Weatherlow Farms, founded in 2014, is located in the seaside town of Westport, MA. We raise the highest quality grass-fed beef, lamb, chevon, pork, pastured poultry, and eggs. All are cared for employing environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices which focus on the special relationship between land, animal, and food. Our “eco-organic”, biological farming practices allow us to honor the special link between soil health, animal health, and human health. This is an immediate full time (40+ hours a week) position through the end of harvest (late December). After December, a qualified candidate would convert to a salaried position. Compensation commensurate with experience. No housing is provided.

Position Title: Assistant Livestock Manager

Job Description: Assist farm manager in the day-to-day operation of the farm and off-site goatscaping services, assist in marketing efforts including deliveries, on-farm sales, on-farm events, and running farmers markets, and help with the general upkeep of the farm and record keeping.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates have a long-term interest in the farm and an ability to recognize the diverse opportunities that exist here. They have a serious work ethic, are curious and enthusiastic, and bring a positive dynamic to the team. Additionally, strong candidates will have meaningful livestock experience, can operate a tractor and drive a truck and trailer, and are able to represent the farm at events and points of sale. The ability to follow instructions but have adaptive thinking skills is critical. Those that are interested in living in a beautiful, rural, but lively area would fit well.

See our website at weatherlowfarms.com

Send cover letter and resume to: Ryan Wagner, Owner,  ryan[at]weatherlowfarms.com

You should have heard by now of the term FSMA. It actually stands for Food Safety Modernization Act. It was signed into law by President Obama on January 4, 2011. Its aim is to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it. It is considered the first major piece of federal legislation addressing food safety since 1938. In November 2015, FDA finalized the Produce Safety Rule, which sets food safety standards for farms in an effort to minimize the risks of microbiological contamination that may occur during the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fresh produce. This rule is among seven major rules that were recently finalized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and span across the supply chain. Forty-two states established cooperative agreements with the FDA to implement the Produce Safety rule. FDA funded those states at $21.8M for the initial planning year. This year, FDA has increased the second year funding and added another state to the effort. The state agencies cooperating with FDA in thirty-nine of the states are the departments of agriculture.

In Massachusetts, the Produce Safety Team in the Agricultural Markets Division is working on a strategic plan for the coming few years to implement the Produce Safety Rule. The team will support growers through education, training, and technical assistance to make sure you are ready for compliance.

The following 3 things should be on your to-do list:
1- REGISTER: Contact MDAR to register your farm (for free). Following your registration, your farm will be eligible for a technical assistance visit to assist you with any issues and concerns you might have, and get you ready for compliance.

2- KNOW if your farm is covered by the rule and get familiar with the records you need to have: Use this form to see if your farm is covered.

3- ATTEND a Produce Safety Rule Grower Training course: If you are covered, and/or qualified exempt, a responsible party at your farm should attend a Produce Safety Grower Training course (1 day) which MDAR will be offering during the fall and winter 2017/2018. Contact them to add your name to the list!

Eva’s Garden seeks a Sales Manager for the 2018 growing season. This new position begins November 2017 as part-time and becomes full-time in April 2018. The sales manager will work closely with the farm owner, farm manager, and production manager to coordinate sales for the farm’s weekly delivery to Boston restaurants, as well as weekly and occasional deliveries to other regional restaurants and wholesale buyers. Eva’s Garden has supplied Boston and South Coast chefs as well as Whole Foods Markets and other wholesale buyers for over 30 years. The farm is 70 miles south of Boston in coastal Dartmouth MA.

Applicants should have previous sales experience in the farm and/or restaurant industry, and some prior farming experience. The position requires attention to detail, an ability to collaborate with a diverse, hard-working team, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and proficiency in Word, Excel, and other standard computer programs. Prior experience managing social media accounts and websites are a plus. We are hard-working yet easy-going and expect the same from qualified applicants.

Pay is commensurate with experience and can increase as skills increase. The schedule is full-time but potentially flexible and could be seasonal or year-round for the right candidate.

To apply please send a resume, a letter of interest, and two references to info @ evasgreengarden.com by October 8, 2017. To learn more about us, check out our Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thenotoriouseva/

Position: Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Reports to: Director
Hours: 30 weekly
Term: 1 year, with potential for continuation depending upon funding availability.
Wage: $25/hour
Location: Remote, in Massachusetts
Start date: October 1, 2017

About the MA Food System Collaborative

The MA Food System Collaborative was established in 2016 to promote, monitor, and facilitate implementation of the MA Local Food Action Plan. The Plan is a comprehensive set of recommendations toward a sustainable, equitable food system for the Commonwealth. The Collaborative works to encourage progress toward the goals of the Plan through education, networking, and advocacy. Learn more about the Collaborative at www.mafoodsystem.org.

Position description:

The Outreach and Engagement Coordinator will work with the Director to engage community organizations around the state in efforts toward the goals of the Plan, will document progress being made by public and private stakeholders, and will provide communications and logistics support where needed.

Job functions:

Community engagement:
Identify and build relationships with community organizations and other stakeholders (CDCs, local food policy councils, business associations) throughout Massachusetts.
Engage organizations in activities and actions related to the Collaborative’s projects.
Educate organizations about the food system and the MA Local Food Action Plan.
With Director, develop strategies and related written and online materials as needed for this engagement.

Communications:
Identify and research examples of organizations, individuals, projects, and programs working toward the goals of the Plan.
Document progress being made toward the goals of the Plan through compelling narratives for newsletter, social media and other publications.
Work with director on developing written and online materials for specific campaign strategies and for general outreach.  

Other:
Assist in organizing and coordinating regional and statewide meetings and events.
Attend regular project and governance meetings, in person and on the phone.
Other duties, as needed.

Qualifications:
At least two years of work experience in policy, advocacy, or organizing setting.
Ability to write clearly, concisely, and quickly.
Experience working in diverse communities.
Flexible schedule (occasional evening meetings may be required).
Ability to travel throughout state, as needed.
Interest in food, agriculture, and systemic change.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
Experience in/comfort with CMS systems a plus.
Publication design experience a plus.
Photography experience a plus.
Ability to work independently.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples, to winton@mafoodsystem.org by September 22, 2017.