Vermont Food System News

AUGUST 2017

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.

One of the strategic priorities being addressed over the next several years is to:

Improve Viability of Farms and Food Businesses

If farms and food businesses are not profitable, Vermont's agricultural economy cannot be sustainable. Cost and scales of production, sales in different market channels, food safety, business management, infrastructure and equipment, distribution, and environmental impacts all play roles in overall business viability. The Farm to Plate Network addresses these variables by identifying effective business models and building trust and transparency along entire supply chains (e.g. Vermont's meat industry) to help farmers and producers profitably sell into wholesale, retail, and other markets.

Viability Indicators and Grass Fed Beef


Grass Fed burger courtesy Intervale Center

The Farm to Plate Farm Viability Indicators Task Force is developing financial metrics or "rules of thumb" for different agricultural industries that can be used by technical assistance providers to help farmers assess their financial viability and make business decisions that lead to more profitable outcomes. The task force is also working on a project, led by the Intervale Center, to improve the grass-based beef industry. The project team is identifying best management practices, creating financial analysis tools for grass-based production models, and providing direct business assistance to farmers interested in utilizing the management and financial tools. The work of the task force will be paired with grass fed beef market research conducted by Rosalie J. Wilson Business Development Services to help chart a course for grass-based beef industry development.

Energy as Revenue Generating Business Investment

The energy section of Vermont's Farm to Plate food system plan is informing how growing farms and food businesses can become more profitable and efficient by minimizing the use of fossil fuels and maximizing the opportunities for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation. The Farm to Plate Energy Cross-cutting Team is planning a series of events with food and energy organizations to explore more mutually beneficial partnerships at the agriculture and energy nexus, and bring attention to successful farm and food energy projects. The events will be designed to emphasize that energy improvements are a business investment, rather than cost, that in some cases can generate revenue and strengthen the bottom line.

Slow Money Vermont Holds Impact Investing Series, Develops Plan for Grassroots Impact Investing Outreach


	Marco Vangelisti speaks at Slow Money Vermont impact investing event

Slow Money Vermont--a project of the Farm to Plate Network--is developing lending, investment, convening, and communication opportunities which connect farm and food enterprises with investors in their communities in order to grow sustainable food economies. In May, Slow Money Vermont organized an impact investing series with national thought leader, Marco Vangelisti, holding an evening introductory event for individuals interested in investing locally, and a daylong intensive workshop focused on teaching portfolio management and risk assessment skills and linking individual financial resources with local resilience. Forty-two people attended the evening event, and 29 attended the daylong workshop. Slow Money Vermont is also developing a grassroots outreach plan on local impact investing to be delivered at community events around the state.