CISA recognized for leadership

Publication: CISA
Published: 04/02/2007

(South Deerfield, MA) On Wednesday, March 28, The Massachusetts Agricultural Promotional Board recognized CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) for its “outstanding support and leadership to the Massachusetts agricultural industry.” The award, presented at the annual Agricultural Day at the State House, recognizes the excellent work that CISA has done over the last 13 years in the Pioneer Valley and around the state.

CISA is the innovator for several model farming programs including Senior FarmShare, Farm2Firm (workplace CSAs), the Massachusetts Heritage Wool Blanket, and the Be a Local Hero/Buy Locally Grown™ public awareness program. Other awardees at the “Ag Day” ceremony on Beacon Hill were CISA’s companion “buy local” organizations around the state including Berkshire Grown, Essex Buy Local, and SEMAP (Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership).

“CISA is a leader in innovative farming programs in the Commonwealth,” said Ken Nicewicz, Chairman of the Board, who presented the award. “CISA’s expertise has helped many of our farmers, and they are now a nationally and internationally recognized leader in buy local farm programs.”

CISA and the other “buy local” groups were on Beacon Hill to release their jointly produced brochure about “Buying Local in Massachusetts.” This colorful map tells consumers where to find local farm products throughout the state, from seafood to wine, from honey to cheese, from apples to cranberries. “This is the first project undertaken across the state by all of the Buy Local groups,” says Annie Cheatham, Executive Director of CISA. “Massachusetts agricultural non-profit organizations are leading the way, showing how diverse programs with many different farm products can work together to promote agriculture throughout the state. Massachusetts farmers and fishermen are doing their part to bring us high quality local food and farm products. As organizations, we are working together to raise awareness of this precious resource beyond our regional borders.”

To get your copy of “Buying Local in Massachusetts,” call or email Jennifer Williams at CISA (413-665-7100, Jennifer@buylocalfood.com ).

[ Note to writers: to download a copy of the brochure cover, follow this link:
http://www.buylocalfood.com/BuyingLocalinMA-Cover.jpg ]

CISA is a community organization comprised of farmers, consumers and professionals working together to sustain agriculture and the unique rural character of our communities. CISA is the creator of the ‘Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown™’ public awareness campaign to promote the purchase of local agricultural products. Learn more about CISA at www.buylocalfood.com or call 413-665-7100.