Vermont Food System News

JUNE 2018

Vermont's Farm to Plate food system plan (2011-2020) is being implemented statewide by the 350+ member organizations of the Farm to Plate Network to increase economic development and jobs in the farm and food sector and improve access to healthy local food for all Vermonters.

Network Project Focus: This month we take a look at how the Network is addressing ways to Increase Consumer Engagement and Demand for Local Food

Rooted in Vermont Engagement

Rooted in Vermont celebrates all the ways Vermonters enjoy and acquire local food. In partnership with businesses, nonprofits, and state agencies, we've been working to change the local food narrative so everyone in Vermont sees local food as their own - not just some trendy thing. Whether it's farming, hunting and fishing, foraging, or growing a small garden - Vermonters have been doing local for generations and we want to make sure everyone feels welcomed into the local food movement.

One way Rooted in Vermont is reaching Vermont communities is by word of mouth from local residents - what we are calling our community ambassadors. We are encouraging anyone interested in learning more about how they can be a community ambassador for the movement to sign up for the Rooted in Vermont mailing list . Those who sign up will receive information about small, easy actions that can be taken to help spread the word.

Currently, Rooted in Vermont is teaming up with NOFA-VT to encourage the community ambassadors to help promote Vermont's farmers market. Now through June 10, anybody who posts a picture of themselves, their friends, or their family to social media and tags @RootedinVermont and @NOFAVT are entered to win a $25 gift certificate to their favorite farmers market. Find out more information here and please share the contest link with all your networks!

To learn more about Rooted In and stay engaged, check out the Rooted in Vermont Brochure , like or follow Rooted in Vermont on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter , or contact the Rooted in Vermont Project Manager, Shane Rogers with any questions.

Rooted in Vermont meets Strolling of the Heifers in Brattleboro

Agritourism Task Force Set For a Busy Summer

With the passage of H.663: An act relating to municipal land use regulation of accessory on-farm businesses and to hemp cultivation (full bill here, summary here) members of the Agritourism Task Force will be working over the summer to develop educational resources for farmers and municipal officials, and helping get the word out about the implications of the law for farms operating accessory on-farm businesses.

Task force members are wrapping up an agritourism workshop series, led by UVM Extension and the Farm-Based Education Network in partnership with NOFA-VT, VAAFM, and the Vermont Farm Bureau, with the next workshop on food safety to be held August 9 at Cedar Circle Farm. Visit UVM VT Agritourism for more information and to register. The task force is also discussing planning for a dairy tour workshop in February and exploring other potential topics and activities that continue or build off of the workshop series.

The lead-up to the 4th Annual Vermont Open Farm Week is in full swing. This year's Open Farm Week will take place August 13 - 19, 2018 - please save the date and spread the word! Farms all over the state will be hosting special events during this week, some just for one day and others for several days or all throughout the week. Whether you are interested in attending an event or hosting an event, Dig In Vermont has all of the information you need. Farmers interested in hosting can visit https://www.diginvt.com/blog/openfarmweekforfarmers/ for more information, and can register here - farmer registration will run until July 2nd.