Holy mackrel - (or cod, or pollock) - the end of the summer heat has been a FANTASTIC way to ease into the next season.  Plus, its given a giant boost to those heat-loving local vegetables and fruit including eggplant, tomatoes, peppers and MELONS!   

 

Now is the time to stock up on all the delicious produce bursting at the farmers markets and farmstands.  Why not try your hand at home canning?  Learn from a local artisanal educator/chef Rosa Galeno Sept. 10th at the SEMAP Tomato Canning Adventure! 

 

And, what's with the fish reference above?  We have an exciting new CSF (Community Supported Fisheries) opportunity to share from for households of all sizes in the Southeastern MA area.  Read more about SEMAP's Tomato Approved Business member Harvest Delivery!

 

The HARVEST EVENTS are getting a little out of control!  We are so lucky in Southeastern MA to have an entire season filled with fun food and farm events - all of which are relatively cheap and completely family friendly.  Be sure to visit the SEMAP crew at the events listed below...(and pick up a lovely green t-shirt!) 

 

So, no need to be bummed by the passing summer...there is so much to do, and so many places to be in support of local agriculture! 

People's Garden Grant Program
The People's Garden Grant Program (PPGP) is designed to facilitate the creation of produce, recreation, and/or wildlife gardens in urban and rural areas, which will provide opportunities for science-based informal education. Successful applicants will provide micro-subgrant support to smaller local projects.   

Applications due August 26, 2011 

http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/peoplesgardengrantprogram.cfm 

Eligibility 

Eligible applicants are State agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, school districts, other research or education institutions and organizations, Federal and private agencies and organizations, individuals, and any other contractor or recipient.   

 

  

USDA offers conservation help for Mass. farmers and forest land owners

Massachusetts farmland or forest land owners and managers who would like help with soil erosion, water quality and conservation, integrated pest management, forest stand improvement, greenhouse efficiency, pasture and hayland improvement, invasive plant control or wildlife habitat improvement may sign-up for federal conservation programs available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

 

Applications for NRCS programs may be submitted at any time. A conservation plan is the essential first step to participating in federal conservation programs. Landowners can start the conservation planning process with the assistance of NRCS staff now and be ready for the next round of federal funding when it's available. 

 

USDA service center locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov 

General program information is available on the NRCS Massachusetts website at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov 

 

 

Northeast SARE - Farmer Grant

The goal of the Farmer Grant program is to develop, refine, and demonstrate new sustainable techniques and to explore innovative ideas developed by farmers across the region. Farmer grant projects should seek new knowledge that other farmers can use and should address questions that are directly linked to improved profits, better stewardship, and stronger rural communities.

Applications due December 1, 2011 

 

http://nesare.org/get/farmers/

 

Eligibility

To apply, you must be a farmer in the Northeast SARE region. You need not be farming full time, but your operation should have an established crop or animal product that you sell on a regular basis. Institutional and incorporated farms may apply, but the primary activity of that farm must be to produce and sell food under the kinds of economic constraints that affect commercial growers. Many community-supported farms qualify, but farms where the primary mission is educational normally do not.

 

 

2011 School Garden Grant Project: Helping Gardens Grow 

Learning about the process of growing food helps children develop a deep understanding of the connection between healthy eating and a healthy body. School gardens offer an opportunity to integrate math, science and health curriculum into a dynamic, interactive setting. They also provide a base of knowledge that allows children to take an active role in healthy food choices.

• $2000 grant offer to schools, districts or school-affiliated nonprofit organizations.
• Yearlong support and mentoring from FoodCorps.
• Access to a resource center providing curriculum, coaching, materials and ideas.
• Participation in gardening discussions and forums with expert assistance.  

Apply from August 17-December 31, 2011  

Application at 

http://wholekidsfoundation.org/gardengrants.php
 

 

MDAR offers three formats serve the broad spectrum of individuals who make up Massachusetts agriculture: 

Explorers - For those who are thinking about getting into farming or expanding a hobby to an income-generating scale, "Exploring the Small Farm Dream" delivers experienced Instructor guidance and timely peer group feedback for making informed decisions about whether and how to proceed in farming. Five sessions over 6 weeks on weekday evenings in Amherst and Marlborough. Cost per enterprise - $125.

 

Planners - For those a step or two beyond Explorer who have access to land and a stronger sense of what they want and are capable of doing, "Planning for Start-up" provides a gut check before making more significant investments of time and money. Requires completion of Explorer, or prior self guided completion of the Explorer workbook. Applicants must have already reached the decision to farm on a revenue generating scale. Six sessions over 8 weeks on Saturday mornings in Amherst and possibly also in Marlborough based on regional demand. Cost per enterprise - $175.

 

Established Farmers - For those already operating an agricultural enterprise with at least two years of production and sales records, and who need to develop a comprehensive business plan on paper, "Tilling the Soil of Opportunity" offers a chance to assess, regroup, assemble documentation for decision making, consider redirection, plan expansion, or approach ownership transfer. This course draws on extensive peer experience, Instructor knowledge and guest speakers - with the addition of substantial individual technical assistance at course conclusion. 10 sessions over 11 weeks on weekday evenings in Amherst and Marlborough. Cost per enterprise - $225.

 

Explorer and Tilling the Soil courses are limited to 12 farms/potential agricultural businesses, with an option to bring a key partner at no extra cost. Planner is limited to 10. Full attendance is required to get expected results. Fees are kept low through MDAR support.

 

Please request additional details and an application for the course that fits you best. Courses fill quickly in the Fall. Email requests to Rick.Chandler@state.ma.us, or visit Agricultural Business Training Program.

 

 USDA Organic Cost Share Program Applications Due  

 

Applications are due for Organic Cost Share Reimbursement. The Department has been awarded funds from the United States Department of Agriculture through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program to reimburse certified organic farmers (crop and Livestock) and processors up to 75% ($750 dollars maximum) of the total certification cost. 

 

Reimbursement is available to production and processing operations certified and/or receiving continuation of certification during the period of October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011. In order to receive reimbursement, please submit forms to the Department by no later than October 15, 2011. http://www.mass.gov/agr/markets/organic_cost_share.htm, or contact Ellen Hart, 617-626-1742, Ellen.Hart@state.ma.us.

Happy Eating!