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Find Local FoodThis section provides information and links to CISA’s own programs and resources designed to support farms and farm businesses adapt to climate change. Need something else? We want to hear about it – contact the Climate Program, 413-665-7100 ext 17.
Check out upcoming climate change related events here: Upcoming Workshops, Webinars & Events
CISA offers climate change adaptation and mitigation technical support to help farms and farm-related businesses implement or expand practices that foster adaptation to climate change and contribute to the resilience of the local food system. We can provide direct technical assistance or help you find the assistance you need. The types of technical assistance we provide include consultations with experts, project design and planning, grant and project proposal review, and general advice and mentorship from CISA’s in house technical assistance providers and other farmers.
Examples of recently funded projects include:
If you have a project in mind, an impact you are not sure how to address, or just want to throw some ideas at us, please contact the Climate Program Coordinator, Stephen Taranto, 413-665-7100 ext 17, or at climate@buylocalfood.org.
CISA’s 2024 Adapt Your Farm to Climate Change workshop and webinar series will focus on practical measures and resources to help farms prepare for increasing temperatures throughout the year. The series will explore the impact of heat on specific parts of our food system, including soils, weeds and pests, farmworker health and safety, heat tolerant crops, urban farms, and others. Through webinars and on-farm workshops, participants in this year’s events will learn about adaptation practices and how to implement them, hear from technical assistance providers, and converse with farmers on their experiences making changes on their farms.
Para obtener información en español, haga clic aquí.
The Emergency Farm Fund offers interest-free loans to eligible farms struggling to meet their immediate financial needs because of income and/or equipment loss due to weather-related impacts. We accept applications on a rolling basis with no deadline for loans of up to $5000. Following a widespread weather disaster, we will consider offering larger loans of $5000-$25,000.
The Emergency Farm Fund was established in 2011 in response to damage from Hurricane Irene suffered by farms in western Massachusetts. The goal of the fund is to respond to critical, time sensitive needs and help farms recover from their losses and continue farming.
Loan applications will be accepted from farms that:
If there are more applicants than funds available, priority will be given to farm businesses that:
Loan Amount and Rate:
Loans are available at a 0% interest rate for up to $5,000; upon request, higher amounts may be considered, especially in the event of a widespread weather disaster.
Full repayment is expected within three years, with monthly payments beginning six months after loan closing; upon request, alternative repayment schedules may be considered.
Applications can be submitted at any time. For more information, please contact Stephen Taranto at CISA (climate@buylocalfood.org or 413-665-7100, ext. 17) for help determining if an Emergency Farm Fund is the best option for your business.
Loan Application Review:
Loan applications are reviewed by CISA’s Emergency Farm Fund loan application review committee. Once approved, funds are disbursed after completion of a signed loan agreement and promissory note.
About CISA’s Emergency Farm Fund Loan Committee:
The Loan Review Committee includes members from CISA, the Franklin County CDC/Pioneer Valley Grows Investment Fund, Equity Trust, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and farmers.
Questions? Email climate@buylocalfood.org or call 413-665-7100 ext. 17.
CISA’s Climate Change and Farming Week is a chance for CISA, farmers and allied organizations and individuals to host events that build awareness of and support for local food and farm businesses as they seek solutions to the many challenges of growing food in a warmer, wetter New England.
This is an annual event held in September, and new hosts are always welcome. Climate Week 2024 will be held September 15-22, 2024. For more information or to propose an event, please contact CISA’s Climate Program at climate@buylocalfood.org or the Climate Program Coordinator, Stephen Taranto, at stephen@buylocalfood.org or 413-665-7100, ext. 17, or submit your event here.
Farm business planning in the age of climate change is an essential part of resiliency. Don’t hesitate to ask for climate adaptation support from the financial side of things as well. To get started, call a CISA staff member or send us a message through our Technical Assistance Request Form here and we’ll be in touch!
CISA’s Climate Change and Farming YouTube Channel is full of how-to videos on topics ranging from soil health and management practices to grant proposal preparation guidelines. Take a look here, consider subscribing and sharing your own favorite how-to videos with us!
For more information about CISA’s Climate Program, contact Stephen Taranto at climate@buylocalfood.org or 413-665-7100, ext. 17.