Welcome back to our fifth episode of a five-part miniseries exploring how a focus on local food builds relationships with people and the environment.  If you haven’t followed this miniseries, you may want to go back and listen from episode 26, Localizing the Regional Food System.

In this episode of Root Words, we’ll explore how Vermont Farmers Food Center’s reopening will help usher in, not only regenerative agriculture, but a regenerative way of life for the region.  And we’ll wrap up the series by hearing how a vibrant and well supported community food web creates a more circular, localized economy where we all thrive together. 

Let’s start by checking back in with the Vermont Farmers Food Center.  

In 2019 VFFC completed a USDA Funded feasibility study and business plan for the campus with the purpose of developing the additional buildings into infrastructure that supports small food business access and creates local jobs.  In 2021, VFFC received federal grants to renovate its buildings so it can fully implement its business plan. However, one of the initial requirements in this process was an environmental review, which revealed harmful contamination from the site's industrial past that would need to be addressed before any renovation could begin. Unfortunately, in January 2022, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, VFFC had to close Farmers Hall, the central gathering space for the local food community.  While these dual challenges were a temporary setback, it has not deterred VFFC.  

After two years, the doors will be reopening.  VFFC board member Phillip Ackerman-Leist says that two years of pandemic challenges, remediation, and expansion efforts have provided a wealth of lessons learned, and he is excited to see the organization continue to grow. 

Relocalizing our economies creates a future of thriving communities.  A future full of potential and opportunity.  A future of community and civic engagement, and environmental and physical well-being.  

It has taken generations for us to arrive at the unaccountable global system that we have.  It is not an easy road back and we’ll all have to actively center local food and businesses to push back against the entrenched centralized power of global corporations.  

It seems like a lot, and it is.  The good news is that there’s a lot of ways to work for change, and everyone is needed and can find purpose in this work.  

Do what you can to support your local farmers and organizations like Vermont Farmers Food Center.  If you’re in Vermont consider joining your local hunger council.  We’ve compiled localization resources from this mini series on VFFC’s website at vermontfarmersfoodcenter.org/local  

This miniseries was produced by Stephen Abatiell and Julia Anderson.

Special thanks to Philip Ackerman-Leist, Heidi Lynch, Greg Cox, Steve Gorelick, Shane Rogers, and Lyle Jepsen, as well as all of the folks who spoke with us throughout this series.

Root Words is produced in the heart of Rutland County Vermont and is made possible by generous support from listeners like you.  You can support Root Words by visiting us Online