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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New Plan to Strengthen Vermont's Agriculture and Food System Released |
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This week the Vermont Farm to Plate Team at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund along with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) released the Vermont Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan 2021-2030. Over 1,500 Vermonters provided input and helped shape its content over an 18-month period. The Plan lays out a vision, 15 goals, 34 priority strategies, and 276 recommendations for advancing the agriculture and food system in Vermont. The Farm to Plate team is grateful and excited to once again have the opportunity to work with the Network on collaborative and aligned strategic action that will make our food system more viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially equitable and just.
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Vermont Food System Plan Brief Highlight |
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Agriculture and Food Policy |
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challenges and opportunities facing Vermont policy makers.
Key points from the brief:
- While Vermonters have shifted towards preference to local and organic production, National Ag policy is written to address large scale industrialized models. Vermont Agencies are challenged to apply these broad policies to a much smaller scale and more diversified agricultural system.
- The level of national consolidation, corporate lobbying and the negative press of bad actors have contributed to a series of bottlenecks and gaps in Vermont’s attempts at streamlining agricultural and food policies.
- Given the strong interest and support of ag & food systems in Vermont, there is huge opportunity to make strides towards a more efficient and advanced set of policies that support the wellbeing of farmers, fund ongoing technical assistance, and invest in innovation
A key recommendation to address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities is to create a roadmap of Vermont’s policy priorities that provides food system stakeholders with a proactive policy platform that is innovative and ensures complimentary policy decisions are made by policymakers.
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Starting and Operating a Successful Meat Processing Facility |
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Event Date: February 15th at 6:00 p.m.
Join Randy Quenneville, former Meat Programs section chief at the VT Agency of Agriculture, and Bill Cavanaugh, farm business advisor at NOFA-VT, to learn about starting and operating a successful VT state inspected meat processing facility. Learn about everything from HACCP to business planning and gain an overview of the support that NOFA-VT can offer farmers and processors.
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Is Your Farm Receiving the Help it Needs? |
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UVM researchers Linda Berlin & Dan Tobin want to know what helps farmers succeed in difficult conditions. Please help with a confidential survey about your last two farming years. The first 225 farmers to complete it will get a $40 gift certificate. Learn more & take the survey »
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ACORN Launches Eat Local App |
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The new map-based app reflects a wider trend of agriculture shifting to the online realm. |
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Agritourism Webinar Series |
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Next Webinar: Wednesday, February 17 at 12 p.m.
AGRITOURISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE IN THE US
UVM Extension, host of the International Workshop on Agritourism (IWA), continues to offer a webinar series which provides virtual education, international adventure, and networking opportunities. This monthly series brings together diverse voices and industries to highlight the benefits of agritourism across various contexts.Past recordings also available.
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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
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Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, 3 Pitkin Court, Suite 301E, Montpelier, VT 05602
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