Workshops

Schedule at a Glance

• 8:30 - 9:00: Registration
• 9:00 - 10:00: Keynote – Markets in Transition (Chase Center)
• 10:10 - 11:25: Workshop Session I

Protecting Your Markets with Safe Food Practices (Oakes 207)

Board of Directors 2.0  (Oakes 210)

Merchandising for Maximum Sales (Oakes 208)

Expanding Your Markets to Include Limited-Income Shoppers (Map Room)

CSA Software (Oakes 211)

Leveraging Customer Relationships Into Year Round Sales (Nina Thomas Classroom)

• 11:35 - 12:35: Mid-Morning Session

Vermont Farmers’ Market Association (VTFMA) Annual Meeting

Hands-On Skill Building Sessions: Direct Marketing Speed Networking or Sales Pitch Role Playing

• 12:35 - 1:35: Local Lunch and Networking
• 1:45 - 3:00: Workshop Session II

Pricing for Profit - Strategies for Diversified Farms (Nina Thomas Classroom)

EBT and Debit Cards at Farmers’ Markets: What Comes Next? (Oakes 211)

Maintaining Market Loyalty through Risk Management and Crisis Communication Plans (Oakes 207)

Agritourism: Hosting Visitors to Build Direct Market Relationships (Map Room)

Marketing Toolkit: Planning and Measurement Strategies (Oakes 208)

Effective Off-Farm CSA Management (Oakes 210)

Accounting for Farmers’ Markets (Canceled)

• 3:10 - 4:25: Workshop Session III

DigInVT - Opening a Web Portal on Vermont's Food and Agricultural Experiences (Oakes 207)

Business Planning for Farm Success (Map Room)

Brand Development (Nina Thomas Classroom)

Safe and Effective Food Demos (Oakes 211)

Farmers’ markets and other methods of creating value for farmers in Vermont: A Historical Perspective (Oakes 210)

Beyond Vendor Fees: Diversify Your Income (Chase Center)

Neighborhood Markets: Adapting the CSA Model for Low-Income Consumers (Oakes 208) 

 

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Keynote

 

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Markets in Transition: How Can Vermont’s Direct Markets Evolve with a Growing Local Foods Movement? (Chase Center)
Remember 20 years ago when local food purchasing almost exclusively happened at farmers’ markets, CSAs and farm stands? Take a look at the marketplace today and we see an explosion of new market outlets (even Wal-Mart wants to get on the local bandwagon!), increasingly diverse consumers, flashy media attention, and…more regulatory hurdles. Are these changes helping or hindering the local food movement?  Ellen Kahler and Jean Hamilton will reflect on recent findings from the Farm to Plate Strategic Plan, personal observations of direct marketing trends in Vermont, and critical questions of how direct marketers can continue to lead the local food movement with strong values and thriving practices.
 
Ellen Kahler has been the Executive Director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) since 2005. Throughout Ellen’s career, she has identified challenges and developed opportunities for Vermont’s business community to become economically strong, ecologically sustainable, and socially just.  As a leading coordinator of the Farm to Plate Strategic Plan, Ellen has spent the past two years deeply immersed in data collection and critical thinking about Vermont’s food and agricultural future.  More information about Farm to Plate can be found here: www.vsjf.org/project-details/5/farm-to-plate-strategic-plan. 

Jean Hamilton recently concluded a four-year term as NOFA-VT’s Market Development and Consumer Access Coordinator.  Over the past four years, Jean has had the opportunity to observe the local food marketplace through research, direct consultation with producers and consumers, and dialogue with food systems visionaries from Vermont and around the world.  Jean is now pursuing a Masters Degree in Food and Beverage Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.  

 

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Workshop Session I

 

10:10 am – 11:25 am

 

Protecting Your Markets with Safe Food Practices (Oakes 207)

Food safety has become an increasing concern for consumers, producers, and marketers.  While aspects of food safety regulations seem daunting, it is important that all food producers and marketers have a clear understanding of the risks associated with food marketing, the regulations that they are required to follow, and strategies for maintaining a safe environment at your farmers’ market/farm marketing operation. This workshop will provide easy-to-use reference tools that clearly communicate these practices.

Londa Nwadike, University of Vermont Extension Food Safety Specialist, works with food processors throughout Vermont to improve the safety of their products, particularly meats and other small scale processed food products.  She also assists maple producers to meet food safety requirements and provides general support to strengthen the safety of other foods produced and processed in Vermont.

Diane Eggert is the Executive Director of the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York.  Under her leadership, the organization has developed a variety of programs and services to support and advance the farmers’ market industry in New York State, including a commercial general liability insurance program for markets and participating vendors, market manager training programs, new market development in partnership with community organizations, and market promotional programs.  The Federation also partners with the NY State Department of Agriculture and the NY State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to offer a statewide farmers’ market wireless EBT program to allow New York’s farmers markets and other non-traditional retailers access to the food stamp program.

Board of Directors 2.0 (Oakes 210)

Join this interactive discussion about the roles, responsibilities, functions, duties and best practices of nonprofit boards. This workshop will pay special attention to smaller boards and ones that have developed over the last five years. The goal is to create an understanding of boards that act strategically, allocate time wisely, work in partnership with the director and add value to the enterprise.

Jim LeFevre is an organizational consultant who has worked for more than 20 years with clients from many sectors of the nonprofit spectrum.  These clients include land trusts, humanities councils, museums, healthcare organizations, international family planning organizations, and Planned Parenthood affiliates throughout the United States.  Jim was the Chief Executive Officer of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England for 18 years.  In 1995, he moved to national headquarters (Planned Parenthood Federation of America) serving for eleven years as Interim Co-President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Strategic Officer.  Jim has received many awards honoring his accomplishments.  He is the author of two books:  A Case for Merger: the Story of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (1986) and Redirecting Boards: A New Vision for Governance for Planned Parenthood (1993).

Merchandising for Maximum Sales (Oakes 208)

Learn techniques to attract customers to your farmers’ market or farm stand, and ideas on how to maximize sales once they are there.  This workshop will demonstrate effective signage, display options, customer flow designs and point-of-sales tools.  Mike McCusker is a 30-year retail veteran and consultant who specializes in merchandising and branding, as well as small-business development.

Mike McCusker founded and managed a rural village, local foods-oriented, Specialty/Natural Foods Market and Deli in Shelburne Falls, Mass for 30 years,.  Mike is currently working in Massachusetts and Vermont as a consultant to Farm Stores, CSA’s, Farm Stands, and Farmers’ Market Retailers.

Expanding Your Markets to Include Limited-Income Shoppers (Map Room)

14% of Vermont’s households are food insecure, meaning that lack access to enough food to fully meet basic needs at all times due to lack of financial resources (as reported by Hunger Free VT).  Many of these households participate in 3SquaresVT, the federal food benefit program that used to be called ‘food stamps.’  Considering these marketplace realities, how can your farm, CSA, or farmers’ market improve customer diversity by reaching out to low-income customers?  This workshop will provide an introduction to programs like Farm Share and 3SquaresVT and recommend resources to incorporate low-income customers in your customer mix.

Jean Hamilton recently concluded a four-year term as NOFA-VT’s Market Development and Consumer Access Coordinator.  Over the past four years, Jean has had the opportunity to observe the local food marketplace through research, direct consultation with producers and consumers, and dialogue with food systems visionaries from Vermont and around the world.  Jean is now pursuing a Masters Degree in Food and Beverage Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

Angela Smith-Dieng.  As 3SquaresVT Advocacy Manager at Hunger Free Vermont, Angela works extensively with Vermont’s Department for Children and Families, local advocates, and community groups across Vermont to improve access to and participation in 3SquaresVT, formerly the Food Stamp Program. Before joining Hunger Free Vermont, Angela worked at the local, national, and international levels on behalf of vulnerable populations. She began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mauritania, West Africa, focusing on education and community development; in Elizabeth, NJ she managed emergency services at St. Joseph Social Service Center, providing food, shelter, and basic needs to low-income residents; and in Washington, DC she helped grow Detention Watch Network, a national coalition of organizations advocating for the rights of immigrants detained throughout the U.S. Angela received her Bachelors in English at Middlebury College and her Masters in Sustainable Development from the SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, where her research focused on the food pantry phenomenon and developmental empowerment.

Ames Robb has been with the Vermont Agency of Human Services since 2005, serving as EBT Director since 2008.   Prior to working for the State, Ames worked in the non-profit sector, running a Meals on Wheels program, a mentoring program, and was the Assistant Editor for an environmental periodical called Wild Matters. She also has experience in farming and community organizing.  Ames graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and attended the Institute on Political Journalism of the Fund for American Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. 

CSA Software (Oakes 211)

This workshop will explore the current models of CSA software, including Farmigo, CSAware and Central Market Assembler.  A panel of CSA farms that use these platforms will present on their use for ordering and payment, delivery scheduling and member communication. 

Eric Rozendaal and his wife Keenann own and operate the Rockville Market Farm in Starksboro, Vermont.  They grow twenty-five acres of certified organic vegetables as well as produce from their seven greenhouses.  They store and process butternut winter squash and are excited about their new haygrove tunnel that they will use to grow raspberries.  In addition to veggies, they raise 50 feeder pigs a year, and operate a quickly expanding egg business.  They market primarily throughout Chittenden and Addison Counties, as well as a handful of accounts in the Boston area.  In addition to wholesale accounts, they are vendors at the Burlington Farmers’ market and operate a 150 member CSA.

Sona Desai is the Intervale Food Hub Manager and has led the development of the enterprise since inception in 2007. She manages the CSA program and overall business communications, outreach and growth. She also coordinates production and purchasing with farmers and logistics with chefs and buyers. Sona has an extensive background in farming, food marketing and small business management and is committed to developing new and sustainable markets for Vermont farmers.

Tucker Andrews is the Food and Farm Coordinator at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and coordinates their Monitor Barns Farm (MBF) program. MBF uses 12 acres of vegetables and pasture to raise food for sale, donation and education.  He has a degree in Environmental Economics from Bard College and a ten year history of growing food commercially. He grew up in West Bolton, VT. 

Leveraging Customer Relationships Into Year Round Sales (Nina Thomas Classroom)

Engaging customers throughout the year is important to business success, even for those with seasonal products or markets.  In this workshop, the presenters will share different techniques used to keep customers connected from events to co-promotions to unique marketing tools.

Sherry Maher is a founding member of Post Oil Solutions (POS) and currently serves as Board Treasurer.  She has managed the Winter Farmers’ Market in Brattleboro since its inception in 2006, and organized the Townshend Common Farmers’ Market in 2008. Both are sponsored by POS.  In keeping with the sustainability focus of POS, these markets give preference to local agricultural vendors, focus on building sustainable communities, and work to make locally grown food more accessible to those on tight budgets.  Sherry lives and gardens with her husband, Tim Stevenson in Athens, VT.

Diana Orr is the Community Wellness Coordinator at Essex CHIPS, a non-profit community coalition in Essex Junction. She helped to found the Five Corners Farmers' Market in Essex in 2010 and serves on its Board of Directors as well as Event Planning and Stewardship committees. Diana is a home gardener living in Waterbury, VT with an academic background in health promotion and nutrition.

Greg Cox has been an organic farmer for 30 years.  He is a board member of the Vermont Farmers’ Market Association, is a founding member of RAFFL, and an advocate of a local, year-round food system.

 

 

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Mid-Morning Session

 

11:35 am – 12: 35 pm
 

Vermont Farmers’ Market Association (VTFMA) Annual Meeting

Every Vermont farmers’ market is invited to send a voting representative to the annual VTFMA meeting to learn of 2011 accomplishments, the 2012 work plan, and important updates that will affect markets statewide. While only one representative from each market may vote, the meeting is open everyone interested in farmers’ markets.

Hands-On Skill-Building Sessions

Join either of these networking sessions to share best practices with your peers, learn innovative ideas and practice your new skills. 

-       Direct marketing speed networking with Abbie Nelson of NOFA-VT

-       Sales pitches role playing with Jean Hamilton and Mike McCusker

 

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Lunch (Chase Center)

 

12:35 pm – 1:35 pm

 

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Workshop Session II

 

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm

 

Pricing for Profit - Strategies for Diversified Farms (Nina Thomas Classroom)

Learn how to set the "right" price for your products. We'll explore practical approaches to cost-based pricing, and learn how to integrate market information -- what your competitors are charging -- and your own profit goals in your pricing decisions. Participants will learn how to use the new, online Vermont Direct Price Reporting tool to get a snapshot of market conditions, and grower panelists will share their approaches to integrating production costs, market information and farm goals into their pricing strategies. Participants in this workshop will be eligible for small-group pricing clinics and farmer-to-farmer mentoring in February and March through the UVM Extension Vermont Direct Market Price Project.

Beth Holtzman is outreach education coordinator for the UVM Extension New Farmer Project and for the Women's Agricultural Network, where she provides a range of marketing and business development education and technical assistance to farmers. Beth also coordinates the Vermont Direct Market Price Survey & Report, an online tool to help farmers share information about what they charge at direct markets (farmstands, farmers' markets, etc) and to help them set prices that are fair to consumers and support farm profitability.

Sona Desai is the Intervale Food Hub Manager and has led the development of the enterprise since inception in 2007. She manages the CSA program and overall business communications, outreach and growth. She also coordinates production and purchasing with farmers and logistics with chefs and buyers. Sona has an extensive background in farming, food marketing and small business management and is committed to developing new and sustainable markets for Vermont farmers. 

EBT and Debit Cards at Farmers’ Markets: What Comes Next? (Oakes 211)

Congratulations to the nearly 40 farmers’ markets who are now accepting EBT and Debit cards!  Whether you have been running wireless card readers for 1 or 4+ years, you are contributing to a nationwide movement to bring some of the $56 billion in federal food benefits back to family farms and local economies.  That said, you have probably encountered some hurdles along the way.  This workshop is for farmers’ markets that already have wireless card readers and want to discuss challenges, innovations, and what’s on the horizon for EBT at farmers’ markets.

Jean Hamilton recently concluded a four-year term as NOFA-VT’s Market Development and Consumer Access Coordinator.  Over the past four years, Jean has had the opportunity to observe the local food marketplace through research, direct consultation with producers and consumers, and dialogue with food systems visionaries from Vermont and around the world.  Jean is now pursuing a Masters Degree in Food and Beverage Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

Chelsea Bardot Lewis is a Senior Agricultural Development Coordinator with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. She coordinates the Vermont Meat Processing working group, and has been working to identify partnership opportunities between meat producers and processors in Vermont and New England. She has an M.S. in Agriculture Food and Environment from the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, where she researched New England’s large animal livestock slaughter and processing capacity.

Angela Smith-Dieng.  As 3SquaresVT Advocacy Manager at Hunger Free Vermont, Angela works extensively with Vermont’s Department for Children and Families, local advocates, and community groups across Vermont to improve access to and participation in 3SquaresVT, formerly the Food Stamp Program. Before joining Hunger Free Vermont, Angela worked at the local, national, and international levels on behalf of vulnerable populations. She began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mauritania, West Africa, focusing on education and community development; in Elizabeth, NJ she managed emergency services at St. Joseph Social Service Center, providing food, shelter, and basic needs to low-income residents; and in Washington, DC she helped grow Detention Watch Network, a national coalition of organizations advocating for the rights of immigrants detained throughout the U.S. Angela received her Bachelors in English at Middlebury College and her Masters in Sustainable Development from the SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, where her research focused on the food pantry phenomenon and developmental empowerment.

Ames Robb has been with the Vermont Agency of Human Services since 2005, serving as EBT Director since 2008.   Prior to working for the State, Ames worked in the non-profit sector, running a Meals on Wheels program, a mentoring program, and was the Assistant Editor for an environmental periodical called Wild Matters. She also has experience in farming and community organizing.  Ames graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and attended the Institute on Political Journalism of the Fund for American Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. 

Maintaining Market Loyalty through Risk Management and Crisis Communication Plans (Oakes 207)

What would your farmers’ market do in a crisis?  Many of Vermont’s farmers’ markets got first hand experience with crisis management this year when Tropical Storm Irene hit: markets were cancelled, some market sites were washed away, and many agricultural vendors lost their crops.  Whether it is an accident, a natural disaster, or a food-borne illness, crisis planning at the market empowers organizers and vendors to be strong managers in the face of adversity. 

Diane Eggert is the Executive Director of the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York.  Under her leadership, the organization has developed a variety of programs and services to support and advance the farmers’ market industry in New York State, including a commercial general liability insurance program for markets and participating vendors, market manager training programs, new market development in partnership with community organizations, and market promotional programs.  The Federation also partners with the NY State Department of Agriculture and the NY State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to offer a statewide farmers’ market wireless EBT program to allow New York’s farmers markets and other non-traditional retailers access to the food stamp program.

Agritourism: Hosting Visitors to Build Direct Market Relationships (Map Room)

There is no question that Vermont is becoming known not only for recreational opportunities but also as a culinary destination.  Have you considered hosting visitors at your farm?  Many farmers' markets already draw tourists, but are they engaging those visitors in meaningful market relationships?  Presenters of this workshop will discuss best practices in welcoming travelers into Vermont's dynamic local food community. 

Lisa Chase is Natural Resources Specialist with University of Vermont Extension and Director of the Vermont Tourism Data Center. For the past 10 years, she has worked with farmers and food entrepreneurs to promote Vermont as a culinary destination.

Jinny Hardy Cleland is owner of Four Springs Farm in Royalton, a diversified organic farming operation with a Campground and Learning Center component to complement the farming activities.  She has been farming for more than 30years and within the past 10 years expanded to include the agritourism components.  Her desire to share the land as well as use it and enable people to learn how their food is raised is now going in the direction of offering a farm-based educational experience for high school students.

Beth Kennett has been integrally involved in Vermont agritourism. Beth and her family have welcomed guests at their dairy farm for almost 28 years! Liberty Hill Farm has been showcased by regional and national media over the years in television, radio, magazines, and newspapers. The Kennett family provides their guests with a wonderful Vermont agricultural experience.

Marketing Toolkit: Planning and Measurement Strategies (Oakes 208)

Whether you are promoting your farmers’ market or farm products, it is challenging to decide where to put your time and money: Facebook? Blogs? Online directories? Print ads?  Are any of these options actually free? This dynamic workshop will provide an overview of navigating diverse marketing opportunities, implementing a strategic marketing plan, and evaluating the impact of your marketing efforts.  We will look in detail at social media and coupon promotional campaigns. 

Nicole L’Huillier Fenton has transitioned from an award-winning journalist to one of the region’s top marketing professionals. Fenton launched Flavor Communications (www.FlavorCom.com) in 2010 to help food producers, growers and retailers develop compelling designs and results-driven marketing and advertising campaigns. What makes Flavor different than other food marketing agencies is that the marketing team has behind-the-scenes food retail experience and produces award-winning design. That insider food industry know-how gives Flavor its extra spice.

Effective Off-Farm CSA Management (Oakes 210)

As more CSA farms develop innovative, and often off-farm marketing outlets, there are new logistics to manage.  A panel of CSA farms will present their models, highlighting the marketing, packaging and distribution logistics that they have developed, which systems are most effective and valuable lessons learned.

Eric Rozendaal and his wife Keenann own and operate the Rockville Market Farm in Starksboro, Vermont.  They grow twenty-five acres of certified organic vegetables as well as produce from their seven greenhouses.  They store and process butternut winter squash and are excited about their new haygrove tunnel that they will use to grow raspberries.  In addition to veggies, they raise 50 feeder pigs a year, and operate a quickly expanding egg business.  They market primarily throughout Chittenden and Addison Counties, as well as a handful of accounts in the Boaston area.  In addition to wholesale accounts, they are vendors at the Burlington Farmers’ market and operate an 150 member CSA.

Jill Perry Balzano has been involved in local agriculture as a farmer, writer, and now as the New Markets and Education Specialist for the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL).  She currently manages RAFFL’s workplace CSA, Farm-to-Workplace Delivery, and community food education program, Everyday Chef, while pursuing additional avenues to expand markets for Rutland area farmers.  She and her husband own Little Lake Orchard, an upstart specialty apple orchard, in Wells, VT. 

Abbey Willard is the new Local Foods Administrator for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.  She will be working with producer groups, consumers and institutions to provide local producers assistance in scaling up to increase access to institutional markets.  She will be administering a local foods grant program this spring.  Abbey will also be initiating a workplace CSA drop-off program for Vermont state employee next growing season. She lives in Randolph Center with her partner Dan and operates Ridge Meadows Farm, a pasture based meat business.

Accounting for Farmers’ Markets

This workshop has been canceled.  We know there is a lot of interest in this workshop and will work to include it in future conferences.

 

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Workshop Session III

 

3:10 pm – 4:25 pm

DigInVT - Opening a Web Portal on Vermont's Food and Agricultural Experiences (Oakes 207)

Several agriculture, tourism, and culinary organizations have collaborated to promote Vermont's unique farm and food culture through the Vermont Agriculture and Culinary Tourism Council.  The Council is launching a new website geared towards promoting experiential exchanges between farmers, food producers, and consumers.  In this workshop you will get a sneak peak at the new web marketing tool and discuss how tourism can support your marketing efforts.

Lisa Chase is Natural Resources Specialist with University of Vermont Extension and Director of the Vermont Tourism Data Center. For the past 10 years, she has worked with farmers and food entrepreneurs to promote Vermont as a culinary destination.

Alyssa Nathanson is the Project Coordinator for the Vermont Agriculture and Culinary Tourism Council’s DigInVermont website project.  She works with the Council on gathering, creating and organizing content for the DigInVermont website, which will serve as the go to resource for agriculture and culinary tourism experiences in the state.  Alyssa has an MS in nutrition from the University of Vermont and is a registered dietitian.

Eleanor Léger has over twenty years of experience as a management consultant and senior executive in the financial services and software industries. She received a BA cum laude in Economics from Harvard and an MBA with distinction from the Wharton School. In 2007, she left her role as head of customer experience for the Quickbooks division of Intuit to found Eden Ice Cider Company with her husband Albert, who is a Chemistry teacher at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH. 

The Légers purchased an abandoned dairy farm in West Charleston, Vermont, and have planted a new orchard of heirloom, cider and traditional dessert apples.  Their Ice Cider has won gold medals at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Los Angeles International Wine Competition and is distributed in New England, New York, Washington, Oregon, California and the UK.

Business Planning for Farm Success (Map Room)

What are the different tools you need to evaluate different market outlets?  This workshop will explore how to effectively use business planning tools to establish a sustainable business model.  Through a case study analysis, these tools will be demonstrated so participants walk away with basic understanding of how to apply them to their own business planning.

Rose Wilson specializes in business planning, market research, and business development for farms, small businesses, and non-profits in Vermont and New Hampshire.  Rose has worked on business and feasibility plans, market research, market development, and marketing plans, and provided grant writing services for over one hundred and ten (110) businesses and organizations.  Prior to founding her business, Rose was Business Development Manager for Harpoon Brewery, where she launched the brand in Northern New England, and a National Sales Manager and Vertical Market Supervisor for Geographic Data Technology, Inc. creating the company’s vertical market segmentation. 

Joe Buley is a mixed vegetable farmer for 9 years and a restaurateur for over 25. Joe specializes in passive solar winter production of spinach and salad greens. He has a diversified marketing and sales strategy that is adjusted annually.

Brand Development (Nina Thomas Classroom)

What are the unique selling points of your farm or agricultural business? Learn how to identify and work them into your imaging and messaging to effectively communicate your brand to your target market(s). Explore the basics of brand development and marketing communications through strategic planning, consistent messaging, and marketing tools to include print, email, websites and social media. Bring your business cards for a drawing of marketing-related prizes!

Pam Knights is the owner of Pam Knights Communications, a full service marketing communications firm in Northfield, Vermont.  Pam Knights offers brand building for small businesses throughout Vermont and the Upper Valley. Having co-founded the Vermont Fresh Network in 1996, Pam is a strong supporter of Vermont farms and specializes in culinary and agri-tourism marketing.

Safe and Effective Food Demos (Oakes 211)

Food demos are an effective way to draw in customers and increase sales.  At this workshop, participants will cover topics including what types of demos work well, which food demos can actually help drive your sales, regulations and safety issues, and ideas for partnerships.

Carolyn Grodinsky manages the Capital City Farmers Market.  Her background is eclectic ranging from working at the National Zoo Conservation and Research Center, studying ibex in the Swiss Alps, to planning statewide recycling programs for the state of Vermont before starting at the market. 

Tanya McDonald is a currently pursuing a Bachelors’ Degree in Business from Champlain College. She has over 10 years of experience working in a variety of healthcare food service operations. She is currently employed as a Supervisor of Nutrition Services at Fletcher Allen Health Care. She is responsible for two retail areas and catering services.  Recent work at that organization includes the implementation of new retail services, room service for patients, and a food sustainability program that is nationally recognized. Recently Fletcher Allen received two first place national awards from Health Care Without Harm for Sustainable Food Procurement and Public Policy and Advocacy.  Fletcher Allen was the first hospital in the nation to host an onsite market.  Tanya is passionate about local food, both personally and professionally, and currently volunteers to manage the Flectcher Allen Farmers’ Market.

Farmers’ Markets and Other Methods of Creating Value for Farmers in Vermont: A Historical Perspective (Oakes 210)

The presentation will cover the history of direct marketing by farmers in Vermont to include market days in their local communities.  Vermont farmers, from the beginning when they cleared the land after the French and Indian Wars, have been active in direct marketing of their products.  The session will cover this history with the emergence of the Renaissance of the Past with the interest in local and regional farm produced foods today.

Roger Albee is the Current Advisor to President of Vermont Technical College on establishment of Institute for Applied Agriculture and Food Systems, former Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets for Vermont, former Executive Director of USDA Farm Service Agency for the State of Vermont, former co-owner of AgTec, an international business development firm for U.S. Food products, former member of International Practices Group for Washington, D.C. law firm, former Vice President and member of Senior Staff of the farmer and farmer cooperative owned former Farm Credit Banks of Springfield,Ma, then a major farm lending organization in the Northeast, former Professional Staff Member of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, former Extension Specialist Cornell University.

Roger also currently serve as Chair of the Advisory Committee to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Vermont, and Chair of the Working Landscape Council of the Vermont Council on Rural Development. He is a former member of advisory committee on international agricultural trade to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Ambassador, and author of a blog on Vermont agricultural history, at www.whatceresmightsay.blogspot.com.

Beyond Vendor Fees: Diversify Your Income (Chase Center)

If you're looking to raise more money to support your market, join us as we run through the options: foundation and government grants, business sponsorships, community-based fundraising, events, product sales and other earned income, etc. This workshop will help you understand the range of opportunities and begin to rough out a fundraising plan.

Andy Robinson (www.andyrobinsononline.com) provides training and consulting for nonprofits in fundraising, grantseeking, board development, marketing, earned income, planning, leadership development, and facilitation. Over the past sixteen years, Andy has worked with organizations in 47 US states and Canada. He specializes in the needs of groups working for human rights, social justice, environmental conservation, historic preservation, and community development.

Andy is the author of five books, including Grassroots Grants and Selling Social Change, available from Jossey-Bass. His latest books, How to Raise $500 to $5000 From Almost Anyone, The Board Member’s Easier Than You Think Guide to Nonprofit Finances, and Great Boards for Small Groups, were published by Emerson & Church. When he’s not on the road, he lives in Plainfield, Vermont.

Neighborhood Markets: Adapting the CSA Model for Low-Income Consumers (Oakes 208)

This workshop will address some of the common barriers for low-income consumers to access locally produced food, then share some success stories focusing on the Neighborhood Market Model developed and run by Post Oil Solutions in the Brattleboro area. This workshop is relevant for farmers and Farmers’ Markets interested in selling more to low-income community members, and for community organizations working on or interested in working on this issue.  We will share lessons learned and give practical steps for how to begin developing a Neighborhood Market or similar endeavor at a Farmers’ Market.

Richard Berkfield is the Executive Director of Post Oil Solutions and has been working over the last four years to bridge the gap between low-income consumers and local farms. He believes that focusing on this issue provides a window into solving the larger farm and food crisis.

Thanks to our Conference Sponsors:

• Castanea Foundation
• Vermont Agency of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant
• Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NE SARE)