I 💚 Farms

I am so very appreciative of the verdant area of abundance in which I live. The Pioneer Valley is so full of new and multi-generational farms offering access to CSAs of all sorts, including organic produce, mushrooms, meat, fruit... Most also have established year-round easily accessible farm stands. And many even invite us to pick our own goodies like apples, strawberries and blueberries.

"The trend of receding farmland continues in many areas of the country; however, the most recent Census of Agriculture revealed that the total acreage of farmland has actually increased in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. 

Farming profitably continues to remain a challenge, though, due to rising costs, crop failure and poor weather, and fierce competition from the global food system.
The case for local agriculture has never been stronger. Buying local:
  • keeps money in the local economy
  • preserves family farms
  • reduces oil-dependent transportation costs
  • protects our local landscapes
  • ensures that fresh, healthy food stays available and affordable to all
That’s why, since 1993, CISA has led the way in developing initiatives that support farmers, create strong markets for their products, and build a thriving agriculture economy here in western Massachusetts." (via BuyLocalFood.org)
Click to find local foods.

All that said, here are my favorite local food spots:

I am so excited about our Red Fire Farm share! They have so many options and a number of pick-up locations making it super convenient. We started a bit late in the summer, but we've been inundated (in the best way) with juicy heirloom tomatoes, corn, all types of eggplants, carrots, onions, potatoes, greens, herbs... We also chose the mushroom add-on, which is from Mycoterra Farm in South Deerfield.
Find MA CSAs here.

Greenfields Market in Greenfield (of the Franklin Community Co-op which has another store, McCusker's Market in Shelburne Falls) is my convenient and close store for local foods. Co-op shopping is great to reduce waste when you buy bulk with your own reusable containers. They've got bulk spices, teas, peanut butter, tofu, nuts, grains, rice, beans...
The Brattleboro Food Co-op is one of my all-time favorite places on the planet. Not only have I worked there, and been a working member there for almost 2 decades, but we'll sometimes go eat there for date nite! The prepared food is amazing, and the place has such a great chill vibe. It really is the cornerstone of the community in that town. They also have bulk shampoo, dish soap, soy sauce, olive oil..!
Co-ops also give back to the community through educational and sponsored events in addition to their support of local agriculture.
Find MA food co-ops here.

Clarkdale Fruit Farm is a family favorite. Their fruit is scrumptious! There is nothing like fresh fruit right off the tree. "Clarkdale is a fourth-generation fruit farm located in the beautiful hills of Deerfield, Massachusetts. Over 100 varieties of apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries and grapes are harvested from August through October. We still have heirloom apple varieties from trees planted by the first generation of Clarks, and continue to plant new varieties every year. We practice IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and strongly believe in sustainable agriculture. We press sweet cider from mid-September to March, and offer pick-your-own McIntosh apples in the fall."
We've tried Zestar! and Akane apples this year - go grab a bag!

Let's remember those Farmers Markets! I think each town has one in the Pioneer Valley, now.  Great Falls Wednesdays 2-6, Greenfield Saturdays 8-12:30 & Brattleboro Area Saturdays 9-2 are the ones I typically visit. It's nice to actually meet and chat with the producers directly at these events.
Find MA farmers markets here.

Of course the Pioneer Valley also offers local maple syrup, honey and dairy. 


Click to find local foods.

This was supposed to be  a recipe post of how I used my veggies from Red Fire Farm, but I guess that will happen in the next post. :)

Go support our community farms!


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