Changing local and regional food markets: perspectives from Vermont
Conference Year
January 2019
Abstract
Vermont is well-known for its robust local and regional food system, yet farm viability remains elusive. The state’s agricultural economy is heavily dependent on commodity dairy, an industry in grave peril. Local and regional markets offer potential options for new, existing and transitioning farmers, yet these markets are changing rapidly. We report on interviews from farmers selling to local and regional markets and the technical assistance providers and agricultural lenders who support them. We address these issues: how are farmers accessing these markets and surviving in a difficult marketplace? How are service and credit providers supporting them? What opportunities are emerging? What dangers do farmers face? To what extent and can these various actors work together to increase farm profitability and a strong rural economy?
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
David Conner
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Community Development and Applied Economics
Primary Research Category
Food & Environment Studies
Changing local and regional food markets: perspectives from Vermont
Vermont is well-known for its robust local and regional food system, yet farm viability remains elusive. The state’s agricultural economy is heavily dependent on commodity dairy, an industry in grave peril. Local and regional markets offer potential options for new, existing and transitioning farmers, yet these markets are changing rapidly. We report on interviews from farmers selling to local and regional markets and the technical assistance providers and agricultural lenders who support them. We address these issues: how are farmers accessing these markets and surviving in a difficult marketplace? How are service and credit providers supporting them? What opportunities are emerging? What dangers do farmers face? To what extent and can these various actors work together to increase farm profitability and a strong rural economy?