cmrpc farm and food survey · cmrpc farm and food survey 7. what was the total market value of...
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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...
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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)
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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)
gfedc
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
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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
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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
$2,500 to $4,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$5,000 to $9,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$10,000 to $19,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$20,000 to $24,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$25,000 to $39,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$40,000 to $49,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$50,000 to $99,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$100,000 to $249,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$250,000 to $499,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$500,000 to $999,999 gfedc gfedc gfedc
$1,000,000 or more gfedc gfedc gfedc
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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:
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Direct to larger grocery stores:
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Direct to a valuedadded processor (large scale):
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Direct to institutions: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Direct to schools: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Direct to local distributors (Lettuce be Local, farmers' coop):
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Internet: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Other: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Other (please specify)
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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
gfedc
MA Commonwealth Quality
gfedc
USDA Certified Organic
gfedc
GAP/GHP
gfedc
Servpro
gfedc
I use/ have no marketing programs or certifications
gfedc
Other (please specify)
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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%
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
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
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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
gfedc
Western Massachusetts
gfedc
Massachusetts
gfedc
New England
gfedc
Nationally
gfedc
Other
gfedc
Other (please specify)
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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
Other (please specify)
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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
gfedc
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
Other (please specify)
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
Other (please specify)
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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
I don't have time to look for new markets for my products
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
Other (please specify)
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
I don't have time to look for new markets for my products
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
Other (please specify)
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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
Other (please specify)
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:
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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
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Cellphone providers/ reception
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
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:
Other (please specify)
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
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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
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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?
Other (please specify)
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
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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
Other (please specify)
Proceed to the meat and poultry section
nmlkj
Skip the meat and poultry section and proceed to the distribution section.
nmlkj
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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:
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?
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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
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?
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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
Yes, a cold storage facility within 25 miles of my operation
gfedc
Yes, a cold storage facility within 2550 miles of my operation
gfedc
Yes, a cold storage facility within 50100 miles of my operation
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
Other (please specify)
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
Other (please specify)
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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
Other (please specify)
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
gfedc
I have an identified family successor who will continue farming
gfedc
My plan is to transfer my farm to another farmer not in my family
gfedc
My plan is transfer my farm to a nonfarmer
gfedc
Other
gfedc
Other (please specify and explain):
Yes, an APR (Agricultural Preservation Restriction)
gfedc
Yes, a CR (Conservation Restriction)
gfedc
Yes, Chapter 61 or 61A
gfedc
Yes, Farm Viability Enhancement Program
gfedc
No, none of my land is currently under protection
gfedc
Restricted by other development rights
gfedc
Other (please specify)
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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
gfedc
I don't want to be limited in how I use my land in the future
gfedc
I want to make sure I can sell my land for as much as possible
gfedc
I don’t know enough about the program to consider using it
gfedc
Please explain:
Proceed to the farm workers section
nmlkj
Skip the farm workers section
nmlkj
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CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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
gfedc
15 years
gfedc
510 years
gfedc
1020 years
gfedc
2050 years
gfedc
Firstgeneration farmer
gfedc
Secondgeneration farmer
gfedc
Other
gfedc
Other (please specify)
18 to 24
nmlkj
25 to 44
nmlkj
45 to 64
nmlkj
65 to 74
nmlkj
75 and over
nmlkj
Page 27
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
Other (please specify)
Other (please specify)
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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
gfedc
Online
gfedc
Classified ad
gfedc
Word of mouth
gfedc
Returning worker
gfedc
Other (please specify)
Live on farm
nmlkj
05 miles
nmlkj
520 miles
nmlkj
2050 miles
nmlkj
More than 50 miles
nmlkj
Out of state
nmlkj
Seasonal worker traveling from outside of US
nmlkj
Other (please specify)
Page 29
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
gfedc
I employ workers year round by food processing work during non growing months
gfedc
I employ workers year round with equipment repair/maintenance etc. during non growing months
gfedc
I currently only employ seasonal workers but would like to expand to year round
gfedc
I only employ seasonal workers
gfedc
I currently have difficulty finding qualified seasonal workers
gfedc
Other (please specify)
Page 30
CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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
gfedc
Leasing farmland to others
gfedc
Farm transition planning (including succession and estate planning)
gfedc
Farmland protection programs
gfedc
Other (please specify)
Training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
gfedc
Accessing a regional food hub
gfedc
Training in organic farming
gfedc
Training in using EBT / SNAP at my farm stand or CSA
gfedc
Hiring farm workers
gfedc
Information on being a mentor to a beginning farmer
gfedc
Information on how to find a farmer to mentor me
gfedc
Farm business planning or marketing
gfedc
New product development (eg: valueadded products)
gfedc
Farm business financing
gfedc
Processing at the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center
gfedc
Local Hero or other Buy Local, By Fresh program
gfedc
Recycling collection for agricultural plastic
gfedc
Onfarm energy production
gfedc
Other (please specify)
Page 31
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?
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Dairy processing facility in Worcester County or surrounding region
gfedc
Poultry processing facility in Worcester County or surrounding region
gfedc
Meat processing facility in Worcester County or surrounding region
gfedc
Valueadded processing facility (commercial kitchen, etc.) Worcester County or surrounding region
gfedc
Regional or rubregional food hub
gfedc
Retail food waste recovery program
gfedc
New farm waste recycling programs
gfedc
Service that would hold peakseason meat slaughter slots for lastminute scheduling
gfedc
Transportation or logistics service that would provide shared transport of meat animals to / from slaughter
gfedc
A program to help farms retain workers year round rather than seasonal
gfedc
Other (please specify)
Yes
gfedc
No
gfedc
If no, please tell us how the survey could be improved.
Yes
nmlkj
No
nmlkj
Page 32
CMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food SurveyCMRPC Farm and Food Survey
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