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Farmers, chefs, food producers and others working in Vermont agriculture are invited to apply to the third round of Vermont Fresh Network (VFN) Conference Scholarship Program grants. This round of funding supports participation in the Food Loves Tech expo, including access to all panel discussions and “The Future of the Cocktail” opening reception. The expo takes place November 2nd & 3rd in New York City.

Health Care Without Harm has released a position statement to help hospitals and other institutions understand the benefits of purchasing local food to their business, the health of their communities, and the local economy. The health care sector can increase access to healthy, fresh foods while addressing the social and environmental determinants of health in their communities, by creating jobs and contributing to a strong and equitable food economy.

On Saturday, July 28th, more than 2,000 people came to Kayhart Brothers Dairy Farm for a day of excitement, delicious food, and education. It was Vermont Breakfast on the Farm hosted by the Kayhart Family. The free, public event included a pancake breakfast and self-guided tour of the dairy farm. Visitors experienced the life and business of modern dairy farming in the Green Mountain State, led by families like the Kayharts – working to produce a wholesome product for a growing world.

2018 Vermont Compost Operator Certification Training will be held this fall.

VERMONT CHEESEMAKERS TAKE HOME 36 RIBBONS
AT THE 35th ANNUAL AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY COMPETITION
Winners Announced on July 27 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The 2018 ACS competition saw 13 Vermont cheesemakers awarded 36 ribbons, including Best of Show for Harbison and a second-place Best of Show finish for Calderwood, both produced by Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, VT.

Calling All Food, Farm & Forestry Entrepreneurs! Apply NOW to present at the Slow Money Vermont Entrepreneur Showcase on December 5, 2018 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the River Garden in Brattleboro.

Vermont Fresh Network selects Food Loss & Food Waste event in NYC for their second round of conference program scholarships

Schools from across the Northeast Selected For Program to Grow School-wide Farm to School Initiatives.

In 2018, the Vermont Food Venture Center, located in Hardwick, reaches its seventh year of operations. The 15,000 square foot farm and food business incubator was launched through a collaborative effort between the Center for an Agricultural Economy and Northern Vermont Development Association. Staff at the Venture Center worked with ten farm and food business clients over the last year, with support for marketing and business services through a USDA RD Rural Business Development Grant. Each client worked with an expert in brand identification and marketing, as well as a videographer, to create short video piece that articulates their mission, showcases their products, and can be used as a promotional tool.
This month, the Meet the Maker Video series has been released, and all ten of the videos are available at the Center for an Agricultural Economy website

The Vermont Community Loan Fund helped finance three Vermont farms and food producers in the first quarter of 2018, through its SPROUT deferred payment loan program, and other programs. Total financing from the first quarter reached $983,000.