CISA helping valley farmers with planning for the future
SPRINGFIELD — In Agawam, Rooted Flowers is more than a flower farm: It is an expression of creativity and sustainability.
Founded in 2020 by first-generation farmer Rebecca Sadlowski, the farm specializes in seasonal, specialty-cut blooms grown without synthetic chemicals, offering bouquet subscriptions, wedding florals and on-farm workshops.
Sadlowski's path into farming began in 2018, when she started growing and selling vegetables at a small farm stand in Hadley. Looking for ways to differentiate her stand, she began experimenting with flowers, an experiment that eventually reshaped her business.
"When I started, local flowers weren't really a thing," Sadlowski said. "People didn't realize that most flowers in New England aren't grown locally. If you go into a florist shop, they're likely imported."
Starting without inherited land or a family history in agriculture, Sadlowski faced many of the same barriers confronting new farmers today: high land costs, market uncertainty, and limited access to financial and technical resources. Support from Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture helped her navigate those early challenges and grow Rooted Flowers into a viable business.
Through CISA, Sadlowski gained marketing support and increased visibility, including being featured as a Local Hero farm.
"The searchable online directory organized by product and location has helped connect me with customers actively seeking to buy local," she said. Just as important, she added, was access to a network of fellow farmers willing to share advice and support.
When unpredictable weather wiped out her entire dahlia crop three years ago, CISA stepped in with a zero-interest loan, helping her cover the cost of restarting the lost crop at a time when financial assistance was limited.
"It's going to take a lot of ingenuity and pivoting," Sadlowski said when asked what advice she would give to someone considering farming. "Farming is always changing, so you have to be relentless in your motivation. There has to be a strong 'why.'"
Rebecca Sadlowski, the owner of Rooted Flowers in Agawam, with greenhouses behind her where she grows flowers year-round. (Don Treeger / The Republican, File)The Republican
In Hampden and Monson, Clark Kadis, a first-generation farmer and owner of Farmer Clark's, has been building his business for years. Kadis established his seasonal farm stand independently, eventually expanding to two locations before joining CISA.
"It's easy to grow it; it's hard to sell it," Kadis reflected, describing the early demands of managing crops, sourcing local products and staffing the stand day after day.
Kadis connected with CISA in 2025, when his business was established but ready for its next phase. The organization amplifies its reach through marketing, visibility and outreach support. Through CISA, Kadis gained access to its online directory, Local Hero signs and radio opportunities, allowing him to share his story with a broader audience.
"Getting a chance to get on the radio and talk about myself and what I'm doing, that really helps," he said.
Kadis purchased his farmland through Massachusetts' Agricultural Preservation Restriction program, which ensures land remains in agricultural use while making ownership more attainable for new farmers. As part of the process, he submitted a five-year business plan to the state, an exercise he said helped him think more strategically about the future.
"You have to wear so many hats," Kadis said. "I do my own accounting, I'm working on a five- or six-year business plan. It helps you see what's working, what's not, and where your time is actually going."
For Kadis, programs like APR paired with organizations like CISA represent real pathways for young farmers to stay in agriculture. While many organizations offer resources, he said CISA stands out for its practical, consistent support.
The agency has been active in the Connecticut River Valley for over 30 years, providing technical assistance to farmers, including marketing and branding, business planning, workforce management, and climate resilience, said Claire Morenon, CISA's communications manager.
"Farming has very narrow margins and a lot of uncertainty," she said. "Whether someone is taking over a family farm or starting fresh, they need guidance and resources to make their business viable."
"Farming has very narrow margins and a lot of uncertainty," said Claire Morenon, CISA's communications manager. "Whether someone is taking over a family farm or starting fresh, they need guidance and resources to make their business viable." (Provided photo)Third-Party-Submitted
CISA also serves as a hub for the broader local food system, connecting farmers to complementary programs, such as the University of Massachusetts Extension for crop research, Land for Good for land access, and various specialty associations, including dairy and organic groups. Partnerships are essential, Morenon said, because no single organization can meet the diverse needs of a growing local food system.
Sadlowski noted that CISA helps farmers stay up to date on industry changes.
"In the last year, they had workshops on marketing and technology, the things that can get lost when you're focusing on growing your crops," she said.
For more information about programs and resources for local farmers, visit CISA online at buylocalfood.org.
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