This series of six workshops covers a range of topics related to soil quality and fertility management. For example, multiple workshops focus on learning plant families as a basis for understanding the importance of crop rotation and soil management planning. Other sessions introduce the concepts of crop rotation, soil nutrients, and teach the importance of giving soils an opportunity to “rest” in crop rotation planning. Most of the workshops are appropriate for beginning- to intermediate-level farmers.

This module contains six mini-lessons on practices and knowledge related to soil health and fertility. These lessons can be chosen and combined in whatever way makes sense for your program. The lessons address soil texture, fertilizers, soil organisms, legume crops and nitrogen, cover crops, and nutrient problems. This teaching resource was developed by Global Garden in Chicago, Illinois in partnership with the Institute for Social and Economic Development (ISED Solutions). Refugee farmer training programs across the country provided feedback on this lesson, which is now integrated throughout the guide.
 

To a beginning farmer, the project of establishing a working farm at a new site can feel overwhelming. Depending on what resources already exist at the property, the task of identifying, prioritizing, and paying for needed improvements can be a difficult road to cultivate productive farmland.

This tool is designed to help a farmer who is considering establishing a farm at a new site to examine the scope of improvements the site may require, to prioritize which upgrades should be made, and to identify various organizations and funding sources that might offer advice and/or financing for farm-related improvements. Beginning with a section about selecting a farm enterprise, this resource then addresses Land Access, Utilities and Energy, Structures, and Equipment.

This tool is designed with farmers in Massachusetts specifically in mind, but many of the elements considered are applicable to farmers in other states, as many of the MA-based organizations and resources have parallels in other states as well. Each section below will include 1) Key Considerations and Questions, 2) Resources, and 3) Contacts related to that section, and some sections will also have 4) Financing information as well.

This is not an exhaustive list of key considerations and resources associated with starting or improving a farm on a new site. Hopefully the information provided will prove valuable to farmers as they undertake the important and demanding work of creating the conditions by which a property can generate value for the community and provide a sustainable income for the producer.

The webinar Strategies to Capitalize the Farm: Lessons from the Field, is part of the Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business workshop series, hosted by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

In this webinar, Farmers share knowledge/understanding of state/federal grant and loan programs. Topics covered in the workshop include:

• Scaling-up journey
• Land access, funding, infraestructure and logistic challenges
• Wish list of investments, farm profitability and grants available
• Specialty crops and MDAR funding opportunities
• Tips for grant writing
• Challenges of grants

For additional information please reach us out at: nesfp@tufts.edu

This is a PowerPoint presentation introducing some basic concepts related to soil fertility and fertilizers. At Global Gardens, we have a number of challenges related to soil fertility. This ppt provides an overview of what is in soil and how it becomes depleted over time. The presentation then reviews what cover cropping and fertilization methods can be used to keep soil fertile and healthy. Options for hands-on activities and engagement to add to the ppt are below.

This Farm Financial Calendar Tool from The Carrot Project is designed to help you stay on track during the growing season with daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks. Adapt the Calendar to your farm's needs and realities and create a personalized financial management calendar for your farm.

To view a webinar on how to use the tool, click here.

The CSA FoodBook for a Sustainable Harvest by Elizabeth Henderson (1994) is a compilation of recipes for CSA shareholders to enhance the concept of the CSA through education on how to best use ingredients by season. 

This workbook, in its first edition, is currently being used in a pilot program by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project as a tool for participatory goal setting and skills assessment/development.

Updates and revisions will be made based on participant feedback at the conclusion of the pilot program.

For more information on using this tool, please contact Jennifer Hashley. 

The Unlocking MA Money for Your Farm: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Grants and Financial Assistance Programs webinar, is part of the Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business workshop series, hosted by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

In this webinar, instructors share knowledge/understanding of MDAR grants and funding programs for agricultural projects. Topics covered in the workshop include:

• MDAR Farm Viability Programs (FVEP, IVP, MEGA), grant process, classes and other grants.
• Urban agriculture, Food Venture, Mass Food Trust. 
• Grant reciepients experiences.

For additional information please reach us out at: nesfp@tufts.edu

This tool is designed for beginning farmers who want to learn vegetables names in English. This lesson includes activities for farmers to identify vegetables by reading, writing, listening, and seeing photos.