Photo at Ward's Berry Farm, Sharon

A new round of funding for the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) is set to be announced in the next couple of weeks! While we aren't certain how it will compare to previous rounds, we expect it to be similar: maximum of $500,000 per project; 6-week turn-around time for applications; and most infrastructure projects will be eligible, including vehicles, storage facilities, and structures. Keep an eye out for this grant announcement in late August.

SEMAP will host a free grant-writing workshop on September 15th at 6:00 pm with a focus on FSIG applications. Rose Wilson, an expert grant-writer will walk you through each element of the RFR, as well as provide strategies to improve your application. You can register for the workshop here.

Take a look at these currently open grant, reimbursement, and award programs:

Keep in mind that SEMAP can support your grant-writing process through our Business Assistance program, as well as by writing letters of support. Email shickey@semaponline.org or apply for assistance below.

MDAR's 36th Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest will be held this Tuesday, August 24th in Boston. Entering is a great opportunity for free press for your farm! Tomatoes are judged on flavor, firmness, color, and shape. Winners receive trophies and bragging rights until next year!

Tomatoes can be dropped off for judging in advance at Bristol County Agricultural High School at 84 Center Street in Dighton, between 10am and 4pm on Monday August 23rd. You can also bring your entries to Boston Public Market on Tuesday morning. Find more details and download the registration form here.

As the season continues, many local farmers' and artisans' markets are still seeking farm and food vendors.

Are you a market manager seeking farm vendors for the fall or winter seasons? Email info@semaponline.org.

There's never enough time to pick every crop clean, but there is heightened need for donated food in our communities. Produce farmers interested in supporting local hunger relief efforts can host skilled and efficient gleaning groups on a regular or one-time basis. Farmers east of Route 24 should contact Dylan Frazier of Boston Area Gleaners at (781) 810-0621. Farmers west of Route 24 should register online with Hope's Harvest RI. Both organizations train, insure, and supervise all volunteer gleaning groups.

What you do in a typical day? Why did you become a farmer? What makes your business unique?

We are planning a series of short social media videos highlighting farmers in our region. Take viewers through a day in the life on a Southeastern MA farmer! Filmed and edited by a professional videographer, these clips will help you advertise your farm and attract customers. If you're interested in being featured, email kschwalbe@semaponline.org.

The USDA is reckoning with its legacy of racism in providing services and grant funds to farmers, as well as continued discrimination faced by farmers of color. They are accepting ongoing comments and suggestions from farmers and food systems workers via email at EquityRFI@usda.gov. If you are a farmer of color who has experienced racial discrimination by USDA, FSA, NRCS, or other federal agricultural agencies, you are particularly encouraged to submit testimony.

If you are interested in submitting comments anonymously, please email shickey@semaponline.org and we will compile responses.

You could be missing out on an opportunity to sell more produce to the community! FMNP senior and WIC coupons help to dramatically increase community access to locally-grown foods.

Are you one of many farmers in our region attending a farmers' market that allows you to accept FMNP senior and WIC coupons as payment? If so, did you know you are also able to accept these payment forms at your farm stand? Your farm stand must be staffed by an employee trained in FMNP-eligible purchases, and you must submit a brief form to MDAR – it's easy! Find more information, including contact information for MDAR staff who can answer questions, here.

SEMAP maintains a Local Food Jobs page on our website! You'll find local food and farm job listings relevant to Southeastern Massachusetts.

Here are a few picks currently on the page. Want to share a listing? Email info@semaponline.org.

Aeonian Farm, Westport

Consider registering as a SEMAP Business Member in 2021. Membership with SEMAP helps us continue to provide promotion and technical assistance to farmers across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.

Business members receive a host of benefits, including...

Membership is available at several levels. Come join us!