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.
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Network Project Focus: This month we take a look at how the Network is addressing ways to Meet Food System Employment Needs in Positive Work Environments
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WEB Partnership Updates
In 2013, the Farm to Plate Network published "
Charting a Path: Food System Workforce Needs Assessment". One of the top ten recommendations of this report was to "develop ongoing opportunities for food system employers and educators to build and maintain lasting relationships so that the education and training being offered meets the evolving needs of employers."
The Network feels that the work of building these relationships, especially if they are to result in concrete action steps and partnerships, requires convenings and capacity building at the regional rather than statewide level.
Since a successful pilot in Washington County in 2016, the Farm to Plate Network has been developing regional "WEB" Partnerships that bring together w
orkforce support organizations (W), educators (E), and food system businesses (B)
to share resources, build relationships, and address common challenges.
- The Lamoille WEB Partnership, led by Green Mountain Technology and Career Center and the Lamoille Economic Development Corporation, kicked off 2018 with an event for local teachers featuring a panel on the local food economy and a tour of the Food Venture Center in Hardwick. Upcoming events include a "community listening session" for food system businesses to express their needs to the area's education and workforce development organizations, to be held April 24, and a workshop for educators on food system curriculum development, to be held in May.
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Connor Gorham from the Center for an Agricultural Economy presents to educators at GMTCC's recent event
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- A new WEB Partnership has begun in Bennington County, led by Northshire Grows. With many conversations already underway, the first convening between all three sets of stakeholders will be held on April 27 at Southern Vermont College.
- In 2018, the Washington County WEB will be rebooting, led by Capstone Community Action and Kismet Kitchen. Planned meetings include a special convening of the Central Vermont Regional Workforce Partnership focused on food system businesses; an event for regional schools' Work-Based Learning Coordinators; and more.
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Farm to Plate Member Media Highlights
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Farmers to You, Boston Globe: Fresh from the farm, and just a mouse click away
Farmers to You, Northshire Magazine: Fresh Food for Families
NOFA-VT, Vermont Feed, Shelburne Farms, WCAX: Jr. Iron Chef Competition
Dutton Farm Stand, Bennington Banner: Sap is flowing: Maple sap house tours this weekend
Send YOUR Media Highlight (within the prior month only, please) |
Farm & Food Workshops + Industry Events
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VIDEOS
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MEDIA
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