RAFFL Welcomes New Program Coordinator, Jen Miller

A recent graduate of the University of Vermont’s Masters in Community Development and Applied Economics, Jen has demonstrated a considerable commitment to sustaining local agriculture. As a teenager growing up outside of Boston, she devoted her summers to The Food Project, working with other young people to support production and distribution of organic produce to the community, including its hunger relief organizations. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies at Dartmouth College and a certificate program at the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, Jen continued her career path in sustainable agriculture in Burlington, Vermont at the Intervale Center, ultimately co-owning Samara Farm there. Unfortunately, Samara was a victim of the floods of Tropical Storm Irene and ceased operation at the end of 2011.

Finding herself a farmer without a farm, Jen made the decision to add to her range of farm management skills. Understanding the importance of crop planning, financial management and budgeting for farms, she matriculated into UVM’s program to strengthen her ability to support other farmers. With this strong preparation and her long-time commitment, Jen is excited to be part of RAFFL and looks forward to working with farmers by coaching and supporting them in areas such as budgeting, record keeping, enterprise analyses, and marketing. As RAFFL’s Program Director, Jen will be carrying out the organization’s mission to “support the success of small farms through mentoring, technical assistance and connections with new customers.” One of Jen’s first tasks will be to help coordinate CRAFT, the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training.  In addition, Jen looks forward to applying her skills to RAFFL’s Farm to Workplace program, thereby supporting the viability of local farms as well as providing essential access to local farm fresh food for Rutland area consumers.

As a new resident of the city of Rutland, Jen is excited to be here.  “I’m psyched to jump into the community and to be of support and service.”

Jen can be reached at the RAFFL office in the Opera House on Merchant’s Row in Rutland or by contacting her at jen@rutlandfarmandfood.org or at 802-417-7096.