FARM FRESH FORUMS IN CHITTENDEN COUNTY

April 16th at the Brownell Library in Essex, followed by an April 29th event at the Public Works Building in South Burlington, and concludes on May 1st at the Senior Center in Colchester

FARM FRESH FORUMS IN CHITTENDEN COUNTY:
Rural Vermont Hosts Series of Events

Do you want to buy or sell local farm fresh foods? Are you a farmer interested in direct sales of on-farm slaughtered meat and raw milk? Are you a consumer seeking local meat and dairy options? If regulatory barriers are making it difficult for you to access or sell local food, come to the Farm Fresh Forum series! Share your stories, meet like-minded folks, and find out how Rural Vermont is bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.

The Farm Fresh Forum series starts on April 16th at the Brownell Library in Essex, followed by an April 29th event at the Public Works Building in South Burlington, and concludes on May 1st at the Senior Center in Colchester. Come to one, or come to all! Local farmers, healthcare professionals, and Rural Vermont staff will lead these community conversations. All events are from 7 – 8:30 pm, open to the public, and free (donations encouraged and appreciated!).

Whether you’re a food producer or a consumer, please come out and bring your thoughts, questions, friends, and family to these honest, open discussions about buying and selling local meat and milk – two of the very few Vermont products available in April. Learn what the current regulations are for the direct sale of farm fresh meats and raw milk, find out the status of related bills in the Vermont legislature, and join Rural Vermont and the movement to strengthen and support local food systems and rural communities.

Among the presenters will be Doug Flack of Flack Family Farm in Fairfield, Teddy Yandow of Cimarron Farm in Swanton, Shelburne farmer Lindsay Harris, and Dr. Robert Luby MD. These folks will offer their perspective and expertise about how and why farm fresh meats and raw milk can contribute to a community’s local economy, social fabric, and overall health.

Rural Vermont is a nonprofit advocacy group founded by farmers in 1985 that advocates, activates, and educates for living soils, thriving farms, and healthy communities. For more information, contact Rural Vermont at 223-7222 or visit www.ruralvermont.org.