SEMAP's 2012 Annual Winter Networking Meeting 

Topic: SEMAP's Farm to Institution Program

Sponsored by edible South Shore

Farms, Chefs, Caterers and Businesses looking for local...

Join SEMAP at our Annual Winter Networking Meeting!

This year's meeting will focus on SEMAP's most recent program, Farm to Institution.  Since August of 2011, SEMAP has worked with UMass Dartmouth's food service provider Chartwells and local growers on a pilot program selling local fruits and vegetables to UMass Dartmouth through FoodEx.  The program's goals are to ultimately increase the amount of acreage used for food production and encourage new farm businesses in Southeastern MA by developing relationships with institutional chefs and local delivery/logistics companies.

Since August, several farms have joined the pilot program - selling over 40,000 lbs of local produce to UMass Dartmouth and Northeastern University through FoodEx.  Now as we head into the Spring season, Chefs Kevin Blaney, Tom Barton and their staff are looking to connect with local growers who might be intersted in growing/selling specific crops for UMass Dartmouth and Northeastern University.

Don't worry if you're not wholesale set up!  Universities like UMD & NEU are seeking retail and specialty products for catering and events as well.

Other reasons to attend:

• Learn how FoodEx can help aggregate and deliver local farm fresh products to your business.
• Stay in touch with attending chefs and buyers, in case of future sales.
• Hear local farmers discuss their experiences with local chefs, using FoodEx's system.
• Networking Time!  Meet new growers, producers and buyers of local food.
• Sample locally grown/produced products.
• Learn more about SEMAP's programs and how you can be envolved!

Attend the Winter Networking Meeting to find out more about SEMAP's Farm to Institution program, its partners and how your local farm or food business can benefit.

Bring a sample!  If you have a local product still available, please bring a sample to share with propective buyers.  (When registering, please indicate what you're sample will be.)

REGISTRATION STARTS AT 5:30pm

Any questions, please contact Sarah Cogswell at scogswell@semaponline.org