This guide was written by Maya Tauber and Andy Fisher and give an overview of the Community Food Projects grant program.

This Plain Language Guide will help farmers determine if they are either covered or exempt under the Produce Safety Rule.  This guide aims to help farmers assess, implement and practice food safety on their farm.  

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project and the Conservation Law Foundation present Beth O'Neal, partner at Conn Kavanaugh, on a webinar that explores how federal and state employment laws apply to small-scale farmers in Massachusetts. This webinar covers different employee classifications, housing and food stipends, and minimum wage and overtime requirements.

Agreement of joint ownership for the the DR All-Terrain Field and Brush Mower, identifying the role of Cultivating Community in the agreement.

Word document sample agreement for farmer group use of a shared tiller machine.  Outlines owners, responsibilities, and procedures for repairs and maintenance.  All regions. English level: Intermediate. Farmer Level: Beginner. Literacy Level: Intermediate. Keywords: Equipment, Machine, Maintenance, Repairs.

This powerpoint presentation includes information on financial models, tools, business models, and best practices. Advanced. Other keywords: Finance, Entrepreneur

The ALBA Annual Farm Interview is once of the tools used by the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) to evaluate their farmer participant's progress before, during, and after their participation on ALBA's farm incubator program. It asks questions regadring farmers community involvement, financial success, and farm practices used.

ALBA's annual farmer survey tracks a wide range of outcomes for incubator farm program participants. See what indicators you can use to measure farmer success on your program.

Presented by NIFTI and the Agriculture and Land Based Training Association (ALBA)

This Webinar features

Nathan Harkleroad, Outreach and Education Program Manager at ALBA, who shares how ALBA defines sustainable land management, and how this informs farmer policies and plays out in farmer practices. Nathan will discuss the challenges and lessons learned while implementing a sustainable land management plan with 40 farmers on 150 acres. He will also cover how sustainable land use is incorporated into ALBA's farmer education curriculum.

Dr. Peter Walker, Dean of the Falk School of Sustainability at Chatham University, who focuses on how Chatham incorporates farm and woodland into the campus and educational agenda at Eden Hall, Chatham University's brand new, 388 acre fully sustainable campus. His presentation will describe just what it means to be a sustainable campus, how Chatham is trying to integrate the farm into the teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurial agenda, and what Chatham hopes to do in the future.

Eero Ruuttila, Technical Assistance and Incubator Farm Manager at New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, who presents on fertility management on the incubator site, including specific strategies that he has developed over his 35 year career as an organic farmer and organic food advocate. He will also discuss approaches and challenges related to planning for and teaching long-term soil/fertility management with multiple farmers that have finite time on the farm site.

This comprehensive guide is tailored for aspiring and established farmers in Massachusetts. 

Organized into a series of independent Fact Sheets, this guide allows you to explore topics as needed or follow along as a complete resource, content Includes:

• Getting Started: Learn about farming education, finding a suitable farm, and essential infrastructure.
• Financing and Risk Management: Explore options for financing farm operations, managing risks, and understanding insurance needs.
• Regulatory Landscape: Navigate farm vehicle regulations, environmental rules, and pesticide regulations.
• Business Essentials: Delve into business planning, structures, budgeting, record-keeping, and tax considerations.
• Marketing Strategies: Understand market potential, pricing, marketing options, and regulations. Discover opportunities for small-scale food processing and organic certification.
• Additional Resources: Access information on grant opportunities, women in agriculture, climate change impacts, and a pocket resource guide.

Each section is designed to provide actionable information and guidance, helping you cultivate success in your farming endeavors.