Description:
SEMAP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help agricultural enterprises in Southeastern Massachusetts achieve economic success. SEMAP works towards this goal through two main program areas: Technical/Business Assistance and Market Development. Technical/Business Assistance offerings include this Service Providers’ Directory, the Agricultural Business Organizer (a tool for organizing farm records to prepare for planning or decision-making), the Wind on Agricultural Lands project in collaboration with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, and courses and workshops on farm business and marketing topics. SEMAP’s Market Development program works to expand and create new markets for the region’s farms, nurseries, and aquaculture operations. SEMAP’s Business-to-Business Network, with over 125 members, links local producers with food buyers from restaurants, universities, markets, and other businesses. The Harvest Handbook, available in print and online, lists over 200 local farms as well as restaurants and farmers’ markets, and stores carrying local produce. The Harvest Handbook Theme Page program, in partnership with the Standard-Times of New Bedford, provides local farms with a cost-effective way to advertise and helps keep local produce in the public eye throughout the season. SEMAP has collaborated with the United Way of Greater New Bedford on the Clasky Common Farmer’s Market in New Bedford since it began in 2003 and is a member of the organizational committee for the new Mid-Cape Farmers’ Market in downtown Hyannis. |