^{Tags: vegetable ferments; sauerkrauts; kimchi; fermented hot sauces; kvass and wild-fermented fruit sodas.} 

Hello farmers!

Making a living growing and selling organic vegetables is a fulfilling and rewarding life work. However, it is hard work full of challenges, and there are many other farmers competing for customers, so the profit margin is narrow.

It is a well-established fact that value-added products made using vegetables, milk, meat, grains, etc... produced on the farm can significantly boost farmers' income. However, because of the long hours of hard work required to grow organic vegetables, farmers rarely have the time or energy to develop such additional enterprises on their farm.

My name is Jerome, I am a former organic vegetable grower, a passionate fermenter, cook, baker, small business owner and I have a great deal of experience creating, marketing and selling a variety of fermented vegetables, sauerkrauts, kimchi, hot sauces, vegetable kvass, dried or preserved shiitake and oyster mushrooms as well as artisan sourdough bread at farmers markets.  

It would be my pleasure to help you develop and sell value-added products created from your farm's offerings.

In addition, I can help you transform low value items, i.e.; imperfect “ugly” vegetables and fruits, damaged herbs, fruit pomace, etc.. into valuable value-added products such as beautiful vegetable ferments, tasty pestos and salsas, artisan vinegars, wild fermented sodas, fruit kvass, and more. 
Also, why not transform wild-foraged herbs, fruits and mushrooms into high value goods, such as dried culinary and medicinal herbs, fragrant teas, and preserved or dried mushrooms , etc..?

My goal is to help you set up and run a sustainable and successful value-added business based on your farm's production and the resources of the surrounding land. 
I would be willing to train (and hire) a team dedicated to the creation (and sales) of value-added products from  your farm.
I can organize and manage marketing and sales as needed. I have experience contacting health food stores, chefs, food co-ops, and doing food demonstrations at farmers markets. I am passionate about this work.

What I need: access to a certified kitchen, either on the farm or nearby (community kitchen, commercial kitchen, etc.), a walk-in cooler to store fermented products, a work area, a starting budget (to be determined) keeping in mind that I will quickly generate my own budget based on a percentage of my sales. And of course, a temporary (or long-term) place to live with food provided while I set-up, organize and launch the business.

Does additional income sound appealing? Do you need help to make it happen? Please don’t hesitate to call me, help is only a call away.  

I can also come to your farm strictly as a consultant to help you evaluate the local markets and available financial resources (grants, low-interest loans, etc..) and determine what potential value-added business could be realistically developed that would fit best with your farm production, location, and resources.

I look forward to discussing in person details, logistics, and brainstorm potential business ideas with you.

Sincerely,  Jerome 

Join Kim and Chuck Goodling at VT Grand View Farm in South Washington, VT
Saturday, September 21 at 9:30am for a workshop focusing on utilizing llamas as livestock guardians and the impact of fiber flocks on our land, community, and fiber shed. 

If you’ve ever had questions about guard llamas or small sheep farms, here’s your chance to ask questions. You will meet our guard llamas Alaska and Epic and visit with our flock of Gotland sheep. You will also learn about the diversity of Gotland wool. 

Pre-registration required. Visit link below for details and to register. 

https://www.grandviewfarmvt.com/portfolio/guard-llamas-small-fiber-floc…

I am a 27 year old woman, born and raised in Vermont. I check this often but wanted to throw this out there.

I am looking for a job that is closer to home, that is in support of my community and in alignment with my values. I am currently living in East Hardwick and would like something within 30 minutes of my home as I currently travel an hour for work right now. I have a year of experience as a facilities administrative assistant, I am immensely comfortable with majority of the Microsoft computer applications as well as google. I also am comfortable with inventory management, purchasing and receiving & have done a little bit of billing, though mostly inventory mgmt.

I love being outside, gardening, eating locally and supporting my local community & businesses. I spend my free time sewing clothes and punch needling rugs for my online business. I have some experience with animal and child care & teaching.

I am ideally looking for an administrative / office management job with a farm or local business or something that will allow me to be more engaged in my community. I have previous personal work in social media marketing, have worked in a few coffee shops and restaurants so something related to marketing or food would also be of interest.

Happy to send a resume and any other info to whomever may have something open or a lead to an opportunity. Thank you 🤍

Chelsey Rich
[email protected]

Eastman Farm in Barnard is seeking individuals to assist in all aspects of grass-fed beef production and property maintenance.  Candidates should have experience maintaining and safely operating farm equipment and machinery, building and maintaining fence and waterlines, handling cattle, and maintaining buildings and grounds.  Ability to work independently, perform physical labor outdoors, perform some weekend chores, and be flexible to help with hay, calving , and snow removal when needed.  Starting pay for experienced individuals is $25/hour.  Benefits and pay are negotiable after a trial period and performance review.

Join Our Team as a Prepared Foods Manager at Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op!

For over 45 years, Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op has been a cornerstone of sustainable business practices, nurturing the local foods movement, and supporting our vibrant community. We're proud to have contributed over $202,500 in donations to local food shelves, nonprofits, and discounts for low-income shoppers. With 33% of our sales coming from local Vermont products-nearly $8 million from over 400 local producers-we are deeply invested in our local economy.

Are you passionate about local, natural foods and community engagement? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment? If so, we want you to lead our Deli Department as the next Prepared Foods Manager!

What You'll Do:

• Inspire and Lead: Supervise and motivate a vibrant team, fostering a professional yet fun work environment.
• Curate Delicious Offerings: Create an exciting product mix by analyzing product movement and staying ahead of national trends.
• Maintain Eye-Catching Displays: Ensure our deli's presentation is always fresh, clean, and inviting.
• Achieve Financial Success: Meet fiscal goals through strategic pricing and vendor negotiations.
• Stock and Manage Inventory: Keep our shelves well-stocked with strategic ordering and regular audits.
• Engage with the Community: Actively participate in hiring, training, and evaluating staff, while maintaining excellent customer service.

What We're Looking For:

• Retail Experience: Ideally in the natural foods industry.
• Leadership Skills: Proven success in leading and motivating a team.
• Food Quality & Customer Satisfaction: A commitment to high standards.
• Knowledge of Regulations: Familiarity with local, state, and federal food and health department requirements.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift 50 lbs repeatedly and enjoy working in a fast-paced retail environment.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Including group health insurance, optional vision and dental insurance, a flexible spending account, 3+ weeks of paid time off, paid holidays, a profit-sharing bonus, 401k, life insurance, paid parental leave, co-op membership, an employment assistance program, and more.
• Competitive Salary: Starting at $60,000 - $70,000, depending on experience.
• $1000 Hiring Bonus: Available after 90 days of employment.

Why Middlebury?

Our co-op isn't just a place to shop; it's a community hub. Discover the charm and beauty of our area here.

Ready to make a difference with us? Apply now at our website. Be sure to include your resume and a letter of interest.

We are selling our herd of Dorper and Khatadin cross sheep. The herd consists of eight ewes between 2-5 years of age, 1 ram, 6 ewe lambs and 6 ram lambs. Five of the ewes and the ram are not certified since they were our original breeding stock. The lambs are all VOF certified organic. We are asking $4500 for the whole herd and would prefer to sell them as a whole group. Transportation is available.