SEMAP SEMAP is dedicated to preserving and expanding access to local food and sustainable farming in SE MA We also host workshops throughout the year.

Preservation: SEMAP works with farmers and the community to keep working farmland in production. Once agricultural soils are polluted, they can't be restored. Safeguarding working farmland maintains a way of life and a treasured landscape. Education: SEMAP offers workshops and technical assistance to farmers covering techniques and topics such as social media marketing, business management, and ex

panding sales. Our flagship annual event, the Agriculture + Food Conference, offers workshops and sessions for farmers, gardeners, and locavores. Access: Local food should be available to everyone to enjoy it at home, at schools, in hospitals, daycare facilities, and in restaurants regardless of one’s socioeconomic background. SEMAP advocates for programs and policies that make local food affordable for everyone, like the Healthy Incentives Program. Research: SEMAP undertakes research projects that support the region’s agricultural community. Gathering and analyzing data provides a basis for requesting financial resources and a baseline from which to measure positive and negative changes to Southeastern Massachusetts’ food system.

It's Farmer Friday! This week we're featuring , a longstanding market with new leadership in 2026! Attleboro prides them...
09/04/2026

It's Farmer Friday! This week we're featuring , a longstanding market with new leadership in 2026!

Attleboro prides themselves on being a vendor- friendly market that runs for 18 weeks, from mid-June to the end of October.

They have vendors offering everything from
✨honey and maple syrup
✨prepared foods such as empanadas, tacos, Indonesian food, flavored lemonade, homemade peanut butter,
✨artisan crocheted goods and woodworking
✨of course vegetables!

They are seeking new produce vendors for 2027, and the vendor application will go live in February.

Read more on our new Farmer Friday page on our website!

Governor Healey signed a supplemental budget for 2026 that included a three-year, refundable, up to $5,000 tax credit fo...
09/03/2026

Governor Healey signed a supplemental budget for 2026 that included a three-year, refundable, up to $5,000 tax credit for farmers and aquaculture producers who donate excess crops to hunger relief nonprofits. While more detailed guidance is forthcoming, here is what you need to know for right now:

🌽For farmers who donate food, you are eligible for up to $5000 as a refund even if you don't owe any tax!
🌽This tax credit can be applied for tax years 2026-2028.

If you donate food, be sure to keep a record of the following to qualify for this credit:
🌽The nonprofit’s name
🌽The donation date
🌽How much food was donated (in lbs)
🌽The fair market value of the donation

Thanks to our friends at the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative for advocating for this measure and distilling the information for us.

This is thanks to the hard work of State Representative Hannah Kane and Senator Comerford, who have advocated for this policy for many years in the Legislature.

Did you snag your ticket for agriCulture: An Evening of Storytelling with Eva yet? Space is limited! Grab yours now at t...
09/03/2026

Did you snag your ticket for agriCulture: An Evening of Storytelling with Eva yet? Space is limited! Grab yours now at the

This is our inaugural storytelling event where we share the stories of bellwethers, trailblazers and innovators farming here in SE Mass and Rhode Island!

agriCultural: An Evening of Storytelling with Eva kicks off this series with a myriad of storytellers sharing how Eva Sommaripa and Eva's Garden have gone on to help shape the next generation of farmers, chefs, authors, and her neighbors over the last 50 years. The farming, food and flower landscape would not be the same without her. If you know Eva...then you know!

There will be food, drinks, laughs, tears and what we hope will be an unforgettable evening not to be missed. Tickets are $50 for general admission, Farmer tickets are $25, and children 12 and under are free! We are only selling 150 tickets for this event, so don't miss out and purchase your tickets before they are gone!

We hope you can join us to not only revel in the unique spirit of Eva, but to revel in the amazing richness of what farming truly means to our communities, our neighbors and ourselves!

Photo: with at our "Pizza & Petals" event last fall.

Please Join Us!We are pleased to invite you to the opening reception of agriCultural: A Biennial Exhibition at the New B...
09/02/2026

Please Join Us!

We are pleased to invite you to the opening reception of agriCultural: A Biennial Exhibition at the New Bedford Art Museum on Thursday, September 10, from 6-8pm.

Where: New Bedford Art Museum
When: Thursday, Sept 10th, 6-8pm

This exhibition is another part of SEMAP's agriCultural project where we are using the arts and culture to tell even richer stories of agriculture in our region. This exhibition features the work of farmers who are also artists, artists who are also farmers and artists that take deep inspiration from the world of agriculture.

In partnership with the New Bedford Art Museum, this show features over 25 artworks that look to uncover, tell, and shed light on the intersection of art, culture and agriculture in new and maybe unexpected ways! We hope you can join us!

We had a great time at our Twilight last week, featuring Philip and Blong from 's Good Earth Farm showcasing how they ex...
08/29/2026

We had a great time at our Twilight last week, featuring Philip and Blong from 's Good Earth Farm showcasing how they exclude pests from their farms. We also got to hear from Lisa and Keiddy at about pest and disease identification and treatment.

Next up, we will be at on September 17th to learn about their temporary electric fencing and how it works against deer. Visit our website for more information and to register.

And thank you to , Young Farmer Network of Southeastern New England , and for collaborating with us.

🌸Catarina of  began growing flowers during "one of the most difficult seasons" of her life. Flowers have been a refuge f...
08/28/2026

🌸Catarina of began growing flowers during "one of the most difficult seasons" of her life. Flowers have been a refuge for her, but also a source of stress and feelings of failure. This duality is true for so many farmers, especially during these hot days of summer.

🌸To learn more about Kata's journey, and how she learned that we are "caretakers—not controllers" of nature, head over to the new "Farmer Friday" page on our website where we will be diving deeper into the stories of our local farmers.

And visit Apapacho Blooms' website to learn more about their farm and sign up for their fall CSA bouquet share.

Permanent deer fencing can be expensive and may not be the best strategy for all farmers, especially on leased land. Joi...
08/27/2026

Permanent deer fencing can be expensive and may not be the best strategy for all farmers, especially on leased land. Join us at Heart Beets Farm in Berkley, MA, for a practical look at the temporary electric fencing they use to protect their crops from deer. We’ll cover installation, keeping the fence hot, w**d management, maintenance, and what to do when deer get through.

UMass Extension also will be joining us for a pest walk helping to identify fall pests along with monitoring and management strategies.

Register now at the

Our friends at MA Food System Collaborative compiled a list of Massachusetts electoral candidates' responses to question...
08/27/2026

Our friends at MA Food System Collaborative compiled a list of Massachusetts electoral candidates' responses to questions pertaining to all aspects of the food system in our state.

Take a look at the candidates in your area and a reminder of the following important dates:

Tuesday, September 1: Primary Elections
November 3, 2026: General Election Day

https://mafoodsystem.org/our-work/projects/massachusetts-elections/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT9aKdwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAGJyaWQRMVFZMFNQZ1RNbTJNS3NnZmtzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEexyJxOiNSg78JHTjfSpp9ArHj6RmrtUsX90RMnlll1h1rElSXujqoU9hCYrk_aem_II25jwkTN8PQEdp6CxgdXQ

Every voter eats, and the local food system relies on wise public policy to function well. Laws and regulations about land, natural resources, health and safety, and other issues all impact how sustainable and equitable our food system is, as do public investments in programs. Across the food chain,...

Tickets are now LIVE for the storytelling event of the season! On Saturday, October 3rd we will be hosting our first agr...
08/26/2026

Tickets are now LIVE for the storytelling event of the season!

On Saturday, October 3rd we will be hosting our first agriCultural: Storytelling event, featuring stories inspired by Eva Sommaripa at Holy Ghost grounds in Dartmouth

The owner and namesake of Eva's Garden in Dartmouth, MA, Eva has had an immeasurable impact on the local community, agricultural landscape and lives of countless people in our region.

Many of the new generation of farmers got their starts or honed their chops working at Eva’s. Likewise, the chefs of some of the best restaurants in the region had their palettes and menus shaped by the greens and herbs grown and foraged there.

In celebration of Eva turning 85 this June, SEMAP will be hosting a storytelling evening featuring a myriad of storytellers, local food and drinks.

agriCultural: An Evening of Storytelling with Eva is a ticketed-only event with only 150 tickets available. To purchase tickets, please visit our website or the link in bio.

Discounted farmer tickets available!

08/25/2026

Have you picked up your SE Mass farm passport yet?🌎

It’s road map and guide to some of the amazing Southeast Massachusetts’ farms, farm stands, and vineyards! 🍇🍅🌽

At each stop, you’ll find signage and a stamp so you can mark your Passport yourself. While you’re there, take a look around, take in the bounty and support our local farmers. ✅

Collect 14 stamps by October 31, 2026 and receive this sweet SEMAP tote bag! (send a picture of your Passport with 14 stamps to [email protected] to receive your tote bag)

Collect 25 stamps by October 31, 2026 and be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to one of the farms on this Passport! Mail your completed Passport to SEMAP, PO Box 80625, South Dartmouth, MA 02748 to be entered to win!
You can win both prizes! Just send Brad a picture once you reach 14 stamps. Then mail your completed Passport once you’ve collected all 25.

PLEASE NOTE: The printed passport states you must visit all 29 farms for a chance to win the $100 gift certificate. We have changed it to only 25 farms to be eligible.

Address

PO Box 80625
South Dartmouth, MA
02748

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