Our featured auction item is an Agrotourism on Nantucket package including tours of the island’s most scenic farms, a 4 night stay in a Polpis area cottage, and gift certificates to Black Eyed Susans and The Chanticleer! CLICK HERE to view more details and bid on this family-friendly item! Visit our Online Auction page to learn more and to view other unique items!
Featured Online Auction Item!
November 21st, 2011SN Launches Community Farm Institute Program with Pilot Grazing Project
September 15th, 2011
Sustainable Nantucket has launched our new COMMUNITY FARM INSTITUTE program (CFI) with a Pilot Grazing Project in partnership with the Nantucket Island Land Bank and Faraway Farms. A Sustainable Nantucket intern is working with Island livestock farmers Caleb Cressman, Dylan Wallace, Nicole DuPont and Andy Harris –all of Faraway Farms– and learning how to maintain a small flock of sheep and chickens on the Land Bank’s Craig Property.
Using low-impact rotational grazing, the team is moving the sheep and chickens around the property using portable fencing to contain the animals. Their grazing area is changed frequently on a schedule that is designed to assure the best health and nutrition for the animals, and minimal impact for the surrounding ecosystem. As the sheep graze the property, they eliminate the need for mowing, and as the chickens follow behind they act as “parasite control” as they forage for food.
The end result of this project is education for SN’s agricultural interns and Nantucket’s future farmers, access to land for Far Away Farms, and property maintenance for the Land Bank, which is also fulfilling a part of its charter to support the traditional industry of agriculture. We hope this will be the first of many cooperative farming arrangements for SN and the Land Bank.
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About SN’s Community Farm Institute
September 15th, 2011
Photo by Dylan Wallace
It’s hard to imagine now, but according to this map on the Nantucket Historical Association’s web site, there were over 100 farms on Nantucket in the 1850’s. In 2007, when SN started our Farmers & Artisans Market, Nantucket had 3 farms (one of which was NCF’s Cranberry B0gs) and a handful of small scale growers operating commercially. Today, in 2011, there are 7 farms plus several small-scale growers that are commercially growing and harvesting food (produce, eggs, meat, honey, shellfish) for sale to Nantucket consumers.
It’s no surprise to anyone that the cost of land on the Island makes commercial farming prohibitive for most. Nantucket farmers are additionally burdened with higher operational costs than most off-island farmers – fuel, equipment, supplies and materials, not to mention labor and overhead, are generally more expensive on Nantucket. Yet as a community we understand the positive health, environmental and economic impact that supporting local agriculture can have. Sustainable Nantucket has begun to examine ways that it can help support and increase agricultural industry on the island, and give consumers greater access to the foods produced by local farmers.
Sustainable Nantucket has worked closely with Island growers to identify the role we can play in supporting and helping to grow the Island’s agricultural industry, and, in response, we have launched the Sustainable Nantucket Community Farm Institute (CFI) .
(CFI) is an early-stage Program designed to increase agricultural acreage through partnerships with land-owning organizations and individuals, and to establish a skilled agricultural workforce on Nantucket through collaboration with experienced island growers.
Through the efforts of CFI, we aim to establish an educated and trained agricultural workforce while increasing the amount of land farmed on the island. Elements of this Program include:
- Making more farm land available through a land-use partnership with the Nantucket Islands Land Bank and other land-owning entities
- Expansion of our already-existing Agricultural Internship Initiative —where we pair interns interested in becoming farmers with experienced island growers.
- Expanding agricultural production and “growing new growers & farmers” through education
Current CFI Projects
- Our Pilot Grazing Project pairs an SN intern with local livestock farmers from FarAway Farms to graze the Craig property owned by the Nantucket Islands Land Bank. Read more – CLICK HERE.
The Future of CFI
Once we have a main location for the CFI, our produce growers will be allotted acreage at that location and the interns will work that land, as well as a smaller plot of their own, under the guidance of an experienced grower. Livestock and dairy farmers who participate in the CFI will have grazing acreage in various other locations around the island.
Laying the groundwork for potential use of additional Land Bank land is in process and we continue to explore expanding acreage through partnerships with other organizations and private land-owners – eventually creating a network of grazed and cultivated land all over the island.
Sustainable Nantucket Featured in Fall Edition of Edible Cape Cod!
September 15th, 2011
The Fall 2011 edition of Edible Cape Cod features a wonderful article about Sustainable Nantucket, our Programs and efforts within the community. Written by Nantucket native Susan Fernald, the article highlights our COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE PROGRAM, FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAM, Nantucket Grown ™ brand and much more. A digital version of the magazine can be found on the Edible Cape Cod web site, and hard copies of the magazine can be found in businesses on the Cape – all listed here.
Our thanks to Susan and Edible Cape Cod!
SN seeks Fall Development Intern
September 1st, 2011Sustainable Nantucket is seeking a part-time development intern for Fall 2011. Excellent opportunity to gain experience in development and non-profit work.
The intern will work under the Development Coordinator updating the database, performing research, assisting with fundraising campaigns, solicitations and events, and various support activities. 10-25 hours per week.
Required Attributes & Skills: Ability to work independently, working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, attention to detail, reliability.
Preferred Attributes & Experience: Interest in sustainable agriculture, experience with Giftworks, prior experience working in a non-profit setting and/or on fundraising events.
Please send brief cover letter and resume to Rachael@sustainablenantucket.org.
Agricultural Business Planning Courses Scheduled for Early ‘12
August 19th, 2011Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is offering workshops January – March of 2012 for those in varying stages of agricultural business.
Explorers – For those who are thinking about getting into farming or expanding a hobby to an income-generating scale, “Exploring the Small Farm Dream” delivers experienced Instructor guidance and timely peer group feedback for making informed decisions about whether and how to proceed in farming. Five sessions over 6 weeks on weekday evenings in Amherst and Marlborough. Cost per enterprise: $125.
Planners – for those a step or two beyond Explorer who have access to land and a stronger sense of what they want and are capable of doing, “Planning for Start-up” provides a gut check before making more significant investments of time and money. Requires completion of Explorer, or prior self-guided completion of the Explorer workbook. Applicants must have already reached the decision to farm on a revenue generating scale. Six session over 8 weeks on Saturday mornings in Amherst and possibly also in Marlborogh based on regions demand. Cost per enterprise: $175.
Established Farmers – For those already operating and agricultural enterprise with at leaset two years of production and sales records, and who need to develop a comprehensive business plan on paper, “Tilling the Soil of Opportunity” offers a chance to assess, regroup, assemble documentions for decision making, consider redirection, plan expansion, or approach ownership transer. This course draws on extensive peer experience, instructor knowledge and guest speakers with the addition of substantial indivuidual technical assistance at course condclusion. 10 sessions over 11 weeks on weekday eveninings in Amherst and Marlborough. Cost per enterprise: $225.
Explorer and Tilling the Soil courses are limited to 12 farms/potential agricultural businesses, with an option to bring a key partner at no extra cost. Planner is limited to 10. Full attendance is require to get expected results. Fees are kept low through MDAR support.
Please request additional details and an application for the course that fits you best. Courses will fill quickly in the Fall. Email requests to Rick.Chandler@state.ma.us, or CLICK HERE
SN Seeks Market Manager for 2012
August 19th, 2011Sustainable Nantucket is seeking to fill the position of Market Manager for the 2012 season. Applicants should have a passionate interest in working with local community members, stimulating the local economy, and helping to create policies that benefit the awareness and availability of local produce and locally made items. Each applicant should have solid research, writing, interpersonal and communication skills, and strong Microsoft Office computer skills. Each applicant should have some event planning and/or service industry experience.
Market Manager Responsibilities:
• Work with Program Manager to develop Market budget
• Manage Market expenses within approved budget
• Recruit & manage volunteers during season
• Design & order product inventory
• Work with Market Committee to formulate current Market policy, review vendor applicants
and generate new ideas. Draft agendas, facilitate meetings, send out follow-up memos and task
lists, coordinate committee activities.
• Coordinate 2 Market days per week:
o Planning: research, outreach, scheduling, inventory, permits, finances, etc.
o On-site: Overall set up, PR/volunteer/ vendor management, collection of fees, customer
relations, break-down etc.
• Vendor management – application process, correspondence, schedules, lay-out
• Attend Market Manager Conference
• Coordinate and hold Market workshop
Compensation & Hours:
• Annual Salary – Commensurate with experience
• This is a year round position – hours to be discussed and will vary seasonally.
Please send inquiries, cover letter & resume to Program Manager:Â Morgan Beryl -Â morgan@sustainablenantucket.org or call our office at 508-228-3399.
“Find Our Farms” Map
August 5th, 2011
Download a printable PDF version – CLICK HERE
Sustainable Nantucket launches premier issue of new annual publication ~ Nantucket Grown™
July 27th, 2011
***View & download Nantucket Grown™: click here.***
We are delighted to announce that we have just released the premier issue of Nantucket Grown™, a new annual publication designed to expand our Nantucket Grown™ branding and outreach campaign encouraging island visitors and residents to source their produce and products locally.
A part of our multi-level strategy to build a more locally based and self-reliant food system on the island, the premier issue of Nantucket Grown ™ is a full-color publication that highlights the local growers, artisans and small businesses who participate in the Farmers & Artisans Market, and restaurants who source locally, provides a take-along Find Our Farms map that also lists produce available on-island by season, gives information about our projects and programs and contains recipes and information for those looking to grow their own food on Nantucket.
In one article, Claudia Butler sings the praises of mint; in another, Dani Coleman talks about the tradition of canning fruits and vegetables. Peter Brace outlines the potential future for small-scale chicken farming on the Island in his article “It’s a Chicken n’ Egg Thing”.
“We see this as another tool to help promote local farmers, food producers, and artisans, along with restaurants that use local foods in their menus. We also hope to inspire people to try their own hand at growing – whether it’s raising a few chickens or planting a small garden. There’s a way for everyone to move toward a healthier way of life and we want to support those who are already doing it along with those who want to get started. This is a fun and informative way to do that.” says SN Executive director and Nantucket Grown ™ Editor-In –Chief, Michelle Whelan.
Nantucket Grown magazine will be published once a year and is available at the Sustainable Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market (Saturdays, 9am – 1pm – downtown) and at the SN Mid-Island Farmers Market (Tuesdays, 3:30pm- 6pm, 113 Pleasant Street), as well as at the following Island businesses: Annye’s Whole Foods, Bartlett’s Farm, Hummock Pond Farm, Moors End Farm and Stop & Shop.
** Please note – “The Blossoming of the Farmers & Artisans Market” article correction:  Patty Myers served on the original Market Committee; The Market was the brain-child of Heather Leisher Coffin and Wendy Fereshetian.
Specialty Crops on Nantucket – Grow & Preserve Your Own!
July 1st, 2011
WHAT IS A SPECIALTY CROP?
- Most fruits and vegetables
- Tree nuts
- Dried fruits
- Horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture)
The USDA describes specialty crops as plants that are intensively cultivated and require a higher degree of management. Specialty crops include almost anything you would grow in your own home garden! Planting and cultivating specialty crops is a great way to maintain biodiversity and a healthy local ecosystem.
SPECIALTY CROP CARE
- Know Your Soil!
- Nantucket’s soil is quite sandy—which is actually great for root vegetables, like the potato and the carrot!
- Add nutrient rich topsoil and ensure your beds are draining properly.
- Due to Nantucket’s long spring, the growth of seedlings is best if done in a greenhouse or cold frame.
WHAT GROWS BEST ONÂ NANTUCKET?
Specialty Crops Native to Nantucket
- Beach Plum
- Black Cherry
- Highbush Blueberry
Non-Natives that grow well on the Island
- Strawberry
- Melons
- Pumpkin
- Quince
- Carrot
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Green Beans
- Beets
- Tomatoes
- Cauliflower
- Onions
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Sweet Corn
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Basil
- Chives
- Chamomile
- Oregano
WHERE CAN I BUY SPECIALTY CROPS ON NANTUCKET?
For a list of island farms:Â CLICK HERE to Find Our Farms!
PRESERVE THE BOUNTY
Canning and pickling is the perfect way to preserve your garden’s harvest! From jams and jellies to salsa, relishes, and pickles, the options are endless. And what you make…can keep for years!
Learn more about preserving and find specialty crops at Sustainable Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market!
- See a canning demonstration
- Pick up a recipe brochure and free samples of pectin
- Enter the raffle to win your own Home Canning Kit from Ball ®
Saturday Market: June 11- October 15, located on North Union and Cambridge Streets, 9AM-1PM. (July 2 location: E. Chestnut St.)
New! Mid-Island Market: Tuesdays, July 12 – August 31, located at 113 Pleasant Street (next to Glidden’s Seafood). 3:30PM-6:30PM.
Attend our Preserving Workshop!
Preserving the Bounty: Fruits of Nantucket
Taught by Mary Wawro
Location: at her home kitchen
Date: July 31st
Time: 10AM to 1PM.
Cost: $45. Materials: $15.
Register by clicking here or by calling the office.
You can download a printable brochure that contains all of this information here:Â Brochure (PDF)
This Awareness Campaign is Funded in part with Generous Grants and Contributions by:
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
The Discover you Can Canning Education Program from Jarden Home Brands, Makers of Ball Brand Fresh Preserving Products.
