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    No federal grants spells bad news...

    Announcements homegrown-news
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    Protesters stood outside of Hadley's Town Hall on March 23 to speak out against federal funding cuts impacting local farms. JOHN GOVE

    John Gove is a family farmer and environmental journalist in Leominster.

    No federal grants spells bad news for the Mass. local food ecosystem
    Funding cuts are taking money out of farmers’ pockets and food out
    of hungry mouths.
    By John Gove Updated April 23, 2025, 3:00 a.m.

    Sunny afternoons in the spring mean New England farmers are tending to their
    greenhouses, working with livestock, or pruning their fruit trees in preparation for the upcoming growing season. Protesting usually doesn’t make the list of chores.

    In late March, several hundred farmers, their supporters, and legislators gathered at
    the Town Hall in Hadley to voice their frustration with cuts made by the Department
    of Government Efficiency to federal programs that provide grants to farmers...

    ​Read full article
  • Published on

    No room? Instant Greenhouse!

    Harry's Farm VLOG homegrown-news
    Harrison talks about a solution when he runs out of room in the greenhouse. Grab a coffee and come farming with us!

    ​It would mean the world if you subscribed to our YouTube channel and liked today's video. Your support helps us reach more people who love farming like you!
  • Published on

    Press Release | Harvest Cash Card

    Announcements homegrown-news
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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Bardwell Farm Launches Harvest Cash Card Program, a Tariff-free Zone Locking in Last Year's Prices for Local Produce

    Hatfield, MA – 3/23/25 – Bardwell Farm is thrilled to introduce its new Harvest Cash Card program, designed to make supporting local agriculture more convenient, affordable, and rewarding. This unique initiative not only offers flexibility and value but also guarantees stable, affordable pricing amidst rising grocery costs during uncertain times.

    Beginning today, customers can purchase Harvest Cash Cards in three desired amounts, granting them access to shop at the Bardwell Farm Farmstand every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday throughout the growing season. Unlike a CSA, this program eliminates the constraints of pre-packed boxes or unwanted produce, allowing customers to buy exactly what they need, when they need it.

    “Our Harvest Cash Card is a direct investment in the local food system,” explains Harrison Bardwell, owner of Bardwell Farm. “By purchasing a card, customers help us cover vital pre-season expenses, such as seeds, labor, and field rent, ensuring a bountiful harvest. As a token of our appreciation, we add ‘Bonus Value’ money to each card.”

    Key Benefits of the Harvest Cash Card:
    • Customizable Shopping: Buy what you need, when you need it, in the quantity you desire.
    • Direct Farm Support: Contributes to the sustainability and growth of our local farm.
    • Added Value: Receive "Bonus Value" money on your card as a thank you for your support.
    • Price Stability: Our farmstand is a "tariff-free zone," locking in last year's prices, guaranteeing affordable produce even as grocery store costs increase.​
    We understand the challenges of rising food prices,” adds Harrison. “That’s why we’re committed to providing our community with consistent, affordable access to fresh, local produce. With our Harvest Cash Card, customers can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re supporting local while saving money.
    Harvest Cash Cash Open Enrollment Link:
    www.bardwellfarm.com/hcc.html

    ​About Bardwell Farm:

    Bardwell Farm is a 50 acre diversified vegetable farm settled in Hatfield, Massachusetts growing over 50 varieties of crops in some of the richest silt loams along the Connecticut River. Established in 1685, we are proud to cultivate the finest produce and serve the Pioneer Valley through our roadside farm stand and wholesale distribution services.

    Contact:

    Rick Labrecque | Sales & Marketing Manager
    ricklabrecque@bardwellfarm.com
    (413) 800-5583

    Social Media:

    YouTube > www.youtube.com/@bardwellfarm1685 
    Facebook > www.facebook.com/bardwellfarm
    Instagram > www.instagram.com/bardwellfarm
    Threads > www.threads.net/@bardwellfarm
    Bluesky > https://bsky.app/profile/bardwellfarm.bsky.social
  • Published on

    If you come for one of us, you'll get all of us

    Announcements Harry's Farm VLOG homegrown-news
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    Photo Bardwell Farm | Katie Degnan 

    I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the Hadley Farm Rally. It was truly inspiring to stand alongside so many passionate advocates for our local food system, especially in light of the devastating federal funding cuts.

    The USDA's decision to cancel the Local Food for Schools and the LFPA (Local Food Purchase Assistance Program) is a direct assault on the resilience of our communities. It will have a profound impact on our children, our farmers, and our local economy for a very long time.

    A big thank you to Kerry Taylor, your leadership is truly remarkable. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this cause.

    Kristen Wilmer, Stephen Taranto, and Claire Morenon of CISA, thank you for your guidance, support, and dedication to our farming community.

    It was an honor to share the stage with all of you. Each of your stories resonated deeply and highlighted the urgent need to address these cuts. The impact extends far beyond spreadsheets; they affect real people, real families, and real communities.

    For the folks who weren't there, the rally was an attempt to communicate the tangible losses our local farms, schools, food pantrys will be facing. The $12.2 million in Massachusetts alone, is not just a number; it represents lost opportunities for our children to access healthy, locally sourced food, and a severe blow to the livelihoods of farmers.

    The impact will ripple through our communities. Schools will struggle to afford healthy food, local food hubs will face financial strain, and farmers will be left with unsold produce and unfinished projects. The domino effect is undeniable, and the consequences will be felt by us all.

    Thank you again for providing a platform to address these critical issues. I am committed to continuing this fight alongside all of you.

    Remember, our unity is our strength.

    Harrison Bardwell
    ​
    Photos Bardwell Farm | Katie Degnan
  • Published on

    Farms need your help!

    Announcements Harry's Farm VLOG homegrown-news
    Harrison talks about the Trump Administration cutting 1 billion dollars in federal funding, including LFPA and the Farm to School program.

    USDA cancels 1 billion in local food | Politico
    https://www.bardwellfarm.com/blog/usda-cancels-1b-in-local-food#
    ​
    Death by a thousand cuts | Boston Globe
    https://www.bardwellfarm.com/blog/death-by-a-thousand-cuts#

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    Death by a thousand cuts

    Announcements homegrown-news
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    Seedlings grow in starter trays at Urban Edge Farm in Cranston, R.I. The incubator farm, operated by Southside Community Land Trust, provides small farmers with access to land, greenhouses, and equipment. While farmers can continue growing, recent USDA cuts eliminating nearly $3 million from local food programs will significantly reduce market opportunities
    ERIN CLARK/GLOBE STAFF

    The smash-and-grabbers who now run the country will destroy it with
    their indiscriminate federal funding cuts. Here’s the damage one cut,
    among the thousands, can do.
    By Yvonne Abraham Globe Columnist, Updated March 15, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
    ​
    The federal government was doing something smart, wonderful, and cost-effective for kids, small farmers, and the wider economy in Massachusetts...