SEMAP is pleased to announce our new Farms Forever program!
- What Is Farms Forever?
- Resources for:
- Established or Retiring Farmers
- New Farmers
- Non-Farming Landowners
- Opportunities
What Is Farms Forever?
SEMAP's Technical Assistance program area has historically provided business and marketing courses and resources to local farms. In late 2005, SEMAP's Technical Assistance Committee reviewed our TA programs and priorities. We determined that support for the formation of new farm businesses was the most critical area for our attention, the necessary basis for sustaining agriculture in our region.
During 2006 SEMAP conducted an intensive planning process for the Farms Forever program. We identified many resources and organizations that can help meet the farm transfer and access needs expressed by producers and landowners. And, we found that many individuals in our region are interested in getting into farming. What is missing?
We think it is a local, on-the-ground partner to help farms take action on transfer planning, be a first point of inquiry, connect farmers to partners and resources, and serve as a central point for ongoing follow-up. As a regional, cross-commodity organization with a core of strong partnerships, we believe that SEMAP can help address this need, and envision Farms Forever as a way to fill the gap.
To further its vision of a secure, profitable agricultural industry in Southeastern Massachusetts, SEMAP will launch the Farms Forever program under a 3-year grant from the USDA Northeast SARE Program, with additional funding from the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education, the A.D. Makepeace Neighborhood Fund, and First Pioneer Farm Credit. The goal of the Farms Forever program is sustain working farmlands, not just preserved land, and to enable new and next-generation producers to farm in our region through more effective farmland transfer and tenure arrangements.
For More Information Contact Farms Forever Coordinator Katie Cavanagh at (774) 240-7004 or KCavanagh@semaponline.org
Downloads: Farms Forever Informational Page (PDF)
Resources for Established or Retiring Farmers
Affordable 1-on-1 transfer planning assistance for Southeast Massachusetts
Through SEMAP, area farmers can now receive affordable, 1-on-1 transfer planning assistance from Land For Good, a regional organization that specializes in farm transfer planning. Whether a transfer plan keeps a farm in the family, passes the farm to a new operator, or combines both aspects, SEMAP wants its new planning program with Land For Good to help area farmers find the solution that fits their personal circumstances.
Downloads:
American Farmland Trust: Massachusetts
American Farmland Trust: Massachusetts is a national nonprofit that works with communities and individuals to protect the best land, plan for agriculture and keep the land healthy.
Resources:
- Overview of AFT Resources and information.
- Description of AFT’s services — primarily work with towns, land trusts, etc.
New England Small Farm Institute
New England Small Farm Institute has extensive information about farm transfer, farm succession, farm planning, and the Exploring the Small Farm Dream course. Includes an extensive bookstore with great resources for small farmers at all points in their careers.
Resources for New Farmers
Growing New Farmers
Growing New Farmers (GNF) is a support network for Northeast new farmers. Use this site to connect with programs, services, and resources for new farmers throughout the 12 Northeast states.
The New Farm
Farmer-to-Farmer Know-How from the Rodale Institute has great farm blogs and farm forums, including information on specific management practices.
Resources for Non-Farming Landowners
The Trustees of Reservations
The Trustees of Reservations' mission is to preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and to protect special places across the state. They are a nonprofit organization funded entirely by our visitors, supporters, and more than 35,000 members. They work with conservation and stewardship projects.
Opportunities
To see listings and opportunities for available farmland, farm jobs, used farm equipment, and more, please visit "Land Jobs Stuff" bulleting board. To add a new posting, email Farms Forever Coordinator Katie Cavanagh.Cranberry Hill Farm, Plymouth
Cranberry Hill Farm is the oldest commercial organic bog in the country, it has been certified for over 15 years. The property is a total of 23 acres (6 acres are bogs and 10 acres could be cultivated with another crop). There is access to irrigation from a river that runs by the property. on the property is a two/three bedroom home, with views of two ponds. The farm has developed a successful Internet business allowing them to sell directly to the consumer. The owners see many potentials for growth and developing opportunities for the property. Owners are looking to retire, but are remaining open for other possible business arrangements such as taking on a partner or selling business. If you are interested and would like further information you can contact Kristine at cranhill@capecod.net.
Website: www.organiccranberries.com and on www.localharvest.org
Eleven Acre Farm, South Plymouth - $628,000
The property is comprised of paddocks for horses, sheep, goats, or other livestock. A beach plum orchard completely fenced with 10 foot deer fence and 2.25 acre open field for row crops or any other crop you wish to grow. The beach plums and 2.25 acre row crop field have a drip irrigation system, which has its own well and pump house. The remaining land is wooded. Property directly abuts forestland owned by the Town of Plymouth. A eleven-year-old three-bedroom cape sits 180 feet off road in a private setting (see attached brochure for details). The 28′ by 32′ barn has electricity, and a hay loft for 400+ bales of hay (see brochure for details).
For more information please contact: Century 21, Deborah Glass at (508) 423-2025 or at www.glasshousema.com
Downloads: Brochure (Inside & Outside)
