The Vine - September 2020 |
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A Message from our Executive Director: |
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It’s the time of year when people’s energy and imaginations turn toward the harvest season. Bright orange pumpkins and rustling corn stalks are filling farm stands. Demand for locally produced food is high with increasing interest in bulk purchases for pickling, canning, and freezing. There is pent-up demand for Pick-Your-Own experiences and the chance to be a farmer for a day. Get out and enjoy those experiences while you can—it will be worth it. Farmers have struggled through a long summer of drought- and COVID-related stresses and need your support! |
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MA Drought in SouthCoast Today |
The current drought in MA elevates farmers' costs on top of the COVID-19 pandemic—but this year, we've learned the value of local food systems in times of crisis. Our Director Karen Schwalbe told SouthCoast Today how we can keep supporting local agriculture. |
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SEMAP Web Site Redesign Survey |
SEMAP's website is undergoing updates over the next few months. This web site is a resource for you—we want to know how you use the website now, and what you'd like the website to offer in the future. We appreciate your time to complete this quick survey and help your local agricultural website meet your needs. |
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Farmers: Take SEMAP's Fall/Winter Plans Survey |
Southcoast farmers! We want to know your fall/winter plans—CSAs, winter markets, delivery, pickup, and more. The information from this 2-minute survey will help consumers continue to find local ag products and services as we enter a new season of this unusual year. |
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Approximately 50 acres in Kingston, MA are available for a farming operation, right off of Route 3 and close to the Kingston commuter rail station. We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset that can take advantage of the land and revive a previously productive farm. Some infrastructure is available on site – 2 greenhouses, an aquaponics system, and a market trailer with some amenities for the farm. We can also offer a place to live on-site. The landowner is active in the renewable energy industry and believes in sustainable living, and would love to revive this farm. Please reach out to Mary O’Donnell via mary@nofossilfuel.com or 617-688-6088 to learn more.
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Marshfield Farmers Market Vendor Openings |
bread vendor for its physical and virtual markets. Contact the manager at FarmersMarket@marshfieldfair.org.
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New Entry Sustainable Farming Project and Tufts Food Lab are working to collect information on your interest and experience in growing grains, in hopes of designing a research and education project that will help grow and expand a local grain economy in the Northeast. If you grow grains for any purpose, we have a few quick questions for you! |
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SARE Farmer Grant Program |
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program is offering Farmer Grants to commercial farmers across New England with innovative ideas they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique. Grants are capped at $15,000 and can run up to two years. Applications are due by November 17! |
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It's Still Eat Local Month! |
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Eat Local MA App
This August and September, the Eat Local MA iOS and Android app is here to help you to find nearby farms, fisheries, farmers’ markets, food businesses, and restaurants that have committed to sourcing local ingredients.
Download the free mobile app today on iOS and Android stores, and begin finding local food and farms near you. Submit pictures of your receipts through the app to level up and win local food prizes!
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MassGrown Exchange
Last month, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources launched MassGrown Exchange, a platform to encourage business-to-business connections within the local food system for products and services. With this tool, food buyers and suppliers can sell and purchase each others' products and services directly. Potential sellers and buyers are encouraged to register their business.
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Kennedy Park Farmers Market
is Now Open!
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The Kennedy Park Farmers Market on S Main St. in Fall River is now open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 28! |
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Family-owned beef and produce grower J&L Beaulieu Farm offers beef pickup at the farm in Fairhaven, and delivery in surrounding towns. Their products can also be found at Braintree Farmers Market on Saturdays, Fairhaven Farmers Market on Sundays, and the Sandwich Farmers Market on Tuesdays. |
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Fairhaven Farmers Market, running every Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 21, offers locally-produced bread, honey, eggs, fruits and vegetables, meat, and more. Some vendors also accept WIC and Senior Farmers Market coupons. |
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Open Events at Hope Alpaca Farm |
Hope Alpaca Farm will host three Open Farm events on September 26, October 10 and October 11, all from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the farm in Little Compton, RI. Meet Huacaya Alpacas and check out alpaca fiber products like socks, scarves, plush animals, and yarn. All ages are welcome! The farm store is also open Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. |
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Southeastern New England Fibershed Web Series |
Southeastern New England Fibershed is hosting a series with the RISD Nature Lab, examining regional fiber + textile systems' ties to land, waste, material, and color, and imagining how we can drive positive change in these systems. The third and fourth talks in the series will take place on Sept. 30 + Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. |
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New Buy Local Resource:
Find My Local MA
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Did you know that 46% of employees in Massachusetts work for a small business? The Massachusetts Office of Tourism has just launched the #MyLocalMA initiative to promote local business throughout the state, in response to COVID-19's economic impact. Visit the campaign web site to find information and resources for consumers and business owners. |
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Tangerini's Farm - Millis |
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Tangerini's Farm - Millis |
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Hellenic Nursing & Rehabilitation Center - Canton |
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Thanks to Sweet Goat Farm in Westport, MA for renewing their SEMAP membership for the coming year! Sweet Goat Farm raises Nigerian Dwarf goats to make yogurt, kefir, cheese, and bath products. They also produce jams, jellies, and pies with farm-grown fruit, and offer Airbnb stays. |
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Renew Your SEMAP Membership or Become a Member Today! |
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PO Box 80625
S. Dartmouth, MA 02748
Executive Director:
(508) 524-2601
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