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About the Beginning Farmer Network of Massachusetts

The Beginning Farmer Network of Massachusetts (BFNMass) was created to assist aspiring and beginning farmers on their paths to success. BFNMass is made up of knowledgeable service providers and established famers who can help farmers understand the realities of farming in Massachusetts. The network is putting together a reliable website and referral network so that beginning farmers can effectively find the information and services that they need.

BFNMass formed in order to help farm service providers achieve their common missions. Farm Service Providers provide the backbone for farmer success and the success of this network. Participation will increase visibility for farming organizations and utilization of their services.

The BFNMass will:

• Provide systematic outreach and referrals of beginning farmers to a diversity of service providers and training and technical assistance resources and opportunities;
• Improve coordination and planning for beginning farmer programs and services by providers;
• Develop more systematic strategies for beginning farmers to address their education, training and technical assistance needs, coordinated through multiple service provider organizations.

Farmers and Farm Service providers who have an interest in these topics are encouraged get involved! Please e-mail Becca at bweaver@comteam.org to learn how you can be involved.

Steps to achieve these goals:

1. Convene BFNMass participants at the first stakeholder retreat on December 20, 2011 in order to develop a shared understanding of the alliance, determine how the BFNMass can fit within each organization’s existing work, form working groups and determine leadership roles to develop this plan and build the network, and to deepen relationships among people working to further sustainable farming in Massachusetts.

2. Working Groups will meet to develop drafts for the structures and components needed for a coordinated state-wide effort.  Click here for more details on the Working Groups.  Working Group members will work on topics such as:
   • Development of on-line tools for beginning farmers
   • Understanding the educational needs of beginning farmers by developing model learning ladders and conducting a gap analysis of farm services in MA
   • Development of a referral network for farm service providers
   • Creating a marketing and outreach plan for beginning farmer services in MA
   If you would like to participate in a working group, please e-mail Becca at bweaver@comteam.org for more information.
   
   
3. Convene BFNMass participants at the second stakeholder retreat in April of 2012 to begin to implement the structures designed by the working groups. Details of this meeting TBD.