SEMAP is dedicated to preserving and expanding access to local food and sustainable farming in Southeastern Massachusetts through research and education.

   Southeastern Massachusetts has a rich and diverse heritage of farming, with agricultural enterprises that range from dairy to vineyards to orchards, specialty herbs, and shellfish farms. These agricultural and aquaculture operations are increasingly challenged by the region’s rapid growth and suburbanization, and by market factors that make it difficult to keep farming profitably.

   In 1998, a network of educational & nonprofit organizations and service providers formed the Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership.  SEMAP was a creation of necessity, as there was a void in our part of the commonwealth.  SEMAP became the organization providing a comprehensive source to help the region’s farmers and aquaculture operators navigate the many agencies and organizations that provide support and resources to farming operations in the region.

SEMAP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Bristol, Plymouth and Barnstable Counties.

History of SEMAP

February 1 to 3, 2012

New England Grows -

The Ultimate Green Experience

The Northeast’s leading horticulture trade show and green industry seminars awaits you at New England Grows, one of the largest and most popular horticulture events in North America.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Agriculture & Food Conference of SE MA

Presented by SEMAP and Bristol County Conservation District from 8:30 AM to 5 PM at  Bristol Aggie in Dighton.  Lots of workshops for both professional and hobby farmers, plus workshops for kids, ages 9 to 12.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Growing Minds Through MA Agriculture

For Educators Conference

To be held in Ludow, MA to offer educational and networking resources, ideas and framework for pre-K thru grade 12 classroom teachers.

STATE AGRI NEWS

State Officials Award Funds

to Promote Local Agriculture

MDAR LAUNCHES

MA GLEANING NETWORK

     The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is home to the Massachusetts Gleaning Network.

     Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested or on fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest.

     The network, established in the fall of 2011, includes farms, volunteers, service agencies, food banks and other organizations.

MDAR serves as a clearinghouse for the network where members can tap into a vetted and extensive database to facilitate participation in gleaning projects in their own communities.

     MDAR’s mission is to educate constituents about gleaning and the impact they can make in their community by participating. MDAR also provides information on how to get involved with local groups to leverage combined resources for optimal results in local communities/counties.

Who’s Gleaning? Hundreds of gleaning projects regularly take place in several counties across Massachusetts and are hosted by community groups (many of which have joined the Massachusetts Gleaning Network}. The majority of gleaning efforts is coordinated early summer and run through December (the timing of these events depends on the harvest time of the individual farm).

Why a Massachusetts Gleaning

Network? Farms in several counties have expressed that they would like to be listed and love the idea of gleaning...they just don’t have

the time or energy to coordinate it. There are gleaning groups and organizations wanting to host a community based volunteer project, yet do not have the resources, staff or time to identify farms. This is where MDAR can serve as liaison in support of communities who are coming together to help their neighbors access healthy, locally sourced food.

Easy to Become Involved. Interested groups are encouraged to become a part of this growing network. For more Information, please contact Rose.Arruda@state.ma.us, or at 617- 626-1849.

January 27, 2012 - Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner Scott J. Soares announced $200,000 in grants to three agricultural organizations for projects to enhance regional Buy Local efforts in Western, Central, Northeastern and Southeastern Massachusetts.

    First formed in the Pioneer Valley in 1993, Massachusetts Buy Local organizations now number eight groups across the Commonwealth and offer members and consumers a variety of resources. From technical assistance information to the newest recipes, consumers and food producers can find resources to help them grow, buy, cook, and eat wholesome locally grown products.

    SEMAP will receive $75,000 and work with Sustainable Nantucket, Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod and the Island Grown Initiative on assorted projects to promote local agricultural sales and forge strategic partnerships in the southeastern region of Massachusetts.