MArch 24 & 25 mark the 2012 NH Maple Weekend. Visit a sugar house near you for the entire maple experience, learn about tapping trees, boiling sap, sample maple treats… Visit NH Maple Producer website fora full list of events and participants.

Maple season is under way in New Hampshire. There are many ways to get involved and support NH sap houses. Visit NH Maple Producers at this link  to learn about the sugaring process and maple related events across the state.

Winter farmer’s markets make it possible to get local food year round. Over two dozen winter markets offer amazing variety and quailty of NH products during these chilly months. Visit this link for a listing of

Mark you calander for this year’s Farm & Forest Expo. February 3rd & 4th bring this annual winter fair featuring exhibitors, education sessions, student demonstrations, animals, and an auction too! Visit this link to  Farm & Forest webpage for all the details. NH Farm to Restaurant  ConnectionPresident, Charlie Burke will be presenting an informational session on the “Certified Local” Program.

NH Dairy Promotion’s annual Mac and Cheese Competition is just around the corner.  Between 2- 6 pm on January 14 at the Holiday Inn in Concord you can sample  mac & cheese entries the 2012 contenders. Check this link for the details .

As 2012 starts off, it’s a good time to think about consumption and make a commitment to choosing local. Even small changes make a difference. Buying coffee from your local roaster versus a national chain may be a good place to start. NH has several quality  coffee roasters. Cafe Monte Alto, Mad River and Black Bear Micro are just a few.

If you want to find a truly wonderful local gift visit one of the League of NH Craftsmen shops. You can find a list of locations at this link.

New Hampshire has many local sources for Christmas Trees. Choosing this year’s tree can be a opportunity for family fun and supporting the local economy. Many NH Tree farms offer a holiday experience that goes beyond buying a tree. Visit one of the farms at this link for a day of caroling, cocoa and sleigh rides while you pick the perfect tree.  Support New Hampshire tree farmers this season.

 A Locally Grown Cornucopia at the Winter Farmers’ Market November 19^th at Wentworth Greenhouses.

As you plan your Thanksgiving meal consider visiting this special indoor farmer’s market in Rollingford Sat. Nov.19th  from 10am-2 pm.You can get everything you need for your feast. Wentworth Greenhouses is located at 141 Rollins Road, a mile past Red’s Shoe Barn of Dover.

Farmer’s will be offering cheese, milk, eggs, and butter to apple cider, pears, pie pumpkins, apples, ect… There will be potatoes, carrots, winter squash, onions, beets, leeks, broccoli, parsnips, turnips, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts and salad greens. Vaule added items such as dinner rolls, pre-baked pies from locally grown fruit, bread for stuffing, and honey and maple syrup will be offered by some of your favorite producers.

 You can even pre order your local turkey now (see www.seacoasteatlocal.org for details). A wide variety of beef, pork, poultry and will also be available. 

 Is your mouth watering yet?

View the new fact sheet for the  ”Certified Local” restaurant certification program: Certified Local