Farmer Update: October 2021
Dear Farmers and Food Producers:
Photo at Fresh Meadows Cranberries, Carver
With fall in full swing and many final harvests of the year underway, many of us are already looking forward to the quieter winter season. Amidst extreme rain events, supply chain disruptions, and an ongoing pandemic, this year has been challenging like no other. We hope that winter offers you a well-deserved break! Please let us know what your farm or market is up to this winter through this form or at info@semaponline.org.

Winter may also be the right time for considering big picture changes to your farm operations. Keep an eye out for SEMAP-led conversations & workshops on topics including value-added opportunities, wholesale, e-commerce, land transfer, and more. If there are other subjects you're curious about, please reach out!

And don't miss SEMAP's 2021 Annual Meeting on November 18th. We'll reflect on the events of this year, premiere new research & video, and discuss plans for the coming year. You won't want to miss it.

In this email you'll find information on:

  • Upcoming grant deadlines
  • A new farm insurance option
  • Upcoming workshops and trainings
  • Programs for enhancing farmer wellness
  • Info for vendors accepting food assistance incentives
  • An opportunity to support a local sheep farmer
  • 2021 SEMAP Annual Meeting
  • Local farming jobs
  • And more!
With thanks,

Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director
New Webpage for Grant Funding Opportunities
SEMAP has a new home for all relevant state and federal funding opportunities on our website! We'll keep it up-to-date as new grants are announced. We hope this will be helpful for farmers, fishers, and farmers' market managers seeking funds for development, infrastructure, and other projects.
Take a look at a few of the currently open grant, reimbursement, and award programs below, then check out a complete list on our new webpage!

  • Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG): For producers and distributors of local food, especially those who serve low-income populations. Up to $500,000 in reimbursement grants for durable infrastructure projects.
  • Deadline: October 31st

  • Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP): For farmers, and fishers wanting to make adjustments to maximize food safety to come into compliance with FSMA. Up to $50,000 awards for 80% project cost reimbursement. A 20% cash match is required.
  • Deadline: November 5th

  • Pandemic Response & Safety (PRS) Grant Program: For producers and distributors of local food who have incurred costs associated with enhancing workplace safety in response to COVID-19. Awards $1,500โ€“20,000 are available.
  • Deadline: November 22nd
New USDA Insurance Option for Small-Scale Local Farms
The USDA has announced a new farm insurance policy particularly tailored to small-scale farmers producing for local distribution! Applications for coverage are set to open in early 2022. The new Micro Farm Policy reduces barriers to farm insurance access like many record-keeping requirements, and it is suitable for farmers with annual revenues of less than $100,000. It also allows insurance of some post-production activities like washing, packing, and adding value. Read more and determine your eligibility below!
Two Initiatives to Support Farmer Wellness
Two programs focused on farmer and farm crew wellness in the Northeast are currently accepting applications!

  • Cornell Small Farms Program's Be Well Farming Project is hosting retreats to share strategies for enhancing personal and community wellness. Participants will practice meditation, group reflection, guided walks, and more! Farmers and farm staff who have worked in agriculture for at least 3 years are encouraged to apply. The retreats will be held December 1stโ€“3rd virtually, as well as December 10thโ€“12th in-person in Harvard. Applications are due October 25th.

  • The Northeast chapter of the National Young Farmers Coalition is offering micro grants for LGBTQ+ farmers and farmworkers to pursue projects or purchases that support their personal wellness! These grants can be used for a wide variety of things, including childcare, rent, therapy, and more. Successful applicants will also be supported by a network of queer service providers and farmers. Apply by October 27th.

Reach out with any questions on either program by emailing shickey@semaponline.org.
Register for The Livestock Institute's Winter Conference
Our friends at The Livestock Institute of Southern New England are once again hosting a winter conference for small and mid-sized livestock producers! This year's event will be held virtually on Wednesday, November 3rd. Speakers include staff from The Carrot Project, Cornell University, UMass Amherst, Meatworks, and more. Registration is FREE!
MDAR Agricultural Business Training Course
MDAR's Growing Your Farm Business Planning course is now accepting applications on a rolling basis, until November 19th. This 8-week training, currently planned as a hands-on in-person course, covers topics like finances, risk management, resource assessment, succession planning, marketing, and more. Eligible participants have managed their farm for at least 2 years. If accepted, the enrollment fee is $200, and SEMAP may be able to assist in covering this cost. Contact MDAR's michael.parker@mass.gov with questions about the training or to apply. Email shickey@semaponline.org with any concerns about the cost.
Important Information for Farmers & Markets Accepting SNAP, HIP, and FMNP Coupons
As many market seasons wind down, there are a few things to think about if you accept any local food incentives, including SNAP, HIP, and senior & WIC coupons.

  1. SNAP and HIP benefits can be used at eligible farms and retailers year-round, but coupons expire October 31st! Please make sure your customers are aware of this as soon as possible.
  2. Mass Farmers' Markets is seeking survey responses from customers using incentive programs at local markets. Responses will be used to develop more effective education materials for customers. Market managers or farmers who have the capacity to facilitate this should express interest here as soon as possible.
  3. If you currently accept HIP benefits, please confirm your hours on DTA's HIP Finder webpage. As days get shorter and your offerings may become more limited, be sure your customers know where & when to find you! Sign into the vendor portal to make edits.
Free Workshop on Feasibility of Methane Digester on Your Farm
On Wednesday, October 20th, Farm Credit East is hosting a free webinar on whether or not a methane digester is a smart investment for your farm. Economic, policy, and operational considerations will be discussed by Paul Sousa of Western United Dairies, as well as staff from Farm Credit East and CoBank. The webinar is particularly suited for dairy farmers, but anyone is welcome to attend!
Local Farmer Urgently in Need of Sheep Barn Space
A Bridgewater-based sheep farmer is in need of barn space to temporarily relocate 8โ€“10 bred ewes while she repairs her barn. The space is needed from mid-December to early spring, and lambs will arrive between January and March. The barn should be weather-tight & coyote-proof, have electricity, and have a frost-free water supply. All leads are appreciated! For more information or to be connected with the farmer, please email shickey@semaponline.org.
TIE Award Materials Now Posted
SEMAP's annual TIE (Technology, Innovation & Excellence) Award program is now posted! Do you have an innovative idea that would increase your farm's efficiency or reduce your costs? Are you excited to share this innovation with others in the farming community? Apply for the TIE program, which offers $500-3,000 awards to accepted projects. Applications are due between November 1st and February 1st, but will be accepted and awarded on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. Contact kschwalbe@semaponline.org with any questions.
Register for Annual Meeting!
Save the date for 2021's annual SEMAP meeting: Thursday, November 18th at 6:30pm. This will be a virtual event and registration is required. We will premiere farm & fishery video content and discuss the recent Southeastern Massachusetts Food System Assessment.
Free Workshop Series for Beginning Farmers
Jean-Martin Fortier, farmer and author of The Market Gardener's Toolkit, is currently teaching a FREE three-part workshop series for beginning farmers! Topics include the basics of goal-setting, establishing a consistent clientele, and maximizing revenue. This series is perfect for aspiring farmers and farmers in their first two years of operation. Workshops are not taught live, but they're only available to view until October 29th, so sign up now.
What Do You Want to See at our 2022 Ag & Food Conference?
We're working hard planning SEMAP's 15th annual Agriculture & Food Conference and we want to hear your thoughts! Please fill out this quick, 5-question survey to help us make this conference the best one yet. Anyone who completes it will receive a 10% discount on the ticket price!

Don't forget to mark you calendars for this year's one-day event: February 27th! Decisions are still being made about an in-person element, but this conference will definitely be accessible virtually. If you are interested in presenting a farming technique, research results, or other relevant material, please reach out. Send questions or suggestions to info@semaponline.org.
For more workshops, webinars, and other opportunities, check out our event calendar!
Farming Jobs
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.
Become a SEMAP Member
Consider registering as a SEMAP Business Member. 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...
  • Member Spotlight on SEMAP's blog
  • Access to business development resources
  • Discount ads in Local Food Guide
  • Free boosted Facebook posts

Membership is available at several levels. Come join us!
PO Box 80625,
S. Dartmouth, MA 02748 
Executive Director:
(508) 524-2601