SEMAP Lg. logo
SEMAP Buy Local Update #1
Hey Everyone,
            
Get a Head Start with Local!

It feels good to be out of the snow - almost as good as Buying Local!

What a winter!  Complete with pond freezings and a couple snowdays from the office...not too bad.  And now, we're ready for Spring!  I can almost smell the Rhubarb/Strawberry pies, they're just around the bend - but let's not forget the lovely tastes Spring teases us with first, like Asparagus and early Lettuce.  Check out the list of products you can enjoy now in the early growing months, as well as a couple events coming up to really get your local mojo grooving once again. 

As always check out our Online Farm Guide for help with finding Pick-Your-Own (PYO), farmstands, and specialty products.

In case you haven't noticed... local food is fantastic!
 
These emails are designed to help you get started on your local food odysseys and inform you about the many ways you can help local agriculture, simply by buying fresh local products.

Every two weeks or so, you can expect an email updating you on:
  • What's Growin' - Local Foods that are in SeasonSpring is Here!
  • Where You Can Purchase Them -  CSAs 101!
  • And How you Can Further Support Local Producers - Wine + Sheep Shearing! (not together)
SEMAP's mission is to help local farmers achieve economic success through marketing and technical assistance.  Now, we are also increasing our public outreach on Why, Where and How to buy fresh, local products.  SEMAP's 'Buy Fresh, Buy Local' Campaign makes it easy for you to find the best quality products from our terrific local farms and food businesses--look for the our new label and taste the difference! All over Southeastern Mass., this label will be at participating farmstands, farmers markets, restaurants and markets.

But there's MORE!

Be sure to check out our website at www.semaponline.org to search our Online Farm Guide where over 200 local farms can be searched by location, products, market outlets, and more.

Look for the 'Buy Fresh Buy Local' label, and taste the difference!





What's Growin'?

Springs bounty is upon us, so lets get a head start to enjoying the season.  Listed below are items fresh from the fields, as well as products available all season long.  Pairing the two makes for a mouth-watering Local Meal that your vacationing friends, and especially Mothers (hint hint), won't soon forget.  Treat the ones you love with a special Spring time bouquet, just search for Flowers on our ONLINE FARM GUIDE, and make him/her smile with Local.
 
The farms and businesses listed below are members of SEMAP's Buy Fresh, Buy Local Campaign and Business-to-Business Network. For complete information on these local producers and MANY MORE check out our Online Farm Guidewww.semaponline.org


Examples of products available this week:      (Lots more growing!! Check ONLINE FARM GUIDE!)

                  
                   Asparagus              
              Cranberries
                  
Four Town Farm   
                Tihonet Village Market              Willows Cranberries
                   Seekonk, Ma.                         Wareham, Ma.                          Wareham, Ma.
                   www.fourtownfarm.com        www.admakepeace.com            www.willowscranberries.com
                   
                    
                    Early Greens & Lettuce
                    Eva's Garden (Cert. Organic)        Cape Abilities Farm             Coonamessett Farm
                    S. Dartmouth, Ma.                 Dennis, Ma.                         E. Falmouth, Ma.
                                                                www.capeabilities.org         www.coonamessettfarm.com

                  
                   Honey                                      
                   Dufort Farm                        E.&T. Farms                             Hana's Honey        
                   Rehoboth, Ma.                    West Barnstable, Ma.                 Westport, Ma.      
                   www.dufortfarms.com        
www.eandtfarmsinc.com          [email protected]

                  
                   Potatoes                                                                
Aquaponic Tilapia          
                   Maplewood Farm              Sampson Farms                
E.&T. Farms 
                   Portsmouth, RI                 Westport, Ma.                  
West Barnstable, Ma.    
                                                                                                
www.eandtfarmsinc.com


                   Shellfish (Oysters & Clams)                       Smoked Fish, Dips & Pates!
                   Barnstable Seafarms                                   Nantucket Wild Gourmet & Smokehouse
                   Barnstable, Ma.                                          Chatham, Ma.
                   www.barnstableseafarms.com                    www.nantucketwildgourmet.com         
             

                   Pork & Beef                       
Eggs                              Artisanal Cheeses
                   Dufort Farms                      
Quansett Gardens           Shy Brothers Farm
                   Rehoboth, Ma.                     Dartmouth, Ma.              Westport, Ma. 
                   www.dufortfarms.com                                             www.shybrothersfarm.com

            
                    Raw Milk
                    Bettencourt Dairy               Oake Knoll Ayrshires            Paskamansett Dairy
                    Rehoboth, Ma.                   Foxborough, Ma.                  Dartmouth, Ma.
                                                            [email protected]


                    Baked Goods (and so much more!)               
                    The Artisan Bakery, LLC                                 Ever So Humble Pies                                                   Rochester, Ma.                                               E. Walpole, Ma.                                                     theartisanbakery.com                                    www.eversohumble.com                               
                 
                    
                    Specialty Trail Mixes, Vinegars & More!       
Gourmet Cookies (Mmmm!)
                    Willows Cranberries                                       
Kayak Cookies                
                    Wareham, Ma.                                              
Cummaquid, Ma.
                    www.willowscranberries.com                         www.kayakcookies.com

                  
                    Flowers, Plants & Nursery Items
                   Avant Gardens                        C.N. Smith Farm                In the Weeds Flower Farm                       Dartmouth, Ma.                      East Bridgewater, Ma.         Brewster, Ma.                    
                   www.avantgardensne.com      www.cnsmithfarminc.com                                    


                   Flowers (cont'd)               
                   Lanzoni's                          Nessralla's                       Oakdale Farm
                   Acushnet, Ma.                  Marshfield, Ma.                Rehoboth, Ma.                                                                                                                            www.oakdalefarms.com     

                  
Flowers (cont'd)
                   Tranquil Lake Nursery                          Ward's Berry Farm
                   Rehoboth, Ma.                                     Sharon, Ma.
                   www.tranquil-lake.com 
              

                  
                   Jams & Jellies (made w/ local fruit!!)

                   The Chatham Jam & Jelly Shop                    Tripp Farm (Cert. Organic)
                   Chatham, Ma.                                             Westport, Ma.
                   www.thechathamjamandjellyshop.com


                   Beer 
                   Buzzards Bay Brewery                             Cape Cod Beer
                   Westport, Ma.                                        Hyannis, Ma.                        
                   www.buzzardsbrew.com                        www.capecodbeer.com

                  
                   Wine
                   
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery                 Running Brook Vineyards
                  
Westport, Ma.                                               North Dartmouth, Ma.
                  
www.westportrivers.com                               www.runningbrookwine.com


                   Non-Edible Earth Friendly Products:
                   Earth Sisters Herbal Products                      Great to Be Green, Inc.
                   Rochester, Ma.                                           Swansea, Ma.
                   www.earthsistersherbals.com                     www.greattobegreen.com

Please Remember....

For complete information on all these farms (and MANY others),
plus MORE produce in season, check out our Online Farm Guide at www.semaponline.org


Silverbrook Share
CSAs 101:  Community Supported Agriculture

Ok class, want a great way to enjoy fresh produce this season?  Beyond farmstands, and markets who support local growers, you can also join CSAs.
 
What is a CSA? 
Commuity Supported Agriculture is a practice where members of the community pay an annual membership fee to help cover the production costs of a farm.  In turn, members receive a wide variety of in-season foods harvested at their peak of maturity.
Why Join? (or, Why Buy Local Food?)
- Fresh vegetables are at their peak of maturity = high nutrient value
- Usually picked that day; nutrients are not lost in transportation (usually 3-5 days via truck)
- Buying direct from farm eliminates huge amounts of fuel & other resources used to ship food
- Helps sustain agriculture on local farmland
- Preserves the environment for now and future generations
How Does it Work?
CSA members pay in advance at the beginning of the season for a share of the farm's harvest.  The members also take on the same risk and rewards the farmer faces regarding crop failure (disease, drought, freak freeze).  Products varies with each farm and growing season, and usually includes other items (honey, bread, eggs) when available.
Pick-Up Options:
Most CSAs have a Pick-Up day where you come to the farm or drop off location and pick up your share of produce.  Others may offer delivery or alternative means of distibution.  Each farm is different, so please check with your grower.

Check out the CSAs below who are currently still looking for members - but act fast - as shares are quickly filling up.
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The Farmer's Garden - 140 Davis St., Rehoboth, Ma.       
Steve & Tammy Noons   
ph: 508-889-7632 / 774-930-2422     email: [email protected]

General Info:
The Farmer's Garden is a 35 acre farm located in the beautiful country setting of Rehoboth, Ma.  It is owned and operated by Steve and Tammy Noons.  The Noons family has been farming in Rehoboth for generations.  Prior to starting our own farm Steve managed his father's farm for many years.  Steve continues the Noons family tradition and passion for farming.  He has dedicated himself to producing the highest quality and best tasting vegetables in our community.  We welcome everyone to visit our farm.

Share Options:    
Starting June 19 and ending late October

Family Share Membership     $495
Half Share Membership         $295
(Non-refundable Deposit of $100 is required.)

Pick-up Options:
Pick up at Farm in Rehoboth (day TBA); OR at a drop off spot near Barrington, Rumford, Providence (TBA depending on geography of members).
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Lucky Field Organics - Rochester, Ma.
Eileen and Weston Lant     ph: 508-763-8104   
http://www.localharvest.org/csa/M20451
www.luckyfieldorganics.com

General Info:
With very few exceptions, shareholders choose what they want of the weeks offerings from the farm. You can select from three pick up days at "The Store" in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. We also offer a "Summer share" for seasonal residents.

Share Options:     June through October
Full Season Shares (June 17 - October 24)      $550 Large
                            "                             "       
$350 Small Share                                   
                            "                             "        $225 Single Share
Summer Season Shares (July 1 - August 29)     Full Share $300
                                  "                          "     Small Share $200
Pick-Up Options:
Members pick up their shares in our own CSA room and can explore "The Store" at the same time.
How On Earth: The Store
62 Marion Road
Mattapoisett, MA 02739
508-758-1341
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Silverbrook Farm -
592 Chase Road, Dartmouth, MA  02747
Andy Pollock  ph: 
508-991-5185  email:  [email protected]
www.silverbrookdartmouth.com

General Info: 4 share options
Our products are organically grown, which means that we do not use herbicides or pesticides on our crops as many conventional farmers do.  We follow these practices because they are the right thing to do - for those who work with us, the environment and for the consumer. We sell some certified organic vegetables, organically grown vegetables, honey, eggs, poultry, jams, jellies, pies and some organic fruits.  Our farm strives for quality products, valued employees, sustainable agriculture and education.  We are one of the oldest operating farms in the Commonwealth and we hope to continue that longstanding tradition.

Share Options:     4 CSA Locations   June through October
Seven farm collaborative providing 20 weeks of produce, fruit, vegetables, breads and other farm products.
1.) Dartmouth                                  Pick-Up Time/Location:
Family Share - - - - $565                    Wednesdays from 1 to 6 PM at Silverbrook Farm        
Half Share - - - - - -$335                    Starts June 18th with the last pickup day on October 29th.

2.) Provincetown                               Pick-Up Time/Location:
Family Share - - - - $350                    Wednesdays after 12PM from June 18th till Oct. 29th
Half Share - - - - - -$580                    at the Bradford Natural Market.

3.) Chatham                                     Pick-Up Time/Location:
Family Share - - - - $325                    Wednesdays, from 10 AM til 5PM at The Nantucket Wild
Half Share - - - - - -$550                    Gourmet & Smokehouse, Chatham, Ma. June 18th-Oct. 29th.

4.) Cambridge                                   Pick-Up Time/Location:
Family Share - - - - $475*                   Mondays from June 16th till October 27th.
Half Share - - - - - -$700*                   Your share is delivered to your door by the
(*$150 delivery charge included)         New Amsterdam Projects Tricycle Trucks

A family share will feed 3 to 4 people and a half share will feed 1 to 2.

SIgn up:  Please go on Silverbrook Farm's website for membership forms or Online Payment.

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Quittacas Farm - 200 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown, Ma.
Gail Camara-Marks  ph: 508-916-1089; 508-763-3365

General Info:  Our CSA program begins 6/15/08 for 20 weeks. Full Share $400.00, Half Share $200.00 Shares should be paid in full by 6/1/2008. Discounted shares $90.00 in advance for $100.00 worth of vegetable at Farm Stand market price, or $45.00 in advance for $50.00 worth of vegetables at Farm Stand market price. Pick up days are Wednesdays 1-7PM and Thursdays 4-7PM. The Freezer Beef Program runs separately. We will partner 4 families to purchase fresh,hormone free beef. The Beef Program is $20.00 per week for 25 weeks once we get 4 members willing to participate. Call for our brochure for additional information.

Share Options:                                 Pick-up Info:  Begins June 15th, 2008 - for 20 weeks.
Full Share - - - - - - - - $400                Wednesdays 1-7PM and Thursdays 4-7pm @ farm
Half Share - - - - - - - -$200    
Freezer Beef Program  $20 per week (25 weeks) - limit 4 families
Discounted Share - - - $90  (in advance for $100 worth of veggies @ Farm Stand market price)
Discounted Share - - - $45  (in advance for $50 worth of veggies @ Farm Stand market price)

*Shares should be paid by June 1st, 2008
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The Clover Path Garden - 191 Quaker Lane, Acushnet, Ma.
Cynda Williams  ph: 
(508) 763-5901

General Info
Producer of certified organic poultry & poultry products.  Eggs available at the Rochester Farmers Market, Plumb Corner Market Place, Rt. 105, Rochester Center, MA.  Market hours are Saturdays 8 AM- 12 Noon. Duck eggs, Muscovy ducklings and freshly slaughtered duckling available on a seasonal basis and must be pre-ordered.  Occasional stewing hens available. Eggs sold on the farm by pre-arrangement.  Farm tours by pre-arrangement.  Please call before stopping at the farm.

Share OptionsMeat CSA
Approx. $12 upfront per bird + price per pound of bird (depending on grain prices).
Please call after dark for more information regarding the Meat CSA.
Please sign up by May 15th if interested.
Limit: 50 birds 
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Special thanks to Tammy Noons @ The Farmers Garden for her great CSA pamphlet.
Remember... there are MANY more local growers to visit this Spring - Find them ONLINE!
 
lll
 Local Events!

Upcoming events in our area that benefit local farms and help increase awareness of local food and agriculture.  Check them out and bring a friend!


2008 Coastal Wine Trail Kick-Off

Saturday May 10th

1:00-3:00pm, $35.00/person

Call ahead for tickets at 508.636.3423 ext 2 or buy them online at www.westportrivers.com

Tickets are selling out fast - so reserve your spot today!

Westport Rivers Vineyard hosts the kick-off event for the 2008 Coastal Wine Trail season. All 7 wineries of the Coastal Wine Trail of Southeastern New England will be together under one tent on the lawn at Westport Rivers Winery along with local Artisanal Cheese makers, farmers & food producers. Live music will also be provided.

The Coastal Wine Trail wineries are:
Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod, N. Truro, MA
Running Brook Vineyards, N. Dartmouth, MA
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, Westport, MA
Sakonnet Vineyards, Little Compton, RI
Greenvale Vineyards, Portsmouth, RI
Newport Vineyards, Middletown, RI
Langworthy Farm Winery, Westerly, RI

Sample local artisanal cheeses produced by Shy Brothers Farm of Westport, Great Hill Dairy of Marion, and Westfield Farm of Hubbardstown.  Wicked Good Foods of Bristol, RI will be here as well as Michele Deluca-Verely of La Maison de Coco of Newport with her gourmet confections and Mike Melo of M&C Restaurant of New Bedford.
Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms will provide a cash Raw Bar and Paradise Hill Farm will have fresh herbs and herb gardens for sale. And of course, we'll have Buzzards Bay Brewing with their farm fresh Pilsner and more.

SEMAP will be at the event as well!  Come visit us, and learn more about local food and products.

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Earth Day / Sheep Day @ Soule Homestead - Middleboro, MA.

Saturday, May 3rd from 10am - 3pm.

Sheep dog demos at 10:30 & 1:30, children's activities, bake sale, plant sale, yard sale (would you like to rent a table?) and of course Andy Rice will be shearing and explaining his work. Join us for some fun!

 

We are now selling Summer Concert Series - Season Passes!

This year's concerts will run from July 12th to August 23rd.

The $40 Season Pass is good for admission to all 7 concerts.

This is a savings of $9 off the weekly price of $7. The music committee will have Season Passes at Sheep Day or you can mail your check to:

Soule Homestead

46 Soule St.

Middleboro, MA

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Where ELSE Can I Find Local Products?

SEMAP's Buyer Members in our Business-to-Business Network are local restaurants, schools, and markets.  Listed here are 2007 members; they are a group interested in supporting local producers and educating their customers on the many benefits of buying fresh, local products.

Barnstable County, Ma.
Chatham Jam & Jelly Shop  -  West Chatham  -  www.chathamjamandjellyshop.com
Far Land Provisions  -  Provincetown  -  www.farlandprovisions.com
Hatch's Fish and Produce Market  -  Wellfleet  -  www.hatchsfishmarket.com

Bristol County, Ma.
Alderbrook Farm - Dartmouth
Caf� Arpeggio  -  Fall River & New Bedford   -  www.cafearpeggio.com
Down to Earth Natural Foods  -  New Bedford  -  www.downtoearthnaturalfoods.com
Fine Catering by Russell Morin  -  Attleboro  -  www.morins.com
How On Earth: The Store - Mattapoisett  -  www.howonearth.net
Lees Supermarket  -  Westport  -  www.leesmarket.com
M & C Cafe Restaurant and Catering Co.  -  New Bedford
Mirasol's Caf�  -  Dartmouth  -  www.mirasolscafe.com
Morton's Fork Catering - New Bedford - www.mortonsforkcatering.com
Partners Village Store Kitchen  -  Westport  -  www.partnersvillagestore.com
Raymond Norman Cooks! - N. Attleboro - www.raymondnormancooks.com
Westport Community Schools  -  Westport

Dukes County, Ma.
Eden Market & Garden Center - Vineyard Haven - www.EdenMV.com

Norfolk County, Ma.
Ever So Humble Pie Co.  -  East Walpole  -  www.eversohumble.com
Whole Foods  -  Hingham  -  www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/hingham

Suffolk County, Ma.
Baldor Boston, LLC - Chelsea - www.baldorfood.com
City Feed and Supply - Jamaica Plains - www.cityfeedandsupply.com
Costa Fruit and Produce - Boston - www.freshideas.com

Plymouth County, Ma.
The Artisan Bake Shop, LLC - Rochester - www.theartisanbakery.com
Bay Club Mattapoisett  -  Mattapoisett  -  www.bayclubmatt.com
The Market @ Pinehills - Plymouth - www.pinehills.com
Middleboro Public Schools  -  Middleboro
Shipyard Galley  -  Mattapoisett  -  www.shipyardgalley.com
Tihonet Village Market  -  Wareham  -  www.admakepeace.com

Rhode Island
Persimmon Restaurant  -  Bristol  -  www.persimmonbristol.com


If you're looking for a nice dinner, lunch or local market to pick up some snacks, be sure to check out these great businesses.



Pass It On...

If you have friends & family who would be interested in receiving these updates, please have them sign up on our website! Or you can easily forward this email to them by clicking the "Forward email" link at the bottom of the page.

Any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Happy Spring!
 
Sarah Cogswell
SEMAP Buy Local Coordinator
[email protected]
www.semaponline.org
PO Box 80625
South Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02748