Local Hero supplies from members who leave or who are not renewed in the Local Hero campaign.
RETAILERS, GROCERS, INSTITUTIONS, SPECIALTY PRODUCERS, AND GARDEN CENTERS
LOCAL HERO MEMBERS AGREE:
- To provide a list of at least four farms you purchase from on a routine basis (either directly or through
distributors). This can include farms from Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, MA or from any
of the following areas that abut a member’s county including Berkshire County MA, Windham County
VT, Cheshire County NH, Tolland County or Hartford County CT, and the Quabbin Region of Worcester
County MA. CISA reserves the right to contact any of the farms you list in order to verify this information.
Listing a minimum of four farms is required to be eligible for membership. We appreciate you sharing your sourcing with us. If we have any questions, we will follow up individually.
- To comply with these conditions for use of CISA’s trademarked Local Hero logo and Be a Local Hero, Buy
Locally Grown slogan:- To use the logo and slogan to promote products grown in the Western Massachusetts Region.*
- To use the logo and slogan without alteration, unless specific written permission is granted by CISA’s Executive Director.
- To not use the Local Hero brand in any manner that encourages consumers to associate the Local Hero campaign with products that do not meet eligibility requirements.
- To immediately discontinue use of the logo and slogan if they leave the Local Hero campaign.
- To complete the year-end Local Hero program survey.
- To operate their business with the highest level of integrity and respect.
*Note: If you produce a value-added product that uses local ingredients and contains 50% or more locally grown ingredients, then you can use the Local Hero logo on your product; otherwise you cannot use the logo on the item.
CISA AGREES:
- To provide members with coordinated and visible promotional support through the Local Hero
campaign. - To promote members in our online guide.
- To organize media and consumer events that focus on the ways in which Western Massachusetts
producers and the businesses that support them contribute to the local economy, quality of life, and
scenic beauty of the region. - To provide members with the services and benefits outlined above.
- To offer and help members find technical assistance in areas like marketing, financial planning, and
business decision making. - To promote the long-term goals of profitability, stability, and sustainable stewardship for our
members. - To actively promote and encourage the highest level of integrity among members.
CISA reserves the right to verify information provided in the membership application. CISA may revoke or deny membership of any participant who no longer meets the eligibility requirements and seek the return of Local Hero supplies from members who leave or who are not renewed in the Local Hero campaign.