Vital Communities Releases Local Food Market Assessment

May 7, 2015 – White River Junction, Vt. – Vital Communities has released a local food market assessment as a sophisticated analysis of the regional food marketplace in the Upper Valley. The report identifies growth opportunities in the local foods market to facilitate the doubling of local food consumption and the continuing growth of local-food-based businesses.

“We are excited to support the growth of our local food economy. Buyers and consumers want more local food, and this assessment tells us where the demand is, how farmers want to grow their customers, and gives recommendations for all farm-based businesses. We hope that this resource helps farms and food buyers increase their profit and connection to customers. Agricultural organizations in New Hampshire and Vermont will also find it useful in working with farm-based clients,” said Vital Communities Valley Food & Farm Program Manager Becka Warren.

The assessment encompassed individual consumers, independent grocers, independent restaurants, and small farmers in the Vital Communities service area, which serves 69 towns in the Upper Connecticut River Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire. To view the full report, go to VitalCommunities.org/agriculture/about.cfm.

The Valley Food & Farm program fosters the relationships that make agriculture a vital part of daily community life. Valley Food & Farm has led our region’s local food movement since 2001, with consumer education, local market development, farm to school programming, and farmer support.

Vital Communities, a nonprofit organization based in White River Junction, Vt., brings together citizens, organizations, and municipalities to take on issues where an independent voice and regional approach are essential. Working together, we make our region a better place to live, work, and play. Learn more at VitalCommunities.org.