Buy Fresh Buy Local

Recently, I’ve become involved with the South Eastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP). I’ve joined the organization and am helping with a few upcoming events and programs.

SEMAP is dedicated to preserving and expanding access to local food and sustainable farming in southeasternMassachusetts through research and education. SEMAP is a 501(c)(3), tax exempt, private, non-profit organization. SEMAP received its 501(c)(3) designation effective December 9, 2009. SEMAP was established in 1998. As of 2010, SEMAP shifted its mission from economic viability of farm businesses to education of the agricultural community and the community at large. We feel that this shift will allow SEMAP to raise the visibility of the local food movement and expand the number of individuals, organizations, towns, and cities that are involved in and supportive of agriculture in Southeastern Massachusetts. SEMAP has also expanded its mission to include research on the local food system specific toSoutheastern Massachusetts. SEMAP’s region includes Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Norfolk Counties.



The Buy Fresh, Buy Local program is a big part of SEMAP and helps to connect the communities of Bristol, Plymouth,Barnstable and Norfolk counties with local farms and local foods. SEMAP provides resources for where to buy local foods, sponsors local food events and education on the importance of buying local food. The Buy Fresh, Buy Local programs are an amazing resource for the community. As a farmer, I’m naturally an advocate for buying locally produced foods and it is wonderful to see an organization helping to promote such an important initiative.



SEMAP illustrates the importance of buying locally produced foods that ranges from health to sustainability.

Buying local foods has many benefits including:

Is fresher and more nutritious

Helps you choose safe foods from farmers you trust

Is cost effective – local food travels less!

Local farmers offer crop varieties for taste not for shelf life

Local farms help to maintain sustainable farming practices through crop rotation and integrated pest management (IPM)

Getting to know your local farmers helps to build stronger communities

Purchasing food locally helping to sustain your local economy

SEMAP's Buy Fresh, Buy Local coordinator, Sarah Cogswell, hosts "Local Food 101" presentations upon request. "Local Food 101" educates the community on the why, where and how of local food and includes discussion around sustainable farming practices.

Another great resource I've come across is the On-line Farm Guide where you can plug-in your zip code and start discovering all that their community and Southeastern Massachusetts has to offer. I was amazed at what was available within five miles of my house!

To receive monthly newsletters sign up for the Vine and you can learn all about what is going on with local food in southeastern MA.

Whether you live in southeastern Massachusetts, Chicago or New York City learn more about the locally produced food programs in your community. Get to know your local farmers and enjoy year round locally produced farm fresh foods.