NOFA-VT January Meeting

“Let’s create what’s possible, together.”


The Farm Security Fund is certainly an example of what's possible, as we work together to meet some of the challenges of the moment. January will be full of intensity for our work to pass S.60 and fund the Farm Security Fund. Join us for the latest updates and how you can help! 

Bring your ideas, your curiosity, and your voice. Let’s create what’s possible—together.
 

Job Posting: Director of Agriculture-East Thetford, VT

Contact Name
Eric Tadlock
Details

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center seeks a mission-driven and experienced Director of Agriculture to provide leadership and strategic direction for our organic farming operations. This full-time, year-round role requires a systems thinker with deep knowledge of organic production, facility and resource management, and a passion for regenerative agriculture.

The Director oversees a team of three managers and ensures that departmental goals are clearly defined, aligned with the farm’s mission, and effectively executed. Key responsibilities include guiding production strategy and budgets, fostering collaboration across departments, and maintaining partnerships with research institutions and external stakeholders. The Director also plays a central role in communicating Cedar Circle’s agricultural practices and advancing innovative, climate-resilient approaches to farming.

About Us

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center is a 30-acre certified organic vegetable, berry, and flower farm, and a nonprofit organization based in East Thetford, Vermont. Our work centers on growing healthy food, building community, and educating people of all ages about sustainable agriculture.

Our team of nearly 70 seasonal and year-round staff members collaborates across all departments—from education and production to the kitchen and farmstand—to fulfill our mission. We value curiosity, collaboration, and kindness, and we believe that every role on the farm contributes to our shared success and the health of our local food system.

Primary Responsibilities

Agricultural Programs Oversight

Oversee all aspects of agricultural production on the farm. This includes supervision of the vegetable production, annuals and perennials, native plant nursery, and collaboration with our on-farm research team.

  • Provide strategic leadership for all agricultural production, including vegetables, flowers, perennials, and the native plant nursery.
  • Collaborate with department managers on production planning, budgeting, staff development, and long-term goals.
  • Facilitate communication among production, education, marketing, and research staff
  • Ensure compliance with relevant certifications and memberships, and integrate CCFEC’s mission and values into all production activities.
  • Support the pursuit of funding and research partnerships that advance sustainable and innovative growing practices.
  • Mentor and develop production team leaders to strengthen organizational capacity and performance.

Research & Development

  • Partner with the Research Director to guide and implement on-farm research that enhances soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
  • Maintain and cultivate relationships with academic and research partners to support collaborative trials and projects.

Operations

  • Ensure effective management and maintenance of the farm’s physical assets and infrastructure through oversight of the Operations Team (2 employees).
  • Coordinate with staff and contractors on infrastructure and maintenance projects, providing guidance and support as needed.

Other Responsibilities

  • Foster clear communication and collaboration among departments to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
  • Support educational and community engagement activities as appropriate.
  • Oversee agricultural land partnerships and shared land use, including lease renewals.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required:

  • 5–7 years of experience in agricultural management, with expertise in organic vegetable and/or berry production.
  • Proven leadership in farm operations, including budgeting, financial oversight, and infrastructure management.
  • Strong team management and communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and a positive organizational culture.
  • Deep understanding of organic certification, soil health, and sustainable production practices (e.g., minimum tillage, nutrient and pest management).
  • Demonstrated success managing multiple projects and priorities with flexibility, creativity, and strategic focus.
  • Experience building partnerships and representing an organization to external stakeholders and collaborators.

 

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with native plant propagation, nursery operations, or greenhouse production.
  • Experience with research collaborations, educational programming, or market development initiatives.

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, year-round position with a salary range of $75K-$805K. Benefits include: health insurance (premium 100% employer paid, 50% paid for minor dependents); paid holidaypersonal, sick, and parental leave; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer safe harbor match; Sshort-term disability insurance (100% employer paid), 20% discount at our farmstand; 50% off summer camps for dependents; and access to an employee assistance program.

 

2-Bedroom Housing potentiallyis potentially available for additional caretaker responsibilities..

 

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [email protected].

 

 

Cedar Circle Farm is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Selling two 30'x96' Rimol Nor'easter greenhouses

Details
Please contact alex.demoly@vermont.org directly for more information.
 
Selling two 30'x96' Rimol Nor'easter greenhouses in great condition — perfect for growers looking to expand or extend their season. Both structures were installed in 2022 with water, electric, and gas hookups to power HVAC, fans, a CO2 system, irrigation, blackout shades, and more. Posts are spaced every 2' instead of the usual 4', so there is enough material to support an expanded size/additional greenhouse. Each cost over $80k new (>$100k each after installation), open to offers — motivated to sell, timing can be flexible. Available now for you to disassemble and pickup. 
 
 


 

High Tunnel Production Conference: Enhance Your Tunnel Vision

Calling all high tunnel growers! 


Whether you are a new or experienced high tunnel grower, plan to join UMaine, UNH, and UVM for this two-day event. Come learn from experts and other farmers, talk with vendors, and see their products at the trade show.  This conference will offer useful information for high tunnel growers and agricultural service providers of all experience levels and all crops.