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PRODID:-//CISA - Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture - ECPv6.2.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for CISA - Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240112
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240518
DTSTAMP:20231227T212118
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:20231227T212118
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:20231227T212118
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:20231227T212118
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:20231227T212118
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:20231227T212118
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:20231227T212118
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:20231227T212118
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
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