BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CISA - Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture - ECPv6.2.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:CISA - Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for CISA - Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231130 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240119 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20230911T175842Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T155508Z UID:44562-1701302400-1705622399@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:New Entry's Farm Business Planning Course DESCRIPTION:In this course\, you will learn how to: \n\nCreate a mission and vision for your business\nDevelop a budget and a plan to fund your business\nCreate a marketing plan for your business\nSet goals and create a timeline for your farm business to grow\nWeave those elements together into a cohesive business plan\n\nCourse Details: \nThe courses meet online on Tuesdays from 6pm to 8:30pm Eastern Standard Time for 8 consecutive weeks. Each evening session is filled with information and activities that will help you write your farm business plan. The Farm Business Planning course is designed to help you create a written plan to start or expand your farm business. \nGraduates of the course can apply to join our Incubator Farm Program. \nThe course is recognized by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) as fulfilling one of their financial management training requirements. \n\n\n\n\nDATE: Tuesday\, October 3\, 2023\nTIME: 6:00pm – 8:30pm\nLOCATION: Online  Link to be given to registrants upon enrollment\nCOST: $400 – Half-off scholarship available\n\n\n\nMore information here! URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/new-entrys-farm-business-planning-course/ LOCATION:Remote CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231205 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240110 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20230911T182754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T223527Z UID:44569-1701734400-1704844799@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Exploring the Small Farm Dream (Fall Session) DESCRIPTION:5-session course\, typically offered on weekday evenings\, using curriculum and workbook developed by the New England Small Farm Institute.  For those who are thinking about or in the planning stages of a starting their own farm\, including those who are expanding a hobby to an income-generating scale.  This course offers guidance and resources to help make informed decisions about what’s involved with owning your own farm so you can decide whether or not to take the plunge – and how to proceed in the first stages.  Cost per enterprise – $100 \nIn this course you will: \n\nTest the feasibility of your idea before you invest\nEvaluate self employment and the suitability of an agricultural lifestyle\nInvestigate markets for your proposed product or service\nIdentify regulations that will impact your planned enterprises\nUnderstand the unique risks associated with agriculture\nDetermine your financial break even date\nEvaluate the realistic contribution you can expect from this piece of your livelihood\nTest whether others share your vision and want to join/support you in this pursuit\nAnticipate threats to your success\nDecide what’s next in order to a) get going now\, b) do more preparation\, or c) avoid a big mistake!\n\nExploring the Small Farm Dream (application) \nFall Session: November 1 – December 6\, 2023 (no session November 22)\, Wednesdays 6:00pm-9:00pm  – tentative Western Mass location \nTo be considered for an upcoming session\, please complete an application (found at link above) and email it to Jessica.Camp@mass.gov. Or mail it to: \nMassachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources\nAttn: Jessica Camp\n138 Memorial Ave\, Suite 42\nWest Springfield\, MA 01089 URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/exploring-the-small-farm-dream-fall-session/ LOCATION:TBD CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231205 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240206 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231031T235603Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T223425Z UID:45024-1701734400-1707177599@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Selling CSA Shares in NYC DESCRIPTION:You’re invited! Join Farm Generations Cooperative\, GrowNYC\, and Just Food at one of four CSA workshops about CSAs in New York City. \nHear from an experienced farmer and supporting organizations about how to find a community partner\, design a share\, select a distribution location\, make your shares financially accessible\, collaborate with other growers\, sell to and communicate with members\, and more! \nOptions for the workshop include: \n\nNovember 7th: Virtual workshop in English\, featuring Choy Division\nDecember 5th: Virtual workshop in Spanish\, featuring Amara Ullauri.\nDecember 12: In-person workshop in English (Claverack\, NY)\, featuring Rock Steady Farm.\nJan 8th: In-person workshop in Spanish (Orange county\, NY)\, featuring Amara Ullauri.\n\nThis workshop is open to current farmers and potential farmers\, especially those in the NYC area. Please reach out if you have any questions! URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/selling-csa-shares-in-nyc/ LOCATION:Remote CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231206 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240124 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231113T152801Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231113T152801Z UID:45080-1701820800-1706054399@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Risk Management Workshops with UConn Extension DESCRIPTION:Risk management is a critical aspect of managing a farm business. This winter\, The Carrot Project is partnering with the University of Connecticut Extension and other Connecticut collaborators to bring you three workshops and additional individual coaching sessions on managing production risks for your farm. \nWorkshops: \n\nWednesday\, December 6\, 9am-3pm\, at the Middlesex Extension office in Haddam\, Connecticut.\nTuesday\, January 16\, 9am-12pm noon at CLiCK in Windham\, Connecticut\nTuesday\, January 23\, 9am-2pm at the Tolland Extension Center\, Vernon\, Connecticut\nDates for another workshop and coaching sessions are being finalized at this time.\n\nLook out for more information and links to register in newsletters to come and in our event calendar! URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/risk-management-workshops-with-uconn-extension/ LOCATION:Multiple Venues CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231231 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241129 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20230127T155150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T195954Z UID:42216-1703980800-1732838399@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Farmers Circle with The Southern New England Farmers of Color Collaborative DESCRIPTION:Farmer Circles are peer learning communities for farmers interested in discussing a certain topic in an informal\, supportive environment. Each circle meets for at least 12 hours over the course of about one year and is facilitated by another farmer with interest in the subject. There are no teachers or students  in the circles\, just a community of farmers coming together to learn from each other! \nSNEFCC Farmer Circles bring together farmers of color & aspiring farmers of color who come to share experiences and support each other as we pursue careers in farming. There may not be a set agenda and discussion is driven by participants and facilitated by another farmer in the group. Group meetings can take place online or in person with a schedule set by the participants. \nFarmers of Color are invited to sign up for a Farmer Circe in CT\, MA\, RI\, and NH. Participants will receive a stipend at the end of the year (approx $15/hr of participation). \nRegister here!  URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farmers-circle-with-the-southern-new-england-farmers-of-color-collaborative/ LOCATION:Remote CATEGORIES:Farmer Events ORGANIZER;CN="The Southern New England Farmers of Color Collaborative":MAILTO:info@snefcc.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240109 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240306 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20230911T181526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230911T181927Z UID:44567-1704758400-1709683199@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:MDAR Growing Your Farm Business Planning Course DESCRIPTION:Course Details: \n\nWhen: Tuesdays\, January 9 – March 5\, 2024\, 6-8:30pm\nWhere: MDAR office in West Springfield\, or alternate western MA location dependent upon interest\nRegistration: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. $150 per farm. If interested\, please complete the brief Growing Your Farm application and email it to Diego.Irizarry-Gerould@mass.gov\, or mail a hard copy to: MDAR\, Attn: Diego Irizarry-Gerould\, 138 Memorial Ave\, Suite 42\, West Springfield\, MA 01089.\n\nA hands-on course to help established farmers develop a business plan and financial projections for their farm business. This course covers topics including resource assessment\, marketing strategy\, financial management\, risk management\, quality of life\, and goal setting. The course is taught by a professional business planner with years of experience working with Massachusetts farms and guest speakers on topics such as succession planning and online marketing. Enrollment is open to farmers who have been operating a farm business in Massachusetts for at least the\nthree prior years\, but participating farmers could also have 20-30 years of experience and utilize the course to plan for growth or adding a new enterprise. Eight weekly classes will be held in person in West Springfield on Tuesday evenings from January 9th through March 5th\, (no class February 20th). The Growing Your Farm course has been approved as a certified USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) borrower training for financial management. \nFor more information\, see ABTP program webpage or contact Diego at 857-248-1671. It is important to us that course fees do not create a barrier to participation. If the fee would prevent you from participating\, please contact Diego at the number or email above and we can discuss waiving the fee. URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/mdar-growing-your-farm-business-planning-course-2/ LOCATION:MDAR Office (W. Springfield)\, 138 Memorial Ave\, Suite 42\, West Springfield\, MA\, 01089\, United States CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240109 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240221 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231120T184727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T184956Z UID:45136-1704758400-1708473599@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Financial Literacy 101 DESCRIPTION:Are you thinking of starting a small farm?\nDo you already run a farm and are hoping to expand?\n\nInvest in yourself and watch your returns grow through this 7-week course. Click here for more information. \n\n\n\n\nThis course is right for you if you’ve never taken a day of financial planning in your life! It is also an excellent next step for any farmer who has gone through New Entry’s Farm Business Planning Course or similar introductory program. \nWe create a friendly\, informal environment to let you feel welcome and at ease with math-oriented topics. Course content will be integrated through collaborative work with a focus on project-based learning. Each project will be tailored toward the specific goals of farm management by providing relevant information and practical examples for you to build on their previous business experience. Course discussions will allow every participant to share experiences and learn from each other. Students will leave with a firm grasp on how to create and analyze a farm’s financial statements and build a budget and strategic plan based on their farm’s financial goals. \n\n\n\n\n\nWHEN: Jan 9th – Feb 20th\, 2024\, Tuesdays from 8am – 10am\nWHERE: Nichols College in Dudley\, MA with an option to attend via Zoom.\nCOST: Free to all beginning (<10 years) and BIPOC farmers *Interpretación en español disponible URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/financial-literacy-101/ LOCATION:Nichols College\, Dudley\, MA\, United States CATEGORIES:Farmer Events ORGANIZER;CN="Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust":MAILTO:info@pocassetlandtrust.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240109T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240109T190000 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231211T223913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231220T221608Z UID:45324-1704821400-1704826800@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:¡IMPUESTO 101 2023! TAX 101 2023! DESCRIPTION:¡Prepare el Anexo F para los impuestos de 2023!\n\n\n\n\n¡Registrar aquí! \nEste taller tiene como objetivo enseñar a los agricultores los fundamentos de la elaboración de presupuestos y el mantenimiento de registros con el objetivo de poder ser agricultores de acuerdo con la ley de Massachusetts. Le daremos conceptos para crear y mantener registros agrícolas para que coincidan con las categorías a efectos de impuestos. Esto abrirá oportunidades para solicitar subvenciones que beneficiarán directamente a las empresas de los agricultores. \nEl conocimiento financiero es la puerta de entrada para que los agricultores puedan tomar decisiones financieras informadas sobre sus negocios\, prepararse adecuadamente para la próxima temporada\, fijar precios apropiados y evaluar qué actividades/cultivos “valen” su tiempo. \nPresentadores: Zoraia Barros y Yamaira Rivera\, MBA. Servicios de Contabilidad y Impuestos de YR \n\n\n\nCuándo: Martes\, 9 de enero\, 5:30-7pm\nDónde: 329 Main St\, Holyoke MA\, 01040\nCoorganizador: Nuestras Raíces\nTarifa: $10.00* \n\n*Tarifa: CISA ofrece precios de escala móvil para garantizar que las finanzas no sean una barrera para la asistencia. Póngase en contacto con Zoraia (Zoraia@buylocalfood.org) para solicitar un registro gratuito o con descuento. \nPóngase en contacto con Zoraia en zoraia@buylocalfood.org o 413-665-7100 ext. 15 o Jason Comcowich en jcomcowich@nuestras-raices.org si tiene alguna pregunta. \n\n\n\nGet your Schedule F ready for 2023 taxes!\n\nRegister here! \nThis workshop will teach farmers the foundations of budgeting and record-keeping to help them comply with Massachusetts law. We will share strategies for creating and keeping records that correspond with the information needed for farm tax filings. \n Improved recordkeeping will open opportunities to apply for grants that will benefit farmers’ businesses directly. Financial knowledge is the doorway to farmers being able to make informed financial decisions about their businesses\, to be able to adequately prepare for next season\, to set appropriate prices\, and to evaluate what activities/crops are “worth” their time. \nPresenters: Zoraia Barros and Yamaira Rivera\, MBA. YR Accounting and Tax Services \n\nWhen: Tuesday\, January 9th\, 5:30-7pm\nWhere: 329 Main St\, Holyoke MA\, 01040\nCo-Sponsor: Nuestras Raices\nFee: $10.00*\n\n*Fee: The standard cost for this course is $10. CISA offers sliding scale pricing to ensure finances are not a barrier to attendance. Please reach out to Zoraia (Zoraia@buylocalfood.org) to request discounted or free registration. \nContact Zoraia at zoraia@buylocalfood.org or 413-665-7100 ext. 15 or Jason Comcowich at jcomcowich@nuestras-raices.org with any questions. URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/impuesto-101-2023-prepare-el-anexo-f-para-los-impuestos-de-2023-tax-101-2023-get-your-schedule-f-ready-for-2023-taxes/ LOCATION:Nuestras Raices\, 329 Main Street\, Holyoke\, MA\, 01040 CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240112 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240518 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231205T211329Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231205T211503Z UID:45274-1705017600-1715990399@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Wholesale Readiness Program for Food Entrepreneurs DESCRIPTION:Apply Here! \nAre you an early-stage\, but established food entrepreneur selling a consumer packaged good or value-added product in the northeast? Are you primarily selling direct to consumer and ready to begin selling to stores (or more stores!) in your region? Join us between January and May 2024 to learn from industry experts and entrepreneurs like yourself who have grown their CPG brands in the Northeast. Click here for more information. \nThis program will be hosted primarily online via live sessions on Zoom between January and May of 2023 with an optional (in-person) final event: \n\nTen 1.5 hour virtual workshop sessions (required)\nEight 1 hour virtual office hour sessions (suggested)\nOne in-person gathering/wrap up session (optional)\nVirtual Speed Trading Matchmaking Event (optional)\nIn-person SBN Local Food Trade Show (optional)\n\nSessions include a mix of: \n\nPresentations by industry experts\nPanel discussions with industry experts and buyers\nGroup discussion\nPre-work assessments and suggested homework\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEligibility & Cost\n\n\n\n\n\nThis program is open to established CPG companies who: \n\nUtilize at least one locally grown ingredient in their food products.\nCan demonstrate at least one year of direct to consumer sales.\nHave a baseline understanding of their production and operational costs.\nCan commit to at least eight program sessions.\nIs located in the Northeast (New England & New York)\n\nThis is a hands-on program that requires a commitment to be successful. You are a perfect candidate to join our program if you are willing to put in the work to scale your business. \nThis program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Local Food Promotion Program; there will be no cost to participants. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat you will learn\n\n\n\n\n\nThis program will cover the following topics: \n\nCost Analysis\, Pricing & Profit Margins\nMarket Analysis\, Marketing & Branding\nSales Strategy & Developing Relationships with Store Buyers\nWorking with Food Distributors\nProduction scale up\, including working with co-packers\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBonus\n\n\n\n\n\nParticipants who attend all sessions will qualify for: \n\nSpecialized marketing & waived fees at the Local Food Trade Show (March) hosted by the Sustainable Business Network of MA (SBN).\nSubsidized prototype trial at the Western MA Food Processing Center\nFree counseling sessions throughout program with program facilitators\nFree technical assistance offered by a menu of industry experts (link) including experts in branding\, marketing\, sales\, fundraising\, product development\, food safety\, & more.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*Please note that office hours will be offered on alternate Fridays throughout the course of the program! \n\nFriday January 12\, 9:00-10:30am – Course Introduction\nFriday January 26 – 9:00-10:30am – Market & Analysis & Creating a Marketing Plan\nTuesday February 9\, 9-10:30 – Branding & Messaging\nFriday February 23\, 9:00-10:30 – Perfecting Your Pitch (Prep for Local Food Trade Show)\nEarly March – Local Food Trade Show hosted by Sustainable Business Network of MA\nLate March – Speed Trading Event hosted by Sustainable Business Network of MA\nFriday March 8\, 9:00-10:30am – Selling Your Product to Retailers\nFriday March 22\, 9:00-10:30-am – Working with Food Distributors\nApril 5 – 9:00-10:30 – Analyzing Your Cost of Goods & Setting Appropriate Pricing\nApril 19\, 9:00-10:30am – Scaling Your Production\nMay 3\, 9:00-10:30 – Cash Flow Management\nMay 17\, 9:00-10:30am – Final Presentations\nJune – In-person networking event \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApply Now\n\n\nQuestions? Contact Kate Minifie at katem@fccdc.org or 413-774-7204 ext. 104 URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/wholesale-readiness-program-for-food-entrepreneurs-2/ LOCATION:Remote CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T110000 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231120T220116Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T220116Z UID:45142-1705399200-1705402800@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Crop Insurance 101: An Introduction DESCRIPTION:An overview of insurance programs relevant to vegetable and small fruit producers in New England. This workshop is intended for those with little to no prior experience with insurance and wondering what the options are and if they are right for your farm. Or for those looking for a refresher or updates. We will hear about Farm Service Agency’s Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and Risk Management Agency’s Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro-Farm Revenue Protection Programs. \nWhen: Tuesday\, January 16\, 2024\, 10am-11am\nWhere: Online. Register here! \nSpeakers: Bailey Albert\, MA-FSA Outreach Coordinator and Alex Sereno\, Northeast Regional RMA Director URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/crop-insurance-101-an-introduction/ LOCATION:Remote CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240117 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240215 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20230911T183310Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230911T183310Z UID:44573-1705449600-1707955199@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Exploring the Small Farm Dream (Winter Session) DESCRIPTION:5-session course\, typically offered on weekday evenings\, using curriculum and workbook developed by the New England Small Farm Institute.  For those who are thinking about or in the planning stages of a starting their own farm\, including those who are expanding a hobby to an income-generating scale.  This course offers guidance and resources to help make informed decisions about what’s involved with owning your own farm so you can decide whether or not to take the plunge – and how to proceed in the first stages.  Cost per enterprise – $100 \nIn this course you will: \n\nTest the feasibility of your idea before you invest\nEvaluate self employment and the suitability of an agricultural lifestyle\nInvestigate markets for your proposed product or service\nIdentify regulations that will impact your planned enterprises\nUnderstand the unique risks associated with agriculture\nDetermine your financial break even date\nEvaluate the realistic contribution you can expect from this piece of your livelihood\nTest whether others share your vision and want to join/support you in this pursuit\nAnticipate threats to your success\nDecide what’s next in order to a) get going now\, b) do more preparation\, or c) avoid a big mistake!\n\nExploring the Small Farm Dream (application) \nWinter Session: January 17 – February 14\, 2024\, Wednesdays 6:00pm-9:00pm\, location tbd based on interest. \nTo be considered for an upcoming session\, please complete an application (found at link above) and email it to Jessica.Camp@mass.gov. Or mail it to: \nMassachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources\nAttn: Jessica Camp\n138 Memorial Ave\, Suite 42\nWest Springfield\, MA 01089 URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/exploring-the-small-farm-dream-winter-session/ LOCATION:TBD CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240118T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240118T120000 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231120T220725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T220725Z UID:45144-1705572000-1705579200@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Crop Insurance 301: Demystifying The How and Why Behind Each Program DESCRIPTION:A deeper dive into each individual program\, one at a time\, to help you decide which program is right for your farm. Regional experts from FSA and RMA will provide tips and tricks on how to be successful applying for coverage and getting a claim\, including what records you need to keep and why. We will do our best to answer questions during a facilitated Q&A. \nWhen: Thursday\, January 18\, 2024\, 10am-noon\nWhere: Online. Register here! \nSpeakers: Julie Jacque\, VT-FSA Agricultural Program Specialist and Alex Sereno\, Northeast Regional RMA Director \nThese webinars will be recorded. URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/crop-insurance-301-demystifying-the-how-and-why-behind-each-program/ LOCATION:Remote CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240123T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240123T133000 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231207T235737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231207T235737Z UID:45307-1706013000-1706016600@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:On-Farm Solar Webinar DESCRIPTION:Are you interested in learning more about solar options for your farm? As solar panel costs have lowered\, and incentives have increased\, more farms are turning to solar to offset electricity costs. \n​Join this webinar to learn about site assessment\, compare ground mounted and roof mounted systems\, and incentives and funding available for solar projects. We will touch on leasing land for larger solar development. and introduce resources available through The Agrisolar Clearinghouse\, a program run by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). \n\nWhen: January 23\, 2024 at 12:30-1:30PM\nWhere: Zoom (link provided after registration)\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Chris Lent is an Agricultural Specialist working out of Pennsylvania for the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) as part of the Northeast regional team. He operated an organic vegetable farm for ten years and worked in the fields of energy efficiency\, solar installation\, and organic farm inspection. His work at NCAT has focused on farm energy\, organic vegetable production\, local food systems\, high tunnel management\, and urban agriculture.  \nFor questions or assistance in registration\, contact matt@cheshireconservation.org or (603)756-9282. \nRegister Here! URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/on-farm-solar-webinar/ LOCATION:Remote CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240131 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240328 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231120T154041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T154041Z UID:45130-1706659200-1711583999@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:MA Farm Succession School DESCRIPTION:This is an opportunity for senior generation farmers – with or without identified successors – to talk with peers\, learn from advisors\, and get support on the challenging process of farm succession and transfer planning. Click here for more information. \nMDAR partners with Land for Good to offer their Succession School to provide farmers and partners with the structured and sustained support to make decisions\, engage their families\, and organize the legal and financial mechanics. \nThree in-person sessions on Wednesdays\, 9:30am – 3:30pm at the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield\, MA \n\nJanuary 31\, 2024\nFebruary 28\, 2024\nMarch 27\, 2024\n\nIf you are interested in signing up for Succession School\, please fill out this registration form. The fee is $100 per farm*. \nIf you have any questions about this course\, please email Jae Silverman at jae@landforgood.org. URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/ma-farm-succession-school/ LOCATION:Berkshire Athenaeum\, 1 Wendell Ave\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States CATEGORIES:Farmer Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240207T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240207T170000 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231116T130224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231204T193102Z UID:45100-1707292800-1707325200@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:2-in-1 Food Safety Workshop DESCRIPTION:Registration for this workshop is now closed. If you would like to join the waitlist\, please email julia@buylocalfood.org. We will open spots to those on the waitlist if any registrants withdraw from the course. \nAre you a restaurant owner or a food business employee who needs their ServSafe Certification? Participate in our 2-in-1 Food Safety Workshop on February 7th to receive a ServSafe Certification and an Allergens Awareness Certificate at a reduced cost. Topics include safe food handling practices\, proper food preparation\, storage\, and serving techniques to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The workshop will be led by Randy Crochier\, Director of Public Health at Franklin Regional Council of Governments & 20-year ServSafe instructor. All materials will be provided\, and a light lunch will be served. Only 15 spots are available!  \nLocation: CISA Office\, 1 Sugarloaf St\, South Deerfield MA. \nDate: Wednesday\, February 7th\, from 8am-5pm \nCost: $100 – The cost of this workshop is $100\, including the course and textbook. We would like this course to be accessible to all. If paying the full cost will prevent you from attending\, please contact Julia@buylocalfood.org to request a discounted rate. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContact Julia at julia@buylocalfood.org or (413) 665-7100 ext 26 with any question. URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2-in-1-food-safety-workshop/ LOCATION:CISA Office\, 1 Sugarloaf Street\, South Deerfield\, MA\, 01373\, United States CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Community Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240227T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240227T130000 DTSTAMP:20231227T203122 CREATED:20231207T233838Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231207T233922Z UID:45297-1709028000-1709038800@www.buylocalfood.org SUMMARY:Local Food Trade Show DESCRIPTION:Get ready for the 13th Annual Local Food Trade Show! Join us on Feb 27\, 2024\, from 10 am – 1 pm at Russel’s Garden Center as we bring together the best local food producers and buyers from across the state! Take advantage of this chance to showcase your finest local food products and explore new wholesale opportunities. We’re delighted to invite local food producers and buyers to the 2024 Local Food Trade Show at this accessible location\, showcasing our region’s finest local food products. We encourage all in our Boston Local Food community to share this invitation with their favorite local growers and makers to join us for an invaluable day of connection. Register now below or on our website – spots are limited! Let’s make your food business dreams a reality at the Local Food Tradeshow! We can’t wait to see you there! URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/local-food-trade-show-3/ LOCATION:Russel’s Garden Center CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR