More farmers work away from fields to pay bills

By OLIVIA MUNOZ - For The Associated Press

"More than half of America's farmers work a job off the farm to make ends meet, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"In California and throughout the country, farmers open up their land to tourists, set up roadside stands and travel the farmers market circuit, but they also moonlight as mechanics, pool cleaners and even authors. They make jam and paint landscapes, work at banks and own businesses in order for the farm to survive...

Berkshire County Foodshed Analysis

December 15, 2010 at 7 PM

Join Berkshire Food Policy Council invited members, local agriculture and

food enthusiasts for a formal presentation of the recently completed

Presentation by Williams College students:

Vashti Emigh - Anthony Raduazo - Kathleen Durante

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission,

1 Fenn St. Suite 201, Pittsfield

Please RSVP so that there will be enough chairs, etc. to  Amy Kacala akacala@berkshireplanning.org (ph) 413.442.1521  x12

June Wolfe of Wolfe Spring Farm, at the Holiday Farmers Market

in Great Barrington, November 20, 2010            Photo by Chris Blair. 

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Come speak up for farms and farming in the Berkshires!

 December 16^th Mason Library 6 - 7 pm

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is hosting a "listening" session at the Mason Library in Great Barrington on Thursday, December 16 from 6-7 p.m.   BRPC staff want to hear from the public about our ideas for stimulating economic development.  Join us and please pass this on to others who are interested. 

Farming is key to our economy, farming is essential to our environment-- meet with the people who are revising the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy plan for the Berkshires and let them know your thoughts.

 If you are traveling through Massachusetts check out this map, support our local farmers throughout the state!

FREE MAPS OF MASSACHUSETTS FARMS at the

Holiday Farmers' Markets Saturday Dec. 18th

Over 400 farm attractions are open to the public. These local farms offer unique hands-on experiences to see, feel, and taste agriculture at its source.