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Local Agriculture and CISA in the News
CISA workshop to help farmers stay cool
The Recorder, August 24, 2010
CISA partners with the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program to provide two workshops for farmers on increasing energy efficiency.
Food stamp discount for buying produce
The Boston Globe, August 19, 2010
More than two dozen cities and towns in Western Massachusetts will be the focus of a major federal initiative to increase low-income families’ consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Restaurant Specials Grown Locally
WWLP, August 17, 2010
CISA's 7th annual Local Hero Restaurant Days Celebration is back with over 40 restaurants in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties featuring local specials.
Focus on Food
The Valley Advocate, August 12, 2010
The new statewide Food Policy Council could have a huge impact on agricultural policy, environmental protection, business and commerce, public health, and social service programs.
Legislation aids Massachusetts food policy
Daily Hampshire Gazette, August 2, 2010
Two recent bills that were approved by the state legislature will have a significant impact on food policy. One bill approved the creation of a statewide Food Policy Council, and the second will create statewide school nutrition standards.
Land trust makes farmland swap deal
The Recorder, July 26, 2010
Good farmland is increasingly difficult to find. This deal will help avoid tax payments on cash exchange.
CISA's Margaret Christie weighs in on the outbreak of tomato blight
Daily Hampshire Gazette, July 21, 2010
Blight was discovered in Hadley recently, raising concerns that the blight which devasted tomato plants in the Pioneer Valley last summer may be back.
Blueberry Season
WHMP, July 15, 2010
Chris Collins interviews John Pipris from Bird Haven Blueberry Farm in Southampton and CISA Execitive Director Phil Korman about blueberries.
Natural Veal: Local Farmers raise their calves with TLC
Hampshire Life, July 9, 2010
An article which highlights local farmers who sell humanely raised veal, and re-examines the consumption of veal from an ethical standpoint.
Mason Square Farmers Market opens in Springfield
CBS Springfield, July 12, 2010
Concerned Citizens of Springfield hope that this market will encourage low-income residents to purchase more healthy food.
Farmers' Markets Open for the Season
WHMP, June 2010
Chris Collins talked farmers' markets with Maureen Dempsey of Intervale Farm and Phil Korman, CISA's Executive Director.
Small Farms, Food Producers fear new regulations
Daily Hampshire Gazette, June 19, 2010
Local farmers have different opinions on what new farm regulations being discussed in the Senate could mean for their businesses.
Local Organizations with Well-Beyond Local Reach
The Recorder, June 16, 2010
Mary McClintock encourages readers to learn more about and join CISA and the New England Farmers Union.
Strawberry Season
WHMP, June 2010
Chris Collins talked strawberries with Nate Nourse of Nourse Farms and Phil Korman, CISA's Executive Director.
Fertile Soil for Local Products
The Valley Advocate, June 8, 2010
Maureen Turner praises CISA for helping the local food market to expand despite the rough economy.
New Farmers Markets Cropping Up
WFCR, June 4, 2010
Jill Kaufman interviews Margaret Christie, CISA Special Projects Director, in a piece about the increasing number of farmers' markets in the state.
Summer in Spring
Valley Advocate, May 29, 2010
Sarah Buttenwieser writes about the rising tide around local food issues and the inspiring local efforts that are contributing to it.
Forum targets buying locally grown food
Daily Hampshire Gazette, May 13, 2010
Highlights from CISA's legislative panel, where citizens were given an opportunity to hear from and speak with local legislators and agriculture experts.
Focus Western New England: The Farm Economy
WFCR, April 22, 2010
WFCR's Focus Western New England looks at the state of regional agriculture.
Alternative Learning: Education in the Classroom and the Field
Farming Magazing, April 2010
A profile of the organizations around the country that recieved funding through the USDA's Beginning Farmer and Rancher program includes CISA's partnership on the Whole Farm Planning Workshop Series.
Earth Day events show a playful, practical side
Daily Hampshire Gazette, April 22, 2010
CISA will be one of several organizations participating in the Earth Day celebration at Pulaski Park on Sunday, April 25th from 11am-4pm.
Tap Area Farms for Nutritious School Meals
Daily Hampshire Gazette, April 10, 2010
Kelly Erwin of the Massachusetts Farm to School Project and Phil Korman of CISA write in support of the proposed state nutrition bill.
Taking Farmers' Message to Boston
The Recorder, April 8, 2010
Ritchie Davis covers CISA's participation in Ag Day at the State House in Boston, and some of the major issues facing farmers today.
The Bill Dwight Show
WHMP, March 18, 2010
Phil Korman from CISA brings in 5th generation maple syrup producer Chip Williams from Williams Farm to talk about the sweet stuff.
The Bill Dwight Show
WHMP,
Massachusetts Agricultural Commissioner Scott Soares and Phil Korman of CISA talk with Bill Dwight about keeping it local.
Greenhouses help western Mass farmers sell crops even in winter
The Republican, Feburary 20, 2010
Stan Freeman reports the increased interest in eating local food throughout the year, the new winter markets in the area, and farmer response to the demand.
Farmers' Market Held in Greenfield
22 News WWLP, February 6, 2010
Sy Becker covers the Greenfield Winter Fare, the successful one-day farmers' market organized with support from CISA.
In Our Opinion: Winter Fare a welcome addition
Daily Hampshire Gazette, January 30, 2010
The Gazette's editorial board voices its support for winter farmers' markets such as Northampton Winter Fare.
Growing the Bottom Line
The Recorder, January 30, 2010
Pat Leuchtman talks to Phil Korman about CISA's ag infrastructure work, Senior FarmShare program, and Winter Fare.
Stepping Up for Local Seniors
The Valley Advocate, January 21, 2010
CISA's Senior FarmShare program needs donations to survive in the face of state budget cuts.
The Bill Dwight Show
WHMP, January 21, 2010
Massachusetts Agricultural Commissioner Scott Soares and CISA's Phil Korman talk smokeless sugaring, winter fairs, Bean Farm, energy savings on farms and more. Interview starts at
Fresh in the Valley: Winter Fare
Daily Hampshire Gazette, January 16, 2010
The Gazette's weekly "Fresh in the Valley" feature covers the success of Northampton Winter Fare.
Local Crops May Make it to a Freezer Near You
The Recorder, January 13, 2010
Richie Davis talks to Margaret Christie at CISA and John Waite at the Franklin County CDC about the feasibility of using a quick-freeze unit to preserve the local harvest.
Senior FarmShare Needs Help!
WHMP, January 13, 2010
Kelsey Flynn interviewed Claire Morenon of CISA and a Senior FarmShare recipient from Holyoke about the funding challenges facing CISA's Senior FarmShare program in 2010.
Good Eating: The ground may be frozen, but there's still fresh produce at local farms
Daily Hampshire Gazette, January 6, 2010
Dylan Klempner covers Northampton Winter Fare and profiles many of the farms that will be vending there.
Small businesses left out of stimulus
The Recorder, January 6, 2010
Richie Davis covers a meeting hosted by the USDA's Rural Development Agency on the challenges that small businesses, especially farmers, face when it comes to accessing federal grant and loan programs.
Winter's Fare
Valley Advocate, January 6, 2010
Sarah Buttenwieser, on her blog Standing in the Shadows, reflects on the importance to the community of events like Northampton Winter Fare.
2009
Eat Local, Year-Round: Winter Fare coming Feb 6
The Recorder, December 28, 2009
The flavors of Franklin county will once again come to Greenfield High School on Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Greenfield Winter Fare Farmers' Market will include vendors selling locally grown and locally raised food, workshops, displays and a barter fair.
Greenbacks for Greenhouses
Daily Hampshire Gazette, December 26, 2009
Ritchie Davis reports that the USDA has launched a pilot program to help farmers build greenhouses.
The Bill Dwight Show
WHMP, December 18, 2009
John Omasta of Hickory Dell Farm joins Phil Korman, CISA's Executive Director, to talk with Bill Dwight about the Bean Farm land use debate in Northampton.
Winter Markets
The Recorder, December 15, 2009
Phil Korman, CISA's Executive Director, writes a letter to the editor about the many winter farmers' markets in the region, including Northampton Winter Fare.
Encouraging Public Comment on the Bean Farm Land Deal
Daily Hampshire Gazette, November 26, 2009
Phil Korman, CISA's Executive Director, writes a letter to the editor about the public outpouring of support for using the Bean Farm land in Northampton for agricultural purposes.
Grants Plant Seeds for Farms to Grow
The Recorder, November 19, 2009
Ritchie Davis covers CISA's recent work on agricultural infrastructure work, and the new Pioneer Valley Grows project.
The Bill Dwight Show
WHMP, October 1, 2009
Scott Soares, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, joins Phil Korman, CISA's Executive Director, to talk with Bill Dwight about the future of agriculture in Massachusetts.
Senior Food Program in Crisis
The Valley Advocate, August 25, 2009
Maureen Turner writes about the funding cuts that threaten CISA's Senior FarmShare program.
Senior FarmShare Program Needs Help
WGGB-ABC 40, August 24, 2009
Ray Hershel writes about the reduced funding that CISA's Senior FarmShare program will recieve in 2010 and how the community can help.
Farm program seeks donations
The Republican, August 21, 2009
Diane Lederman covers CISA's efforts to continue the Senior FarmShare program despite funding cuts.
Local Hero Restaurant Celebration
The Republican, August 13, 2009
CISA's annual celebration of all the great restaurants that serve local food returns!
Celebrate Local Farms with Local Hero Flavor-Fest
The Reminder, August 2009
Ayo Babatunde writes about the 6th Annual Local Hero Restaurant Celebration, featuring 37 area restaurants.
Local Hero Restaurants Supporting Local Growers with Celebration
WGGB- ABC 40, August 19, 2009
Karen Randall Features the 2009 Buy Local Guide
WGGB-TV 40, July 9, 2009
Locally grown product guide hits farm stands
WGGB- TV 40, July 6, 2009
Eric Fisher writes about the 11th annual Locally Grown Products Guide, which contains a comprehensive list of farmer's markets, farm stands, retailers and restaurants that serve local produce.
Grocery Stores Taking Stock of Local Foods
Local Banquet, Summer 2009
Sylvia Fagin contemplates expanding the availability of local produce in Vermont, focusing specifically on getting more locally grown food in grocery stores.
Summer Blockbuster: Food Nerds Fight Back
Valley Advocate, July 2009
Mary Nelen covers Amherst Cinema's screening of Food, Inc. In this documentary, Robert Kenner and Eric Schlosser uncover truths behind the industrial food industry. Margaret Christie from CISA, Clarissa Coffin from the New England Director of American Farmland Trust, and Dan Kaplan from Brookfield Farm participated in a dialogue with the audience following the screening.
CISA guide steers buyers to local foods, farms
Daily Hampshire Gazette, June 30, 2009
Daniel Scheer discusses CISA's work, as well as Executive Director Phil Korman's take on spending locally.
The Bill Dwight Show
WHMP, June 19, 2009
Phil Korman, CISA Director, brings a slice of the local food economy: David Shearer from Pine Hill Orchard, Richard Cooper from State Street Fruit and Wine Store and Local Hero Awardee Alden Booth from The People's Pint.
Agriculture Group Names Local Heroes
The Recorder, June 1, 2009
Chase Scheinbaum writes about the winners of this year's Local Hero Awards, which were given to Alden Booth of the People's Pint; John LaSalle, of LaSalle Florist; and Deb and Ricky Baruc, of Seeds of Solidarity Farm.
Budget Cuts threaten Senior Farm Care Program
WFCR, May 20, 2009
WFCR's Bob Paquette reports on CISA's Senior FarmShare Program that provides area seniors with fresh fruits and vegetables and now faces the state budget axe.
"At home with CISA's Margaret Christie"
Edible Pioneer Valley, Spring 2009
Margaret Christie and her family are exemplary rolemodels for aspiring locavores. Melissa Weinberger interviews the family as they conduct a tour through their well stocked kitchen.
State Cuts put CISA's Program for Seniors in Jeopardy
The Recorder, May 16, 2009
Chase Scheinbaum covers the budget cuts to CISA's Senior FarmShare Program. The program, which supplies farm produce to seniors living below the poverty line, may be discontinued without continued funding from the state.
Smith College Graduate Aims to Work Outside
WFCR, May 15, 2009
Allison Chuang a senior anthropology major at Smith College,shares her experiences as an intern at CISA along with other reflections as she contemplates life after Smith with WFCR Intern Matthea Daughtry.
State agriculture office settles into Amherst digs
April 17, 2009, By Scott Merzbach
Daily Hampshire Gazette
AMHERST - Area farmers will have closer access to state help through a new office in Amherst.
In Our Opinion: A real and symbolic garden
Daily Hampshire Gazette, 04/06/2009 - Editorial
Time running out to join a local CSA farm
ABC 40, April 13, 2009, By: Eric Fisher
Ben Perault and Liz Adler run Mountain View Farm in Easthampton, one of many CSA farms in the area.
Victory is a Garden
The Valley Advocate, April 2, 2009
Now that there's a vegetable garden on the White House lawn, how about one in front of the courthouse in Northampton?
Valley's food advocates stress available savings
Daily Hampshire Gazette, February 2, 2009
Farms a Growing Industry for County
The Recorder, February 13, 2009
Winter Fare Packs Them In
The Recorder, February 9, 2009
The Greenfield Winter Fare was a huge success, and should only improve in coming years.
2008
The State of the Kitchen
Edible Pioneer Valley, Fall 2008
This article reads as a roundtable between local foods activist and author Mary McClintock and CISA's Phil Korman and Margaret Christie. The three cover CISA's work, the local food movement here in the Pioneer Valley, and expanding its impact regionally and nationally.
Food Storage as Grandma Knew It
The New York Times, November 6, 2008
Food Preservation is making a serious comeback. Read this article for an interesting perspective on how and why people are storing winter crops across the country, including an interview with Margaret Christie, CISA's Special Projects Coordinator.
The Bill Dwight Show Interview
WHMP,
This lively interview with Bill Dwight, CISA's Executive Director, Phil Korman, and Local Hero farmer, Mike Weissman, covers the origin of Mike's Maze, the benefits of local food and why local food tastes so good.
Food Comes Home
The Valley Advocate, September 18, 2008
Local foods are returning to dinner tables throughout the Pioneer Valley. Read here about CISA's role in the growing local food movement.
Seniors relish farm's deals
The Republican, August 4, 2008
Many low-income senior citizens across the Pioneer Valley receive free produce through CISA's Senior FarmShare program. Read here about the program and its impact in Palmer.
Market for Meat: Local study shows farmers would benefit from more options for slaughtering
The Recorder, July 24, 2008
A full report of CISA's slaughter demand study is now available. This article summarizes the study's findings and it's role in shaping new slaughter and processing options for local farmers.
New England reaps the Farm Aid show
Boston Globe, July 15, 2008
The 2008 Farm Aid Concert's Massachusetts location was announced in mid-July. This article, describing the history of the concert, includes a short profile of CISA's ongoing relationship with Farm Aid.
Buying Local Made Easier with New Guide
ABC40, June 26, 2008
The 2008 Farm Products Guide is out and better than ever. This short news clip announces the new and improved Locally Grown: Farm Products Guide.
Growing Enthusiam
Business West, June 9, 2008
This article covers the range of CISA's work and upcoming plans in the organization's 15th year of work in western Massachusetts.
Are tractors final frontier for farm women?
The Daily Hampshire Gazette, June 3, 2008
The May 2008 Women in Agriculture Network workshop covered the basics of tractor maintenance. This article discusses the changing dynamics of farm labor and the rising role of women as primary farm operators.
CISA draws new leader from Priorities Project
The Daily Hampshire Gazette, March 5, 2008
This article introduces Philip Korman, CISA's new Executive Director. The aritlce gives some background on Phil and his vision for CISA's future.
Living the Vida local
Amherst Bulletin, February 29, 2008
Is local better than organic? The Amherst Bullein takes on this interesting debate with interviews with Margaret Christie, CISA's Special Projects Director.