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The Vine - November 2019
SEMAP Annual Meeting, November 21st

Join us at our Annual Meeting next Thursday in New Bedford. If haven't connected with us in some time, or you are new to SEMAP, this is a great time to engage. Our Annual Meeting provides a forum for SEMAP supporters to network, enjoy local food and drink, and take part in our yearly reflections and ideas for the future.  Please RSVP by Nov. 19th!
Agriculture & Food Conference Presentation Proposals

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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Spotlight: Chamberlain Farm & Pavilion in Berkley

For the last several years, Jacqui and Bob Chamberlain have donated about 50 pounds of peeled butternut squash to SEMAP's Annual Agriculture & Food Conference. Usually, it is turned into a delicious butternut squash soup, which is one of my favorite parts of our conference lunch. This year I wanted to learn a bit more about the farm, other than just the fact that they grow some great squash, so in September I headed over to Chamberlain Farm & Pavilion for a tour with Jacqui.

Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin Hosting Winter Farmers Market


Fairmount Fruit Farm welcomes the public and local vendors you to their first-ever winter monthly farmers market in the Farm's 100th year. At the link below is some basic information regarding the new 6-month market, as well as an application for prospective vendors. Don't wait, sign up for the full market season by November 18th and mention SEMAP for discount.


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USDA & Farm Credit East Info Session, November 12th

Today: The USDA Farm Service Agency, in cooperation with USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service, USDA Rural Development and Farm
Credit East will provide info on programs they assist with, including irrigation, drainage, fuel storage, greenhouses, housing, low interest loans for farmers, and more.

SBN Local Food Producer and Buyer Workshop, November 14th

At this upcoming workshop at the Boston Public Market organized by Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, local food buyers will give insight on what they look for when selecting new food items and the internal process of food buying. Includes a question and answer panel with buyers, discussion, and networking. 
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MA Urban Agriculture Grant Program, Due November 15th

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) seeks proposals for funding projects that will advance commercial urban food production in the Commonwealth, as well as Community Gardens.

UMass Dartmouth Food Revolution Fair, November 18th

Meet representatives from local organizations
working to end food insecurity in the region. Find out how you can get involved to make a difference. Learn about internship, career & volunteer opportunities. 
Held in the UMass Dartmouth Charlton College of Business (Main Lobby).

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MA Solid Waste Master Plan Public Hearing, November 19th

The MassDEP has scheduled five public hearings on the Draft 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan and will accept public comment through early December. Our region's public hearing will be Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 5:00 p.m. at MassDEP Southeast Regional Office, 20 Riverside Drive, Lakeville, MA


3rd Annual Massachusetts Food System Forum, November 22nd

Held every year in Worcester, the Annual Massachusetts Food System Forum brings together more than more than 200 leaders from the Massachusetts food system to exchange ideas and resources, learn about each other's work, and pursue opportunities for collective action, especially on legislation to move our food system forward.

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MDAR's Agricultural Business Training Starts January 22nd

Wednesday evenings January through March, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources offers a hands-on course to help established farmers develop a business plan and financial projections for their farm business. This course covers topics including resource assessment, marketing strategy, financial management, risk management, quality of life, and goal setting. 





Cranberry Vine Catering & Events Thanksgiving Menu

SEMAP Member Announcement: Cranberry Vine Catering & Events is offering a revised and expanded Thanksgiving menu in 2019. They work with local farms to provide the finest foods that are comprised of the freshest ingredients, while also crafting an artistic presentation that best suits your event. All orders must be placed by Tuesday November 19th.

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Support SEMAP With a Membership!
Enjoying our newsletter? Become a SEMAP Member today for as little as $15 for a first timer to support our work on this and many other projects throughout the region. From healthy food access, to land access, and farmer support, we work hard to support our region's farms and food system. 
Join us today!


Not sure if it's time to renew?
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Fiber Farmers: Take Our Survey
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? 

Bottom line: if your farm produces fiber, take the survey below!

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