RAFFL to Honor Green Mountain College Professor Philip Ackerman-Leist on October 25

On October 25, a group of farmers and community members interested in local food will gather at Green Mountain College to honor Philip Ackerman-Leist and the role he played in the creation and ongoing development of the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL).

The event, Twilight at the Meeting House, will mark RAFFL’s 10^th anniversary with an evening of local food, wine, and beer at the newly renovated, historic Meeting House on the Green Mountain College campus in Poultney.  Paul Fonteyn, President of Green Mountain College, and his wife Marsha, are partnering with RAFFL to host this event.

“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to publicly honor the vision and commitment of Green Mountain College and Philip Ackerman-Leist,” says Tara Kelly, Executive Director of RAFFL. “Ten years ago a group of people came together with a dream – to revitalize our agricultural economy and to make local food and farms a significant part of our community’s identity. RAFFL was created and ten years later we are happy to celebrate our accomplishments and people and organizations who have made it all possible.” 

The Rutland Area Farm and Food Link is working to build a farm and food system that involves and benefits everyone in the Rutland region. For ten years, RAFFL has worked to expand availability and access to locally produced foods, bolster the region’s agricultural economy, and increase community appreciation and understanding of the positive impact of farms and farmers on our region. In collaboration with statewide partners, RAFFL is helping to conserve Vermont’s working landscapes for future generations.

Philip Ackerman-Leist, a Green Mountain College professor and author, is a tireless advocate of local agriculture and the preservation of Vermont’s working landscapes.  In 1997, he established the college’s Cerridwen Farm, and he currently directs the Green Mountain College Farm and Food Project and the Masters in Sustainable Food Systems. Ten years ago, Philip was instrumental in the creation of RAFFL and served as a board member for several years.

Twilight at the Meeting House will be held on Sunday October 25, 2015 from 4:30 – 7:30pm in Poultney, Vermont. A selection of elegant hors d'oeuvres, created with ingredients from Cerridwen Farm and other local farms, will be prepared by Chef David Ondria. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at www.RutlandFarmandFood.org or by calling 802-417-7331. All proceeds will go to support RAFFL’s work in the region.