Our local farms are rich in history and produce. It is time that we get to know our farmers, their livestock and produce and participate in the local economy and important food chain. You are thinking to yourself, “, I have no time…” Well I contend that people make time for the things that matter and with rising food costs, rising gas prices, and a falling economy – never mind issues of global warming and environmental damage -- we need to make time for the people who could feed us most efficiently and with the healthiest, freshest products. All you need to do is a find a farm to supply your beef, chicken, lamb or pork and a farm to supply your fruits and vegetables. Most farms have CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) that you can sign up for at the beginning of the season (most fill up early so start looking in February). For a fixed fee (usually between $600 to $700) you get a weekly box of produce from April through October. CSAs vary so shop around to find the right one. If CSAs sound like too much for you, try your local Farmers Market. You will find fresh seasonal produce, you will meet your farmers and you will run into like-minded neighbors for some impromptu socializing. River Rock Farm Paul Schmid, 236 Fisherville Lane South Westport,MA (508) 636-5586. E-mail: pschmid3@att.net Certified organic grass-fed beef Chicoine Family Farm. Susan Chicoine 116 Oliver Street Easthampton, MA 01027 (413) 527-4882 beefychic@aol.com 100% grass fed beef. They have delivery services. Wheel-View Farm John and Carolyn Wheeler 212 Reynolds Road Shelbourne, MA http://www.wheelviewfarm.com/ Belted Galloway 100% grass fed beef. Delivery available. Newton Community Farm 303 Nahanton Street Newton, MA 02459 www.newtoncommunityfarm.org Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) go on sale in February. Produce is also available at the farm stand through mid-October. Check the website for times. The Dover Farm 5 Edgewater Drive 508-785-2019 www.thedoverfarm.com The farm stand is located at 59 Main Street in Dover. CSAs available for the season. Piccadilly Farm 264 South Parish Road Winchester, NH 603-239-8718 http://www.picadillyfarm.com/ Picadilly Farm is a Community Supported Agriculture farm in the Connecticut River Valley. During the harvest season, local CSA shareholders come to our farm in Winchester, New Hampshire, each week to pick up their share. We deliver pre-boxed shares to sites in Belmont, Arlington and Bedford, Massachusetts. Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets http://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/