Keep Farming in the Hilltowns

07/08/2022

Many farmers in South Jersey say they may not make it to 2023.

07/06/2022

03/28/2022

The Hilltown Mobile Market is back for a fourth season, with a new business model that will increase efficiency and accessibility to customers throughout the Hilltowns.  Fresh, Hilltown-grown products will now be listed online for customers to order in advance and pickup a few days

03/07/2022

Farm Viability Position available at the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources based out of the western MA office to support Massachusetts farmers through business planning, technical assistance, succession planning, land protection and stewardship!

The Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP) combines business planning, technical assistance, grants, and short-term covenants to help increase farm viability and has served as model for other state programs. Since 1996 the program has provided approximately $21 million in grants to 455 farms and protected 44,713 acres of farmland, in addition to providing valuable business and technical assistance that has contributed to these farms’ success.

The Agricultural Business Training Program provides courses, trainings and workshops throughout the state in partnership with organizations and experienced instructors to response to identified needs of Massachusetts farmers. This position will organize an established succession training class for farm families and have the opportunity to develop and expand programming and materials.

MDAR’s Viability and Agricultural Business Training Programs are within the Division of Agricultural Conservation Assistance at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and contribute to the Department’s overall mission to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts.

To apply, see requisition link below. Please reach out with any questions!

Click the link provided to see the complete job description.

02/07/2022

Looking to expand your Hilltown farm business?
Need assistance on land access, business planning, marketing, soil building, or grant writing? Interested in becoming a producer for the 2022 Hilltown Mobile Market?

Hilltown CDC has funding for a wide range of farm business technical assistance this year. Join us on Zoom this Wednesday, Feb 9th 6-7PM to learn how Hilltown CDC can help your farm grow!

RSVP FOR ZOOM LINK HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvf-2oqT4oH9zaH25mGdiJw1VqvHYEnip9

12/01/2021

Farm Succession School
Three Tuesdays - January 25, February 15, & March 15, 2022 - Greenfield, MA

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is hosting Land For Good’s Farm Succession School for Massachusetts farmers this winter! This is an opportunity for senior generation farmers to talk with peers, learn from advisors, and get support on the challenging process of farm succession and transfer planning.

Are you unsure who will take over your farm?
Feel like your family needs to start talking, but you don't know where to start?
Have questions about retiring that you don't know how to answer?
Can the farm support two generations?

Succession planning is a process of exploring how to transfer the farm business and assets to a future owner. Succession School provides farmers and farming partners with the structured and sustained support to make decisions, engage their families, and organize the legal and financial mechanics.

Meet in-person (subject to current COVID guidelines) at the John W. Olver Franklin Transit Center in Greenfield for a three-session program between 9:00am – 4:00pm on the following Tuesdays: January 25; February 15, 2022; March 15, 2022 (snow dates on each Friday of the same weeks). The cost is $100 per farm.

Learn more and register here. Contact: Shemariah at Land For Good [email protected] or 603-357-1600 with any questions.

Funding for both courses provided by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Agricultural Business Training Program.

06/10/2021

Last chance to sign up! We're bringing the best of the to you - colorful fresh produce on our veggie van, with four stops each week throughout the ! Get your today at a price you can afford from our sliding scale options. You CHOOSE the foods you like to eat to fill your share - salads, tomatoes, blueberries, corn, potatoes, onions, squash, cucumbers, and so much more! Our Community Farm Share is also eligible for reimbursements! Join our market and enjoy , , hilltown-grown and all summer and fall!

04/29/2021

Get your share! Don't miss out on this year's Hilltown Community Farm Share. Each week you get to choose 5 items from over a dozen different fruits and vegetables grown by neighborhood farms to fill your share. Convenient, affordable, fresh, and fun! Sign up at hilltownmobilemarket.info Hilltown Mobile Market HIP - Healthy Incentives Program, Pioneer Valley

Registration is now open for the 2021 Hilltown Community Farm Share! 12 weeks of fresh, fun and Hilltown-grown! Sliding scale payment options. Get all the details and sign up info at www.hilltownmobilemarket.info

04/01/2021

Hilltown Community Development is looking for two qualified candidates committed to the Hilltowns to join our team! For full job descriptions please contact Dave Christopolis at [email protected] or call 413-296-4536 ext. 118.