October 2024

10.29.24 // Freddy Soza & Francois J. Hartnett

Exploring Sustainable "Under Cover" - Production Practices at Gaining Ground Farm

Visiting Gaining Ground in Concord, MA, for an engaging and informative farm tour! Special thanks to Kari Bender, Co-Manager of Gaining Ground, for sharing her extensive expertise on using high tunnels, low tunnels, and caterpillar tunnels to manage production, financial, and marketing risks. Your insights into Risk Management Strategies are invaluable! We also want to thank Susan Scheufele from UMass Extension for her expert training on Pest and Weed Management, your guidance is essential for farmers facing challenges in winter production.

10.29.24 // Freddy Soza

Celebrating Collaboration and Innovation at the 13th Annual National FIELD School

The 13th Annual National FIELD School brought together agricultural leaders from incubator and apprenticeship programs nationwide, hosted in collaboration with FAIRSHARE CSA Coalition and the University of Wisconsin Extension. The event featured discussions on crucial topics like food aggregation, mentor farmer programs, agroforestry apprenticeships, land access, and strategies for balancing education with production goals.

Farm-to-Table Farm Tour

10.24.24 // Freddy Soza

Salem Public Schools Farm to School Initiative Brings Hands-On Agriculture Education to the Classroom

The Salem Public Schools (SPS) Farm to School (FTS) program is launching an exciting year of hands-on agricultural education for students and professional development for teachers. Supported by New Entry Sustainable Farming Project and Tufts University, this initiative will run from May 2024 through June 2025, focusing on food education and sustainability. The program aims to engage students with farm-based learning while equipping teachers with valuable tools to integrate agriculture into the curriculum, fostering a deeper connection to food and the environment.