Hello again,
Here we are only a couple of weeks into spring, and it already feels like a whirlwind! I hope this snowy, wet weather hasn't impacted you too badly. To me, it feels like an opportune time to take a deep breath, savor a warm beverage, maybe catch up on some dreaded computer work (like filing taxes, anyone else?), and just pause... before we blast full steam ahead into warm weather next week and the busy season ahead.
One of my favorite parts of this job is that I get to spend time visiting you, your farms, markets, or businesses, and gather some clues as to where I, and Berkshire Grown, could be of more support. If you are interested in scheduling a time to chat or have a quick farm tour, I would love to hear from you!
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to stewarding the land, it's creatures, and to keeping our community fed. And thanks for reading!
In this month's farmer newsletter:
- Ag Day at the Massachusetts State House
- Updates from the Berkshire Grown Office
- Updates on SNAP & HIP
- Updates from Livestock Farmers Working Group
- Grant Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
Warmly,
Alyssa VanDurme
Program Manager, Business Members
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Ag Day At the Massachusetts State House |
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Governor Maura Healey declared April 3, 2024, as Massachusetts Agriculture Day. Berkshire Grown staff Margaret Moulton, Kate Bailey and Alyssa VanDurme were in attendance, along with several Berkshire County Representatives of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau.
The key priorities for Berkshire Grown in attending Ag Day were to meet with our Berkshire County Delegation and provide updates on our work over the last year, while offering our gratitude for their past and continued support, particularly of our 2025 budget.
As part of the celebration, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll announced over $3 million in grants to support Massachusetts farmers through programs that improve composting efforts, food safety, cranberry bog restoration, stewardship, and business planning.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle also announced the formation and inaugural members of the Massachusetts Agricultural Youth Council. Comprised of high school seniors, the Ag Youth Council will cultivate and foster the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry in Massachusetts.
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Updates from the Berkshire Grown Office
LAST CHANCE!
2023 Farmer Year End Survey
RAFFLE!
Complete our Farmer Year End Survey by April 7t and your name will be automatically entered into our raffle to receive one of two $50 Gift Certificates to Guido's or Wild Oats Market ( your preference!).
Your feedback is essential!
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Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market Coordinator
The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market (BMFM) is a collaborative food access program with the mission of bringing fresh, local food to communities across Berkshire County.
We are hiring 2-3 Market Coordinators. This person will be the on-site lead for 1-3 Mobile Farmers Markets per week. They will be the primary liaison at the markets, coordinating the market logistics with site hosts, shoppers, market ambassadors and volunteers. You might be a good fit if you enjoy people and customer service, are passionate about local agriculture and food access, want physically active work and are comfortable with point-of-sale technology.
This is a seasonal, part-time position requiring 1-3 days/week, with on-site work at Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market sites from June - October, with a start date in late May. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Click below to the full job description.
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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Are you looking for guidance or technical assistance in a particular area of your business?
Our Technical Assistance program facilitates farmer-to-farmer consultation in areas such as marketing, business planning, financial analysis, food safety requirements, sustainable practices, diversification, and/or value-added production.
We’re here to help facilitate a relationship between you and other farmers who may have navigated similar situations and can offer assistance. Funding for this program is available through 2024.
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Updates on SNAP/HIP
HIP Lobby Day Recap
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The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative organized a successful Campaign for Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) Funding advocacy day at the state house on March 26.
The Campaign coalition advocated to state legislators for $5.1 million for HIP in a fiscal year 2024 supplemental budget to ensure that HIP continues running without interruption this spring, and $25 million in FY 2025 to support the continued growth of the program.
Join the Campaign for HIP funding by signing on here!
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ANNOUNCING ONLINE SNAP/EBT PAYMENT PROCESSING!
Local Food Marketplace announced its software will now be supporting online SNAP/EBT payment processing in partnership with Forage. They are the first local food-focused provider of Online SNAP that features built-in automated SNAP Match support.
Interested in implementing Online SNAP through LFM? Join their upcoming Informational Session to learn more.
When: April 23rd at 11am PT.
Can’t make it? Register anyway and they'll send you the recording!
In this session, you will learn how LFM & Forage have teamed up to support online EBT on the LFM platform.
Live demo - Q&A - Timeline and next steps
Presenters will include LFM, Forage, and Activate Food Arizona.
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LIVESTOCK FARMERS WORKING GROUP UPDATES
BERKSHIRE AG VENTURES GATHERED FIBER AND HIDE MEETING
In March, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures brought together players in the regional fibershed to discuss problems and opportunities in the fiber and hide value chain.
The value chain is vulnerable due to lack of value chain infrastructure and coordination. In a region that has a high number of small ruminant farmers for which fiber and hide production is an important revenue stream, this leaves the broader regional livestock production system at risk.
The conversation explored how to look more holistically at Regional Livestock Production Value Chains and opportunities for technical and development support work that BAV and others could engage in.
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LIVESTOCK WORKING GROUP MEETING RECAP
Discussion of the Value-Added Meat Processing and Cold Storage Study
The Local Meat Processing Support Program gathered members of the Livestock Working Group, a group of farmers and processors involved in the meat processing supply join jointly convened by Berkshire Grown and Berkshire Ag ventures, to meet with three consultants from Food Works Group to discuss the results of Value Added Meat Processing and Cold Storage Study so far, and its future direction.
Livestock Working Group members confirmed that the study aligns with a need for greater VAP capacity in the region. Farmers were very interested in the potential for expanded bone broth and animal fats production, as bones and fats are currently underutilized.
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MEAT UP NEWSLETTER
BAV is hosting an archive of the Meat Up Newsletter on their website. Visit the resources page to view past newsletters including the most recently published April newsletter, and subscribe.
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HACCP FOOD SAFETY HOTLINE
Extended to 5 days / week!
The HACCP Hotline is OPEN Monday - Friday, 10am-4pm EST —> every week. Open to everyone!
Are you a slaughterhouse, meat processor, butchery, restaurant, smokehouse, farmer, school/university, chef, cured meat extraordinaire or looking to learn about state licensing? No matter your role in the food industry, we’ve got your back.
Free & confidential, scheduling a call with the AgriForaging Food Safety HACCP Hotline is simple. You can reserve a slot during our hotline hours using the links on our website, email us at hotline@agriforaging.com or by calling 845-481-0820. Our team is ready to provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the complexities of compliance, food safety + HACCP.
Broiught to you by Berkshire Agricultural Ventures through the Local Meat Processing Support Program and support from USDA-NIFA & NERME.
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MDAR Farm Viability Grants
Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP)
For established farms: This program provides business planning and technical assistance to develop or update a business plan for established commercial farms that own and operate unrestricted farmland. In return for a short-term covenant to keep the land in agricultural use, operators may be eligible for grants to implement capital projects on the farm that have been identified in the business plan completed through the program. Grant levels have increased: up to $100,000, $150,000, or $200,000, depending on the size of the farm and acreage protected, in return for a 10 or 15-year term covenant. Uses of funds will vary depending on the needs of the farm – examples include, but are not limited to, new or improved livestock barns or farm stores; purchasing delivery vehicles, tractors, or haying equipment; constructing food processing or storage facilities.
Applications Due: 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 18, 2024
APR Improvement Program (AIP)
For APR farms: This program helps sustain active commercial farming on land that has already been protected through the state’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. AIP provides business planning and technical assistance to farmers selected to participate in the program and grants may be available to implement identified capital improvements on the farm to increase productivity and profitability. Grant levels are up to $90,000; $125,000; or $150,000 depending on the size of the farm and acreage under APR, available on a cost reimbursement basis with a required 10% match contribution. AIP funds are used primarily for capital improvements to farm infrastructure such as new or improved buildings for equipment, hay storage, livestock housing, farm stores or processing facilities; or resource improvements for agricultural use, such as orchard renovations or perimeter fencing.
Applications Due: 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 18, 2024
Matching Enterprise Grants Program (MEGA)
For beginning farmers: This program provides business planning and technical assistance, and grant funds may be available on a one-to-one matching cash reimbursement basis. Funds may be used for equipment, infrastructure, or other capital improvements identified through the business planning process that will have a positive impact on the farm’s viability. Common uses of MEGA grant funds include, but are not limited to, greenhouses, barn renovations, tractor implements, chicken coops, farmstands, and refrigerated trucks.
Expanded eligibility and grant levels continue – MEGA now assists beginning farmers who have been in business at least one (1) and no more than ten (10) years and are developing their farms into commercially viable operations. Grant levels are up to $10,000, $20,000,or $30,000, based on the number of years the farm has been in business, minimum gross income, and whether the farm has received a prior MEGA award. Prior MEGA participants may be eligible to apply for a second award - see the Request for Response (RFR) for details.
Applications Due: 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 18, 2024
MDAR Food Access Programs
Urban Agriculture Program
MDAR seeks proposals for funding projects to support commercial urban food production and community-based food production in the Commonwealth. MDAR’s Urban Agriculture Program is seeking to award grants statewide to promote strategies addressing food insecurity, to expand and create new economic opportunities and to increase access to fresh, local produce in urban neighborhoods.
Applications Due: 4:00 PM on Monday, May 6, 2024
Food Ventures Program
MDAR seeks proposals for funding projects that will advance the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (“MFVP”), help to implement the objectives of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and provide economic opportunities that promote job creation enterprises or new businesses. MDAR is seeking to award grants statewide, primarily in communities of low or moderate income, to individuals or entities with experience developing and supporting food businesses.
Applications Due: 4:00 PM on Monday, May 6, 2024
Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG)
The FSIG Program seeks to ensure that farmers, commercial fishermen, and other local food producers are better engaged with a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate food supply and distribution disruptions, as well as to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have equitable access to food, with a focus on food that is produced locally. Participants selected for funding are provided with reimbursement grants up to $500,000.
Applications Due: 4:00 PM on Thursday, May 2, 2024
MDAR Additional Grants
Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA)
For APR Owners - This grant helps improve the status and condition of farmland that has been protected by an MDAR Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR). The goal of SARA is to restore the overall utilization of APR land resources for commercial agriculture. Grant funds of up to $35,000 are available on a cost reimbursement basis with a 15% match of total project costs required by the farm participant.
SARA provides funding to help address stewardship issues and restore active commercial farming on APR land. Funds must be used for projects to restore inactive farmland back into active commercial agricultural use or to restore resources for increased agricultural production on existing APR farmland. Responder must not have been the original owner of the property when the land was placed under the APR unless the proposed restoration is in response to damage caused by a natural disaster or third party. Leasing farmers (including future heirs with leases) are also eligible. Details about eligibility of participants and projects is contained in the RFR linked below.
Applications Due: 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 18, 2024
Sky High Farm Grants
Sky High Farm Grants was established in 2022 as an annual program of micro-grants. The program is committed to building equity in our extended agricultural circle by supporting a range of projects helmed by farmers and food justice advocates whose work is rooted in their communities and our shared values.
Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, migrant, refugee and other groups excluded from traditional funding opportunities experience profound barriers in access to land, acquiring essential farming tools and equipment, experiential and formal education around sustainable farming practices, and wages from farming that support stable housing and basic human needs.
USDA Grants
Farmers Market Promotion Program
The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products by developing, coordinating, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, online sales or other direct producer-to-consumer (including direct producer-to-retail, direct producer-to-restaurant and direct producer-to-institutional marketing) market opportunities. FMPP is part of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP).
Applications Due : May 14, 2024
Local Food Promotion Program
The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products.
Applications Due : May 14, 2024
Regional Food Systems Partnership
The Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) program supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The program focuses on building and strengthening the viability and resilience of
local or regional food economies through collaboration and coordination. RFSP supports public-private partnerships that plan and develop relationships between local and regional producers, processors, intermediaries, and institutional markets or institutional
food service operations through local and regional producers and local and regional food systems.
Applications Due : May 14, 2024
Value Added Producers Grant
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.
You may receive priority if you are:
- Beginning farmer or rancher
- Socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher
- Small or medium-sized farm
- Ranch structured as a family farm
- Farmer or rancher cooperative
- Proposing a mid-tier value chain
Applications Due : April 11, 2024
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Livestock Farmers’ Resource Guide
Attention Livestock farmers!
Inside the guide, you can find details foro processors, regional transportation, cold storage, and sales options.
This resource will continue to expand, so check back again if you find it useful - and let us know, at localmeatprocessingsp@gmail.com if there are other tabs or entries you'd like to see in this guide!
If you offer relevant services, or know of someone that does, and would like to be included in our resource lists, please fill out this entry form.
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MDAR’s First Annual Agricultural Resource Fair
Friday, April 12th, 2024
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Mass Wildlife Field Headquarters, Westborough.
For more details on location and directions, click here.
Non-profit agricultural stakeholders and service providers including our Federal-State Partners will be offering the Massachusetts agricultural farming community up-to-date timely resource information. The material presented will include material on services, funding information, and technical assistance programs to provide a ‘One-Stop Shopping’ resource opportunity for those that attend.
The Fair’s goal is to assist in making the agricultural industries in Massachusetts sustainable and viable. There is no fee to participate and locally sourced snacks will be provided throughout the day.
Let MDAR know you are coming by filling out this form. Registration is not required, but would be greatly appreciated to get an accurate count of attendees.
APR info session - ‘Snacks & Farm Chats’
Tuesday, April 9th
12:00 pm -2:00 pm
Ioka Valley Farm, Hancock
Join MDAR for an informational session for farmers and landowners interested in learning about enrolling in the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. Approximately $10 million in funding is available through the program this year. MDAR welcomes all interested farmers and landowners for free snacks and refreshments, followed by a conversation about the benefits of placing land into APR. Interested parties are requested to RSVP here in advance.
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NOFA Mass has a variety of events scheduled this spring - learn about tranisitoning to organic, soil health, compost tea, no-till practices, and much more.
View their calendar of events to learn what's happening this spring at NOFA Mass!
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April 18, 2024
5:30 - 7:30 pm EST
Online Event, meeting link sent by email
Have you been growing cover crops year after year and still aren’t seeing soil organic matter increase? Are you tired of soil moisture swings, seeing water puddle on your fields and watching your crops and pastures dry up a few weeks later? Do you worry that you’re not getting the most out of your fertilizer investments? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may be interested in the Soil Carbon Amendment (SCA) webinar, hosted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Health Subcommittee and American Farmland Trust (AFT).
- Arthur Siller, Soil Health Specialist and Olivia Golden, Urban Agriculture Educator of UMass Extension will discuss compost application rates, the effect of compost on soil organic matter and other soil properties and the differences between manure and compost.
- Deborah Aller, Extension Associate, Cornell University will present on her research with biochar and its positive effects on soil health.
- Kate Parsons, Resource Conservationist, NRCS will cover the financial assistance that is available for eligible agricultural producers to apply compost, biochar or other soil carbon amendments using NRCS’ new Conservation Practice Code 336 (SCA).
And of course, no soil health webinar is complete without a very brief review of the soil health principles. This webinar is designed for both farmers and technical service providers. Please register by Monday April 15th to learn how Soil Carbon Amendment can help you advance towards your soil organic matter goals.
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Berkshire Grown's mission is to Keep Farmers Farming!
We support and promote local agriculture as a vital part of the Berkshire community by networking farmers and food buyers, promoting locally-grown food, and increasing community access to local food.
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