cmrpc farm and food survey · cmrpc farm and food survey 7. what was the total market value of...

CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) is seeking participants to complete a 20 minute survey about farming and food production in the Worcester region. Your insights can help us better support farmers and the local food economy. The purpose of this survey is to support agriculture, farmers, and economic development in Worcester County and the surrounding Region. This builds on a similar survey done in Franklin County in 2013. Funds from the Massachusetts 2014 District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) Program support this effort, which is result of actions taken based on CMRPC's 2013 Rural11 Prioritization Project (for more information on the Project click here). Through a better understanding of the Region's agricultural sector, CMRPC can target resources and services to producers and consumers alike, promoting increased profitability, economic viability, and improved quality of life. To thank you for taking this survey, we invite you to enter a drawing for a $200 gift card from Hardwick Farmers Coop. Be sure to fill out the "Enter Me in the Drawing!" info at the end of this survey. Thank you very much! Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly. About us: The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) is the designated regional planning entity for the Central Massachusetts Region, which includes the City of Worcester and the surrounding 39 communities. CMRPC provides municipal and regional planning and collaborates with local, regional, state and federal officials, as well as with legislators, in order to bring a regional perspective and a coordinated approach to the planning and development that occurs in this Region. The ultimate goal of this agency is to improve the quality of life for those who work and live in the Central Massachusetts Region.

Do you want to help support farmers and agriculture in the Worcester Region...


This survey can be completed online or dropped off at/ mailed to: Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission C/O Trish Settles 2 Washington Square Union Station Worcester, MA 01604 Should you have any questions while filling out this survey or require assistance, please contact Trish Settles, CMRPC Principal Planner, (508) 4593320 or [email protected].

Instructions


This brief section is intended to provide us information on the scope, location and size of your farm operation. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

1. Email Address:

2. Demographic data (optional):

3. Type of facility:

A. General Farm Info

Name of person completing the survey:

Farm/ facility name:

Location Address:

Location Town:

Location Zip Code:

Mailing Address:

Mailing Town and Zip Code:

Phone number:

Website or Facebook page:

Produce or other edible crops

gfedc

Livestock farm (cattle, horses, goats, swine, poultry, etc.)

gfedc

Woodlot or sugarbush

gfedc

Multiproduct/ diversified facility (e.g. produce, livestock, and woodlot)

gfedc

Other

gfedc

Other (please specify)

CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey4. What products are currently grown or raised on your farm? (Check all that apply)

Cow (dairy)

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Sheep(dairy)

gfedc

Goats (dairy)

gfedc

Feed hay

gfedc

Bedding hay

gfedc

Hay for other Use

gfedc

Garlic

gfedc

Culinary herbs

gfedc

Medicinal herbs

gfedc

Other herbs

gfedc

Honey

gfedc

Beef/Veal (livestock)

gfedc

Bison (livestock)

gfedc

Sheep/Lamb (livestock)

gfedc

Pigs (livestock)

gfedc

Rabbits (livestock)

gfedc

Other livestock

gfedc

Breeding livestock

gfedc

Rabbits (pelts)

gfedc

Alpaca, lamas, other camelids (pelts)

gfedc

Sheep (pelts)

gfedc

Maple Syrup

gfedc

Apples

gfedc

Pears

gfedc

Quince

gfedc

Peaches

gfedc

Plums

gfedc

Other orchard plants

gfedc

Ornamental hanging plants

gfedc

Ornamental seeds/bulbs

gfedc

Ornamental potted or bedding plants

gfedc

Broccoli

gfedc

Brussels sprouts

gfedc

Carrots

gfedc

Specialty or Ethnic Crops/Cassava

gfedc

Cauliflower

gfedc

Celery

gfedc

Chard

gfedc

Cucumber

gfedc

Radishes/Daikon

gfedc

Endive

gfedc

Turnips/Parsnips

gfedc

Mushrooms

gfedc

Okra

gfedc

Onions

gfedc

Shallots / Leeks

gfedc

Sprouts

gfedc

Squash (butternut, zucchini, etc.)

gfedc

Sweet potatoes/Yams/Taro

gfedc

Tomatillo

gfedc

Tomatoes

gfedc

Turnips / Parsnips

gfedc

Water chestnuts

gfedc

Berries (blue, black, etc.)

gfedc

Table Grapes

gfedc

Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, etc.)

gfedc

Cranberries

gfedc

Rhubarb

gfedc

Pumpkins

gfedc

Rice/Brown/Wild

gfedc

Wheat

gfedc

Barley

gfedc


5. Please indicate any products or operations that are important to your operation that are not listed above, particularly specialty products or products not typical of this region.

6. In addition to production, do any of your primary farm activities include the following:

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Yes No No, but interested

Agrotourism gfedc gfedc gfedc

Education gfedc gfedc gfedc

Farm services (therapeutic, recreational, animal midwifery, etc.)

gfedc gfedc gfedc

Ornamental exotic plants

gfedc

Turkeys

gfedc

Chickens

gfedc

Ducks

gfedc

Geese

gfedc

Other poultry

gfedc

Eggs

gfedc

Potatoes

gfedc

Tomatoes

gfedc

Corn

gfedc

Peppers

gfedc

Eggplant

gfedc

Lettuce

gfedc

Cabbage/Bok Choy/Radicchio

gfedc

Peas

gfedc

Beans

gfedc

Artichoke

gfedc

Greens (Spinach, lettuce, kale, etc.)

gfedc

Asparagus

gfedc

Beets

gfedc

Peppers/Bell/Hot

gfedc

Malt

gfedc

Hops

gfedc

Millet

gfedc

Flax

gfedc

Quinoa

gfedc

Other grains/seeds/nuts

gfedc

Feed Grain

gfedc

Nuts

gfedc

Sunflower

gfedc

Marijuana

gfedc

Hemp

gfedc

Tobacco

gfedc

Insects/ butterfly

gfedc

Related industry

gfedc

Riding Stables

gfedc

Breeders, Other

gfedc

Timber/Woodlot/Christmas Trees

gfedc

Winery or similar

gfedc

Beverages (Cider, Juice)

gfedc

Cooking oils and vinegars

gfedc

Other (please elaborate below)

gfedc

CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey7. What was the total market value of agricultural products sold on your farm in 2013? (optional)

Note: Information such as market value will remain anonymous.

Animal Crop Other

Less than $1,000 gfedc gfedc gfedc

$1,000 to $2,499 gfedc gfedc gfedc











$1,000,000 or more gfedc gfedc gfedc


Please complete this section to help us understand where and how you sell your products. Information from this section will be used to help determine if there are ways we can help you market and/or sell your products and potentially expand your farm business. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

1. Please rate the significance of each distribution method to your sales:

B. Selling Your Products

Very significant (I sell a lot via this method)

Significant (I sell a moderate amount

via this method)

Minor (I sell a small amount via this

method)

Not applicable (I don't use this method)

Pickyourown operation: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Our own farm stand: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Farmers market: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA):

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Direct to other farms: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Direct to restaurants: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Direct to locally owned markets/stores:


Direct to larger grocery stores:


Direct to a valuedadded processor (large scale):


Direct to institutions: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Direct to schools: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Direct to local distributors (Lettuce be Local, farmers' coop):


Internet: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Other: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj


CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey2. Please provide more detail regarding the purchaser(s) of your products including name and location where appropriate (this information will allow us to to identify leakages in the local market and pinpoints areas that can support additional growth).

3. What marketing programs or certifications do you use? (check all that apply)

Pickyourown operation:

Our own farm stand:

Farmers market:

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA):

Direct to other farms:

Direct to restaurants:

Direct to locally owned markets/stores:

Direct to larger grocery stores

Direct to a value added processor (large scale):

Direct to institutions:

Direct to schools:

Direct to local distributors (Lettuce be Local, farmers' coop):

Internet:

Other:

MA Local Hero

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MA Commonwealth Quality

gfedc

USDA Certified Organic

gfedc

GAP/GHP

gfedc

Servpro

gfedc

I use/ have no marketing programs or certifications

gfedc


CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey4. What percent of your farm's current products is sold within Worcester County?

5. What percent of your farm's current products is sold outside Worcester County?

6. What percentage of your farm's current products is sold within the City of Worcester?

Less than 1%

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110%

nmlkj

1125%

nmlkj

2650%

nmlkj

5175%

nmlkj

More than 75%

nmlkj

Please specify other locations where your products are sold:

Less than 1%

nmlkj

110%

nmlkj

1125%

nmlkj

2650%

nmlkj

5175%

nmlkj

More than 75%

nmlkj

Please specify other locations where your products are sold:

Less than 1%

nmlkj

110%

nmlkj

1125%

nmlkj

2650%

nmlkj

5175%

nmlkj

More than 75%

nmlkj

CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey7. Please specify other locations where your products are sold

Boston Metro Area

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Western Massachusetts

gfedc

Massachusetts

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New England

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Nationally

gfedc

Other

gfedc



To help us understand your production and marketing needs, please answer the following questions. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

1. Are you able to sell your products/ services at an acceptable profit margin?

2. Are you interested in expanding into additional markets?

3. If you are looking to expand into additional markets, please identify your markets of interest (check all that apply).

C. Expanding your market

Yes No

Dairy gfedc gfedc

Eggs gfedc gfedc

Meat gfedc gfedc

Poultry gfedc gfedc

Produce gfedc gfedc

Timber/ wood products/ trees

gfedc gfedc

Other (please specify) gfedc gfedc

If no, what would help you increase your profit margin?

Yes

nmlkj

No

nmlkj

Local markets

gfedc

Local institutions/schools

gfedc

Local restaurants

gfedc

Local distributors or processors

gfedc

Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs)

gfedc

National or regional chains or grocery stores,

gfedc

National or regional restaurants

gfedc

National or regional distributors or processors

gfedc


CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey4. Which of the following transportation issues are obstacles to getting your products to market?

5. What are the barriers to your farm selling more products in Worcester County or the surrounding Region? (check all that apply)

Quality of roads

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Distance and time to markets

gfedc

Availability of equipment (e.g. refrigerated or appropriatelysized vehicles)

gfedc

Keeping vehicles maintained

gfedc

Lack of intermediary transportation services

gfedc

Price of intermediary transportation services

gfedc

Food transportation regulations

gfedc

Other

gfedc


I can get a better price outside the Region

gfedc

I can't find additional places to sell my products in the Region

gfedc

I lack the shipping/ distribution capacity to sell more products within the Region

gfedc

I don't have time to look for new markets for my products

gfedc

I need product development or marketing assistance to sell more of my products within the Region

gfedc

I think the Region's market is saturated

gfedc

It's difficult to sell to the Region's institutions / schools

gfedc

Many people in the Region can't afford to buy local products

gfedc

Other

gfedc


CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey6. What are the barriers to your farm selling more products within the City of Worcester? (Check all that apply)

7. What are the barriers to your farm selling more products in other regions/areas? (Check all that apply)

I can get a better price outside the City

gfedc

I can't find additional places to sell my products in the City

gfedc

I lack the shipping/ distribution capacity to sell more products in the City

gfedc


gfedc

I need product development or marketing assistance to sell more products in the City

gfedc

I think the City's market is saturated

gfedc

It's difficult to sell to the City's institutions / schools

gfedc

Many people in the City can't afford to buy local products

gfedc

Other

gfedc


I can get a better price in my Region

gfedc

I can't find additional places to sell my products in other regions

gfedc

I lack the shipping/ distribution capacity to sell to other regions

gfedc


gfedc

I need product development or marketing assistance to sell more products in other regions

gfedc

I think the market outside the region is saturated

gfedc

It's difficult to sell to institutions / schools in other regions

gfedc

Many people in other regions can't afford to buy local products

gfedc

Other

gfedc


CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey8. Please rate your interest in the following product distribution methods:

9. Does your farm sell or donate any products / produce through any of the following programs that make food available to low income populations?

10. Of the following regulations or obligations, which present the greatest challenges to your business objectives? (Check all that apply).

Very interested Interested Not interested

Using a shared "middleman" intermediary for directtoconsumer delivery gfedc gfedc gfedc

Participation in physical food hub (local marketplace, distribution center, etc.)

gfedc gfedc gfedc

Participation in a Worcesterbased food hub gfedc gfedc gfedc

Participation in a food hub within 20 miles of your operation gfedc gfedc gfedc

Participation in an online food hub gfedc gfedc gfedc

Directtowholesaler gfedc gfedc gfedc

Other gfedc gfedc gfedc

Other (please specify):

My farm sells or donates product to a food pantry, food bank, or senior center

gfedc

My farm accepts EBT/SNAP/food stamps through our farmstand, CSA, or farmers' market

gfedc

My farm offers a discount CSA share to low income customers

gfedc

My farm participates in the Community Involved in Sustainable Agriculture (CISA) Senior FarmShare program

gfedc

My farm sells or donates products to one or more K12 school(s)

gfedc


Certification regulations

gfedc

UPC labeling regulations

gfedc

Processing regulations

gfedc

Property taxes

gfedc

Zoning or Land Use regulations

gfedc

The Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program or Chapter 61/ 61 A restrictions

gfedc

Other

gfedc

Other/ please explain:

CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey11. Please rate the quality of any communication tools you use for your farm business:

12. Do you use any of the following tools to market your products? Are you interested?

13. Please indicate your level of interest in the following options:

14. The next section focuses on produce. Select one option below and click "next".

Excellent Fair Poor Don't use

Internet speed and connectivity


Cellphone providers/ reception


Other nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Currently using Interested Not interested

Personal/ farm website gfedc gfedc gfedc

Organizational website (coop etc.) gfedc gfedc gfedc

Other website presences (farmfresh.org, etc.) gfedc gfedc gfedc

Social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) gfedc gfedc gfedc

Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) gfedc gfedc gfedc

Couponing gfedc gfedc gfedc

Collaborative marketing gfedc gfedc gfedc

Tourism brochures gfedc gfedc gfedc

Other advertising gfedc gfedc gfedc

Highly interestedSomewhat interested

Not at all interested

Additional training for producers on topics such as pricing, marketing, and strategies for working with processors and buyers

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

An organization or clearinghouse that could convey producer concerns and interests to processors

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

A transportation or logistics service that would provide shared transport of products nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Valueadded processing workspace nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Regional food hub nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Please explain:


Proceed to the produce section

nmlkj

Skip the produce section and proceed to the dairy section

nmlkj

Skip the produce and dairy sections and proceed to the meat and poultry section

nmlkj


To help us determine whether there are additional packing or processing services or facilities needed in the region, please answer the following questions. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

1. Where is your farm's produce processed? (check all that apply)

2. If you process produce, what is the end product?

3. If you would like to process more of your produce (valueadded products), what is keeping you from doing so? (check all that apply)

D. Produce Specific Processing

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On my farm

gfedc

Sell to someone else who processes them

gfedc

Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center

gfedc

Other offsite commercial kitchen or facility

gfedc

I sell only unprocessed produce

gfedc

If offsite commercial kitchen or facility, which one?

Need more farm laborers to help process produce on my farm

gfedc

Need to upgrade or purchase new equipment / facilities to process on my farm

gfedc

Need heated washing and packing space for winter

gfedc

There are too many regulations to navigate to process on my farm

gfedc

My farm is too small to use a processing facility

gfedc

It is too expensive to use a processing facility

gfedc

Other/ processing comments

CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey4. How interested would you be in using a valueadded processing facility (for example, to make pies, beer, or other prepared foods) in Worcester County?

5. What type of fruit or vegetable packing and /or processing services or facilities do you need/use? (check all that apply)

6. The next section focuses on dairy. Select one option below and click "next".

Need Use

Cleaning, trimming, coring, slicing or other similar preparation gfedc gfedc

Pickling gfedc gfedc

Canning or bottling gfedc gfedc

Freezing gfedc gfedc

Packing gfedc gfedc

Very interested and would likely increase my production significantly

nmlkj

Interested and might increase my production

nmlkj

Somewhat interested but probably would not change my production

nmlkj

Not interested

nmlkj

If interested: how often would you use it and how far would you travel?


Proceed to the dairy section.

nmlkj

Skip the dairy section and proceed to the meat and poultry section

nmlkj

Skip the dairy and meat and poultry sections and proceed to distribution section

nmlkj


This section will help determine the level of interest in a new dairy processing facility in Worcester County and the surrounding region. Your interest could help influence planning for such a facility. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

1. If you would like to process more of your dairy (valueadded products), what is keeping you from doing so? (check all that apply)

2. If there was a dairy processing facility in Worcester County or the surrounding area, what would your level of interest be in the following: (choose all that apply)

3. The next section relates to meat and poultry. Select one option below and click "next".

E. Dairy Specific Processing

Need more farm laborers to help process produce on my farm

gfedc

Need to upgrade or purchase new equipment / facilities to process on my farm

gfedc

Need heated washing and packing space for winter

gfedc

There are too many regulations to navigate to process on my farm

gfedc

My farm is too small to use a processing facility

gfedc

It is too expensive to use a processing facility

gfedc

Other/ processing comments

Bottling and selling my own brand of fluid milk

gfedc

Processing and selling my own brand of other dairy products, such as cream, butter, cheese, or ice cream

gfedc

Working with other local farmers to process and sell local fluid milk

gfedc

Working with other local farmers to process and sell other dairy products

gfedc

Selling my milk to another business using the processing plant

gfedc

Other

gfedc


Proceed to the meat and poultry section

nmlkj

Skip the meat and poultry section and proceed to the distribution section.

nmlkj


To help us determine whether there are additional meat packing or processing services or facilities needed in the region, please answer the following questions. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

1. Where do you process your meat and poultry?

2. Please rate your level of satisfaction with your current meat slaughter facility:

3. How interested would you be in using a valueadded meat processing facility (for example, to make sausage, meatbased soups, or prepared foods like pulled pork)? in or near Worcester County?

F. Meat and Poultry Specific Processing

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Highly satisfied

nmlkj

Satisfied

nmlkj

Not satisfied

nmlkj

Please explain:


nmlkj


nmlkj


nmlkj

Not interested

nmlkj


CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey4. If there was a smallbatch poultry processing facility in Worcester County or the surrounding area, what would your level of interest in it be?

5. Please indicate your level of interest in the following options:

Highly interestedSomewhat interested

Not at all interested

A service that would hold peakseason slaughter slots for lastminute scheduling (for an additional cost)

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

A transportation or logistics service that would provide shared transport of animals from the slaughterhouse to a different postslaughter facility

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Valueadded meat processing at the Franklin County CDC’s Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj


nmlkj


nmlkj


nmlkj

Not interested

nmlkj



This section will help us identify patterns of demand for distribution, storage and other needs and could potentially help us connect farmers with shared needs. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

1. Are you interested in using a cold storage rental facility and/or refrigerated vehicle? (check all that apply)

2. Are you interested in sharing equipment or collectively purchasing supplies or feedstock with other farmers?

G. Distribution, Storage, Equipment, and Waste

Yes, a cold storage facility within 10 miles of my operation

gfedc


gfedc


gfedc


gfedc

Yes, a refrigerated truck

gfedc

I already have a cold storage facility

gfedc

I already have a refrigerated truck

gfedc

I'm not interested in a cold storage rental facility or vehicle

gfedc

Yes

nmlkj

No

nmlkj

If yes, what? If not, why?

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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey3. What local services / suppliers are critical to the operation of your farm? (check all that apply)

4. Are you interested in participating in a food /organic waste composting program or plastic recycling program? (check all that apply)

Equipment and parts dealer

gfedc

Equipment service

gfedc

Conventional feed supplies

gfedc

Organic feed supplies

gfedc

Orchard supplies

gfedc

Greenhouse supplies

gfedc

Storage facilities

gfedc

Processing facilities

gfedc

Packaging facilities

gfedc

Financial services (banking, insurance)

gfedc

Transportation services

gfedc

Maintenance

gfedc

Construction

gfedc

Grading/ earthmoving/ clearing

gfedc

Waste removal

gfedc


There is a local need for additional agricultural waste recycling programs

gfedc

I'm interested in receiving compost for use on my farm

gfedc

I'm interested in sending some of my farm waste for compost

gfedc

I'm interested in participating in an agricultural plastic recycling program

gfedc

I'm interested in other recycling opportunities

gfedc



This section addresses land ownership and rental, land availability, farm succession and land protection. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

2. Do you need or want additional land to farm?

H. Land / Land Tenure

1. How many acres of farmland do you have?

Cropland Pasture Hay Orchard Sugarbush Woodlot GreenhousesOther (barn,

house, roads, etc)

Own 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Rent/ Lease

6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Yes, to rent Yes, to purchase No

Cropland gfedc gfedc gfedc

Pasture gfedc gfedc gfedc

Hay gfedc gfedc gfedc

Orchard gfedc gfedc gfedc

Sugarbush gfedc gfedc gfedc

Woodlot gfedc gfedc gfedc

Greenhouses gfedc gfedc gfedc


If yes, how much and is it available nearby?

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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey3. Of the land you currently own, check all that apply:

4. Do you have a transition plan for your farm? Note: A farm transition plan typically includes plans for your retirement, your estate, and transfer of farm assets, income and management. (check all that apply)

5. Is any of the land you own under a farmland protection / support program? (check all that apply)

I have land that is not in active production

I rent land to another farmerI have land that is available to rent to another farmer

Cropland gfedc gfedc gfedc

Pasture gfedc gfedc gfedc

Hay gfedc gfedc gfedc

Orchard gfedc gfedc gfedc

Sugarbush gfedc gfedc gfedc

Woodlot gfedc gfedc gfedc

Greenhouses gfedc gfedc gfedc

If you have land to rent, how many acres?

I have a transition plan for my farm

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I have an identified family successor who will continue farming

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My plan is to transfer my farm to another farmer not in my family

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My plan is transfer my farm to a nonfarmer

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Other

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Other (please specify and explain):

Yes, an APR (Agricultural Preservation Restriction)

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Yes, a CR (Conservation Restriction)

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Yes, Chapter 61 or 61A

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Yes, Farm Viability Enhancement Program

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No, none of my land is currently under protection

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Restricted by other development rights

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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey6. If not, why? (check all that apply)

7. The next section relates to farm workers. Select one option below and click "next".

Concern that the program might change / become more constrained

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I don't want to be limited in how I use my land in the future

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I want to make sure I can sell my land for as much as possible

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I don’t know enough about the program to consider using it

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Please explain:

Proceed to the farm workers section

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Skip the farm workers section

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This section is intended to assess your ability to hire qualified laborers to work on your farm and to identify areas of improvement such as training and certifications. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

1. How long have you been with this operation? (Check all that apply)

2. How old is the principal operator?

I. Farm Workers

Less than 1 year

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15 years

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510 years

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1020 years

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2050 years

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Firstgeneration farmer

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Secondgeneration farmer

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Other

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18 to 24

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25 to 44

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45 to 64

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65 to 74

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75 and over

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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey3. How many people do you employ, in what role, and to what extent?

4. How challenging is it to find the following types of workers? (check all that apply)

Nonfamily: fulltimeNonfamily: parttime/seasonal

Family: parttime/ seasonal

Family: fulltime Volunteer/ unpaid

Manager/ owneroperator 6 6 6 6 6

Field worker 6 6 6 6 6

CSA/staff/manager 6 6 6 6 6

Sales/ customer service 6 6 6 6 6

Office work 6 6 6 6 6

Tractor/ equipment 6 6 6 6 6

Packing/ driving 6 6 6 6 6

Seasonal traveling worker 6 6 6 6 6

Other 6 6 6 6 6

Can easily find and hire

Sometimes have trouble finding /

hiring

Can rarely find and hire

Don't need

Manager/ owneroperator nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Field worker nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

CSA/staff/manager nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Sales/ customer service nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Office work nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Tractor/ equipment nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Packing/ driving nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Seasonal traveling worker nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Other nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj



CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey5. Through what service / venue do you typicaly hire your workers? (check all that apply)

6. How far do your workers typically commute?

7. What are the skills and / or credentials you would like your workers to have?Require Good to have Don't need

GAP training nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Mechanical skills nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Forklift operation nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Valid drivers license nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Planting, harvesting skills nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Customer service / sales skills nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

English proficiency nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Bookkeeping / office skills nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Integrated pest management nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Organic practices nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Career center

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Online

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Classified ad

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Word of mouth

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Returning worker

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Live on farm

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05 miles

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520 miles

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2050 miles

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More than 50 miles

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Out of state

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Seasonal worker traveling from outside of US

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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey8. Which of the following best describe your farm worker employment situation? (check all that apply)

I employ workers year round by using season extending measures such as greenhouses

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I employ workers year round by food processing work during non growing months

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I employ workers year round with equipment repair/maintenance etc. during non growing months

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I currently only employ seasonal workers but would like to expand to year round

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I only employ seasonal workers

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I currently have difficulty finding qualified seasonal workers

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This final section is intended to connect you with the resources you need. Please select all that apply. Also, please be sure to provide contact info at the end of this page so that we can follow up with you on any resources you request. Note: CMRPC appreciates your participation and respects the privacy of its survey respondents. Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. Data you provide will only be shared in summary form. You and your organization will not be specifically identified in relation to any data. If you identify resources to which you would like to be connected, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly.

1. I would like information on or assistance with the following landrelated topics:

2. I would like information on or assistance with the following other topics:

J. Resources for Farmers

Finding farmland to buy or lease

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Leasing farmland to others

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Farm transition planning (including succession and estate planning)

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Farmland protection programs

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Training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

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Accessing a regional food hub

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Training in organic farming

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Training in using EBT / SNAP at my farm stand or CSA

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Hiring farm workers

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Information on being a mentor to a beginning farmer

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Information on how to find a farmer to mentor me

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Farm business planning or marketing

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New product development (eg: valueadded products)

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Farm business financing

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Processing at the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center

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Local Hero or other Buy Local, By Fresh program

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Recycling collection for agricultural plastic

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Onfarm energy production

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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey3. Please keep me on a list should the following become available:

4. Please list any other assistance you would like to receive:

5. Were you satisfied with this survey?

6. Are you willing to participate in a brief followup survey about your waste disposal practices and household needs?

55

66

Dairy processing facility in Worcester County or surrounding region

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Poultry processing facility in Worcester County or surrounding region

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Meat processing facility in Worcester County or surrounding region

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Valueadded processing facility (commercial kitchen, etc.) Worcester County or surrounding region

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Regional or rubregional food hub

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Retail food waste recovery program

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New farm waste recycling programs

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Service that would hold peakseason meat slaughter slots for lastminute scheduling

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Transportation or logistics service that would provide shared transport of meat animals to / from slaughter

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A program to help farms retain workers year round rather than seasonal

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Yes

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No

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If no, please tell us how the survey could be improved.

Yes

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No

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We appreciation your participation. Please enter your contact information for a chance to win! Note: Your contact information will not be shared or sold to outside entities. If you do select resources you would like to be connected with, organizations who provide those resources or services will contact you directly. For additional information, please contact Trish Settles, CMRPC Principal Planner, at [email protected] or (508) 4593320.

1. ENTER ME IN THE DRAWING! In appreciation of your time spent on this survey, you can choose to be entered in a drawing for a $200 gift card from Hardwick Farmers Coop! Winner's will be selected on June 30, 2014.To be entered in the drawing, please provide the following information:

Thank you!

First and last name

Name of farm / business

Phone number

Email

cmrpc farm and food survey · cmrpc farm and food survey 7. what was the total market value of...

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