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New Articles on SEMAP's B
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A Message from the Director
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Frost warnings might put an abrupt ending to this part of the growing season but these past few weeks have been idyllic. Most of the growing season was unremarkable - no floods, no droughts, but still too hot at times. Finally, summer is winding down, cranberries are ramping up, and finally local apples! Is it cool enough for soup yet? Not for me. I've got beef stew on the stove.
It's been good to finally get out and visit farms - there is always too much paperwork. One common theme I've heard as I have visited is the issue of labor - how to find people, how to keep people, and how to afford the help needed.
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Bask Inc. to expand in Freetown
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Chapman Dickerson has been waiting for moving day.
The 40-year-old CEO of Bask Inc. oversees a thriving cultivation business and medical marijuana dispensary tucked into a quiet industrial building in Fairhaven. And now, after roughly a year-and-a-half at the old Mass. Lottery offices on Pequod Road, Bask is expanding - shifting its cultivation and processing operations to a new site in Freetown, complete with state-of-the-art greenhouses and streamlined production facilities. The Fairhaven building will remain open as a dispensary, but all production work will move to Freetown.
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Important SEMAP Announcements
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Save the Date: SEMAP Annual Meeting, November 21st
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Join us for networking with farmers and local food allies from across the region and a presentation of awards for individuals key to the success of local agriculture in 2019.
This year we will be doing a special interactive dot survey to help identify what SEMAP's priorities should be in 2020 and beyond. What challenges facing our local food system are most important to you? What challenges are most important to our region? We'd love to hear your thoughts and have you join us for this special event as we continue to develop our long-term strategy, and focus in on those issues where we can drive success for the region.
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SEMAP seeking additional Board Members to join our team
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SEMAP is dedicated to preserving and expanding access to local food and sustainable farming in southeastern Massachusetts through research and education. We are seeking individuals with a background and/or interest in advancing local farm and food businesses to join our dynamic Board of Directors and guide SEMAP's strategy into the future. In November, we will be looking to fill at least two seats - one farmer, and one non-farmer vacancy.
All interested individuals should email SEMAP Executive Director Karen Schwalbe with your interest and a summary of your background.
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| Conference Proposals & Cranberry Branding |
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Agriculture & Food Conference Presentation Proposals
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Our annual conference will be held Sunday February 23rd, 2020 from 9AM - 4:30PM. Have a particular topic or workshop you'd like to present on related to agriculture, food, or homesteading? Please submit your proposal at the link below!
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New Branding Announced for Massachusetts Cranberries
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With cranberry harvest season now in full swing, the Massachusetts official state fruit has got a new marketing campaign logo.
Keep an eye out for it!
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Upcoming Closing Dates at Local Farmers Markets
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The following area farmers markets in Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties have their closing dates fast approaching. If you've been meaning to go, now is the time!
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Fiber Farmers: Take our Survey
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SEMAP and the Southeastern New England Fibershed are looking to better understand fiber production in Southeastern New England. How much fiber is being produced? What kinds of animals are being raised? What is being done with the fiber?
Manufacturers and brands are looking for local fiber. SEMAP and the SENE Fibershed want to also understand what technical assistance and promotional efforts are useful for fiber farmers.
If your farm produces fiber, take the survey below!
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Farm Incubator Space Available in Westport
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Five and a half acres of farmland is available for lease, including farmer housing, in Westport, MA. The property has been managed for 4 years (non-certified organic) and there a
lready is substantial farm infrastructure and soil management in place.
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Exploring the Small Farm Dream
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MDAR's next Exploring the Small Farm Dream course will be held Tuesday evenings October 29th through December 3rd, 6-9pm, at the Boyden Library located at 10 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA. (5 evenings total; we will take a break Tuesday November 26th.).
The course walks participants through some of the decisions involved in starting a farm business, including skills and resource assessment, marketing, and regulations, and helps people analyze the feasibility of their small farm dream. Please RSVP to Deanna Levanti at [email protected] by October 11th. The cost is $100 to help cover instructor's time and course materials.
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Norfolk Aggie Open House, October 6th
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Sunday October 6th | 1 - 4pm | Walpole, MA
Tour the campus and explore the buildings, talk to admissions staff, students, and teachers!
Norfolk County Agricultural High School offers specialty training to students who are interested in the following subjects.
Animal and Marine Science: Veterinary Science, Marine Science, Dairy and Livestock Management, Research and Animal Technology, Equine Science, Canine Science
Plant Science: Forestry, Floriculture, Arboriculture, Turf Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, Natural Resources
Environmental Science: Climate Change, Natural Resources, Green Engineering, Sustainable Forestry, Environmental History,
Parks and Recreation,
New England Wildlife,
Outdoor Leadership,
Water Treatment
Mechanical Technology: Diesel and Heavy Equipment Operation and Repair, Welding and Woodworking
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Update from the Mass Food Collaborative
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NOFA/RI Announces Organic Land Care Seminar
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November 3rd | 10 AM - 2 PM | South Kingston, RI
Join landscaper, arborist and ecological designer, Michael Nadeau, a leading authority in the field of sustainable and organic land care strategies, and Frank Crandall, horticultural business consultant and author, each with 40+ years of experience for an organic land care seminar.
This seminar will benefit landcare professionals (and farmers too) as well as the home gardener seeking to learn more about organic alternatives and to avoid the use of traditional chemical insecticides and pesticides and the harmful impacts of their use. Michael and Frank share real world solutions using organic approaches resulting in natural choices that create sustainable healthy landscapes.
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Executive Director
Outreach Coordinator
Program Coordinator
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