Farm to Plate is Vermont’s food system plan being implemented statewide 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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Vermont Food System Plan Brief Highlight |
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Key points from the brief:
- Vermont produces 50% of the entire United States maple crop, and is poised for growth, with only 12% of current maple resources being used for syrup production.
- There is a tight labor market in sugar bush management and food manufacturing jobs.
- Retail inspection has not kept pace with market expansion.
- Global syrup supply creates a price competitive market that favors low cost producers and capable marketers. Over 80% of the annual Vermont crop is sold to bulk buyers.
A key recommendation to address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities is to create public-private marketing initiatives, in order to maintain Vermont brand recognition and facilitate market expansion. Coupled with investments in education, verification programs, market research, and innovation in packaging and branding could create opportunities for growth.
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Please join the Vermont Farm to Plate Team at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund as we embark on the FSNE 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge! As an organization, we are committed to understanding and undoing racism in our food system. By taking the Challenge, made up of small daily email prompts delivered each morning from April 5-25, we can all easily participate in this transformative effort at our own pace. Visit the FSNE Challenge website to register! |
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Pandemic Food Security Survey |
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A food systems research team at UVM is conducting a study on changes in consumer food choices and purchasing habits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please help by completing this 7-minute survey about your food sources prior to and following the onset of the pandemic. Results of the survey will be analyzed as part of ongoing research to better understand the impacts of the pandemic on our Vermont food system and prepare for future disruptions. Participation is voluntary and responses are anonymous. |
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BIPOC Land Access in Every Town in Vermont |
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WHEN: Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Zoom
WHAT: Vermonters Kenya Lazuli and Mindy Blank introduce Every Town Vermont and discuss why land access for BIPOC people is an essential solution to the climate crisis.
This conversation is an amazing opportunity to learn about how to get involved in Every Town, a boots-on-the ground project working to obtain land for stewardship for BIPOC people in, you guessed it, Every Town in Vermont!
This workshop and the others in our series are aimed to address the mounting need to educate youth and adults in our communities about racial equity, frontline leadership, effective climate solutions, and cooperative economic efforts we need to employ to build a survivable, thriving transition through the crisis facing our economy, our neighbors, and our movement allies.
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Everyone needs a hand from time to time, especially with the impact of COVID-19 on our community. And when one person buys food using 3SquaresVT, we all benefit. To learn more, visit vermontfoodhelp.com. |
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An Update from the Working Lands Coalition: |
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Great news for Vermont’s working landscape! Governor Scott has proposed investing $3.6million in the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative for Fiscal Year 2022. Thanks in part to the advocacy of many members of the Working Lands Partnership over the last several years, the governor and other members of the administration have recognized the value our working lands enterprises have for creating jobs, keeping young entrepreneurs in the state, and strengthening our local food systems. This recommendation acknowledges the critical role strategic investment in our food and forest businesses must play in our recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
In the coming weeks, the Working Lands Coalition is dedicated to supporting the governor’s recommendation through the legislative and appropriations process.To learn more about the Working Lands Enterprise Fund, past and recent grantees, visit workinglands.vermont.gov. To stay informed and help shape the campaign for Vermont's Working Landscape, join the Working Lands Partnership here: http://bit.ly/WLPartnership. |
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Food System Events and Workshops |
Virtual Events and Webinars are Welcome!
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Is your Farm or Food Business listed on the
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3 Pitkin Court, Montpelier, VT 05602
Copyright © 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, 3 Pitkin Court, Suite 301E, Montpelier, VT 05602
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