The Food Hub
A recent study by the Intervale Center and Rachel Schattman of the
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at UVM
investigated current production and marketing activities on Vermont
farms. Based on a survey of more than 300 farmers in Chittenden and
adjacent counties, this study concluded that there is great potential
for collaborative marketing in Vermont, especially efforts that allow
farms to maintain their own identities.
Click here to read the full report.
2007 VT Producer Survey--Read the preliminary report here.
2007 VT Consumer Survey--Read the preliminary report here.
Click here to view the Intervale Center Vermont Farm Survey
*NEW* FOOD BASKET INFORMATION
Overview
The Food Hub is a project of the Intervale Center that is in development. The Food Hub works with the community to identify emerging market opportunities for Vermont farmers. As part of a collaborative process, the IC will explore and implement creative strategies to assist farmers with securing new, stable markets.
Mission
The Food Hub is committed to building a community food system that connects Vermonters in ways that are convenient, profitable and honorable.
Goals
- Convenience – We aspire to offer Vermonters greater access to high-quality agricultural products while facilitating market entry and stability for farmers.
- Profitability – We will research and develop projects that enable Vermont farmers to generate a greater economic return while ensuring affordability to the community.
- Honor – We intend to foster a community food system that is built on trust, stability and equality, cherishes farmers and preserves the unique agricultural heritage of Vermont.
Food Hub Opportunities
Preliminary research into emerging markets has revealed several opportunities for Vermont farmers to expand production and diversify markets. Market trends include a growing business interest in community supported agriculture (CSA) programs for employees, widespread desire for extended seasonal availability of Vermont foods and broad interest in obtaining increased local products among restaurants, caterers, grocers and institutions. In response, we are considering the feasibility of implementing the following strategies to assist farmers with securing these growing markets: 1) facilitating a multi-farm CSA program 2) assisting Vermont farmers with developing shared season-extending storage facilities and 3) establishing an enhanced local brokerage service that consolidates products and coordinates marketing logistics and delivery. The overarching goal is to develop strategies and advance the Food Hub in a participatory manner that is aligned with our mission.
Multi-Farm CSA
Facilitate the creation of a multi-farm community supported agriculture program that will serve businesses and families in the Burlington metropolitan area.
- Workplace and neighborhood drop off allow for convenient access for the community; drop off programs relieve the pressure of on-farm exchanges and multi-farm arrangements allow farmers to specialize in production.
- CSA programs often translate to significant cost savings for community members and higher price points for farmers.
- CSA programs foster relationships between farmers and people that recognize the value of Vermont farms and their high quality products to our community. Multi-farm programs build trusting relationships between growers.
Shared Storage Facilities
Facilitate the creation of shared storage, season extending facilities that will promote a year round supply.
- Facilities will be in or near Burlington to ensure proximity to markets.
- Facilities will extend the season and allow for increased production. They will also enable consolidation of products to reach into larger markets and add value to products.
- Facilities will enable Vermont producers to contribute to a year-round, stable supply, promoting regional food security.
Local Brokerage Services
Coordinate the connections between growers and purchasers so that farmers can meet the needs of wholesale markets.
- Brokerage services can consolidate orders for large buyers and ensure proper delivery. They reduce the time farmers need to market and distribute their product and provide efficient, one stop shopping for buyers.
- Brokerage services work to add value to Vermont products and provide continued technical assistance to farmers. They also promote optimum matching between farmers and wholesale outlets that maximize value for both farmer and buyer.
- Nonprofit brokerage services focus on farmers’ needs and work to establish trusting relationships between broker and farmer. They also work to foster transparent connections that create consistent and fair prices.