Increase traffic and sales at local farmers markets!
Attend CISA’s Farmers Market Workshop Series

Farmers: learn tips on how to increase your sales through better displays
Managers: learn how to promote markets and increase traffic

CISA's wants to work with local farmers markets vendors and managers to boost sales of local farm products. Even though we do not take an active role in the creation or management of farmers markets, we are committed to the success of farming in our communities. Join us for two evenings of discussion and networking. All are welcome to attend these FREE workshops. Both feature short presentations by guest speakers, dinner, and a roundtable discussion with all attendees.

Wednesday, Nov. 29
Promoting your farmers market to increase traffic.
Speaker: Jennifer McTiernan, CitySeed, an organization in New Haven, CT that has started and managed 4 successful farmers markets.

Wednesday, December 13
Better market sales through display and merchandising.
Speakers: Gideon and Sarah Porth, Atlas Farm, successful marketers at Boston-area farmers markets.

RSVP to Jennifer at CISA by the Monday before each workshop, 413-665-7100, to reserve your dinner.
Sponsored by CISA and the Agway Foundation.
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CISA honored with inclusion in 2006 Massachusetts Catalogue for Philanthropy

CISA has been selected from among 250 Massachusetts charities for inclusion in the Catalogue for Philanthropy. This year’s special 10th Anniversary edition of the Catalogue profiles 45 of Massachusetts' outstanding environmental, cultural, and human service agencies as "examples of excellence" in Massachusetts philanthropy.

“We’re honored to be part of this select group of Massachusetts charities,” says CISA Executive Director Annie Cheatham. “Community support for our programs is essential to ensure that we can all enjoy great local food, working landscapes and open space for years to come. The Catalogue will help us reach a wider audience of Massachusetts residents who care about the quality of life in our communities.”

“The Catalogue is designed as a showcase for Massachusetts philanthropy, and a one-stop shop for a family's charitable giving,” says George McCully, President of the Catalogue. “A single check, electronic transaction over the web or stock transfer can be allocated to as many charities as the donor pleases, and because the Catalogue is sponsored and paid-for by its philanthropic sponsors, 100% of every donation goes to the designated charities.”

The local charities were chosen in a rigorous competition by professional grantmakers, private donors, fundraisers and executive directors of charities. "Charities are selected for general excellence, cost-effectiveness, and teaching value about philanthropy," McCully said.

To view CISA’s entry in the catalog, please click here.

To contribute to CISA right now, click here.
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Sale on blankets, notecards

We have limited quantities of two of our most popular products – Heritage Wool blankets and ‘Eat the View’ note cards. Both are available now at our online store for 50% off the original price. Get a bargain and support CISA - while they last!

To order, click here.

CISA moves Annual Meeting to February 28
It’s a sure sign that your Annual Meetings are worth attending when you start getting phone calls in the fall wondering why there hasn’t been any information on the next one!

If you’ve been to a CISA annual meeting you know that they combine engaging speakers, great success stories from Local Hero members and CISA programs, and a bountiful locally-grown pot luck feast. All in the rustic, not-stuffy-at-all environment of the Hampshire College Red Barn. Good food and good friends getting together to celebrate the hard work of local farmers and all who support them.

We’ve decided to change things a bit and combine our Annual Meeting with our Local Hero meeting and move the date to late winter – February 28, 2007. We're going to bring together as many of our Local Hero members and wonderful supporters as possible.

This year we are celebrating local food and culture by inviting author Patricia Klindienst to talk about her book, “The Earth Knows My Name: Food, Culture, and Sustainability in the Gardens of Ethnic America,” which happens to feature two local gardens and gardeners from Leverett and Amherst.

We'll send more formal information about the meeting in early 2007. But for now, crack open that new 2007 calendar or planner and put us down for February 28 at the Red Barn in Amherst!

To learn more about Patricia Klindienst and her book, click here.
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NEWS

Two regional organizations win Glynwood Awards
Strolling of the Heifers and Tufts University honored for food and farming work

The Strolling of the Heifers (in Brattleboro, VT) and the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project at Tufts University were honored for their local food and farming work by the Glynwood Center at the fourth annual Harvest Awards on Monday, October 23 in New York City. A special luncheon at the Beacon restaurant, featuring regional food prepared by leading chefs who specialize in collaborating with local farmers, celebrated these breakthroughs in the regional food movement.

“Since the inception of the Harvest Awards in 2003, we have highlighted creative work going on across the country that strengthens support for regional farmers and increases access to fresh, healthy food. Our goal is to inspire others to join this growing movement,” says Judith LaBelle, President of Glynwood Center. The mission of the Cold Spring, NY-based Glynwood Center is “to help communities integrate their natural resources, cultural heritage, and economic development potential to create a brighter future that is distinctively theirs.”

Congratulations to our hard working colleagues to the north and east for winning these awards!

To read more about Strolling of the Heifers event – a fabulous weekend-long celebration of dairy farming in southern VT that raises money to help young people enter farming, click here.

To read more about Tufts University’s New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
and its director, the unstoppable Hugh Joseph, click here.

Strolling of the Heifers launches buy local program

Just days after winning their Glynwood award, Strolling of the Heifers announced the launching of a buy local program to build awareness and increase sales of locally grown food in the southern VT region.

The program will use grant funding to both encourage southern VT residents to buy more locally grown food and research how much is being purchased as a result. To read more about the program, click here.
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Greens to beat the blues!
Swartz Family Farm launches ‘Farm Direct’ service

Don’t let Old Man Winter get you down. Dine on lemon balm, cilantro, mint, sweet basil, mesclun mix, spinach, baby lettuce heads, baby bok choy, collards, kale and more this winter, and year round! Enjoy fresh pesticide-free greens and herbs from Swartz Family Farm of North Amherst. Defy winter's icy chill with their hydroponic, pesticide-free greenhouse grown goodies.

Special requests can be honored - suggest your favorite herb or green! Prices start at a very reasonable $1.50 per item.

There's no membership fee – just call the farm at 413-548-8979 or send an email to SwartzFamilyFarm@aol.com – to arrange your order. Pick up your produce at their North Amherst farm. Local delivery within 10 miles is only $1 more. Free delivery for seniors; delivery possible in other areas by special arrangement.
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USDA names new State Conservationist for Massachusetts

Cecil Currin, long time supporter of CISA and our Local Hero program, has retired as State Conservationist with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Cecil’s passion for local farming was evident in all he did, and his love of BBQ from his native NC earned him a star by his name in Annie Cheatham’s rolodex! We wish Cecil the best and welcome Christine Clarke, our new State Conservationist. We look forward to meeting her and introducing her to some of the many thoughtful farmers who are caring for the land in our region and throughout the state.

Clarke will oversee the federal agency’s programs, operations and staff in the Bay State, effective November 27th. A Rhode Island native, Clarke began her career with the agency – then known as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) – in 1981 in the Newport field office as a soil conservation technician. She later served as a Soil Scientist with the U.S. Peace Corps and U.S. Agency for International Development in Jamaica. Upon returning from overseas, Clarke served as a Soil Scientist in Tolland and Hartford, Connecticut.

“I look forward to returning to New England and working with our staff and partners to serve the commonwealth’s conservation needs,” said Clarke. “I’m impressed by the wealth of experience in the NRCS Massachusetts staff and their strong commitment to the NRCS mission of ‘helping people help the land’.”

Clarke, who enjoys kayaking, gardening and anything outdoors, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island in Resource Development and Soil Science, and a graduate certificate from the University of Connecticut in GIS. She is a certified Soil Scientist.
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State Ag officials urge action on Federal bill to open markets for small meat processors

Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt with 13 original cosponsors has introduced the “New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2006” (H.R. 6130), which would give local meat processors that pass state inspections equal footing with interstate and international meat suppliers. Under H.R. 6130, meats that include beef, pork, poultry and lamb approved by state inspection agencies in 28 states could be sold in every state.

“The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has agreed that state inspection programs are ‘at least equal to’ federal inspections, but a 40 year-old law is keeping state-inspected meat from being marketed across state lines,” Congressman Blunt said. “I can’t find a good reason scientific or political for this law. That is why I want to change it. If we want to open markets for agriculture products, we ought to start at home.”

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is urging Congress to take prompt action on this bipartisan legislation introduced September 21 that would allow interstate sales of state-inspected meat and poultry products. State agriculture officials said the legislation will resolve a basic inequity which has existed since 1967. Removing the current ban on interstate sales will level the economic playing field for small business, spur more competition in the marketplace, and create a more uniform inspection system. NASDA is also leading a national grassroots campaign to support passage of the bill.

Rick Kirchhoff, NASDA Executive Vice President and CEO, said that “allowing interstate meat sales is just plain common sense. No other food commodities inspected by state authorities are prohibited from being shipped across state lines.” State and local agriculture officials have also pointed out that the legislation would ensure fairness in trade. Foreign-produced meat and poultry products can be freely shipped and sold anywhere in the U.S. as long as that foreign country’s inspection program is equivalent to U.S. federal standards. Three USDA advisory committees have recommended that the outdated ban on interstate sales be removed because it would create jobs and stimulate rural economic development.
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FarmStart offers investments to support beginning farmers

First Pioneer CEO Bill Lipinski announces that FarmStart, LLP has approved its first investments in working capital for two young farmers located in northeastern Massachusetts and northeastern New York State.

FarmStart is a new venture with a mission to provide investments of working capital in farm businesses and farmer cooperatives that show sound promise for business success. It is a limited liability partnership owned and capitalized by First Pioneer Farm Credit, ACA of Enfield, Connecticut and CoBank, ACB of Denver, Colorado.

“FarmStart is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the US,” notes First Pioneer Chairman Scott Markham. “In recent years, directors and staff recognized a gap in lending programs for young and beginning farmers. There was no good source of working capital for the first year’s production cycle for individuals with no business track record and/or credit history. The alternatives were to operate hand-to-mouth or to accept a credit card offer that showed up in the mail. Neither of these approaches is good business.”

FarmStart can invest up to $50,000 for working capital purposes for a young or beginning farmer, e.g., insurance, workers compensation payments, fuel, vet expenses, seed, fertilizer, greenhouse materials, containers, and anything else required to produce the first year’s crop or livestock product. Veteran First Pioneer Business Consultant Don Rogers observes “So many times these producers start in a negative cash flow position on Day 1 and with no operating line of credit are unable to develop good cash flow practices. I envision them using the FarmStart investment like an operating line during the investment part of the production cycle, and then paying it down during the harvest part of the production cycle.”

Applicants are required to provide a detailed business plan that demonstrates their ability to successfully use the investment and to repay it in full within five years. Its goal is to not only provide the initial working capital investment but to also enable the start-up farmer to establish a positive business and credit history during this phase of his/her business career. Within five years time, recipients should be positioned to “graduate” to a conventional line of credit from First Pioneer or CoBank.

“First Pioneer is committed to the future of agriculture, forestry, commercial fishing, and rural communities,” states Lipinski. “Supporting the successful startup of new entrepreneurs is critical to the future of these industries and communities. I hope that FarmStart will develop into a powerful new tool for pursuing this vision.” He adds “We have structured FarmStart so that other private sector institutions, nonprofits, and even public institutions that share our vision for the future can invest and partner through this exciting new channel. First Pioneer would welcome the opportunity to explore additional partners as we move forward with FarmStart.”

Young and beginning farmers located within First Pioneer’s service area who are interested in FarmStart should contact their local First Pioneer branch office. Start-up cooperatives interested in this program should contact any CoBank office.

For more information, contact Jim Putnam, 174 South Road, Enfield, CT 06082.
Phone (800) 562-2235, Fax (860) 741-4389.
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American Farmland Trust ‘Steward of the Land’ award now accepting nominations

The American Farmland Trust (AFT) offers its annual Steward of the Land Award of $10,000 to a farmer or farm family who embraces a lifelong commitment to good land stewardship. Now in its tenth year, the award recognizes a farmer or farm family who best demonstrates leadership in protecting farmland and caring for the environment. The award honors the memory of Peggy McGrath Rockefeller, an avid farmer and conservationist who helped found AFT. The 2006 award was given to Tom Hutson of DeLancey, New York. To nominate a candidate for the award, or simply to gather more information, click on the link above, or call 202-378-1244, or e-mail: info@farmland.org. Due date: November 20, 2006. Click here for more info.

Announcing the Massachusetts Farm-to-School Cookbook

Amy Cotler, of Fresh & Company, a culinary education and consulting business, has received a grant to help boost statewide farm-to-school sales, through the online and print publication of a Farm-to-School Cookbook. The book, which will include recipes, preparation tips, farm-purveyor contact information and several farm-to-school classroom lessons, will be tested in select cafeterias — both with school food service directors for ease of use, and with school children for a “thumbs up or thumbs down” on general appeal and flavor.

To increase the accessibility and usefulness of the Farm-to-School Cookbook, it will be developed collaboratively with an advisory board of representatives from key organizations and all of the state’s Buy Local Campaigns are part of the project’s support team. Through statewide collaboration and practical kitchen work, the Farm-to-School Cookbook will provide a carefully tested and useful support for school service professionals to add fresh farm products to their menus — a win for farmers, our local economy and a new generation of children.

Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner, Douglas P. Gillespie said, “Having children eat more locally produced foods through their school food service has several benefits - locally grown food not only tastes GREAT - it boosts farm sales and the Massachusetts economy and it helps children learn to eat healthy at a young age when eating habits are formed. Amy’s project to create a food service tested cookbook will boost farm sales and bring healthier foods into the schools.”

The $24,000 grant, with additional $9,000 in-kind donations, is from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture. Further financial and administrative support came from Green Pastures Fund, Four Winds, Inc, and The New England Small Farms Institute. Ms. Cotler welcomes other regional food directors and farmers who are interested the project to contact her at amy@freshcotler.com or 413-232-7174.
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Big win at youth sheep show

Daniel Crowningshield, age 7, from Local Hero Cozie Nook Homestead Farm & Florist in Ashfield, won several awards for his purebred Icelandic sheep at this summer's Northeast Youth Sheep Show, held at the Big E fairgrounds in July. His ram CJ won Champion Ram and his ewe Bunny won Reserve Champion and 2nd Best Fleece. Congratulations to Daniel and his family!

CJ the ram (left) and Bunny the lamb shown by Daniel, with help from big brother Tim,
who shows Lincoln Longwools.

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‘Think Local First’ contest returns this holiday season
Local Hero businesses invited to participate
by Daniel Finn, PV BALLE

During the past two Holiday seasons the 'Think Local First' Contest has been hugely successful, where many people have heard the messaged about the importance of shopping with locally owned businesses during the holiday season - and year round as well.

Last year fifty businesses donated 80 gift certificates to the Think Local First Contest and these gift certificates were split up among 7 prizes. If your locally-owned, independent business is interested in donating a gift certificate to this contest and/or receiving more information please contact Daniel Finn at Danfinn32@yahoo.com or by calling 413-364-7266.

The 3rd Annual Think Local First Contest begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs to the end of the year. The way people win the contest is to shop with any locally owned, independent businesses in the Pioneer Valley and save their receipts. Whoever has the most receipts to locally-owned independent businesses from the Pioneer Valley wins the prizes. A $10 receipt is counted the same as a $300 receipt so people don’t win simply because they spend more money. As Jacob Mayberry wrote, after winning one of the prizes, "I'm ten times more aware [of local businesses] than I was before."

Last year the contest was featured in at least 8 media outlets, from a number of newspapers, to the radio, and was on television three times, with the Valley Advocate donating ad space for a month. To learn more contact Daniel Finn, PV BALLE Organizer/Treasurer, 413-364-7266 or Danfinn32@yahoo.com

PV BALLE is one of over thirty seven BALLE networks around North America working with locally owned, independent businesses to encourage the public, non-profit organizations, and local governments to put their local economy first, and to encourage businesses in a friendly way to be socially, locally, and environmentally responsible.
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Locally grown straw
It's not too late to mulch that garden! Looking for good quality straw that won’t sprout? Call Local Hero member John Devine at his farm in Hadley. He has baled straw for sale and is selling it for $4 each, cash or check only. Call 413-549-6953.

SMALL BITES

Pipeline to circumvent organic farm

Biggest University on the continent pushes for local food

Cloned livestock causing concern

VT company to assure a ‘fair price’ for dairy farmers

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Workshops, Events, Announcements

Northeast regional GMO strategy conference
New England College, Center for Educational Innovation
Henniker, NH, November 10-12th, 2006

All over New England and the Northeast, people are organizing locally to stop the use of genetic engineering in our food and create healthier local alternatives. On November 10th - 12th, we will gather at New England College in Henniker, NH (15 miles west of Concord) to share our experiences and begin developing plans for the next phase of our campaigns. Please come and join us!

You can come from Friday evening through Sunday morning, or just for the Saturday sessions. We are seeking free housing in the area for participants (see below). The conference is co-sponsored by the Sociology and Environmental Studies Departments of New England College, in collaboration with the Institute for Social Ecology, NOFA-Mass., GE Free Maine, Action for Community Empowerment and many others.

To register and obtain housing, please RSVP via email to Ben Grosscup, ben.grosscup@nofamass.org or call (413) 658-5374.
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Beyond Growing: Strategies and Technologies that Transform Your Products to Meet Market Demands
November 14-15
Hyde Park, NY

Determining how to transform crops in the fields to products desired by different markets is often a challenge for many local and regional agricultural producers. At this year's conference, buyers from retail, foodservice distribution, and restaurant sectors will share their insights, and growers will discuss their experiences on what the markets want beyond quality products, including packaging, varieties, volume, delivery schedule, and methods of doing business. Click here for more info.

Soup & Seeds: Reshaping Our Economic Relationships to Land & Food
Wednesday November 15th, 5:30pm
Lyman Hall, First Churches, Northampton

Come join us for hot soup & bread - presentations from:

Juanita Nelson, Local war tax resister, farmer, & activist for nonviolent economics

Jean Paul Courtens,Biodynamic farmer at Roxbury Farm, one of the largest and most successful CSAs in New England

This event is hosted by the Equity Trust and will be held at Lyman Hall in the First Churches (At the corner of Main St. & Center St. in downtown Northampton, MA)

For more information or directions, please visit our website at
www.equitytrust.org, email us at info@equitytrust.org or call our main office at (413) 863-9038.
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4th Annual Thanksgiving Harvest Festival
Red Apple Farm
Phillipston, MA
Saturday- Sunday, November 18-19, 10AM - 4PM

Locally grown food, farming, music and fun are featured at this free event! Stock up for your Thanksgiving celebration or simply arrive to dine on local food, take farm tours, hikes, hear music and more. Free fun for the whole family! Info: http://www.redapplefarm.com/thanksgiving/.

Open Farm and Holiday Sale at Craigieburn Farm Alpacas
November 25-26 and December 2-3
Saturday and Sunday, 10AM – 4PM



In the spirit of the Holiday season, we invite you and your family to visit our farm. Sip hot cider, enjoy your holiday shopping and meet the beautiful creatures that provide this wonderful fiber. Shop from our selection of elegant sweaters, shawls, jackets, hats, socks, gloves, yarns, roving, and alpaca teddy bears.
Steve and Susan Rice; 243 West Pelham Road, Shutesbury; 413-253-4485.
Farm info here.


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Organic research grants available
Deadline December 15
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) funds research on organic farming and food systems and the dissemination of these research results to the greater agricultural community. Proposals must involve farmers or ranchers in project design and implementation and take place on working organic farms or ranches whenever possible. Additionally, proposals should articulate how the proposed research project will foster the improvement or adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF requests proposals which have objectives that are realistically achievable with a modest level of funding. The average grant awarded in OFRF's last full year of grantmaking was $10,360. OFRF will not fund a project for more than $15,000 per year. Info: http://www.ofrf.org/research/application.html
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November 9-10
A commitment to place: Northeast Policy Summit
Early bird registration deadline is September 30!
BWI Airport Marriott Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland

Hosted by the Northeast Ag Works! Project and the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG). Help advance a Northeast agenda for the upcoming Farm Bill! Registration and event flyer available here: http://tinyurl.com/rndsk

Planning a Local Future for Farms and Farmland
Is your town looking for ways to help support its farms and protect its farmland? Are you a member of a local Planning Board or Agricultural Commission or an interested citizen interested in ensuring a future for agriculture in your community?

If so, you may be interested in attending one of a series of workshops being offered this fall by American Farmland Trust and local Agricultural Commissions to discuss planning a local future for farms and farmland. Members of town Agricultural Commissions, Select Boards, Planning Boards, Conservation Commissions, and those interested in learning about promoting the future of agriculture locally are all invited to attend. The workshops will review the legal and regulatory landscape in which farms operate and explore specific actions and steps that towns can take to retain farms and promote farmland protection, including planning and zoning tools to support agriculture as a land use and a business. Attendees will be provided written materials from a guide for municipal officials being developed by American Farmland Trust in collaboration with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation. Light refreshments will be served.

Workshop Schedule
November 8, 7:30 pm: Deerfield Municipal Offices, 8 Conway St, South Deerfield
November 20, 7:00 pm: Hatfield Town Hall
November 30, 7:00 pm: Sunderland Town Offices, School St.

For more information, please visit http://www.farmland.org/programs/states/Massachusetts.asp, or contact Jesse Robertson-DuBois at American Farmland Trust at 413-586-9330, ext.21.
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High Tunnel Farm Tours
Innovative farmers educate agency personnel and other farmers about the design and management of high tunnels
November 8, 2006, 12:00 noon to 3:30 pm
High tunnels are greenhouse-like structures that offer farmers an inexpensive means to extend growing and marketing seasons, intensify production, and reduce weather-related risk.

This free tour is offered to educate extension educators, researchers, agricultural marketers, farmers’ market managers, and other agricultural service providers, as well as farmers, about the real world uses and designs of high tunnels. Learn how two experienced farmers are using high tunnels to grow early tomatoes, early carrots, winter spinach, and a wide range of other fall and winter salad crops.

The tour will visit Red Fire Farm in Granby and the Hampshire College Farm located on the Hampshire College campus in Amherst.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please contact Billie Best at 518-271-0744 or billie@farmandfood.org. Please bring a bag lunch or eat prior to the tour. Dress for the outdoors as part of the presentation at our first stop will be in an unheated barn.

This tour, sponsored by the Regional Farm & Food Project, is made possible by a grant from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. A DVD video featuring case studies of high tunnels on six farms, and a high tunnel decision-making manual will be released by the Regional Farm & Food Project at the end of November.
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Saving the barn
Preserve MASS Barns conference November 11
Looking for practical, cost-effective ideas for restoring and rehabilitating old barns? At this conference you will learn how they built them and how you can care for them! Join barn owners and preservationists on Nov. 11th at Storrowton Village, Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield for this annual conference. Click here for more information.

Westfield Highlands info meeting
November 16, 6:30 pm.
Chester Town Hall, Chester

You are invited to attend the kick-off meeting of the Westfield Highlands Forest Partnership in the Chester Town Hall Auditorium on Thursday, November 16th at 6:30 pm. This meeting is a chance for landowners and other members of the public to learn more about the Westfield Highlands landscape from local forestry, land protection, recreation, and business groups. Our featured speaker, Scott Jackson from UMass, will talk about the value of an intact forested landscape for wildlife. The purpose and first-year goals of the Partnership will be discussed and you will have the opportunity to get involved in the first three Partnership projects. Please see the attached flier and post or distribute it to anyone you think might be interested. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Marx at 413-354-7780 or lmarx@tnc.org.
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Awakening the Dreamer-- Changing the Dream Symposium
Saturday, November 18, 2006, 1-5:30 p.m.
Arcadia Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA

The purpose of the Symposium is to promote a human presence on the planet that is environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just. The aim of the Symposium is not only to learn more about the world but to come to grips with the very assumptions that underlie the way we see Earth and our place on it. The focus is on what each of us can do — both individually and cooperatively — to move humanity onto a sustainable path.

This presentation was developed by The Pachamama Alliance, to combine the wisdom of indigenous cultures with the knowledge of modern society. It reveals what we each can do to foster, stand for, and accelerate a broad global movement of change. This emerging discussion is born out of both necessity and possibility - necessity, as we discover just how dire is the condition of our planet's life systems, and possibility, as we come to realize the enormous potential role of a committed individual working in concert with others.

Facilitated by Susan Lantz and Mary Anne Cleary. Contact us for questions or to register: Mary Anne, macleary@aol.com (978-660-0259); Susan, susan@sblantz.com, (413-586-3544). Space is limited, so please register at www.pachamama.org or with one of us soon. For more information and to register for this symposium, visit www.pachamama.org. For directions and map, visit www.massaudubon.org; click on Wildlife Sanctuaries and then click on Arcadia (click on printer-friendly directions for map). Tuition -$20.
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New England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference and Trade Show
Successful Strategies for Growing Your Farm Business
February 28 - March 1, 2007 Sturbridge, Mass.

This unique marketing conference is for New England farmers interested in learning new marketing ideas or fine-tuning strategies for business success. Over the course of two days, there will be over 20 workshops with a wide range of marketing and business planning topics to be covered. Agri-tourism, farmers' markets, internet marketing, value added and testing feasibility are just some of the workshops planned. A half-day workshop especially designed for farmers' market managers is also planned.

The morning of February 28 will feature nationally recognized agri-marketing expert Jane Eckert. Raised on her family's apple orchard outside of St. Louis, Jane earned a degree in business and went on to executive marketing positions for eighteen years. As the former Vice President of Marketing of Eckert's Country Store and Farms in Belleville, Illinois, she developed the property into one of the most successful retail and entertainment farms in America. Today it is a top tourist attraction that draws over 500,000 guests annually.

Honored with the 2004 Outstanding Leadership Award from the North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association, her professional approach to promotion, advertising, public relations and merchandising gave Eckert's a strong brand identity widely recognized and respected throughout the region.

A full trade show will provide farmers with information on the latest products and services. Specialty food producers from across the Northeast have also been invited to take part in the trade show to showcase unique local products perfect for roadside stands.

The conference is sponsored by all six New England State Departments of Agriculture and Harvest New England, in cooperation with:
• Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA)
• Cooperative Development Institute
• Essex Buy Local
• Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets
• Massachusetts NOFA
• Massachusetts Roadside Stand Association
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• University of Massachusetts Extension
• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
• Rhode Island Center for Agricultural Promotion and Education
• Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP)
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

More information will be coming in the next couple of months.
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The Food Less Traveled: How Good Local Food Contributes to Healthy People and Healthy Communities
2007 NYS Farmers’ Direct Marketing Conference
January 18-20, 2007 Owego, NY

This year’s conference planning committee is working on workshops and sessions that will provide knowledge, resources and tools to help farmers to increase their farm’s ability to impact their farm’s health, their consumers’ health and their community’s health.

The conference will feature pre-conference workshops, as well. These workshops will spend the day covering a topic of importance to farm direct marketers. These workshops include:

• Employee training;
• Food service for farm markets;
• Start-up bakery;
• CSA’s
• Livestock Marketing.

In addition to the full three days of workshops and sessions, the Farmers’ Market Federation of NY will be holding a special market manager training program sponsored by USDA’s SARE program. The NY Small Scale Food Processors will be hosting their annual meeting at the 2007 Conference. The trade show will run January 18 and 19 (Friday and Saturday) and will offer a wide variety of products for the farm direct marketing industry. You’re sure to find the packaging you need, the seeds you’ve been searching for, the perfect gift items for your stand or the special gourmet food item that will make your cashier register ring!

For more information, call the NYSFDMA office at 315-475-1101 or email diane99@dreamscape.com OR call the NY Farms! office at 607-659-3710 or email nyfarms@clarityconnect.com.

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CLASSIFIED

Help Wanted: Assistant Farm Manager for 2007 Season. Atlas Farm is a small family farm located in Deerfield, MA. We grow a wide variety of certified organic vegetables, herbs and flowers and sell our products at farmers' markets in Boston. We also sell wholesale to area grocery stores and grower co-ops throughout the season. We are entering our 4th season of operation and are committed to growing high quality produce. Currently 11 acres are in production with plans for expansion in 2007. We seek an Assistant Farm Manager for the 2007 growing season to assist with all aspects of production as well as supervision of the farm crew. Training by the farm manager will be provided. This is an ideal position for someone with previous farming experience looking to take on more of a management role. Salary is commensurate with experience. To begin the application process, submit a letter of interest to gideon@atlasfarm.com or mail to: Gideon Porth/Atlas Farm 8 Pine Street South Deerfield, MA 01373

For sale: Side bar tractor mowing attachment for Allis-Chalmers B or C tractor. In good condition with some extra sickle blades and parts. Complete with original set up directions, manual and parts list.

Also for sale: Pick up plow with one furrow– 2 way blades for Allis-Chamhers B or C tractor. In good condition. Complete with original set up directions, manual and parts list.

For further information and to view equipment contact Terry Grinnan, Saw Mill Site Farm Horseradish products: sawmillsitefarm@aol.com or call 413-665-3005.

MULTIPLE JOB OPENINGS, THE FOOD PROJECT, MA
The Food Project operating from Lincoln and Roxbury Massachusetts is seeking to fill several full-time positions including “Major Gifts Officer”. For more info, see: http://www.thefoodproject.org/about/internal1.asp?ID=151

Help wanted: Warehouse Worker / Delivery Driver. Squash, Inc., a full service fresh food distributor seeks worker for full-time, benefited position. Job involves handling and delivery of fresh food. Prior food experience, Class A or B license a plus. Apply in person at:
Squash, Inc.
1315 Federal Street (Route 9)
Belchertown, MA.
413-256-8929

Land for rent. 15 organic acres in Buckland close to Shelburne Falls. Large barn available. Owner will help skilled operator with start up expenses. Water available. Very low rent/barter possible. Call Michael 413 625-8300.

Farm for Sale: Prime farmland, 20 acres along the CT River in a quiet country setting. 1800+ feet of road frontage. Hay fields, crop fields, fenced in pastures for rotated grazing or separation of animals. Barn with new additions & viewing room, outbuildings, retail shop (built 2003), 2 car garage. Wonderful classic New England Colonial Farmhouse with large wrap-around porch and many renovations since 2001 including windows, electric service, well and much more! Plenty of room for an in-law apartment! Large front yard and backyard. Appliances included. Currently an agri-business. Northfield, Massachusetts. Call or email for more information or to be directed to on-line site with pictures and more information. 413-498-2160. Chee Chee Mamook Farm. alpaca0410@yahoo.com

For Sale: Registered Gelding Alpacas. Moving, must sell. View pictures and descriptions on www.cheecheemamook.com. All reasonable offers considered. Chee Chee Mamook Farm. alpaca0410@yahoo.com

Registered Nubian Buck kid for sale, excellent genetics, born June 17. Call (413) 628-0026 or email sanghafarm@yahoo.com for more information.

Part time farm help needed for small family CSA & market farm. Pay based on experience call (413)628-0026 or email sanghafarm@yahoo.com.

FARM FOR SALE
TO COOPERATORS, FAMILIES, OR INDIVIDUALS:

THE BENSON PLACE - A 38-ACRE HILLTOP WORKING WILD BLUEBERRY FARM 35 MINUTES WEST OF GREENFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

TOTAL COST:
$525,000, or $400,000 WITH A Possible COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION RESTRICTION. Note that due to shifting priorities, the Commonwealth of MA APR program is not a guaranteed possibility - however, it is worth exploring.

BLUEBERRY BUSINESS AN ADDITIONAL $25,000

CONTACT DAVE GOTT OR TED WATT, 182 FLAGG HILL ROAD, HEATH, MA 01346
413-337-5340 * BENPLACE@GIS.NET, http://WWW.GIS.NET/~BENPLACE

The Benson Place is a 38-acre unsprayed, low bush, wild blueberry farm located on uniquely beautiful land in the Town of Heath, a small rural community 20 miles west of Greenfield, Massachusetts. Nearby are two neighboring blueberry farms and several hundred acres of town-owned, wooded conservation area. Current improvements on the property include a two bedroom ranch house with attached garage and storage sheds, a one room cabin, and a modern barn which houses blueberry sorting equipment and a walk in cooler.

Although a managed habitat, the fields comprise a unique, ridge-top, native blueberry barren. The abundance of berries attracts black bears, ravens, coyotes and other species, and the fields support interesting native species including wood lily, ladies tresses orchid, and the Northern Harrier during October migration. Farm roads are open year round to passive recreational use by the public and have been since 1999.

Sixteen of our acres are in active blueberry production. We lease an adjacent 20 acres of fields and annually harvest up to 14 tons of fruit, which are retailed primarily at the farm. Additional farm enterprises include the production of blueberry spread and the hosting of community events.

The berry business includes complete harvesting, sorting, storage, and sales components plus current membership in a food processing facility and two marketing organizations. An annual festival during the height of the harvest has been held for the past four years, and weddings plus farm tours have also been successful events. Over the past five years, average annual yield of fruit has been 8.06 tons, average annual gross sales has been $27,000, and average annual gross income (which includes crop insurance payments) has been $33,440. Areas for potential business growth include increased yields, organic certification which could enable higher prices, expanded production/marketing of blueberry spread, educational programs, social events, and overnight stays. Transitional farm management support from the current owner is an option.

We seek to insure the future of the blueberry farming operation and conserve the wild feeling of the property, possibly through the use of farm oriented covenants and individual, family, cooperative, or community ownership. Prior to sale, we intend to place an Agricultural Preservation Restriction or a conservation restriction on the parcel, leaving 3 unrestricted acres for existing building expansion and/or additional construction. Our neighbors, who lease blueberry acreage to us, are open to placing a conservation restriction on a good sized portion of their property as well.

We seek a sale to a party or parties sharing our community, conservation, and agricultural goals to preserve beautiful land, offer an affordable farming opportunity, and welcome visitors. Our requested sale price is $525,000. If we can work out with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to establish the APR referred to above, approximately $125,000 will be eliminated from the sale price. The cost of the blueberry business is negotiable and probably in the range of $25,000. This includes equipment, inventory, the customer database, and the business's reputation. The building in which farming related activity takes place is included in the property sale price above.

Four Acre organic Farm in Amherst, Massachusetts, for rent to the right individual or group. Great growing area and great flower gardens. 19 room farm house, with four bathrooms, subdivides into four units easily.$2500 per month plus utilities. Cheapest rent around to right group, with great growing potential. Contact DonnaSchaper@gmail.com if interested.

Got Wood? If you have over 20 acres of forest land and would like to discuss your management options with a licensed forester, please call Shane at Cowls: 413-549-1403.

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Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
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