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A Message from the Director
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SEMAP has been deeply concerned about a recent decision made by the USDA that has a profound impact on our most vulnerable population. An incentive program that supports access to fresh local food for SNAP clients changed contractors with a domino effect that puts Massachusetts' highly successful Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) at risk, leaving our farmers and farmers markets without a way to process electronic transactions for these incentive programs. For some farmers, it will eliminate their ability to process credit and debit transactions, as well.
When a bureaucratic decision has such a devastating local effect it is staggering - especially when the notification comes, for the majority of our local organizations, through a Washington Post article. It exposes the vulnerability of our food system to technological and administrative decisions at the Federal level and shows the need for local resiliency and solutions based close to the heart of our communities.
In this case, a short-term solution has been found which will allow the program to run until August 31st and we are all extremely grateful to the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs for stepping in... Continue reading on the SEMAP website.
With thanks,
Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director
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Farm to Tapas Tickets Still Available!
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SEMAP and TLI will once again be hosting a twist on the traditional farm to table dinner - our 4th Annual Farm to Tapas celebration near Barneys Joy in South Dartmouth on Sunday, August 12th.
The event consists of nearly 20 local restaurants a
nd caterers - all sourcing local ingredients - who will prepare their own tapas station to enable guests to experience and fill up on the locally-grown bounty of the Southcoast. The event will also include music, a charitable auction, and complimentary local beer, wine, and cocktails.
This gastronomic delight will leave you with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that your ticket will help to support the local farming community and grow our local food system right here on the Southcoast.
Farmer-priced tickets are SOLD OUT. General Admission tickets are available for $95. Buy Tickets.
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UMass Extension Twilight Meeting on Organic Weed Management, July 24th
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Join farmers and researchers to talk about organic weed management on fruit and vegetable farms. The event features Langwater Farm's Kevin O'Dwyer with their flame weeder, and leaf mulching techniques. Additional trials and research discussed will include a vinegar weed injector,
occultation and solarization, and
silage tarps in a reduced tillage system for weed management.
The event will be held from 4-7pm at Langwater Farm, 209 Washington St. North Easton, MA
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Free Course for Beginning Farmers Seeking Land, July 26th
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New Entry Sustainable Farming Project has a free workshop to help new farmers identify their land needs and navigate the land procurement process. This workshop will help you navigate soil types on potential farmland, conservation and wildlife restrictions on land, zoning regulations, infrastructure considerations, as well as lease or mortgage options for your farm business. You will also hear from industry professionals about things to consider to negotiate a lease, purchase a property, or plan a business, and you will learn how to access funds to get started. This three-hour workshop is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.
Location: Middlesex Community College, Lowell, MA
Date: Thursday, July 26th, 2018
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
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SEMAP Local Libation Tour at Buzzards Bay Brewery, August 21st
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Join SEMAP for a tour of Buzzards Bay Brewing in Westport, MA.
Buzzards Bay Brewing has been supporters of local agriculture & the environment for many years. The tour of the brewery will also include a meal from the burrito bar on-site food truck and a flight of their delicious brews!
Tickets are $25 for SEMAP Members, $30 General Admission
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"A Force for Farming in Falmouth - Karen Schwalbe Defends Local Agriculture"
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The Falmouth Enterprise recently sat down to learn a bit about SEMAP Executive Director Karen Schwalbe. Their article delves into her background, her role as Chair of the Falmouth Agricultural Commission, and her work at SEMAP! We are all very proud of the great work she does. Give it a read!
Read the article in the Falmouth Enterprise.
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Farmers Market Regular or Not, We Want Your Feedback!
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SEMAP is working with regional partners to gather thoughts directly from shoppers about how and why you choose to shop for local food - or why you choose not to. Please give a few minutes to fill out this survey, and share it with friends!
Take the survey.
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Public Hearings on New Composting & Apiary Regulations
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Address: 10 Bird St, Foxborough, MA
Written testimony on the composting rules will be accepted until Aug. 1. Comment should be sent to Gerard Kennedy, Director, Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance, Department of Agricultural Resources, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114.
A hearing to get public input on
modified apiary regulations for beekeepers will be at the MassDEP Central Regional Office in Worcester on
Monday October 15th, 6-8 p.m.
Address: 8 New Bond St. Worcester, MA. Comments may be submitted anytime via email to Kim Skyrm.
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Farm Planning and Grazing School with Sarah Flack, August 17th & 18th
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Back by popular demand, Sarah Flack will be on the South Coast for two seminars this summer in coordination with the Livestock Institute and Weatherlow Farms.
On Friday August 17th, from 1:30 to 5:00pm she will discuss the topic of matching livestock numbers to land base to increase farm income, and on Saturday, August 18th, 10am - 4pm, the subject covered will be good grazing management systems.
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USDA FSA County Committee Election Nomination Papers Due August 1st
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting its annual County Committee election. The nomination period for these elections is currently open and runs through August 1, 2018.
Farmers who serve on committees help decide the kind of USDA programs their counties will offer. They work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers.
Areas holding elections include:
Local Administrative Area 1:
Attleboro, Dighton, Easton, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Norton, Rehoboth, Seekonk
Local Administrative Area 2: Bellingham, Dover, Foxboro, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Norwood, Plainville, Walpole, Wellesley, Westwood, and Wrentham
Find nomination forms here.
Questions? Email Julie Viveiros,
or call
: 508-880-0185
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SEMAP Member Announcements:
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Weatherlow Farms Hosting Pasture Walks and Field-to-Barn Dinners
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Weatherlow Farms is hosting several upcoming farm events including Pasture Walks, Field-to-Barn Dinners, and Thursday Suppers on the farm.
Pasture Walks with their
Land & Livestock Manager will give you a chance to learn about their approach to multi-species management and grazing, building healthy soils and sustainable agricultural practices. T
his event is free, but please register at the link below
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Their Field-to-Barn Dinners and Thursday Suppers will feature a unique menu of farm-raised proteins and local produce for a delicious meal.
Join fellow local food lovers for a unique dining experience crafted by one of the best chefs in the region, Weatherlow Culinary Director, Beau Vestal. Children five and under are free.
Schedule:
Pasture Walks - July 27th & August 30th
Field to Barn Dinners - August 12th & September 16th
Thursday Picnic Suppers - August 23rd & September 27th
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Rehoboth Farmers Market Seeking Vendors
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The Rehoboth Farmers' Market has spots open and is looking for more vendors!
Current vendors include cut flowers and potted plants from Bayberry Farm & Flower Company, Bettencourt Farm with cheese, Anawan Farm with fresh produce, and Homestead Farms with a variety of meat offerings. RFM is looking for additional produce vendors and other value added farm products to offer to the public.
Email the Market Manager Laura Samsel or call 781-975-1403 for more information. Rehoboth Farmer's Market is an 80/20 market, 80% must be grown by farm 20% can be outsourced from a MA or RI farm. Check out their Facebook page here.
The market is Sundays, 10AM-2PM at 55 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA
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Executive Director
Outreach Coordinator
Outreach Intern
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Contribute to the Vine
Have an event, job posting, or article to share in our next Vine Newsletter?
Want your farm or business highlighted in a SEMAP Spotlight?
Become a SEMAP Member today to post your news!
SEMAP Business Membership starts at only $75/year
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