A good snow and hard freeze is a simple way to put a definitive end to the growing season. It’s a period to take a deep breath and reflect. While there have been too many downsides of our COVID-enforced isolation to count, our local food system has a few bright sides that are worthy of note.
Our farmers ROCKED! They worked so hard to make farmstands and farmers markets a model for safe shopping – restructuring stores and stands, rerouting market spaces, developing new ordering and delivery systems, and creating a safe space to buy food when supermarkets were facing supply issues.
And you, the shoppers and eaters, were stupendous supporters of local farms. People put their trust in their local farmers, and continue to do so as this season winds to a close.
We’re hopeful that this strong momentum continues through the winter—locally-grown veggies and value-added farm products are still available! Look for up-to-date information on our consumer resource page and 2020-21 Winter Farmers Markets guide.
Farmers: look for our winter programming. We are holding networking meetings for beginning farmers and those selling directly to the public; workshops (virtually) on branding and digital design, farm finance, and soil health; conversations that deepen our understanding of how the changing climate affects Southeastern Massachusetts farms; and of course, the 14th Annual Ag & Food Conference. We are excited to have found a way to maintain interactivity and networking in a virtual environment. Stay tuned for a SEMAP online learning space.
We couldn’t do all of our important work without your support. Please consider renewing your membership or making a donation to SEMAP during this traditional giving season.
Sincerely,
Karen Schwalbe
Executive Director