CONSULTANT
Massachusetts Farm to School Distribution Initiative

The Mass. Farm to School Project seeks a consultant to staff a USDA Specialty
Crops grant-funded initiative.  This “Distribution Initiative” will
coordinate the development and promotion of best practices for profitable farm
product sales, direct or indirect, to schools.

Brief Job Description:
Working closely with the Mass. Farm to School Project Manager, research sales
and distribution strategies for wholesale farms; assist with workshop
promotion, organization, and production; identify and communicate with
wholesale farmers, school food service directors, and distributors; provide
technical assistance to farmers wishing to profit from the “local”
designation in sales to distributors; provide technical assistance to school
food service or other institutional buyers in procuring locally grown foods.

Familiarity with Mass. agricultural producers, the food distribution industry,
and basic understanding of school food service requirements, pre-k through
college, is necessary.  This position requires excellent interpersonal,
communication, and business skills.  Must have experience with public speaking,
event facilitation, and be an accurate and articulate writer.  Consultant
should have knowledge of Mass. geography in order to determine what
farm-distributor-school connections are feasible.

The consultant will work at least two days per week in the office in Amherst,
MA, and must have a computer with wifi for use in the office, as well as a
vehicle for statewide travel and telephone for out-of-office use.  28 – 30
hours per week, negotiable, $25 – $28 per hour flat fee, depending on
experience, plus $.45 mileage reimbursement.  Please e-mail resume and cover
letter to MaFarmtoSchool@gmail.com.  Position to commence as soon as possible.