Vermont Farmstand to Open at Boston Public Market

Vermont Farmstand to Open at Boston Public Market

After over a year of research and development, the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (AAFM) and Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) are pleased to announce the creation of a Vermont retail stand within the Boston Public Market, opening next month.  Harlow Farm of Westminster, VT will operate the stand, demonstrating an innovative public-private partnership that will open a new market channel for dozens of Vermont companies in the Boston metro region.

“Harlow’s Vermont Farmstand” at the Boston Public Market will be an important component of the state’s recently created Domestic Export program, designed to connect Vermont producers with buyers outside the state.  Positioned in the heart of downtown Boston, the retail space will provide the state with a premier location from which to promote Vermont products to out-of-state consumers. 

“This retail stand advances the work prioritized by the Legislature in 2014. The Domestic Export program is an important resource for helping businesses grow their sales outside the state” said Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Ross.  “Through this public-private partnership we are providing Vermont businesses access to a strong consumer market that will help drive demand for Vermont products.”

Harlow Farm will take on the day-to-day operations and management of the retail space, with AAFM and ACCD providing marketing support and a $25,000 grant for start-up costs. Harlow Farm will supply the stand with organic produce from their farm as well as from over 35 other Vermont farms and food producers.  A comprehensive list of products will be included in the grand opening announcement later this summer.

“Harlow Farm is eager to offer its produce to Boston consumers through a direct retail model,” said Paul Harlow. “This opportunity will allow us to expand our growing infrastructure and give other Vermont producers an additional market for expanding their sales outside of the state.”

Harlow Farm joins a roster of 35 permanent vendors, including acclaimed Vermont cheesemakers Jasper Hill Farm of Greensboro Bend. Opening this July, the 28,000-square-foot Boston Public Market will offer locally produced items such as farm fresh produce; meat and poultry; milk and cheese; fish and shellfish; bread and baked goods; flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods. 

The Domestic Export Program is administered by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. For more information about The Domestic Export Program, contact Reg Godin at Reg.Godin@state.vt.us or (802) 522-3648.  For more information about Boston Public Market, please visit www.bostonpublicmarket.org

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About the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets: VAAFM facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.  www.Agriculture.Vermont.Gov