In this Guide to Finding, Assessing, and Securing Farmland in Massachusetts, written in Plain Language, you will learn about:
•Determining the right kind of farmland for you
•Deciding what type of land tenure situation is right for you
•Starting the networking process
•Conducting farmland site visits
•Understanding your land by using the Web Soil Survey and other online information tools
•Negotiating with landowners and signing an agreement to use the land
•Beginning to farm your land!
The Safety Net Resources - Slide Deck is part of the larning material produced with the Overcoming Risk During Climate Variability: The Importance of Recordkeeping in Small Scale Farming grant.
The slide deck include visuals, charts, and graphs to enhance understanding of the topic.
To learn more please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
The Safety Net Resources - Fact Sheet is part of the larning material produced with the Overcoming Risk During Climate Variability: The Importance of Recordkeeping in Small Scale Farming grant.
In this Fact Sheet (PDF) you can find information about the following topics: Value Added Producer Grant, Farm Loan by FAS, services available at NRCS USDA, tips for success from farmers.
To learn more please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
To a beginning farmer, the project of establishing a working farm at a new site can feel overwhelming. Depending on what resources already exist at the property, the task of identifying, prioritizing, and paying for needed improvements can be a difficult road to cultivate productive farmland.
This tool is designed to help a farmer who is considering establishing a farm at a new site to examine the scope of improvements the site may require, to prioritize which upgrades should be made, and to identify various organizations and funding sources that might offer advice and/or financing for farm-related improvements. Beginning with a section about selecting a farm enterprise, this resource then addresses Land Access, Utilities and Energy, Structures, and Equipment.
This tool is designed with farmers in Massachusetts specifically in mind, but many of the elements considered are applicable to farmers in other states, as many of the MA-based organizations and resources have parallels in other states as well. Each section below will include 1) Key Considerations and Questions, 2) Resources, and 3) Contacts related to that section, and some sections will also have 4) Financing information as well.
This is not an exhaustive list of key considerations and resources associated with starting or improving a farm on a new site. Hopefully the information provided will prove valuable to farmers as they undertake the important and demanding work of creating the conditions by which a property can generate value for the community and provide a sustainable income for the producer.
The Bookkeeping for Farmers webinar is part of the larning material produced with the Overcoming Risk During Climate Variability: The Importance of Recordkeeping in Small Scale Farming grant.
The slide deck include visuals, charts, and graphs to enhance understanding of the topic.
To learn more please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
The Breakeven Analysis and Scenario Planning for Farming Operations fact sheet is part of the larning material produced with the Overcoming Risk During Climate Variability: The Importance of Recordkeeping in Small Scale Farming grant.
The slide deck include visuals, charts, and graphs to enhance understanding of the topic.
To learn more please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
The Breakeven Analysis and Scenario Planning for Farming Operations fact sheet is part of the larning material produced with the Overcoming Risk During Climate Variability: The Importance of Recordkeeping in Small Scale Farming grant.
In this Fact Sheet (PDF) you can find information about the following topics: income statement, breakeven analysis, scenario planning and additional resources.
To learn more please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
This Risk Management and Capitalization Decision Tool features detailed farmer case studies to demonstrate successfully leveraged grant and loan programs for farm startup. Illustrations and decision trees will guide producers to realistic timelines and investment planning. The publication was peer-reviewed by farmers and agency staff. Please take note of the following considerations:
The What’s SNAP got to do with it? Expanding your Customer Base with Food Nutrition Programs and Technology fact sheet, is product of the Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business workshop series, hosted by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.
In this Fact Sheet (PDF) you can find information about the following topics: Food and nutrition programs, supporting new farmers to reach new customer bases, and Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
For additional information please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
The Funding Next Level Enterprises in Rural Communities Fact Sheet, is product of the Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business workshop series, hosted by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.
In this Fact Sheet (PDF) you can find information about the following topics: Value Added Producer Grant, Rural Energy for America Program, U.S. Small Business Administration.
For additional information please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu
