Consumer Night at the VT Farm Show Highlights Local Producers, a “Lake to Plate” Culinary Theme, and a New Capital Cook-Off Champion
Farmers and foodies from across the state converged last Wednesday night, January 28th, to participate in the 4th Annual Consumer Night at the Vermont Farm Show in Essex Jct. Held on the second night of the Farm Show, Consumer Night celebrated a wide range of Vermont's agricultural products – both in the hands of the Capital Cook-Off competitors, and on display at the Buy Local Market. While attendees sampled and purchased locally-made specialty goods (including: cheeses, wines, ciders, maple products, and more) from over 50 vendors, the Capital Cook-off began at 5pm. Hosted by Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Ross and Deputy Secretary Diane Bothfeld, the Iron Chef-style cooking competition challenged three teams comprised of Vermont Senators, Representatives, and Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets staff to craft a delicious dish using local ingredients over the course of one hour.
Read More City Market Celebrates Local
Burlington, VT – City Market, Onion River Co-op is celebrating their love of local this February with three exciting promotions. All three promotions offer opportunities for community engagement, education, and a little friendly competition.
Read More Digital Tools Having Big Impact on Vermont Farms
In one way or another Vermont’s farmers have always been drawn to new technologies, from innovations in horse-drawn plows to devices that bring them essential weather updates. Today, rapid advancements in digital tools are putting remarkable opportunities into Vermonters’ pockets and barns. Working lands enterprises across the state are adopting these tools in creative ways and they are making a big difference in areas such as efficiency, marketing, nutrition management, and resiliency.
Read More New Study Highlights the Value of Vermont’s Dairy Industry
Essex, VT -- The Vermont Dairy Industry brings $2.2 Billion in economic activity to Vermont annually, according to a new study funded by the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council. Findings from the study were unveiled today at the Vermont Farm Show.
Read More Bioenergy: Biomass to Biofuels, the New Introductory Textbook
New Bioenergy Textbook written by Anju Dahiya, cofounder of General Systems Research, LLC and lead biofuels instructor at the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
Read More Writing a Practical Produce Safety Plan: A Workshop for Small and Diversified Growers
Why have a Practical Produce Safety Plan? This plan clarifies the specific meaning of produce safety on your farm. It can be used to train your employees, or can be shared with interested retail customers, local, and wholesale buyers. The workshop is appropriate for both organic and conventional growers, and is fully compatible with the VVBGA Produce Safety Accreditation currently being developed.
Read More Attend the Big E: VAAFM Now Accepting Vendor Proposals
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is now accepting proposals from Vermont businesses and organizations for vending and exhibiting space in the Vermont Building at the Eastern States Exposition (“Big E”) in West Springfield, Massachusetts. In 2015, the fair will be held from September 18th - October 4th. Nearly 1 million patrons passed through the Vermont Building during the 2014 fair, spending over $1.7 million on Vermont products.
Read More Employee garden grants for small businesses
The Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Community Garden Network are offering grants for small businesses to establish workplace food gardens. Green Thumbs at Work grantees will receive $500 for materials, a $250 Gardener’s Supply gift certificate, and garden planning support and technical assistance from horticulturalist Charlie Nardozzi and the Vermont Community Garden Network. The application deadline is Friday, Jan. 30, 2015.
Read More Annual Vermont Farm Show Kicks-Off January 27
A cold and snowy January can mean only one thing – it’s time for the 2015 Vermont Farm Show! As the Champlain Valley Expo prepares to host the 83rd annual Vermont Farm Show, Tuesday January 27 through Thursday, January 29, organizers have announced an exciting line-up of exhibits and events.
Read More City Market Releases FY 2014 Annual Report
Burlington, VT – City Market has released their FY 2014 Annual Report, covering July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. The report provides details regarding FY 2014 Co-op Membership, Co-op Financial Health, Community Initiatives, Patronage Refunds, Local Food Systems, and Sustainability. The report is published online and can be found on City Market’s website.
Read More NOFA Vermont’s Winter Conference is Growing the Good Food Movement on February 14-16, 2015
– The NOFA Vermont Winter Conference is an annual gathering for Vermont’s farmers, gardeners, homesteaders and foodies featuring three days of learning, inspiration, good food and great conversation on February 14, 15, and 16, at the University of Vermont in Burlington.
Read More The Food and Farm Initiative of the Vermont Community Foundation Awards $280,000 In Grants to Connect More Vermonters with Healthy, Local Food
The Food and Farm Initiative of the Vermont Community Foundation has awarded eight grants totaling $280,000 to help more Vermont kids and families access the benefits of healthy, local food. The Foundation launched the Food and Farm Initiative in 2012, seeing an opportunity—and a need—to connect the state’s burgeoning local food movement with the fight against hunger. Since then, with the support of over 60 donors, the initiative has awarded more than $1 million in grants to create lasting links between organizations working on food security and local food.
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