Dear Friends,
The winter season is officially behind us—welcome, spring! We hope you're as excited as we are for the coming months. This year's growing and harvest season has so much in store for farms, farmers markets, agritourism, and more.
In this month's newsletter, you'll find:
- Helpful resources and updates for our region's farmers
- Information about SEMAP's 2021 Local Food Guide
- Local food shopping options, from CSAs to markets
- Local food job postings
- Meet a small-scale farmer right in our region!
The SEMAP team is looking forward to a season full of connecting with our farmers and promoting locally-grown food. If you'd like for us to pay a visit to your farm, market, or other operation, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
As always, please contact us with any questions or thoughts on the local food landscape in Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Happy planting!
Sincerely,
Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director
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News For Farmers and Food Professionals |
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Order Your Local Food Guide
Our 2021 Local Food Guide is heading to the presses, and we couldn't be more excited! This printed guide to local food and farms in Southeastern Massachusetts is a great resource for everyone from home gardeners to shop owners.
Pre-order a box for your business now! We'll deliver right to your door.
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Claim Your Ad Space
There's still time to get more eyes on your business with an ad in the Local Food Guide—but the clock is ticking! Check out our sizing options and member discounts on our web site.
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Farm Business Assistance
Did you know? SEMAP provides direct business and marketing support for farmers and ranchers in Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties. We can help with digital marketing, e-commerce, labor management, SNAP/HIP operations, and more. If you'd like to meet with us, learn more and apply now.
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New Farmers Market Guidelines
The MA Department of Public Health (DPH) has lifted existing COVID-19 guidelines for farmers markets. This information has been posted here, direct link here.
Please reach out to SEMAP with any questions on what this means for your market.
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Doggett Brook Land for Sale
Buzzards Bay Coalition (BBC) is working to protect a nearly 60 acre farm property along Doggett Brook, a tributary of the Sippican River and Buzzards Bay. As part of that effort, BBC will be selling a property containing large agricultural fields We seek potential private buyers interested in purchasing the property for agricultural use of this working farm.
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Dartmouth Greenhouse for Rent
Greenhouse space is available at 794 Horseneck Road, South Dartmouth—formerly the home of Quansett Nurseries. While the nursery is no longer in business, much of the infrastructure remains and is available to rent.
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Call to Action: New Bill
for Farmland Accessibility
Farmland preservation is crucial for a healthy community, but rising prices put agricultural land at risk of pollution-heavy development. A new bill in Massachusetts aims to protect that land, and help farmers use it sustainably. Be part of this exciting effort to keep farmers farming and keep our soil strong!
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Farmers Market Nutrition Coupons
Heads up—you may be able to earn more revenue through the Farmers Markets Nutrition Program coupon initiative! Help seniors and families buy fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.
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Land Ethic Mentorship Program
Have you ever wanted to pick the brain of a farmer with previous experience and success working with USDA programs?
The Sand County Foundation is launching a mentorship program in which Leopold Conservation Award winners will help new farmers with farm management and environmental conservation.
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Webinar: Beautiful Photos for Busy Market Operators
It’s a perfect day — the sun is shining, your market is full of happy customers, and the produce is looking extra vibrant. You take out your phone to capture the moment — but the image doesn’t do your market justice. Sound familiar? Check this mobile photography webinar recording from the Farmers Market Coalition. |
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Fall River Farmers Markets Survey
Are you a Fall River-area resident? Tell us how you feel about your local farmers markets! We want to make local food even more available and accessible to you.
You don't need to have attended a farmers market to fill out this quick survey! Tell us what you'd like to see for local food in Fall River. Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
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Pro Chef's 7 Tips for Cooking with Local Food
With so many options and varying prices, farmers markets can be intimidating. Have no fear! Haley Pollock of The Holistic Trick gave us some tips for stepping out of your local food comfort zone.
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Bask Arbor Day: Free Trees!
Bask, Inc. in Fairhaven is holding their 4th annual Arbor Day Free Trees celebration! This year, they are giving away 1,000 blue spruce seedlings outside for contactless pickup. The community is welcome to stop by 2 Pequod Rd., Fairhaven, MA on Saturday May 1 from 10am-7pm to take a free seedling.
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Osamequin Farm Events
Osamequin Farm in Seekonk, MA has started planning outdoor, in-person events over the coming months. Check out their event calendar for ecoprinting, papermaking, and more!
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New Online Farm Stand:
Flying Carrot Farm
Flying Carrot Farm in South Dartmouth has just launched a brand-new online ordering platform. Shop online Friday through Monday for pickup on Tuesdays 3 - 7 p.m.
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Cervelli Farm Opening Day!
Cervelli Farm at 247 Rounseville Road in Rochester re-opens for the season on May 1! Stop by the farmstand from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for fruits, veggies, and other local-grown goodies.
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Freedom Food Farm CSA
Freedom Food Farm in Raynham is still taking signups for their seasonal meat and veggie CSAs! Claim your spot before May 10.
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DTA HIP Map is LIVE!
The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance has just launched their new interactive map to help find HIP-accepting farms nearest to you. Check it out!
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COVID-19 Resources
SEMAP is maintaining a resource list of farms and local food producers offering accessible options throughout the pandemic. View the list on our web site.
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As we approach a brand-new growing and market season, we'd love to introduce you to farmers and food heroes in Southeastern Massachusetts. This month, meet Sasha of Hocus Pocus Farm in Seekonk, MA.
This 5-year-old farm grows chemical-free vegetables, flowers, and herbs on one acre of land at Osamequin Farm. They use a CSA model, wholesale through Farm Fresh’s Market Mobile, and sell at Osamequin’s farm stand. They use low-till methods, and are committed to replenishing the soil and growing nutrient dense produce.
Farmer Sasha has been growing plants since 2014 at farms around Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
"It feels special to have access and be able to farm land and grow food for people," says Sasha. They're excited for a second season managing the farm!
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Welcome New + Renewed SEMAP Members! |
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SEMAP has just launched a new Local Food Jobs page on our web site! You'll find local food and farm job listings relevant to Southeastern Massachusetts.
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Renew Your SEMAP Membership or Become a Member Today! |
Consider registering as a SEMAP Member in 2021. Membership in SEMAP helps us continue to provide promotion and support to farmers and consumers across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.
Members receive a host of benefits, including...
- Access to business development and farming/gardening resources
- Discounts to events like the Ag & Food Conference
- Priority event sign-up
- Special thank-you published in our Local Food Guide
Membership is available at several levels for businesses and individuals. Come join us!
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PO Box 80625
S. Dartmouth, MA 02748
Executive Director:
(508) 524-2601
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