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Executive Director
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APRIL 2015
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Spring is really and truly finally here; this is not a drill.
It seems that everybody is taking a cue from the bees and is very busy. Farmers are in the fields, though they've been working for months, and amateur growers like me are starting to shake off the long winter's slumber and look for those work gloves we haven't used in months. Now, as a very (very) amateur grower, I've always felt a matter of pride taking something like a tomato plant from seed to harvest. It's a good feeling, especially if you are "winging it" like I often do. However, many of us don't have the time to put in to bring those seeds to life (myself included this year). Thankfully, when it comes to shrubs, vegetables, flowers, and other beautiful plants, we have a myriad of local options to save you that work. Click here to continue reading about local nurseries!
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 BUY LOCAL BLURB | |
Finally! I was beginning to believe that we were stuck in a perpetual winter. I was able to leave my house without a jacket and got some much needed Vitamin D this past week. This warm weather means local farmstands and farmers markets will be open for the season soon, and I couldn't be more excited.
Supporting our local farms has a positive impact on our environment...and with Earth Day just passing and Arbor Day coming up, there are a lot of great events going on. I was able to set up a SEMAP table at 4C's Earth Day Festival yesterday and am looking forward to sharing local food information this Saturday at Earth Day for Buzzards Bay at the Fairhaven Senior Center. Celebrate the Earth and make a difference by buying local! -Kendra
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MAY TWILIGHT KICKOFF - PASTURED POULTRY, COPICUT FARMS
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FORTIFYING OUR FOODSHED
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 Earlier this month we hosted a great event focusing on food security and food policy on the SouthCoast. In case you missed it, here's a quick recap.
First and foremost, we'd like to thank the Whaling Museum for hosting and our event sponsors INEX Advisors and Blue Eagle Printing. INEX Advisors is a local, New Bedford based business focusing on "Internet of Things" or data driven solutions. Blue Eagle produced our programs and has been doing a lot of great print work for us. Thank you all! Click here to read the full event recap.
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VEGETABLE FARMING by Derek Christianson
| Critical Calcium ---- Anyone who has spent some time with me is quite aware of the importance I place on available calcium at a critical piece of growing top quality and top yielding crops. Calcium is key to strong cell wall development and cellular "signalling" (i.e. communication). The historical influence of William Albrecht and the impact calcium:magnesium ratios play in soil flocculation (i.e. better oxygen availability for microbes on tight or heavy soils) has kept my attention tuned into calcium for the better part of the past decade. On soils which have been historically treated with dolomitic limestone the magnesium levels often go beyond adequate. True, a bit of extra magnesium will help hold some moisture in the soil on light, sandy soils - but I think the drawbacks of excessive magnesium as it relates to nitrogen utilization are worth keeping in mind.
I have been impacted by the work of the late Carey Reams, a controversial agronomist and "healer" - who labeled calcium the "King of Nutrients". Reams included an emphasis on calcium(s) in his fertility recommendations - not just a single source/type of calcium - I do know a number of growers who have worked with the Reams targets of available calcium and achieved good results. Click here to continue reading....
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Earth Day for Buzzards Bay
Saturday, April 25th
Celebrate the Earth with interactive displays and exhibits on sustainable activities for a healthy lifestyle.
Sunday, April 26th
How on Earth will be hosting their second composting workshop of the month from 12-3.
NRT Spring Farm Festival
Saturday, May 2nd
This family-fun event will feature crafters, games, food, farms, poultry displays, prizes, crafts, and music.
Bristol Aggie Spring Expo
Saturday, May 2nd
A one-day event to highlight businesses and organizations related to the environment, local agriculture, and conservation.
Wareham Oyster Festival
Sunday, May 3rd Wareham's waters are an extraordinary resource for some of the world's best oysters... and a best-kept secret!
For a more detailed event listing visit SEMAPonline.org/events
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RESOURCES
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The Online Farm Guide
Farmers: Keep your farmfresh.org listing up-to-date! The online farm guide, farmfresh.org, is a go-to for anyone looking for local foods, beverages and farm fun. Eaters: Visit www.farmfresh.org to find local food near you.
The Beginning Farmers Network of MA has resources for beginning farmers, including an ever-expanding calendar of events statewide, helpful tips from guest bloggers, a jobs board, and a referral network. Get in touch or check out the BFN/MA site today to find the help you're looking for. See links to Young Farmer Nights (RI & MA super fun farm visits!) and New Entry's brand new publication, An Entrepreneur's Guide to Farming in Massachusetts.
Members joining SEMAP between now and March 15th will automatically be eligible for listing in our 2015 Local Food Guide. The guide contains SEMAP member farms and local food businesses, as well as a list of farmers markets & CSAs in our region.
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| JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES |
Mass in Motion New Bedford is currently looking for vendors for the New Bedford Farmers' Markets for the 2015 season.The Downtown Market runs Thursdays, 2-6; The Clasky Common Market is Saturdays 9-1;and the Brooklawn Park Market runs Mondays, 2-6. If you are interested please contact Kimberly Ferreira at 508-979-1500 or kimberly.ferreira@new bedford-ma.gov. Mass in Motion is also hiring a Farmers' Market Assistant. More details.
GoodFoodJobs.com
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WANT YOUR EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE VINE?
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