Scott Soares has seen the opportunities and challenges facing New England’s farmers and food businesses firsthand. He served as Massachusetts’s first aquaculture coordinator in 1996 and was later appointed state agriculture commissioner by Deval Patrick. In 2012, he became executive director of the Cranberry Marketing Committee, which gave him inside look at the branding and…
Jul 12
2018
2018
Jul 9
2018
2018
Summer in Maine, Thanks to CLF
It’s finally summer in Maine – and that means lots of opportunities to get outside and enjoy everything from whale watching, to fishing, to visiting our local farmers’ markets. CLF works every day to protect the things we all love about these long, hot days in Vacationland – not only because of the opportunities for…
Mar 14
2018
2018
Somali Bantu Farmers and Chefs Open Cooperative Restaurant in Maine
With help from CLF’s Legal Food Hub, a group of Somali Bantu farmers and chefs are opening a new farm-to-table restaurant in Lewiston, Maine.
Mar 1
2018
2018
CLF Brings Free Legal Services to Small Farmers and Food Business in Connecticut
“Local farmers and food businesses are at the heart of a healthy and thriving community,” said Jenny Rushlow, Director of Farm and Food, Conservation Law Foundation. “A sustainable food system is essential to the health, environment, and economic growth of our communities in Connecticut and throughout New England.”
Jan 4
2018
2018
A Vision of Farm Ownership
This blog is part of our occasional series on young farmers in Connecticut. Before starting Full Heart Farm in Ledyard, Connecticut, Allyson Angelini knew exactly what she wanted: to live on her own farm that could provide a community-supported agriculture program to nearby residents. Yet like so many young Connecticut farmers, realizing this vision proved…
Nov 13
2017
2017
The Promise and Potential of Urban Agriculture
When combined with traditional local agriculture, urban agriculture provides a unique opportunity to build and strengthen a robust local food system. This is especially true here in New England, where interest in local food is booming, but easy and affordable access to it is still limited, especially for low-income urban residents.
Oct 16
2017
2017
Rhode Island Boosts Home-grown Food with Comprehensive Food Strategy
Rhode Island is fortunate to have an active network of food producers, both on land and at sea. And we’re leading the way when it comes to growing our local food economy.
Oct 12
2017
2017
Rhode Island 2017 Legislative Recap: Food and Water
The 2017 Rhode Island General Assembly session recessed on June 30, leaving the fate of lots of proposed legislation up in the air. The House and Senate reconvened on September 19 to handle much of the unfinished business. It appears that this year’s session is now done until January (save for PawSox hearings). CLF was…
Jul 28
2017
2017
Maine Passes New Law to Increase Access to Local Food
Maine lawmakers have made it easier for small farmers to get their products directly to your plate with the recent passage of L.D. 725, “An Act to Recognize Local Control Regarding Food Systems.” This new “food sovereignty” law allows cities and towns to pass ordinances exempting local farmers and food producers from licensing and inspection…