This training is for fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Participants will learn about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and how these requirements will be enforced in MA through MDAR’s Commonwealth […]
CISA, in partnership with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), is hosting a SNAP retailer sign-up day to get you ready to accept SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) at your farm stand, farmers' market booth, and through your CSA program. USDA, DTA and MDAR staff will be […]
Let’s make your farm business more profitable by maximizing the yield of your carcass through smart processing choices. While acknowledging the challenges and limitations to meat processing, there are still creative ways to meet market demand, get customers excited about unique cuts, and get the best value out of your animal. In this workshop we […]
This workshop is SOLD OUT! Join Amy Klippenstein and Paul Lacinski of Sidehill Farm, Eric Sheffer of Sheffer's Grassland Dairy, and Morgan Hartman of Black Queen Angus Farm as they share insight from years of managing pastures. Topics will include land stewardship, forage growth, soil fertility, and animal health and genetics. We will discuss […]
(note: this meeting is at the main farm on River Rd, and NOT at the Atlas Farm store on Routes 5 & 10 in S. Deerfield) A functional wash and pack area can improve both workflow and produce safety. FSMA's Produce Rule states that equipment, tools, and buildings must be of adequate design and able […]
Join Pete McLean of True North Facilitation and Zoe Abram of Brookfield Farm to look at Brookfield as a case study for crew management. The workshop is broken into two parts: an introduction to Brookfield Farm as a case study, and a self assessment and analysis of each participant's farm. Pete's approach is very […]
WE'VE HAD A GREAT RESPONSE FOR THIS WORKSHOP! UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE AT CAPACITY AND CAN NO LONGER TAKE RSVP'S. To be put on the waiting list, please email stevie@buylocalfood.org with your name and farm/business name. Thank you! Can factory principles be applied to farming without compromising the values of sustainability? According to our presenter […]
With the number of farmers’ markets in the Massachusetts steadily increasing and the tripling of SNAP sales coming into markets through the state-wide Healthy Incentive Program, drawing in customers to your stand is imperative. What can farmers do to attract more shoppers to their stands? How can farmers actively market their products in and out […]