Education and Workforce Development

Kristyn Achilich

kachilichREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@smcvt.edu
802.654.2730

Academic Program Coordinator
St. Michael's College
smcvt.edu/on-campus/green-campus/sustainability-initiatives/organic-garden.aspx
1 Winooski Park
Box 5
Colchester Vermont, 05439

I have returned to my alma mater to a newly created position as Academic Program Coordinator for the Organic Garden and Permaculture Site. In this role, I offer critical support to students, faculty, and community members who utilize the Saint Michael’s Organic Garden and Permaculture Site for educational and research purposes. I serve as a resource for faculty as they plan their own lessons in the outdoor classroom, and model skills that students need to be proficient in ecological farming practices. I am responsible for the overall management and design of the permaculture and garden sites, to insure maximizing of their function for research, teaching and community-engaged learning. My past roles include participating in the Governor’s Institute of Vermont’s Food, Farms and Your Future Institute as a teaching assistant; Market Garden Assistant at Trillium Hill Farm; research student and teaching assistant in UVM’s Food Systems program; and more recently I was the curriculum coordinator for the Farm at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. I received a Bachelor of Science in biology from Saint Michael’s College, have a Master’s of Science from the University of Vermont in Food Systems, and am a Master’s of Education candidate at Saint Michael’s.

Philip Ackerman-Leist

ackermanleistREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@sterlingcollege.edu
(802) 353-0965

Randolph Technical Career Center Adult Education Program

jjollsREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@orangesouthwest.org
(802) 728-4241

The Randolph Technical Career Center Adult Education Program is committed to helping adult students build on their personal and professional experience by gaining knowledge and skills needed through our various course offerings.

Tom Alderman

tom.aldermanREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 828-3892

Director of Adult Education
Vermont Agency of Education
education.vermont.gov
219 North Main Street, Ste. 402
Barre VT, 05641

Roger Allbee

roger.allbeeREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@yahoo.com

Advisor
Vermont Tech
vtc.edu
124 Main Street
Randolph VT, 05061

Misse Axelrod

dmisseREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@hotmail.com
(802) 485-7788

Farmer/Owner
Drift Farmstead
driftfarmsteadvt.com
324 Webster Rd.
Roxbury Vermont, 05669

Farmer, food educator, FTS Coordinator, NOFA-VT Farm to Community Mentor

Andrew Bahrenburg

abahrenburgREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com

Organizer
Vermont Young Farmers Coalition
facebook.com/VTYoungFarmers
107-6 Buell Street
Burlington Vermont, 05401

Hillary Bailey

hillaryREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@salvationfarms.org


Salvation Farms
salvationfarms.org
PO Box 1174
49 Portland Street
Morrisville VT, 05661

Born and raised in the Granite State, Hillary is thrilled to begin her adventure here in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Hillary has a BA in Post-Colonial Literature and Creative Writing from Keene State College. After college, she spent a year as a disaster relief specialist with AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps, and a second year as the Operations VISTA at the NH Food Bank. Her experiences with these AmeriCorps programs, combined with her upbringing on a small farm in central NH, brought her true passion to the forefront of her mind: the food system. Hillary has spent her professional life working on small farms and with non-profit organizations to build connections between food producers and those who are food insecure. She is excited to get to work here in Vermont, helping Salvation Farms build systems to connect farmers and food producers with the institutions and consumers who struggle with food access. When she is not working, Hillary can be found in her gardens, reading, or wandering around VT with her partner and their dog.

Jenna Banning

jenna.banningREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu


UVM Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE)
uvm.edu/cdae
146 University Place
Morrill Hall
Burlington VT, 05405

M.S. Candidate, CDAE, UVM Research Assistant, CRS, UVM

Justin Barrett

workREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@piecemealvt.com
(541) 510-5873

chef owner
Piecemeal Pies
piecemealpies.com
5 South Main Street
White River Junction Vermont, 05001

Douglas Becker

MontpelierVineyardsREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-223-1025

Owner/Winemaker
Montpelier Vineyards
dkbecker05602.wix.com/montpelier-vineyards
2446 Elm St.
Montpelier VT, 05602

Montpelier Vineyards is an organic vineyard growing cold-hardy wine grapes and making wines and Mead that we are proud to call Vermont made. dkbecker05602.wix.com/montpelier-vineyards

Natalie Bekkouche

natalieREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@salvationfarms.org

Cynthia Belliveau

Cynthia.BelliveauREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
(802) 639-3210

Co-Director
Erica Houskeeper Communications, LLC
ericahouskeeper.com
23 Catherine Street
Burlington VT, 05405

Richard Berkfield

richardREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@foodconnects.org
(802)579-1082

Executive Director
Food Connects
foodconnects.org
22 Browne Court
Unit 110
Brattleboro VT, 05301

General Manager
Windham Farm and Food
windhamfarmandfood.com
PO Box 431
Townshend Vermont, 05353

Richard is the co-founder and Executive Director of Food Connects. He has been leading food system development work in the Windham County area since 2008. Richard holds a M.A. from SIT Graduate Institute in Sustainable Development with a focus on Food Security for Vermont, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Marlboro College Graduate School. Berkfield was named one of Vermont’s Rising Stars by Vermont Business Magazine in 2014. He and his family enjoy growing and preparing as much of their own food as possible, though as work demands increase, he better understand the saying that "The cobbler’s children have no shoes."

Tom Bivins

infoREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vtcheese.com
(866) 261-8595


Vermont Cheese Council
vtcheese.com
West Parish Road
Westminster West VT, 05346

Since 1996, the Vermont Cheese Council has worked to support the Vermont cheese industry with both marketing and educational opportunities. The VCC provides the tools necessary to encourage Vermont cheesemakers to follow the best possible manufacturing practices, in order to assure our customers that Vermont cheese represents the highest level of quality in the marketplace.

Ethan Bodin

ebodinREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@shelburnefarms.org
802-985-0331

Educator and VT FEED Professional Development Coordinator
Shelburne Farms
shelburnefarms.org
1611 Harbor Road
Shelburne VT, 05482

Ethan is an educator and professional development provider for Shelburne Farms. He facilitates the use of food education and sustainability as an integrating context for school transformation. Ethan holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education from Saint Michael's College. Ethan is passionate about food systems, sustainable agriculture, and Vermont's working landscape. Some of his past agricultural experiences include WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) in Europe and New Zealand, working for Bread and Butter Farm in So. Burlington, and being part of a wood's crew for a 70,000 tap maple syrup operation in Cambridge. In his spare time, he now operates a small sugar bush with his father and two other partners on Elmore Mountain and enjoys thinking about, and engaging with, the possibilities of applied permaculture on his family's 25 acres in North Chittenden.

Janice Bosworth

jbosworthREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@pahcc.org
(802) 382-1006

Agribusiness/Plant & Animal Instructor
Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center
hannafordcareercenter.org
51 Charles Avenue
Middlebury VT, 05753

Reem Bou-Nacklie

rbounackREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
(802) 363-5812

Senior at the University of Vermont, majoring in Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Science. Current student intern at the Vermont Food Bank.

Kate Bowen

kategraves2REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@yahoo.com
(802) 387-2391


Meadowdale Farm
meadowdalefarm.com
16 Spring Hill Rd
Putney VT, 05346

Secretary
Farmer Veteran Coalition of Vermont
facebook.com/farmerveterancoalitionofvermont
16 Spring Hill Road
Putney VT, 05346-8892

I'm Kate from Meadowdale Farm. I'm a first generation farmer living my dream of owning a diversified farm in the town where I grew up. We are a traditional Vermont Hill Farm raising: meat, eggs, hay, sap, and forest products. My mission is to serve and support Vermont's rural traditions and its Working Landscape while producing outstanding quality products. Check out our website for a virtual tour of our farm and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

Koi Boynton

kboyntonREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@nrpcvt.com
802-734-7763


Healthy Roots Collaborative
healthyrootsvt.com
75 Fairfield St.
St. Albans Vermont, 05478

Koi Boynton manages Farm to School and Gleaning for the Northwest Healthy Roots Collaborative. This includes working closely with Farm to School Coordinator, Rachel Huff to build vibrant farm to school programs across Franklin and Grand Isle. Koi also heads up the Healthy Roots Gleaning Program. When she is not working with schools or in the fields gleaning produce, she supports Healthy Roots strategic planning, fundraising and program development. Koi has a rich history of supporting local food systems in Vermont and believes that access to fresh local foods and connections to farms can transform the health and vitality of our communities.

C.Rose Bragg

braggfamilyfarmREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
603-991-5511

Owner
Bragg Family Farm
200 bobbin mill rd
Lunenburg VT, 05906

Husband, wife and baby trio in North Eastern VT. We're small, on ten acres and building our off-grid home. This will be our third year on completely blank land. Dave is a carpenter and Rose runs the homestead. As of now we have chickens, dogs, apples, flowers, produce and herbs. Rose makes and sells soap and wool products at two farmers markets on the weekend. We are ideally looking for someone who is passionate about sustainable living and lifestyle. We're looking for someone part time as we do not have a lot that we can afford. We are willing to barter for some of the compensation. This position has a lot of room to grow if the person is the right fit.

Bill Brown

billREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@confluencevt.com
(802) 952-8907

Executive Director
Confluence Behavioral Health
confluencevt.com
1646 GOVE HILL RD
Thetford Center Vermont, 05075-9041

Leonard (Len) Bull

homebullREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@aol.com
(802) 453-7927

Emeritus Professor of Animal Science, NCState University
Vermont Agriculture and Forestry Development Board
vermontworkinglands.com/vafpdb.html
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620

1. Member and Chair, Vt Ag and Forest Products Development Board 2. National Institute for Animal Agriculture (past Chair) 3. Diplomacy Matters, LLC (linking embassies with ag markets) (Vice Chair) 4. Consultant on animal production and agricultural/environmental issues 5. Vermont Farm Bureau (member)

Nicole Burke

goldenwellapiariesREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(201) 314-4636

owner farmer beekeeper
Golden Well Farm
goldenwellapiaries.com
1089 River Road
New Haven Vermont, 05472


Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN)
acornvt.org
P.O. Box 65
Middlebury VT, 05753

Golden Well Farm & Apiaries is located in New Haven Vermont, just a few miles North of the town of Middlebury. We are part of a larger 175 acre farm, though we are only farming about 2 acres of it mostly for veggie production. We never use chemicals and are currently trying adapt more permaculture and bio-intensive practices. In addition to veggies we also keep bees, and grow flowers and forage for our bees. We offer CSA shares, sell at farmer's markets and to local restaurants and donate to the local food shelf. http://goldenwellapiaries.com/

Alex Buskey

therangervtREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-281-2438

Outreach Coordinator
Alliance for Vermont Communities
alliancevermont.org
168 Monarch Hill Rd
Tunbridge Vermont, 05077

The mission of Alliance for Vermont Communities (AVC) is to protect working farms, forests and communities of central Vermont and to promote responsible development that will sustain the rural heritage and values for present and future generations.

Cat Buxton

catduffybuxtonREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-359-3330

Owner. Consultant, Advocate, Teacher
Grow More, Waste Less | Food Systems Consulting, LLC
growmorewasteless.com
135 Star Mountain Road
Sharon VT, 05065

Cat Buxton is a busy cross-pollinator. She’s the founding director of the Vermont Healthy Soils Coalition. A social entrepreneur, she runs Grow More, Waste Less, in Sharon VT, empowering and connecting communities to affect positive change from the ground up. She manages the edible schoolyard at Thetford Elementary School, weaving it into K-6 project based learning, and is a technical guide for community compost systems. She’s the coordinator for Upper Valley Apple Corps and a host of other projects. She loves to talk bugs, soil and plants. She consults and presents about building community resilience, soil health, composting, water catchment, landscape planning, monitoring landscape function and increasing biodiversity.

Chris Callahan

chris.callahanREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
8024427582;256

Engineer
University of Vermont Extension (Rutland)
uvm.edu/extension/agriculture/engineering/
1 Scale Avenue
Rutland VT, 05701

Ext Assoc Prof Agricultural Engineering
University of Vermont Extension
go.uvm.edu/ageng
310 Main St
Bennington Vermont, 05201

Chris Callahan is the Extension Agricultural Engineer at the University of Vermont. His work focuses on enhancing Vermont's Food Systems supporting the analysis, design, evaluation and adoption of infrastructure and equipment that meets the needs of relatively small-scale food producers and processors. Chris enjoys working closely with farmers and others on multi-disciplinary projects that deliver practical, cost effective, safe and sustainable results.

Megan Camp

mcampREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@shelburnefarms.org
802-985-8686

Vice President/Program Director
Shelburne Farms
shelburnefarms.org
1611 Harbor Road
Shelburne VT, 05482


Vermont Farm to School Network
vermontfarmtoschool.org
1611 Harbor Rd
Shelburne Vermont, 05482

Megan Camp serves as Vice President and Program Director at Shelburne Farms providing leadership for organizational and educational program development. Much of her work over her 30 years at the Farm has focused on building public private partnerships to conduct research, influence policy, and build networks to strengthen Education for Sustainability in Vermont and around the world. Megan helped create and facilitate a multi-stakeholder process that resulted in the state of Vermont incorporating the nation’s first education standards for sustainability. She also fostered collaboration between Shelburne Farms and the Burlington School District, which led to the opening of the first public K-5 sustainability-themed magnet school in the country in 2009. Along with the Directors of NOFA Vermont and Food Works at Two Rivers she co-founded Vermont’s nationally recognized Farm to School program VT FEED. She was also a founding board member of the Farm-Based Education Network . Megan currently serves on the boards of the Castanea Foundation, the Vermont Council on Rural Development, the Vermont Fresh Network, and the Energy Action Network. She also serves on the Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Council, the Farm to Plate Steering Committee and the University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences advisory board.

Erica Campbell

erica_campbellREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@sanders.senate.gov

Policy & Outreach Staff - Agriculture, food, rural dev. & transportation
Office of Senator Bernie Sanders
1 Church St, 3rd Floor
Burlington Vermont, 05401

Office on Senator Bernie Sanders--agriculture, nutrition, rural development & transportation policy

Thomas Case

thomasREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@salvationfarms.org
(802) 338-9096

Thomas Case is the Vermont Commodity Program Director for Salvation Farms. He has also been a full time Organic Vegetable farmer and owner of Arethusa Farm in Burlington's Intervale and The Intervale Food Hub's Packing house supervisor in his previous work.

Mingla Charoenmuang

mcharoenmuangREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vtc.edu
818-416-1831


Institute for Applied Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Technical College
vtc.edu/agricultureinstitute
PO Box 500
Randolph Center Vermont, 05061

Scott Choiniere

scottREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@abbeygroup.net
(802) 373-6458

Executive Vice President
The Abbey Food Service Management Group
abbeygroup.net
6212 State Route 105
Enosburg Falls VT, 05450

My name is Scott Choiniere. I am the Executive Vice President for The Abbey Group. We are a New England Food Service Management Company. I have 30 years Food service management experience, I am a New England Culinary School graduate and I am also a certified USDA School Nutrition Specialist. I have a tenacious drive for excellence in customer service and highlight communication as priority number one throughout our team to build on what we we do best, providing the best nutrition and experience for our customers. We strive to hire and retain employees throughout your local communities and in addition utilize handcrafted local sustainable foods to implement our Farm to school and Sea to school philosophy.

Elisa Clancy

elisaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@lamoilleeconomy.org
802-917-4020

Marketing Consultant, Agriculture Specialist
Central Vermont Council on Aging
cvcoc.org
59 N. Main St., Ste.200
Barre VT, 05641

Marketing Consultant, Web Design. Market Plan Research and Writing Assistance Online Marketing Assistance - Web, Email, Social, Advertising Advertising Copy Writing Graphic Design Branding Advice Public Relations Press Release Marketing Grant Information & Assistance

Jake Claro

JakeREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
(802) 828-5669

Farm to Plate Program Director
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602

Gina Clithero

gina.clitheroREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
802-585-6225


Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620

Gina is an Agriculture Development Specialist at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets. She manages the Vermont Produce Safety Improvement Grant Program and the Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Dorsey Coale

dorseycoaleREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 349-9772

Director
Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center
hannafordcareercenter.org
51 Charles Avenue
Middlebury VT, 05753

I am the Executive Director of Addison County Relocatization Network ACORN. ACORN is a non profit supporting farmers and the food system in Addison County Vermont.

Laurie Colgan

laurie.colganREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 828-3892


Vermont Agency of Education
education.vermont.gov
219 North Main Street, Ste. 402
Barre VT, 05641

David Conner

97dconneREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
(802) 656-1965

Assistant Professor
UVM Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE)
uvm.edu/cdae
146 University Place
Morrill Hall
Burlington VT, 05405

I conduct research on the economics of food systems and teach several courses. I have also worked on quantifying local food purchases in Vermont.

Heidi Cooperstein

hcoopersteinREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-525-3800

Nutrition Manager
NEKCA Head Start/ Early Head Start
55 Seymour Lane
Newport Vermont, 05855

Northeast Kingdom Community Action Head Start
Northeast Kingdom Community Action Head Start
191 High Street
Barton Vermont, 05822

Nutrition Manager at Northeast Kingdom Community Action Head Start.

Program Coordinator

infoREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
802-828-5670

Office Manager & Program Coordinator
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602

Ollie Cultrara

ollie.cultraraREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov


Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620

Stephen Dale

sdaleREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vtvsba.org
(800) 244-8722


Vermont School Boards Association
vtvsba.org
2 Prospect Street
Montpelier VT, 05602

Sarah Danly

sarahREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
(802) 828-3745

Farm to Plate Network Manager
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602

Cindy Delgatto

cindyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@strollingoftheheifers.com
802-490-5976

Program Manager
Windham Grows
windhamgrows.org
157 Main St.
Brattleboro Vermont, 05301

Cindy Delgatto is the Program Manager for Windham Grows where she shares her deep community roots and genuine belief in the power of relationships. Cindy is a multifaceted professional who has enjoyed the diversity and creativity of working in hospitality and food industries, shared the passion for craftsmanship in the wine and spirits business and most recently has served as a regional workforce developer for individuals with barriers to employment. One common thread is her commitment to excellence in service and a mission to create connected spaces for people and businesses to thrive. Cindy is a proud member of the Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary and serves on the Executive Board of the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce. Originally from the Catskill Mountains, Cindy and her husband Leonard happily call Brattleboro home and when she is not organizing, planning or collaborating in her community she is spending time with her three grown children, one very spoiled dog, in her vintage camper exploring new places or grounded in her garden.

Beth Demers

beth.demersREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 828-1175

Workforce Training Program Director
Vermont Department of Economic Development
accd.vermont.gov/business
1 National Life Drive
Deane C. Davis Building
Montpelier VT, 05620

Matthew Derr

mmartinREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@sterlingcollege.edu
802-586-7711

President
Sterling College
sterlingcollege.edu
16 Sterling Drive
Craftsbury Common Vermont, 05827

Matthew Derr is the President of Sterling College, a leading voice in higher education for environmental stewardship. He has served as a fellow at the Great Lakes College Association, a consortium of liberal arts colleges, and as Interim President of Antioch College, where he developed a new educational model focused on issues related to food, water, health, energy, and governance. In 2011, Matthew was recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education as Chief Executive of the Year. Matthew earned his MSW in Community Organizing from the University of Michigan, and has studied at the Heyman Center for Philanthropy at New York University.

S'ra Desantis

sra.desantisREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
(802) 324-3073

S’ra DeSantis has worked on organic vegetable farms since 1996 when she took a job as a farm hand because there were no other jobs available. She immediately fell in love with farming and can’t seem to keep her hands out of the dirt since. In 2000, she became co-owner and member of Diggers’ Mirth Collective Farm, an organic vegetable farm located in Burlington’s Intervale, where she learned the fundamentals of farming. For six years, S’ra managed the Old North End Farmers Market, a market located in a culturally and economically diverse community that is committed to providing locally grown food at affordable prices. She has worked at several Vermont agricultural non-profits including the Intervale Center, Rural Vermont and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. S’ra has taught a self-designed course, Controversies in Vermont Agriculture, at the University of Vermont. She holds a master’s of science degree in Plant and Soil Science and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont. S’ra is excited to be part of the team at the Farmer Training Program where two of her deepest passions can come together – organic vegetable production and hands on education. S’ra is also the proud mother of two really fun kids, Arlo and Elsa.

Matthew DiLuzio

ngm01301REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(413) 768-9745

I'm a new gourmet mushroom farmer located in White River Junction. We are cultivating a variety of oyster mushrooms, lions mane, maitake, shitake, pioppino, brick cap, and many more on the horizon. My buddy Jesse and I make it our mission to bring in a new level of sustainability to mushroom production by eliminating the use of non-recyclable plastic and lowering our energy use by utilizing inovative sterilization techniques. We are in the design stages of integrating mushroom production into a permaculture-based perrenial gardern.

Sarah Downes

sdownesREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@chccvt.net


Cold Hollow Career Center
chccvt.net
P.O. Box 530
Enosburg VT, 05450

Nicole Driscoll

driscoll.vtREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com

Abbey Duke

abbeyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@thesnapvt.com
(802) 324-7998


Sugarsnap Catering
thesnapvt.com
30 Community Drive
South Burlington VT, 05403

Abbey is the owner of Sugarsnap, a farm to table catering company based in South Burlington, VT. She started Sugarsnap in 2003. It includes a farm in Burlington's Intervale, a cafe in South Burlington, a delivery catering service and a full service, off-premise catering operation.

Chris Dutton

cduttonREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vtc.edu

Director for the Institute for Applied Agriculture and Food Systems
Vermont Tech
vtc.edu
124 Main Street
Randolph VT, 05061

Jane Edwards

buildahealthyplateREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-355-9707


Build A HealthyPlate: VT Agriculture to Health
376 Quarry Hill Rd
#326
South Burlington Vermont, 05403

Education: MS & Ph.D from Purdue University, Nutritional Science BS from UVM, Science/Education Credentials: Registered Dietitian (Commission Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics) Certified Dietitian (Vermont Office of Professional Regulation) Work: Extension Specialist, Nutrition & Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND. Developed nutrition education programming related to health promotion/chronic disease prevention (healthy weight, school wellness, diabetes, cancer) with focus on health benefits of ND food products (Agriculture to Health). Also Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech and Purdue University. Faculty member providing dietetic education at state schools in Ohio, WV and NY.

Suzanna Elkin

selkinREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
207.521.4503

My academic and professional experience is at the intersection of education and community health. I have worked as a teacher, community health educator, and public health researcher with a focus on issues surrounding nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and local foods. Most recently, I worked for 5 years in Oaxaca, Mexico, where I facilitated school and community-based programs around healthy eating and food sovereignty in rural areas. As a PhD student in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies department at UVM, I plan to focus on community-school partnerships that both enrich youth education and strengthen community well-being. I am particularly interested in programs that involve youth in hands-on learning about agriculture, local food systems, and healthy eating.

Amanda Ellis-Thurber

lilacridgeREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@comcast.net
(802) 257-0985


Lilac Ridge Farm
lilacridgevt.com
264 Ames Hill Road
Brattleboro VT, 05301

Sophie Esser Calvi

sessercalviREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@middlebury.edu
(802) 443-5068

Farm and Food Educator
Middlebury College
middlebury.edu
131 South Main Street
Middlebury VT, 05753

Carl Etnier

carl.etnierREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@goddard.edu
(802) 454-8311


Goddard College
goddard.edu
123 Pitkin Road
Plainfield VT, 05667

Paul Feenan

paul.feenanREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vycc.org
(802) 434-3969

Paul was born and grew up in Bennington, Vermont. After studying sustainable agriculture, community development, and education at UVM and Evergreen State College, his real education took place in his own classroom when he was given the opportunity to teach alternative high school right out of college. Teaching is extremely important to Paul. He believes that his work in agriculture, education, and coaching has taught him exponentially more than he has taught his students. In particular, working with disadvantaged students and coaching high school basketball galvanized Paul’s core values for working with people. Paul also credits his family. His parents instilled a strong work ethic and the importance of “working hard and smart.” His brothers and sisters helped raise him and continue to help with his own children. Most importantly, his wife Kirsten and their children John and Ruby are the foundation and driving force for all of Paul’s work. Paul recently moved his family back to Vermont after having lived, worked, and farmed in Western Washington State for the past twenty years. He finds himself lost on roads that he once could navigate without thought, but is happy to be back living and working in his home state.

Whitney Feininger

whitneyfeningerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
404-217-5628

Connecting people to the resources they need for success and promoting continuous learning and professional development drives me. I am a current graduate student in Champlain's MS in Human Relations and Organizational Development program and within that program I am pursuing a certificate in positive organizational development. In my coursework I am focusing on lifelong and continuous learning and applying appreciative inquiry and a strength-based approach to career readiness, learning cultures, onboarding and training, assessments and evaluations, and professional and workforce development. My background is in publishing, printing, and marketing where I have held project/ account manager and coordinator roles. Within the Vermont food system I've worked in guest services where at Shelburne Farms where I had the opportunity to educate inn and restaurant guests to farm-to-table dining and sustainable education. I am also on the board of the Full Barrel Co-operative Brewery which aims to establish the first consumer co-op brewery and bar in Vermont. Within the project we are committed to partnering with local organizations and using local ingredients. I have also chaired Green Committees, been a site leader for the Vermont Community Garden Network Day in the Dirt! and am a long-time City Market Member Worker.

Emily Finnegan

emily.i.finneganREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com


Shelburne Farms
shelburnefarms.org
1611 Harbor Road
Shelburne VT, 05482

Bob Flint

bobfREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@springfielddevelopment.org
802-885-3061

Executive Director
Springfield Regional Development Corporation
springfielddevelopment.org
14 Clinton Street
Springfield Vermont, 05601

Maire Folan

mfolanREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmfts.org
(802) 334-2044


Green Mountain Farm-to-School
greenmountainfarmtoschool.org
115 2nd Street
Newport VT, 05855

Fern Fontaine

Fern.FontaineREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@ncsuvt.org
(802) 334-5469


North Country Career Center
209 Veterans Ave
Newport VT, 05855

Morrisville Food Co-op

morrisvillecoopREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 522-3989

Project Manager
Morrisville Food Co-op
morrisvillecoop.com
46 Pleasant Street
Morrisville Vermont, 05661

Rachel Fussell

rachelREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@nofavt.org
802-434-4122

Education and Beginning Farmer Coordinator
NOFA Vermont
nofavt.org
14 Pleasant Street
Richmond VT, 05477

NOFA-VT Education and Beginning Farmer Coordinator

Eve Gagne

gagne.eveREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com

Grant Research Volunteer
Green Mountain Technology and Career Center
gmtcc.info
738 Rte 15 W
Hyde Park Vermont, 05655

Samantha Gaines

sgainesREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@middlebury.edu


Middlebury College
middlebury.edu
131 South Main Street
Middlebury VT, 05753

Student in Molly Anderson's Food Policy class Spring 2018, with previous classes in Agroecology and Food Sovereignty.

Nicholas Gambill

ntgambillREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 917-1333

Executive Director
Salvation Suppers
salvationsuppers.org
64 Main Street
Burlington VT, 05401

Bernice Garnett

bgarnettREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu

Assistant Professor
University of Vermont, Department of Education
uvm.edu/~cess/?Page=facbio.php&username=bgarnett
539A Waterman Building
85 South Prospect St
Burlington Vermont, 05405

I am a public health prevention scientist interested in childhood obesity prevention, youth health disparities, and community based participatory research strategies for sustainable change and development.

Jack Glade

jackgREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@tutorialcenter.org
(802) 447-0111


The Tutorial Center
tutoringvermont.org/our-services/yapinfo
208 Pleasant Street
Bennington VT, 05201

Rebecca Golden

becca.goldenREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@benjerry.com
802-923-2646

Director of Programs
Ben & Jerry's Foundation
benjerry.com
30 Community Drive
South Burlington VT, 05403

Becca is the Director of Programs at the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, former Co-Chair for the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders national funder affinity group, and one of the founding members of the Vermont Food Funders' Network.

Elena Gustavson

elenaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@rutlandfarmandfood.org

Gail Hall

gail.hallREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 828-0156

Science Assessment Coordinator
Vermont Agency of Education
education.vermont.gov
219 North Main Street, Ste. 402
Barre VT, 05641

My role is to support K-12 educators in their efforts to incorporate Natural Resources and Agriculture into classroom instruction. I also provide consulation and advice around learning opportunities and curriculum design. In the past I have facilitated the development and State Board of Education approval of education standards relating to agriculture and natural resources.

Kurt Hansbury

hansburykurtREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(207) 216-2954

Director
The Butcher Barn
1467 VT - 128
Westford VT, 05494

Hannah Harrington

hannahfharrington9REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 345-2664


Community Kitchen Academy
vtfoodbank.org/nurture-people/community-kitchen-academy
20 Gable Place
Barre Vermont, 05641


Feeding Chittenden
feedingchittenden.org
228 North Winooski Ave.
Burlington Vermont, 05401

My name is Hannah Harrington and I am the Service Coordinator at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, working on program development for the Community Kitchen Academy job training program and helping people connect and apply for needed services and benefits. I am a Vermonter and alumna of University of Vermont, graduating with a B.S. in Community and International Development and a M.S. in Community Development and Applied Economics. During that time I focused on studying and researching food systems, specifically local food systems and the challenges and opportunities in store for Vermont’s local food system now and in the future. Food and cooking are some of my greatest passions, in addition to exploring the Vermont outdoors on mountain bike or skis and making pottery pieces for the kitchen. I am driven to work towards a more equitable food system that gets healthy food to everyone, as good, nutritious food can provide humankind with strength, medicine, economic opportunity, and happiness.

Ali Hartman

aliREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@mktgrafton.com
(856) 305-6926

Owner
MKT: Grafton
mktgrafton.com
162 Main Street
Grafton Vermont, 05146

MKT was born in the summer of 2015 from a love of good food and great community. Its owners, Ali Hartman and June Lupiani, are friends, foodies, and moms with a love of their homes in Grafton. They wanted to build something great in this little community. Something designed to deliver goodness, kindness, deliciousness in everyday moments. They knew their experiences and skills were worth more together than apart, so they joined forces and jumped in. The women are working together to bring the concept to life, creating menus, restoring a 200 year old building, designing events, and gathering neighbors. We are proud to provide exceptional food in a gorgeous Vermont setting. In addition to our range of cheese, meat, bakery and groceries, MKT offers breakfast and dinner to go, brunch on the weekends and lunch everyday. We are a premier caterer of special events in Southern Vermont, producing delicious, unforgettable meals for our clients. MKT is the product of our passion and our purpose. We couldn't be more excited to share it with you.

Bob Hatton

bobREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@salvationfarms.org
802-338-9096

Vermont Commodity Operations Manager

Debra Heleba

debra.helebaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
802.651.8335


Northeast SARE
northeastsare.org
140 Kennedy Drive, Suite 201
University of Vermont
South Burlington Vermont, 05403

I am the communications specialist for the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, a competitive grants and education program serving the twelve Northeast states and D.C.

Christine Hubbard

christineREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@merckforest.org
802-394- 7836

Education director
Merck Forest and Farmland Center
merckforest.org
Route 315
Rupert Vermont, 05768

Education director at Merck Forest and Farmland Center.

Andrew Hudacs

andrew.hudacsREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 828-3892

Education Program Coordinator
Vermont Agency of Education
education.vermont.gov
219 North Main Street, Ste. 402
Barre VT, 05641

I am responsible for professional development and education program development in career and technical education.

Kristen Hughes

krunyonhughesREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@nmcinc.org
802.524.1219

More to come....

Jen Hyatt

jhyattREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@burrburton.org
802-549-8143

Academic Dean
Burr and Burton Academy
burrburton.org
57 Seminary Ave
Manchester Vermont, 05254

Academic Dean at Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, VT.

Eileen Illuzzi

eileen.illuzziREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@ncsuvt.org
(802) 334-5469

Director
North Country Career Center
209 Veterans Ave
Newport VT, 05855

I'm creating educational programs that teach students about a variety of careers, including those available in the Sustainable Food Systems field.

Ellen Kahler

ellenREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
(802) 828-5320

Executive Director
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602

I assist in coordinating the Farm to Plate Network and our organization is responsible for implementing the Farm to Plate Initiative, at the request of the Vermont Legislature. I serve on the Boards of Red Tomato, the Working Lands Enterprise Fund, and the Sustainable Agriculture Council. I am also active in helping other New England states in developing their own food system plans and implementation efforts.

Jonathan Kaplan

jdk02220REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@lsc.vsc.edu
(802) 751-9903

Adjunct Faculty
Lyndon State College
lyndonstate.edu
1001 College Road
Lyndon VT, 05851

I educate students on the ecology of food production, the role of food choices in personal health and sustainable food systems. I also have a unique background, having been an organic vegetable grower, executive chef, hot lunch program director and commodity trader recruiter. I have a Doctorate in Botany and Plant Pathology

Liz Kenton

liz.kentonREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
(802) 257-7967 x308

Youth Agriculture Project Coordinator
University of Vermont Extension (Brattleboro)
uvm.edu/extension
130 Austine Drive
Suite 300
Brattleboro VT, 05301

I teach youth tractor safety and coordinate other programs and professional development to help young people build life and job skills through hands-on learning about food, nutrition, and agriculture.

Jacqueline Labate

jacqueline.labateREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com


Corinth-Topsham Local Resource Network
localresourcenetwork.org

Corinth VT, 05040

Sadie Laing

sadieklaingREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(507) 269-1039

Community Service Member
Maplehill School and Community Farm
maplehillschoolandfarm.org
1329 John Fowler Road
Plainfield Vermont, 05667

Greg Lang

glangREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@killington.com
802-422-6913

Executive Chef
Killington Grand Resort & Preston's Restaurant
killington.com
228 east mountain road
Killington Vt, 05763

With a lifetime of travel and passion for food, Chef Lang has crafted rich and flavorful menus up and down the East Coast. After honing his skills at the New England Culinary Institute, Greg brought his creative eye and love for raw, natural local products to some of the country’s finest hotels and resorts in Virginia, Tennessee, New York and New England. As Executive Chef, he brings his diverse background and innovative menus to Killington, highlighting the best of regional cuisine and exceptional local ingredients.

Douglas Lantagne

doug.lantagneREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
(802) 656-2990

As Dean of University of Vermont Extension, I help support and fund the work of many faculty and staff involved in multiple parts of the food system. As Director of the UVM Food System Spire I help to develop internal connections to increase interest and work on the food system, external connections to strengthen the network of interested organziaitonas providing input to UVM, and I help to expand the understanding of the food systems related work that UVM is engaged in throughout the state.

Lindsey Lathrop

lindseyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@navicate.org
(802) 734-2802

Assistant Director
Navicate
52 Institute Rd.
Burlington Vermont, 05408

Lindsey Lathrop is the Assistant Director for Navicate. She has assisted with the organization’s expansion over the past 6 years to over 55 middle and high schools, impacting thousands of youth each year. She directs the organization’s marketing and development efforts as well as leads a statewide partnership for Navicate’s internship program, TIPS, and career exposure program, Learn to Earn. She is also excited about starting a *new* young women’s program in January 2014 called LEAD IN with Vermont Works for Women. Lindsey holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. She served on the Board of Directors for the YWCA Vermont, an organization with a mission of “eliminating racism and empowering women.” Lindsey is also a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) through HRCI. She graduated from the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Champlain program in 2010 and received her Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Marlboro College in fall 2012. She also recognized as a Vermont Business Magazine Rising Star in 2012 and is a member of the National Association of Professional Women. Lindsey lives in Burlington, VT and you can find her on her yoga mat, outside running, enjoying a cup of coffee, or strolling the streets with her giant dog, Jake.

Christine Lazor

cmlazorREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@butterworksfarm.com
802-744-6023


Butterworks Farm
butterworksfarm.com
421 Trumpass Road
Westfield VT, 05874

Amy Lewis

amy.lewisREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@ccv.edu
(802) 828-2955

Coordinator of Academic Services - Workforce Education
Community College of Vermont
ccv.edu
660 Elm Street
Montpelier VT, 05601

The Community College of Vermont is Vermont’s second largest college, serving over 7,000 students each semester. With twelve locations and extensive online learning options, our students don’t have to travel far from their communities to access our degree and certificate programs, workforce, secondary and continuing education opportunities, and academic and veterans support services.

Alex Linkow

alinkowREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@fairfoodnetwork.org
(734) 730-3558

Program Director
Fair Food Network
fairfoodnetwork.org
205 East Washington Street
Ann Arbor MI, 48104

I direct the Fair Food Fund, which provides patient financing and business assistance to local food enterprises that support small and mid-scale farms in the Northeast.

Catherine Lowther

cvlowtherREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@verizon.net


Goddard College
goddard.edu
123 Pitkin Road
Plainfield VT, 05667

Goddard College Faculty BA in Sustainability Program Chair Sustainability Team

Heather Lynch

hellisREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@smcvt.edu
(802) 654-2733

Sustainability Coordinator - Associate Director of Facilities
Saint Michael's College
smcvt.edu/On-Campus/Green-Campus.aspx
1 Winooski Park
Box 5
Colchester Vermont, 05439

Since 2008, I have been the Sustainability Coordinator at Saint Michael’s College. I facilitate the development of strategies for incorporating environmental sustainability into the academic, residential and operational activities of Saint Michael’s College. In addition to running the Office of Sustainability, I manage the college's Organic Garden, Recycling & Compost Program, advise Green Up, our student environmental club, collaborate with community organizations, work closely with the Environmental Studies major and much more. Prior to my current role: Campus Climate Intern at Clean Air Cool Planet, and Environmental Center Intern at Fort Lewis College. I received a Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems from Green Mountain College in July 2015 and am on the Advisory Board for Sodexo's Vermont First Initiative (2015-2016).

Crystal Maderia

kismetkitchenREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@yahoo.com
(802) 223-8646


Kismet
kismetkitchens.com
52 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05602

Like the taste of spring maple to the patient vermonter, KISMET is the gift given to hard work and honest intention. KISMET, means fate, or Good Karma returned, & is the heart of our philosophy, the reason we remain dedicated to our local economy, and what we hope may encourage and inspire a whole community. KISMET is a farm to table community oriented restaurant, chef owned and operated since 2006. After many years traveling and studying around the world, I opened Kismet in 2006. Through the seasons, I meet with my team and plan the weekly menus from produce and products at their peak, the best of the season’s colors and aromas. The menus we plan are for our own children and community; truly inspired by our travels, our stories, our love for each other, and the celebration of good health.

Kathryn Maieli

vagabondvintnerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 233-1270

Winemaker/Consultant
Vagabond Vintner
409 Passumpsic Avenue
White River Juction Vermont, 05001

As a hobby winemaker for many years and a retired educator, Vagabond Vintner's mission is to bring winemaking home to others by providing instruction, consulting and access to grapes, juices and winemaking supplies and equipment. With its mobile microwinery, Vagabond Vintner can transport this "old-world ambiance" to any location.

John Mandeville

jtmandevilleREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@yahoo.com
(802) 472-8902

Executive Director
Central Vermont Council on Aging
cvcoc.org
59 N. Main St., Ste.200
Barre VT, 05641

Support and promotion for local agriculture, particularly value-added and sustainable ag and food production.

DJ Masi

dj.masiREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 793-8309


VocRehab Vermont
vocrehab.vermont.gov
63 Professional Drive
Morristown VT, 05661


Creative Workforce Solutions
cwsvt.com
103 South Main Street, Weeks 1A
Waterbury Vermont, 05671-2303

CWS Business Account Manager Morrisville Region Interested in learning about the diversified agricultural sector of Vermont's economy and food system employment opportunities-skills and attributes needed to be successful. I enjoy getting out into the field to meet with business owners and managers to better understand their operations and expectations for employees. Feel free to contact me!

Lauren Masseria

lauren.masseriaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov


Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620

Chef Jean-Luc Matecat

stayREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@weathersfieldinn.com
802-263-9217

Executive Chef
The Inn at Weathersfield
weathersfieldinn.com
1342 VT Route 106
Perkinsville Vermont, 05151

Executive Chef of The Inn at Weathersfield, a New England Premier Culinary Inn in Southeastern Vermont. The inn offers 12 en-suite guest rooms, highly acclaimed restaurant and tavern, organic heirloom vegetable garden and The Hidden Kitchen, the inn's on-site cooking classroom studio.

Alissa Matthews

alissa.matthewsREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
802-505-1661


Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620

Lisa McCrory

lmccrory560REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-234-5524

Co-Owner
Earthwise Farm & Forest
earthwisefarmandforest.com/index.html
341 Macintosh Hill Rd
Randolph Vermont, 05060

Earthwise Farm & Forest is a certified organic, draft-animal powered family farm located in Bethel, Vermont, and operated by Carl Russell and Lisa McCrory. We produce and sell certified organic Raw Milk, poultry (Chicken and Heritage Turkey),Beef, Garlic, vegetables, Flowers, and non-organic (though non-GMO) eggs & Pastured Pork, Pottery, and lumber.

Katie Michels

katieREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vhcb.org

Katie Michels

kmichelsREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermontcf.org

Bobbie Milligan

bmilliganREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@billingsfarm.org
(802) 457-5318


Billings Farm & Museum
billingsfarm.org
5302 River Road
Woodstock Vermont, 05091

Bobbie Milligan is the Associate Director of Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock. She has charge of public relations, marketing, fundraising, community engagement, retail sales and visitor services for the organization.

Ryan Morra

rmorraREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@shelburnefarms.org
802-985-0343


Shelburne Farms
shelburnefarms.org
1611 Harbor Road
Shelburne VT, 05482

Ryan works in many capacities on and off Shelburne Farms facilitating professinal development for educators around Education for Sustainability (EFS) through the Sustainable Schools Project and as the Farm to School Professional Learning Coordinator for Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day), a joint project of Shelburne Farms and NOFA-Vermont. You will also see him teaching in our school programs and working with the students and teachers at our partner schools, including the Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes Elementary in the Old North End of Burlington. Ryan’s connection to education, food, farming, environmental and social justice runs deep, beginning with three years of service throughout the country through AmeriCorps NCCC before entering college. Ryan received his B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Warren Wilson College, where he apprenticed in carpentry, sustainable forestry, and environmental education. Afterwards, he acquired his teaching license in 7-12 General Science through a fellowship at Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center in Estes Park, CO. There, he explored innovative place-based and project-based teaching models for his practice, and it eventually led him to an Advisor position at Big Picture South Burlington, an innovative, public school-within-a-school where students design their own individualized learning through projects and internships. Throughout his educational journey, Ryan interspersed myriad agricultural and outdoor adventures, including farming in Tuscany at the agro-tourism family farm Spannocchia, mountaineering in Patagonia, Chile, working as a backcountry caretaker with the Green Mountain Club, and leading a Vermont Youth Conservation Corps high school crew. Ryan received his M.S. through the Field Naturalist & Ecological Planning Program at UVM, where he created a place-based education initiative in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico that was modeled after the UVM-Shelburne Farms PLACE Program.

Orly Munzing

orlyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@strollingoftheheifers.com
802-258-9177

Founder
Strolling of the Heifers
strollingoftheheifers.com
157 Main St
Brattleboro Vermont, 05301

Orly is the founder and executive director of Strolling of the Heifers. Drawing on her 20-year background as an educational consultant, she gathered a group of volunteers in 2001 to help focus attention on the difficulties of small family farms in the Brattleboro region. In 2002, they organized the first annual Strolling of the Heifers, a parade and festival celebrating farmers and aiming to connect people with healthy local food. With the growth in the local foods movement since then, “the Stroll” has expanded to a full weekend which is annually rated one of Vermont’s Top Ten Summer Events (and in 2013 was rated one of America’s Top 10 Summer Festivals). Under Orly’s leadership, over the years Strolling of the Heifers launched educational programs, a microloan fund, and farm internship program for youth, which are now all carried on by other organizations. In 2011, the Slow Living Summit was added, immediately preceding Stroll Weekend. Strolling of the Heifers also currently organizes the Vermont Farm/Food Business Plan Competition in collaboration with Vermont Technical College.

Matt Myers

matthew.myersREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
802-661-8473

Matt Myers, a UVM Extension employee, is in the process of creating a new UVM internship program that will place students from across academic disciplines into different sectors of Vermont's food system, giving them valuable hands-on experience to prepare them for future work in Vermont. In 2009, Matt started UVM Extension's "Vermont Rebates for Roll Bars Program" to address farmers' leading cause of death, the tractor roll over. This program remains strong four years later with over 400 farmer calls to the informational hotline and 145 roll bars installed, providing 99% protection from death in the event of a roll over. This work received national recognition from NIOSH in 2012.

Jennifer Nelson

Jenny_NelsonREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@sanders.senate.gov
(802) 748-0191

Agriculture Policy Advisor
Office of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders
sanders.senate.gov
51 Depot Square
St. Johnsbury VT, 05819

Riley Neugebauer

rileyneugebauerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com


Farm to Institution New England
farmtoinstitution.org
3 Linden Road
Hartland VT, 05048

I have focused much of my working life after graduation from Allegheny College on sustainability and food systems, community organizing, and youth engagement. She served previously at both American University and Skidmore College as a Sustainability Coordinator and has helped both of those campuses start successful CSA programs with local farmers, and spent significant time at Skidmore in partnerships with students, faculty, dining services, distributors, and the Real Food Challenge to assess and analyze the local food purchases of the college and collaborate on plans to increase these purchases. Riley also worked with Center for Whole Communities and Knoll Farm in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. Riley currently serves as the Farm & Sea to Campus Coordinator for Farm to Institution New England (FINE), and is based in midcoast Maine.

Lu Neuse

lneuseREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@retreatfarm.org
802-490-2270

Program Director
Retreat Farm Ltd.
retreatfarm.org
45 Farmhouse Square
Brattleboro Vermont, 05301

Program Director at Retreat Farm in Brattleboro. I also like to grow and eat vegetables, and feel lucky to live in a place with such amazing local food.

Mary Niebling

mnieblingREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@capstonevt.org
802-477-5118

Director, Community Economic Development
Capstone Community Action
capstonevt.org
20 Gable Place
Barre Vermont, 05641

Mariah Noth

mariahREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vhcb.org
(802) 828-1098


Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program
vhcb.org/viability
VT Housing & Conservation Board
58 East State Street
Montpelier VT, 05602

Vermont Farm and Forest Viability Program Outreach & Communications Coordinator

Kelly Nottermann

kellyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
(802) 828-1121


Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602

Emily Nummer

emily.nummerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vacd.org


Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
vacd.org
P.O. Box 566
Waitsfield VT, 05673

Kevin O'Donnell

KGODonnell34REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 380-1560

Principal
Llenroc Consulting
29 Deerfield drive
Montpelier Vermont, 05602

Kevin is a lifelong hospitality student having been a part of the industry for over 4 decades now. Having lived in Vermont for over 25 years and managed two of Vermont’s premier properties, The Inn at Shelburne Farms and the Old Tavern at Grafton, during which time he was recognized as the Borden E. Avery “Innkeeper of the Year “ for the state of Vermont. Kevin has chaired the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to the Governor’s Travel and Recreation Council that he also chaired for a number of years. He is the sole principal of Llenroc consulting which specializes in ethical solutions for the hospitality industry, with a focus on boutique hotels, country clubs, and restaurants, and a diverse group of food and beverage operations. Kevin currently is the Vice President of the Vermont Fresh Network and is one of only a few non attorney members to sit on the Vermont Responsibility Board, which administers guidance and discipline for the Vermont bar Association. Kevin most recently was the Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations at the New England Institute where he was responsible for all of the food & beverage outlets that the college maintained as part of their education model including: National Life, LA Brioche Bakery, NECI on Main, NECI Catering, Vermont College and Husky in Milton, Vermont. Kevin earned a B.S. in Hotel Administration from Cornell University and a culinary degree from SUNY Cobleskill, where he has been most recently inducted into both the Business and Athletic Hall of Fame the only graduate to be in both.

Emma Paradis

emmaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@ruralvermont.org


Rural Vermont
ruralvermont.org
46 East State St
Montpelier VT, 05602

Co-Coordinator
Regeneration Corps
regenerationcorps.org
375 Snowbridge Rd
Barre Vermont, 05641

Operations Director, Rural Vermont

Tim Patterson

tpattersonREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@sterlingcollege.edu
8025867711 ext 124

Director of Admissions
Sterling College
sterlingcollege.edu
16 Sterling Drive
Craftsbury Common Vermont, 05827

The Sterling College dining hall serves a higher proportion of local food than any other college or university dining hall in the country. After buying land in Craftsbury in 2010, I rediscovered Sterling College, and realized that its mission of environmental stewardship completely resonated with me. If I hadn't left Vermont, I don't think I would have developed the same level of appreciation for this wonderful place. I serve as Director of Admission & Financial Aid.

Olivia Peña

oliviapenavtREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com

Jay Ramsey

jay.ramseyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
802-479-1343


Vermont Agency of Education
education.vermont.gov
219 North Main Street, Ste. 402
Barre VT, 05641

I am the State Director for Career Technical Education at the Agency of Education. I serve on the Registered Apprenticeship Council at the VT Department of Labor. I live in Montpelier and work in Barre.

Bob Rathbun

rrathburnREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@seedway.com
(888) 863-9099


Seedway Distribution
seedway.com
3442 VT Route 22A
Shoreham VT, 05770

Kendra Rickerby

klrickerbyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-238-5760


Vermont Agency of Education
education.vermont.gov
219 North Main Street, Ste. 402
Barre VT, 05641

Patrick Ripley

patREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@lamoilleeconomy.org
802.888.5640


Central Vermont Council on Aging
cvcoc.org
59 N. Main St., Ste.200
Barre VT, 05641

Jeff Roberts

cowcreekREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@attglobal.net
(802) 656-8300

Principal Consultant
Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese
nutrition.uvm.edu/viac
109 Carrigan Drive
255 Carrigan Wing Building
Burlington VT, 05401

A resident of Montpelier Vermont, Jeff Roberts is president of Cow Creek Creative Ventures, dedicated to developing solutions in the areas of agriculture and food policy, conservation, the environment, and community economic development. He is co-founder of the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese at the University of Vermont. His book, The Atlas of American Artisan Cheese (Chelsea Green, 2007), was the first comprehensive survey of small-scale producers. He is a member of Guilde Internationale des Fromagers. He teaches the history and culture of food at the New England Culinary Institute, is a visiting professor at the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Science, provides consulting services to a wide array of small-scale food producers, and is a frequent speaker in Europe and the United States on artisan food, sustainable agriculture, and the working landscape. During his career, Jeff was a meteorologist, museum curator and historian, and director of development at the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia. From 1987 – 1994, he was associate dean for at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. From 1995 – 1998, he was vice president for external affairs for the Vermont Land Trust. For more than a decade, Jeff was active in Slow Food International and USA, including service as a director and treasurer of the national board; locally he served as a director of the Central Vermont Community Land Trust; Vermont Arts Council; and Vermont Fresh Network.

Shane Rogers

shane.rogers709REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-828-0404

Helen Rortvedt

helenREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@nofavt.org
802-434-4122 x12


NOFA Vermont
nofavt.org
14 Pleasant Street
Richmond VT, 05477

Betsy Rosenbluth

brosenbluthREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@shelburnefarms.org
985-8686


Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day)
vtfeed.org
1611 Harbor Road
Shelburne VT, 05482

Dave Rubin

drubinREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@cvcac.org
(802) 479-1053


CVCAC Barre Food Shelf
cvcac.org/finding-a-food-shelf
20 Gable Place
Barre Vermont, 05641

Lynn Rublee

lrubleeREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@umbrellanek.org

Associate Director
Umbrella
umbrellanek.org
1222 Main Street Ste. 301
St. Johnsbury Vermont, 05819

Program Manager for Cornucopia, a culinary training program for women in transition.

Liz Ruffa

lizREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@merckforest.org
(802) 394-2579

Project Director
Northshire Grows
147 Green Peak Orchard North
East Dorset Vermont, 05253

Liz Ruffa is the Director of Institutional Advancement at Merck Forest & Farmland Center, a 3,200 acre conserved property in Rupert, VT. Merck Forest is on a mission to inspire curiosity, love and responsibility for working and natural lands. Liz lives in East Dorset where she continues to champion regional food systems through her work as a member of the Dorset Select Board.

Tom Sabo

tomsREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@mpsvt.org


Center for Sustainable Systems
cssvt.org
PO Box 1345
Montpelier VT, 05601

Tom Sabo is a science teacher and sustainability educator at Montpelier High School and the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Sustainable Systems (CSS). Tom manages two greenhouses and numerous gardens at MHS that are used extensively across the school's curriculum and provide food for the cafeteria. Through the CSS, Tom offers professional development classes and workshops to help teachers design relevant and rigorous food systems curricula.

Dominick Santa Maria

ottercreekorganicberryREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com


Otter Creek Organic Berry Farm
3794 Otter Creek Rd
Addison Vermont, 05491

Otter Creek Organic Berry Farm is a small, burgeoning, berry farm in Addison, Vermont. We grow blueberries, raspberries, jostaberries, gooseberries, red and champagne currants, and other fine fruit. We hope to have our organic certification soon, but we have never used a single chemical on the fruit- instead only relying on sustainable practices to grow fantastic fruit.

Patricia Sears

patricia.searsREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@discovernewportvt.com
(802) 323-1056

CEO
NEKTI Consulting
nekticonsulting.com
52 Finnegan Road
Lowell VT, 05847

As Executive Director of Newport City Renaissance Corporation I have developed the Newport. Fresh by Nature. program that has received start-up funds from USDA-RD Rural Business Enterprise Grant. The program connects local farms to downtown restaurants and markets restaurants that include and increase the amount of locally grown and produced ingredients on their menus. The annual Taste of Newport event is a walking tour of downtown Newport visiting the participating restaurants and tasting their menu selections made of seasonally fresh ingredients. Newport. Fresh by Nature. also celebrates Newport's community gardens and promotes the Newport Farmer's Market and Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center. Marketing downtown Newport as a culinary destination for a true farm-to-table experience and job creation are major goals of this program. Green Mountain Farm Direct is a partner in this program.

Jaime Silverstein

jaimeREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@nofavt.org


NOFA Vermont
nofavt.org
14 Pleasant Street
Richmond VT, 05477

Margaret Skinner

mskinnerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
(802) 656-5440

Research Professor
University of Vermont
uvm.edu/~saffron
University of Vermont
Burlington Vermont, 05405

Dr. Margaret Skinner is a Research Professor and Extension Entomologist at the Univ. of Vermont, Entomology Research Lab, where she has worked for 36 years, conducting research on management of a wide array of insect pests in forests, vegetables and greenhouse ornamentals. Her current primary target pests are aphids in high-tunnel vegetables and western flower thrips in greenhouse ornamentals. She works on developing strategies to maximize the potential of insect-killing fungi and plant-mediated systems. As the UVM Extension Entomologist she assists professional growers and homeowners with pest id and IPM. She co-founded the North American Center for Saffron Research & Development, which seeks to develop the potential of this high-value crop to increase revenue generation options for small family farms through greater diversification.

Julie Smith

julie.m.smithREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
802-656-4496

Extension Associate Professor
UVM/ASCI
blog.uvm.edu/jmsmith
570 Main Street
Terrill Bldg
Burlington VT, 05405

Julie Smith is an Extension Dairy Specialist based in the Department of Animal Science of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Vermont. Her programs focus on biosecurity and preventive animal health management. She is currently working on an interdisciplinary project to better prepare farms and communities to implement biosecurity plans in the face of a highly contagious disease emergency. Julie graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences, a DVM, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition from Cornell University.

Daniel Smith

dan.smithREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsc.edu
802-224-3014

As a main point of contact between the Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges, community members and policymakers across the state, part of my role is to help align the five colleges in the system to the needs to of the Vermont community, including the needs of the enterprises that make up the food system and agricultural economy.

Theresa Snow

TheresaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@salvationfarms.org
(802) 522-3148

Executive Director
Salvation Farms
salvationfarms.org
PO Box 1174
49 Portland Street
Morrisville VT, 05661

Theresa has worked in Vermont’s agricultural sector for more than 20 years. She founded Salvation Farms in 2004, receiving both regional and national awards including the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility's Young Changemaker Award. Theresa has a degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management from Sterling College, has worked for Vermont agricultural businesses like Pete’s Greens and High Mowing Organic Seeds, and filled a Director of Agricultural Resources position with the Vermont Foodbank. Theresa has co-facilitated a national working group focused on infrastructure needs to manage farm surplus with the Harvard Food Law & Policy Clinic, served as an advisor for a World Wildlife Fund directed research project looking to maximize farm resources in America, and is a founding Board Member of the national Association of Gleaning Organizations. In Vermont, her work has included service to more than 100 farms, engaging community members in thousands of hours of volunteer opportunities, providing millions of servings of surplus produce to marginalized populations, offering technical assistance to partner organizations, and collaborating with diverse partners from inmates to state agencies. Theresa has a steadfast conviction for the responsible stewardship and use of our natural resources with a parallel dedication to the engagement of individuals across the socio-economic spectrum in the work that she leads.

Dean Stearns

dstearnsREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@rbctc.org
(802) 222-5212

Director
Riverbend Career and Technical Center
rbctc.org
36 Oxbow Drive
Bradford VT, 05033

Karen Dillon and Stephen Pite

smp109REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 279-3300

Co-Owner
Willett's Bend Farms
2664 Rt 12
Berlin
Berlin Vermont, 05602

Filmmakers. Educators. Idealists. Farmers. Moved from Kansas where we ran a magazine dedicated to promoting the sustainable farming in NE Kansas and a small sheep (fiber) operation. Start up goat dairy and larger scale sustainable crop farming here in Central VT with high hopes!

Rene Thibault

rthibaultREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@newenglanddairy.com
802-673-7057

PR & Communications Specialist
New England Dairy Promotion Board
mustbethemilk.com
The Woolen Mill
20 West Canal St., Suite C13
Winooski Vermont, 05404

Eleanor Tison

tisoneREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@greenmtn.edu

Sustainable Agriculture faculty
Green Mountain College
greenmtn.edu
1 Brennan Circle
Poultney VT, 05764

Aaron Townshend

atownshendREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@pahcc.org
(802) 382-1010

President
Vermont Agricultural Teacher's Association
51 Charles Street
Middlebury VT, 05753

Martha Trombley-Oakes

mtrombleyoakesREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermontcf.org
802-388-3355 ext. 225

Kate Turcotte

kate.turcotteREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com

Jon Turner

wildrootsfarmvtREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com

Manager
Wild Roots Farm Vermont
wildrootsfarmvermont.com
195 Harvey Road
Bristol Vermont, 05443

Jon Turner operates Wild Roots Farm in Addison County, Vermont, where he provides opportunities for students, veterans and community members to engage with diverse & ecological food systems, through workshops, internships and social gatherings. Wild Roots Farm Vermont is a 10.5 acre farmstead operation, that is actively engaged in restoring diversity above and below ground by using appropriate, site specific design, agro-forestry practices, and bio-mass inputs. Jon currently sits as chair for the Agricultural Task Force on the Greater Middlebury Economic Climate Committee and is a board member for NOFA-Vt. More information about the farm and it's impact can be found at www.wildrootsfarmvermont.com

Graham Unangst-Rufenacht

graham.rufenachtREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 585-6236

Co-owner
Robinson Hill Beef
RobinsonHillBeef.com
1943 County Rd.
Montpelier Vermont, 05602

Robinson Hill Beef - RobinsonHillBeef.com - is seasonal grass and finished beef farm. It is co-owned by Graham Unangst-Rufenacht and Aaron Guman, and is a part of their larger organization, Walking Onion - WalkingOnion.com (which includes a perennial vegetable and medicinal plant nursery, and a home - farm scale permaculture design / install business). Our primary goals are the biological and regenerative management of land using day paddock and long rest period grazing systems, and agroforestry systems; and the direct local distribution of nutrient dense and healthy beef. We have dreams of have secure long term tenure on the land our animals will live, starting families, and cocreating diverse, agrarian, decentralized, democratic, and socially / economically / racially just communities in the land now called "Vermont".

Julia & Paul VanDerWielen

innkeeperREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@themarblewestinn.com
(802) 867-0400

Chefs & Innkeepers
The Marble West Inn
themarblewestinn.com
1847 Dorset West Road
Dorset Vermont, 05251

We are the Chefs & Innkeepers of The Marble West Inn. Our Inn highlights the abundance of the Taconic Mountain Valley. There are no set menus at The Marble West Inn. Instead, guests are offered a multi-course experience featuring the best offerings from our gardens, our partner farms, local markets and purveyors. We offer a true farm to table experience, and coordinate several events a year, highlighting Vermont agriculture.

Nancy VanWinkle

nvanwinkleREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@sterlingcollege.edu
(802) 586-7711


Sterling College
sterlingcollege.edu
16 Sterling Drive
Craftsbury Common Vermont, 05827

Sterling College, located in the heart of Vermont’s rural agricultural economy and vibrant local food system, and The Rian Fried Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems encompass our educational Farm, Forest, and Kitchen, bachelor's degree programs in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, and continuing education programs through the School of the New American Farmstead. Sterling students play an integral role in food production, as Sterling is a federally recognized Work College, with all students working to defray the cost of their education.

Jim Verzino

jimREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@strollingoftheheifers.com
(802) 242-1249

Entrepreneur in Residence
Windham Grows
windhamgrows.org
157 Main St.
Brattleboro Vermont, 05301

I help farm and food entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses as Entrepreneur in Residence at Windham Grows.

Roxanne Vought

roxannevREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vbsr.org
802.862.8347

Program Manager
Vermont Intern Program
internvt.org
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
255 South Champlain Street, Suite 11
Burlington Vermont, 05401

Roxanne Vought, Internship Program and Special Projects Manager, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR). A graduate of UVM, Roxanne started her career through a series of internships with Burlington area non-profits, and continued with positions at Carbon Harvest Energy and UVM Continuing Education, where she spent 8 years helping students of all ages connect with opportunities for learning, enrichment and professional development. Having come of age in farm country, she shares a great passion for food systems and agriculture, and has both studied Food Systems at UVM and worked with the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture promoting Vermont Land Link – a land linking platform for farm seekers and property owners. A frequent performer and teacher, Roxanne lives in Burlington with her partner, Nate Plasha, and enjoys time outside, in the kitchen, on stage and in the classroom.

Doug Webster

doug.websterREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 828-3892

Cheryl Werner

cwernerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@pahcc.org
(802) 382-1013

Sustainable Landscapes, Food Production & Turf Management Instructor
Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center
hannafordcareercenter.org
51 Charles Avenue
Middlebury VT, 05753

Joan West

Joan.westREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802)760-8159

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital
350 Fisher Road
Berlin Vermont, 05633

I am a Registered Dietitian, currently working at the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital. I am working to increase Hands-on-Nutrition education opportunities for my patients. Opportunities provide a therapeutic experience, as well as teaching and/or enhancing skills to enable patients to prepare basic healthy meals utilizing foods they routinely have available to them.

Sophie Westover

swestoverREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmfts.org
(603) 277-1169


Green Mountain Farm-to-School
greenmountainfarmtoschool.org
115 2nd Street
Newport VT, 05855

Communications and Development Coordinator for Green Mountain Farm-to-School.

Bob Whittaker

bob.whittakerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@lyndonstate.edu
802-274-2662

Dean of Institutional Advancement
Lyndon State College
lyndonstate.edu
1001 College Road
Lyndon VT, 05851

Lindsay Wieland

lwielandREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@smcvt.edu
(802) 654-3272

Director VT EPSCoR Center for Workforce Development & Diversity (CWDD)
UVM Research on Adaptation to Climate Change (RACC) EPSCoR
uvm.edu/~epscor/new02/?q=node/30
23 Mansfield Avenue
Burlington Vermont, 05401

Website: www.uvm.edu/~cwdd

Molly Willard

mwillard2REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vtc.edu
(802) 535-5315

Project Manager for Agricultural Training
Vermont Tech
vtc.edu
124 Main Street
Randolph VT, 05061

owner
Willow Brook Farm
willowbrookfarmvt.com
43 slack street
peacham Vermont, 05873

I grew up and currently live in Peacham, Vermont. I have a Bachelors of Science in Botany and a Masters in Place-Based Education. I work at Vermont Tech as the Market Garden Manager and Agriculture Training Specialist. I'm the director of the Governors Institute: Farms, Food and Your Future.

Abbey Willard

abbey.willardREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 272-2885


Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620

I actively participate in the Aggregation and Distribution Working Group, Food Access Crosscutting Team, and Farm to Institution Task Force. My position attends to the following aspects related to strengthening VT's food system: farm to institution program development, support for farmers' markets and CSAs, food access issues including EBT at farmers' markets, increasing local food in state government, food hub liaison, and management of the GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) and local food market development matching grant programs.

Molly Willard

MWillard2REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vtc.vsc.edu
(802) 535-5315

Elizabeth Willhite

bethREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@royaltonfarms.com
(802) 369-0211

Office Manager
Royalton Farms
royaltonfarms.com
208 Chelsea St.
south royalton Vermont, 05068

About Us: Our farms are special because of the people who work there, the animals we caretake, and the town where we are located. Sure we have, in our opinion, some of the best genetic lines of Wagyu and Berkshire, but the real reason our end product is better is the environment within which these animals are raised. Our farmers are a mixture of local Vermonters, New Englanders, and former urban dwellers who sought out a more bucolic way of life. What they all have in common is their passion for the land, the animals, and farming as a way of life not just a way to make a living. Our farmers work in concert with each other while each individual is able to focus on specific areas of the farm that he or she is uniquely qualified to manage. We believe producing quality meat can only be achieved if we produce superb crops, manage pastures for optimum nutrition, and maintain all farm buildings to ensure animals comfort and health. Our animals are unique for a myriad of reasons. Obviously our Wagyu Cattle, Mangalitsa and Berkshire Pork have unique traits which make our end product unique. Our customers include some of the highest rated restaurants in New England. Our goal is to raise exceptional meats. Our land is situated in Royalton Vermont and offers some of the best agricultural lands in the prettiest setting. We are situated in a community where farming isn’t a novelty but rather a family tradition. We are lucky to be able to rely on our neighbors who also farm and enjoy the sense of community we feel when we are able to work together to produce healthy foods for our family, friends, and business partners. This is what makes our farm special. Please contact us today to discuss the possibility of joining our team. This isn’t just a business, this is our home.

Enid Wonnacott

enidREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@nofavt.org
(802) 434-4122

Enid Wonnacott has been the Executive Director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont since 1987. NOFA-VT works to increase consumer access to local and organic foods, provides educational opportunities for farmers, gardeners and homesteaders, and offers technical assistance to commercial farmers. Wonnacott grew up in Weybridge, Vermont, attended St. Lawrence University and then returned home for a master’s degree in Natural Resource Planning from the University of Vermont. She lives in Huntington on a small homestead with her family.

Ali Zipparo

alexandra.zipparoREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
802-505-1822

Ali Zipparo manages the Vermont Farm to School and Childcare Program, which includes a grant program, at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.She works at the intersection of food access, wellness, and farm to institution market development, which includes local procurement in state government. She works on several inter-agency food initiatives, including a strategic task force focused on aligning the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Agency of Education, Department of Health and Department for Children and Families around farm to school/childcare goals. She also works very closely with partners in the Vermont Farm to School and Farm to Plate Networks to on projects to enhance food, farm and nutrition education in Vermont, benefiting the economy, health outcomes, and educational impact on Vermont children and families.