SEMAP is dedicated to preserving and expanding access to local food and sustainable farming in southeastern Massachusetts through research and education.
The Vine - Monthly e-Newsletter
I am excited to be hired as the new Executive Director of the Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership. I realize it’s the traditional thing to say, but when I have such a tapestry of farms and diverse array of farmers across the region to work with, it is amazingly true. After the first six weeks on the job, talking to farmers across Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth counties, I have begun the groundwork necessary to represent and promote farming and local food production in our part of the state. I can see the diversity of needs and levels of experience. 

I bring to the job a passion for agriculture as well as 25 years of organizational experience. Working for non-profit scientific organizations, I have a diverse array of management skills and a ‘big picture’ understanding of agriculture and the environment in a global context.   Click here to continue reading.

Happy winter! With the change in season, we also decided to change our newsletter. This is a project I’ve been meaning to tackle for few months, but we’ve pretty busy over here at SEMAP. Our newly designed Vine is now mobile-friendly. With a lot of folks now reading e-mails on their phones, we wanted to make sure that everyone can easily read the SEMAP newsletter, no matter if you’re on a tablet, PC, or on the go.

I’ve just posted our winter farmers’ market guide online. Yes, winter! There are still a few places to buy your local goodies this time of year. Continue reading...
1/12 + 1/14 -- Making it Happen: Profitability and Success, Lowell and Worcester, MA
1/16 -- NOFA/Mass Winter Conference, Worcester State University, Worcester, MA
1/23 -- Meet Your Local Farmer, Westport Grange, Westport, MA
Resources

The Online Farm Guide  
Farmers: Keep your farmfresh.org listing up-to-date! The online farm guide, farmfresh.org, is a go-to for anyone looking for local foods, beverages and farm fun. 

The Beginning Farmers Network of MA has many resources for beginning farmers See links to Young Farmer Nights and New Entry's publication, An Entrepreneur's Guide to Farming in Massachusetts.   

SEMAP Local Food Guide
This online version of our Local Food Guide contains SEMAP member farms and local food businesses, as well as a list of farmers markets in our region.

SEMAP Winter Farmers Market Guide
Don't let the cold keep you from eating local!
Jobs & Opportunities

Gibbet Hill Farm seeks Assistant Manager and Farm Assistants. More information.

Farmland Opportunity in Eastern MA. Secure, long-term lease for experienced, community-oriented farmer.

A bulletin board for land, jobs, and agriculture in Southern New England.

Us: Family run, successful 3 season vegetable CSA farm looking for new land opportunities. (www.heartbeetsfarm.com)
You: Willing owner of 5-10+ vegetable acres looking to rent/sell in Bristol County Help us find new fertile fields! Email us at heartbeetsfarm@gmail.com



UMass Urban Agriculture Courses Online

UMass Sustainable Food and Farming Courses Online

See Your Farm or Business Spotlighted!
We are looking for applicants for our Farm & Sustainable Spotlight sections of the Vine! The Vine is sent to our list of 4,000 email addresses each month, and we want to use this excellent opportunity to showcase innovative,  talented, and dedicated local farmers and entrepreneurs. Own a farm or business, or just want to see one of your favorite places or products highlighted? Send an email over to Kendra at kmurray@semaponline.org with your suggestions. 

Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director

Kendra Murray
Program Coordinator
Jim's Organic Coffee
Chatham Jam & Jelly Shop
Great Hill Dairy
Gray's Grist Mill
SEMAP | PO Box 80625| info@semaponline.org| www.semaponline.org