VERMONT CO-OPS: HUBS FOR VERMONT OPEN FARM WEEK, AUGUST 3-9
This August, farms across Vermont are opening their doors to the public for Vermont’s first Open Farm Week. A celebration of the “farm” in “farm to table,” the weeklong event will give people a behind-the-scenes look at Vermont’s vibrant working landscape. Farmers across Vermont will open their barn doors and garden gates to welcome the public, and Neighboring Food Co-ops across Vermont will serve as hubs to support farmers and promote the week to their members.
“The role of Vermont food co-ops in helping successfully launch Open Farm Week is just one of the many ways food co-ops support the local food system on an ongoing basis,” said Erin Buckwalter, Market Development and Community Food Security Manager of Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Vermont. “Connecting community members and shoppers to the farmers who stock their shelves, and educating shoppers about supporting their local farmers is vitally important work to transforming the food system.”
The Neighboring Food Co-op Association, as network of over 30 food co-ops across New England, teamed up to organize the event with partners from NOFA VT, Vermont Fresh Network, City Market/Onion River Co-op, Vermont Farm to Plate Network Agritourism Task Force, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Dig In Vermont, Intervale Center, Vermont FEED, Shelburne Farms, Vermont Farm Tours, the Farm-Based Education Network, UVM Extension, and Vermont Farmers Market Association.
“This weeklong event is a great way for food co-ops to further promote local farmers and strengthen the connections within the local food system,” says Sarah Bhimani, Outreach & Education Manager at City Market. “There is a strong desire among our customers to know where their food is coming from, and the events planned for Open Farm Week will help those customers get to know Vermont farms and farmers better. We’re happy to help facilitate these connections between our local farmers and customers!”
For an up-to-date listing of participating farms, their offerings, and their Open Farm Week hours, visit: www.diginvt.com/blog/openfarmweek
Vermont Open Farm Week is made possible by the generous support of Premiere Sponsor City Market/Onion River Co-op as well as the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Localvore Today and Woodchuck Hard Cider.
Participants are encouraged to join the conversation on social media by using #VTOpenFarm.
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