Looking for real life examples on how to scale up our local food systems?  Interested in how this is being done in the Pioneer Valley?

Look no further as the local food gurus at CISA has just realeased a new report on this very topic.  Check it out here.

VENDORS AT THE HOLIDAY FARMERS’ MARKETS REPORT MORE THAN $100,000 IN LOCAL REVENUE GENERATED AT FOUR BERKSHIRE GROWN EVENTS COMBINED

PRESS RELEASE - GREAT BARRINGTON + WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. (January 18, 2012) – In November and December, Berkshire Grown produced four Holiday Farmers’ Markets in north and south Berkshire County to feature locally grown and produced food during months when farmers’ markets are not open in the region. Berkshire Grown brought together more than 60 regional vendors in November and 75-plus vendors in December. Based on post-market surveys, Berkshire Grown facilitated an economic impact of more than $100,000 in 2011 for participating vendors of the holiday markets. This is a nine percent increase over last year, a sign of increased awareness of local food and growing support for the local economy.

The growth of these events is showing increases overall – average vendor income improved by a margin of $150 to $200 per vendor from 2010. Vendors at the four markets – two events in Great Barrington and two in Williamstown – were thrilled with the outcome of the markets and all who submitted post-market surveys are planning to return.

Dear Women In Ag Participants,

CISA, Holistic Management International, the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts have partnered together to sponsor a two day conference for farmers interested in improved quality of life, profitability, and health. The Beginning Women Farmer Conference: Exploring Whole Farm Planning will be held March 22-23, 2012 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, LincolnCampusCenter. We hope you can join us to hear success stories from past participants, learn tried and true strategies from experts and network with other farmers. Registration is now open and must be completed in advance. The costs is $120 for the full conference or you may purchase single day passes for $70. For more information on fees, registration and the daily schedule, please visit: http://holisticmanagement.org/conferencebwfne/.

We hope to see you there.

You are Invited

Third Annual

Celebrate Sustainability

Dinner/Party

Pioneer Valley Sustainability Network

Clarion Hotel, Northampton MA

Wednesday, 2/22/12

6 pm - 8 pm

Featured Speaker

Jonathan Lash, President Hampshire College

an internationally recognized expert on practical solutions to global sustainability and development challenges