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New Entry Sustainable Farming
Locale ID
MA6000
Run by
Jennifer Hashley
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About
The mission of the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (New Entry) is to assist people with limited resources who have an interest in small-scale commercial agriculture, to begin farming in Massachusetts. The broader goals of New Entry are to support the vitality and sustainability of the region's agriculture, to build long term economic self-reliance and food security among participants and their communities, and to expand access to high-quality, culturally appropriate foods in underserved areas through production of locally-grown foods.
The Challenge…We are in the midst of an exciting period of opportunity for local agriculture due to a resurgence of consumer and institutional interest in locally-produced foods. The local food movement creates demand that is already outstripping supply in many areas. For example, farmers' markets beg for more producers and waiting lists grow for CSA membership. By far the weakest link in the revival of regional agriculture is the beginning farmer. New farmers are critical to sustain our agricultural base and to replace an aging farmer population. However, people interested in starting agricultural careers are increasingly challenged, as barriers to entry are significant and traditional venues for education are declining.
We provide constructive environments and strategies that support new producers and create opportunities for them to strengthen agricultural capacities, share learning experiences, and build better communities. We provide access to information, resources, training and technical assistance so that producers can grow healthy, local, fresher food for consumers.
New Entry staff are employees of Tufts University and Community Teamwork, Inc., but the project extends well beyond these institutions. Project partners include federal and state government agencies, universities, local farmers, and multiple community-based organizations.
New Entry provides services for beginning farmers such as locating farmland, education, training, business/enterprise development, and production and marketing assistance. The project provides opportunities for economically disadvantaged farmers, preserves farmland, and promotes New England agriculture. The New Entry Programs section and the New Entry Organizational Structure PDF Icon provide more detail on specific initiatives.
Currently the technical assistance is provided to farmers on sites in Dracut and surrounding Massachusetts communities. One New Entry graduate has even developed his own commercial farm enterprise in Pennsylvania!
Lowell Office
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
9 Central St., Suite 402
Lowell, MA 01852 Kimberley Fitch — Finance and Project Coordinator
e-mail: kfitch@comteam.org
Phone: 978-654-6745
Boston Office
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
150 Harrison Avenue, Rm. 121
Boston, MA 02111
Jennifer Hashley, Project Director
e-mail: jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu
Phone: 617-636-3793
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Last Update:
February
10, 2010
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; "New Entry Sustainable Farming")
