Regional Food Systems Strategic Plan for the Northeast Kingdom

Project Manager: Erica Campbell
Email: erica@hardwickagriculture.org
Project Timeline: June 2010-June 2011

We are very excited to announce the completion of the Regional Food System Plan for the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) of Vermont!

Executive Summary (pdf)

Final Plan (VERY large pdf file)

Purpose:

The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) is conducting research to develop a comprehensive local food system strategic plan to support agriculturally-based economic development strategies in the three counties comprising the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) region of Vermont. The purpose of the plan is to position the agricultural sector in the Northeast Kingdom to participate in and take full advantage of the opportunities to diversify and expand this component of the area’s economy. The plan contains the current state of the NEK food system, goals, strategies, and recommendations for the region.

Plan Development:

The CAE is working with multiple and diverse stakeholders throughout the entire NEK to develop the plan. We are preparing both an Assets Map and a Social Networking Map that will allow the region to leverage support for strategic initiatives and for regional leaders to identify leadership roles, experts, and mentors in order to make connections and facilitate decision-making. Certain fundamental food system-related inventories will be presented in both these efforts from direct research and also drawing from existing work such as Farm to Plate and other national and Vermont-based food systems research.   

Project Funders:

This project is funded through a Regional Innovation Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor to the Vermont Department of Labor and sub awarded to the Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA). The mission of the NVDA is to provide leadership and technical expertise to local communities, agencies, and organizations to facilitate cooperative planning within and among the 55 Northeast Kingdom communities. It also works to improve the quality of life for people in the NEK by promoting economic development while preserving the region’s natural environment.