This remote workshop is intended for beginning growers who have never worked with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) or Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) before, or for producers who are familiar with these programs but have questions about the process and/or programs available. We will hear from Bailey Albert and Jack Loomis, FSA and NRCS […]
The past few years have posed unprecedented employee management challenges for local farms – from rising wages and employee shortages to the added demands of the pandemic and weather extremes. As your 2023 season ramps up, Presenter Ellen Polishuk of Plant to Profit will share insights to help you respond to these challenges, based on […]
We are at capacity! Click here if you would like to be added to a waitlist. CISA members and supporters, please join us in Holyoke on April 11th for a special evening. We'll be honoring CISA's 2023 Local Hero Award recipients, sharing the highlights of the past year, and, most importantly, gathering together for […]
Make sure your farm stand and farmers’ market staff are ready to accept SNAP this summer by having them attend this SNAP employee training. Employees will learn SNAP basics including what EBT cards look like, what items are SNAP eligible, how to run a SNAP transaction, and the differences between SNAP and HIP. Attendees will […]
Join Western Massachusetts Fibershed and CISA for a statewide, remote networking event aimed at fiber farmers, artisans, and other stakeholders in the fiber community. This space will allow participants to share the challenges they face working with fiber in Massachusetts and share new ideas and collaborative solutions. We will offer both full group and small […]
Make sure your farm stand and farmers’ market staff are ready to accept SNAP this summer by having them attend this SNAP employee training. Employees will learn SNAP basics including what EBT cards look like, what items are SNAP eligible, how to run a SNAP transaction, and the differences between SNAP and HIP. Attendees will […]
The last couple of years have brought about unprecedented shifts in consumer behavior because of COVID, supply chain issues, and inflation. How can farms, farmers’ markets, and other local food businesses shape their messaging to speak to current consumer concerns and needs? CISA conducted consumer surveys in 2020 and 2021, and we have been gathering additional research on consumer responses to changing circumstances. In this workshop, CISA Communications Manager Claire Morenon will share the messaging that we think resonates with consumers now, with time for discussion and brainstorming among attendees.
Tuesday June 13, 3:30-5pm Prospect Meadow Farm, 103A Prospect St, Hatfield, MA Register by June 6 here. Farming in the Valley takes a careful mix of planning, experimentation, hard work, and reflection. Join veteran farmer Dave Jackson for a tour of Prospect Meadow Farm to learn what you should be thinking about when it comes […]