Hey Everyone!
Think Fresh! (Think Sun!) Think Local!
The flavors of summer are finally making their way from the fields to the farmstands and farmers markets of Southeastern MA. Let's not beat about the blueberry bush, it has been one heck of a whacky year for area farmers. The recent weather has done a number on certain crops, causing stunted growth, late arrivals, and even a couple no-shows. What to do? Enjoy the life of a farmer! There is of course a brighter side, and that being that plants want to grow regardless of circumstances, and luckily there are some great examples of local produce available despite all the wet and wild weather. For example, Blueberries! Check out your local pick-your-own blueberry grower, and get cooking on those pies! Or, stop into your local farmstand to enjoy fresh green beans, asian greens, onions, radishes, tomatoes, and everyone's summer favorite CORN! And of course there are MANY locally produced dairy items including cheese, yogurt and milk available year-round, as well as tasty local baked good like breads, homemade pies, granola and even oatmeal! Keep reading on for more ways to enjoy local food and agriculture, places to find great local products, and fun farm events the whole family can enjoy. Special thanks to our 2009 Corporate Sponsors!
Tihonet Village Market Lees' Market Whole Foods First Pioneer Farm Credit
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:
- Farmstand Spotlight - Head to your Local Farmstand!
- How you Can Further Support Local Producers - New SEMAP Members!
- Local Events! - Ways to Participant in Local Ag. - Events Galore!
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.
Look for the 'Buy Fresh Buy Local' label, and taste the difference!
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Farmstand SPOTLIGHT!
We all love farmstands! Below are some great examples of farm stands in SEMAP's Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign. The examples below are just a peek at the wide variety of farms in Southeastern MA. Explore a farmstand near you! Check out many more on our Online Farm Guide: www.semaponline.org, and be sure to look for more Farmstand Spotlights in future emails.
BILLINGSGATE FARM
7 County Road Rte.106, Plympton MA (781) 293-6144
Peter and Lynn Reading are the hard working growers of award-winning seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs at Billingsgate Farm. Their strawberries, corn and tomatoes are of particular excellence with Pete's tomatoes having won top prize at the 2008 Marshfield Agricultural Fair, (just one of his 17 first-prize awards!) Just when you wonder how local farmers can take on more, the Readings are proud to announce as well that they are now Bay State Certified Organic, and will be producing organic crops in small amounts this season, working to expand the list year by year. Available right now at the farmstand is their own fresh corn, string beans, beets, zucchini and summer squash. Be sure to stop by the farmstand soon to experience these fantastic summer crops, but remember to check back - you wouldn't want to miss the delicious honeydew melons, cucumbers, turnips, potatoes or pumpkins. Stop by and have a chat with Lynn at the farmstand! There is always a good story about the farm and it's long history of producing quality vegetables to the Plymouth county area. Open daily, June through October.
ALDERBROOK FARM 1213 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth MA (508) 636-4562
Nancy and Allen Manley know a thing or two about local farms and the agricultural history of Southeastern MA. Driving (or biking) to their family farm is an experience from the get-go. The Manley's not only promote local products (all grown/produced within 50 miles) at their farm-store, but also have created a wonderful model of a traditional New England working farm, including seasonal vegetable production, working farm animals, meat animals, and honey production. Some non-traditional farm pets add to the fun as well, including peacocks, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and Rock the Canadian goose. OPEN YEAR ROUND, Alderbrook Farm carries a seasonal variety of local fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, honey, breads & granola (and other products made fresh from the Grange Kitchen across the street!), and even seeds to start your own beds at home. Fun, tasty, and educational, Alderbrook farm is a place to visit often and enjoy the seasons. Open Year Round, 5am - 5:30 pm (or later!)
JOHNSON'S ROADSIDE FARM MARKET
445 Market Street, Swansea MA
(508) 379-0349
Tim and Jeanne Johnson (and family) have created a local one-stop shopping experience on their farm's property in Swansea MA. Just on the border to Bristol RI, Johnson's Roadside is stocked with many locally produced food items from MA & RI producers including local salsa, chips, frozen desserts, sodas, ice cream, preserves and sauces. The Johnson's understand the importance of supporting local growers, since they grow many of the seasonal fruits and vegetables sold at the Market. If you head by soon you'll experience their home-grown blueberries, raspberries, beets, green beans, and lettuces. In a week or two the tomatoes will be ready to pick, as well as peppers! Fall at the Market is a season not to be missed with interesting varities of squash, pumpkins and gourds, all perfect for cooking or holiday display. Johnson's Roadside has just about everything you need regarding regular grocery needs, and excels with a great variety of locally prepared foods, fresh fruits and vegetables. Feel free to drop in anytime during the season, and ask what's new, what's growing, and more importantly what's local! Open daily, 9am - 6pm Easter to Christmas.
FORGET-ME-NOT
75 Wildcat Lane, Norwell MA
(781) 659-2560
Forget-Me-Not is on a winding country road, just minutes from the Hanover Mall, exit 13 off rt 3. It is a home nursery that has trails right through the mini display gardens. The seats in the gardens are made of glacial rocks that were dug up in the garden. Forget-Me-Not uses chemical-free practices in their specialization of shade garden plants. The variety of available plants is large, so much so the owner/gardner Lorraine Pollack boasts that she has unlimited inventory! Lorraine is an expert gardener whose experience shows in her amazing display gardens, and high quality plants. She pots from her garden daily, and always has time to discuss any tips or growing ideas with customers, especially for uncommon varieties. If what you want isn't potted, Lorraine takes orders and often digs on the spot to fill your request. Available now are perennial shrubs, hostas, day lilies, and woodland plants, many uncommon and unique. Stop by Forget-Me-Not and browse through the selection of plants, or enjoy the simple beauty of the gardens. As always there is a pile of FREE ROCKS that is accessible by car or truck. Open daily; April through Oct.
COYNE BOG BLUES 34 N. Carver Road, W. Wareham, MA (508) 295-3254
Opening Day - July 18th! / www.coynebogblues.com
Pick Your Own Blueberries! That's what Linda at Coyne Bog Blues loves to share with folks who are looking for a fun afternoon on her blueberry patch in W. Wareham. Load up the car with a couple friends and family and enjoy the wonderful activity of picking your own local fruit! Some of us are not the growing type, but still can enjoy the delicious flavors of summer by attending the many pick-you-own (PYO) farms and fields in Southeastern MA. At Coyne Bog Blues, you'll find the best tasting, bluest finger making blueberries in Southeastern MA. Plumb and fresh, local blueberries are literally the icing on the cake! Open: 7 days a week, (closed on rainy days). |
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What's Growin'?
 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 Guide: www.semaponline.org
Examples of products available this week:
Lots more growing!!
Check our ONLINE FARM GUIDE!
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VEGETABLES & FRUITS
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Blueberries (as always, call ahead!) CranberriesC.N. Smith Farm, E. Bridgewater, Ma. D. Fernandes Cranberries, Carver, Ma. Coyne Bog Blues, W. Wareham, Ma. (PYO) Eldredge Farm, Brewster, Ma.Dufort Farm, Rehoboth, Ma. (PYO) Tihonet Village Market, Wareham, Ma.Johnson's Roadside Farm, Swansea, Ma.
CornRaspberries Billingsgate Farm, Plympton, Ma.
Four Town Farm, Seekonk, Ma. Four Town Farm, Seekonk, Ma. Johnson's Roadside Farm, Swansea, Ma. Sunrise Gardens, Plympton, Ma.
Beans PeasBillingsgate Farm, Plympton, Ma. Billingsgate Farm, Plympton, Ma.
Cape Abilities Farm, Dennis, Ma. Coonamessett Farm, Falmouth, Ma.Johnson's Roadside Farm, Swansea, Ma. Oakdale Farm, Rehoboth, Ma. Tomten Farm, E. Falmouth, Ma. (fava!)
RadishesSalad Greens, Herbs & Lettuce Coonamessett Farm, Falmouth, Ma.Cape Abilities Farm, Dennis, Ma. Four Town Farm, Seekonk, Ma.
Coonamessett Farm, Falmouth, Ma. Merrylegs Farm, Dartmouth, Ma.E.&T. Farms, W. Barnstable, Ma. (weekends) Four Town Farm, Seekonk, Ma. Summer Squash & ZucchiniJiddoos Garden, New Bedford, Ma. Billingsgate Farm, Plympton, Ma.
Johnson's Roadside Farm, Swansea, Ma. Four Town Farm, Seekonk, Ma.
Oakdale Farm, Rehoboth, Ma. Hickory Knoll Farm, Lakeville, Ma. Tomten Farm, E. Falmouth, Ma. Jiddoos Garden, New Bedford, Ma.Village Farm, Dennisport, Ma. Johnson's Roadside Farm, Swansea, Ma.Tomatoes Oakdale Farm, Rehoboth, Ma. Cape Abilities Farm, Dennis, Ma. Sunrise Gardens, Plympton, Ma.Four Town Farm, Seekonk, Ma.
Be sure to check our Online Farm Guide for more fresh produce and farms near you!
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Shellfish (Oysters, Littlenecks & Lobster) Aquaponic Tilapia (advance notice required)Barnstable Seafarms, Barnstable, Ma. E.&T. Farms, W. Barnstable, Ma.Chatham Shellfish Company, E. Falmouth, Ma.
Cuttyhunk Shellfish, Inc., Cuttyhunk, Ma. Fin Fish
Fishwife, Plymouth, Ma. Dave's Cape Cod Smokehouse, Harwich, Ma.Salty Lou's, Sandwich Ma. New retail outlet! Mac's Seafood, Wellfleet, Ma.Scorton Creek Oysters, W. Barnstable, Ma. Raw MilkGrass-Fed Beef / Chicken Bettencourt Dairy Farm, Rehoboth, Ma.
Dufort Farm, Rehoboth, Ma.
J.H. Beaulieu Farm, Fairhaven, Ma. PorkQuittacas Farm, E. Freetown, Ma. Dufort Farm, Rehoboth, Ma.
Eggs Artisan CheesesGreenleaf Farm, Bridgewater, Ma. Narragansett Creamery, Providence, RI.
Quansett Gardens, Dartmouth, Ma. Shy Brothers Farm, LLC, Westport, Ma. Quittacas Farm, E. Freetown, Ma. (& Duck) Prospect Hill Farm, Plympton, Ma.
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VALUE-ADDED, BAKERY & SPECIALTY ITEMS
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Honey Baked Goods (and so much more!)
Alderbrook Farm, Dartmouth, Ma. The Artisan Kitchen, Rochester, Ma.
Checkberry Farm, Orleans, Ma. Artisan Swirls Bakery, Kingston, Ma. E.&T. Farms, W. Barnstable, Ma. Ever So Humble Pies, E. Walpole, Ma.
Greenleaf Farm, E. Bridgewater, Ma. Flour Girl Baking Company, Dartmouth Ma.
Village Farm, Dennisport, Ma.
Tinctures / Tonics Oatmeal / Flour Great Cape Herbs, Brewster, Ma. Gray's Grist Mill, Westport, Ma. Roots Remedies, Mattapoisett, Ma.
Mad Hectic Foods, Inc., Dartmouth, Ma.
Non-Edible / Fibers / Balms Sauces & Spreads Golden Touch Farm, Westport, Ma.Dave's Cape Cod Smokehouse, Harwich, Ma. Summerhouse Natural Soaps, Barnstable, Ma.
Great Island Trading Co., S. Dennis, Ma. Village Farm, Dennisport, Ma. (hand balms!)
Landgdon Farms, Mattapoisett, Ma. Olio di Melli, LLC, Westport, Ma.
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FLOWERS & NURSERY ITEMS
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Sandwich Agway, Sandwich, Ma. Village Farm, Dennisport, Ma.
Sunrise Gardens, Plympton, Ma. FREE Rocks!Groundcovers / Ornamentals Forget-Me-Not, Norwell, Ma.
Eldredge Farm, Brewster, Ma. Merrylegs Farm, Dartmouth, Ma.
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BEER & WINE
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Beer Wine
Buzzards Bay Brewery, Westport, Ma. Cape Cod Winery, Falmouth, Ma.Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis, Ma. Coastal Vineyards, Dartmouth, Ma.
Truro Vineyards, Truro, Ma.
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, Westport, Ma.
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
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Where Else Can I Enjoy Local?
As a part of SEMAP's Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign, these markets, restaurants, farmstands, and more have made a commitment to supporting local growers and food producers. Be sure to visit them, and try their fantastic fair! Membership is growing every week, so be sure to check back!
New website! Quicks Hole - Woods Hole - www.quicksholewickedfresh.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.
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Local Events!
Also, be sure to scan our Online Farm Guide to look for more ideas on local specialties and events.
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SUMMER OPEN HOUSE @ Tihonet Village Market - Saturday, July 18th 10am -4pm
146 Tihonet Road, Wareham, MA / www.tihonetvillagemarket.com / 508-295-5437
Come visit SEMAP and their Buy Local Booth from 10-1 at the TIhonet Village Market SUMMER OPEN HOUSE! Sample great local treats, learn more ways to connect to local, and pick up a colorful bumper sticker! Plus, get a great lunch at the Market's deli counter, complete with local ice cream!
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BUZZARDS BAY SHELLFISH BASH 2009! - Saturday July 18th, 2009
Hosted by The Mass. Aquaculture Assoc. @ Wickets Inn, Onset MA
Saturday July 18th, 2009
1:00 - 5:00pm - FREE ADMISSION!
($1.50 per oyster / $1.00 per Clam / CASH BAR)
Live music by Mentos & Steel Drum Band
LOTS OF OYSTERS...FOR NOT A LOT OF CLAMS!!
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10th ANNUAL 3RD EYE OPEN / GREEN OPPORTUNITIES FAIR - Saturday July 18th
9:00am - 8:30pm, Buttonwood Park, New Bedford MA / www.3rdeyeunlimited.com
OPEN YOUR GREEN EYE! - FREE ADMISSION!
Working to connect inner city populations to green jobs and training opportunities. Helping to model sustainble living practices for youth and inner city residents.
See exhibition tables by Green Job providers and green job training providers in weatherization, solar panel construction, etc. Local Growers will be present as part of SEMAP's Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign. Also be sure to see the community garden exhibitors, hands-on activities such as local food preparation and basics of gardening. We'll be there too! Visit the SEMAP booth between 2pm - 5pm to get more info on growers and how to Buy Local. And don't forget the many live performances like, live graff art painting, slam dunk & 3-pt contests, and many more activites and community exhibotors throughout the day! More info at: www.3rdeyeunlimited.com
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5th ANNUAL BIONEERS BY THE BAY: Connecting For Change - Register now!
October 22-25, 2009 - Downtown, New Bedford Ma. / www.connectingforchange.org
Online Registration is OPEN! Early bird special thru. Sept. 18th!
Online Registration for the 5th Annual Bioneers by the Bay Conference is now Open. Register today to receive the early bird discount, saving 30% off of the regular admission price!
Connecting for Change is an internationally acclaimed annual gathering of environmental, industry and social justice innovators who have demonstrated visionary and practical models for restoring the Earth and its inhabitants.
This year's program will once again feature an unforgettable weekend of live keynote presentations, afternoon workshops, an extensive Youth Initiative program, a downlink of the 20th Annual Bioneers Conference in California, an exhibition hall featuring sustainable businesses and organizations, films, music, art installations, a farmers' market and local & organic food.
[Don't forget to visit SEMAP's booth!]
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BISTRO DUCROT - Every Friday & Saturday Evening @ Chez Ducrot, Plymouth MA
(Reservations beginning at 6PM) Review in the Boston Sunday Globe!
From
Paris to the provinces, the neighborhood bistro is the place where
friends gather for convivial atmosphere, great food and good wine at a
reasonable price. It is casual and unpretentious - a great place to
relax at the end of the busy week. Join us and enjoy the Chef's
specialties & authentic family recipes. $42 per person.
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