2011 Tours at The Center for the Agricultural Economy
Join us once a month for a guided tour of the area's farms and agri-businesses!
Beginning and ending at the Center for an Agricultural Economy, join an all day caravan tour with one of our Board members with a kick-off tour in February, then the third Thursday of each month from April to October. Hear the stories, tour the facilities and meet the people that help make this area so rich in community-based agricultural enterprises as well as the subject of countless news articles and most recently, a book.
What happens on the tour?
Each tour will be unique. Keeping in mind that summer and fall are very busy agricultural seasons, we can not guarantee a specific site or farm will be on our itinerary. High Mowing Organic Seeds, Vermont Soy, the Vermont Food Venture Center and the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) will be a part of each tour with several other stops.
Annie Gaillard, Tom Stearns or Pete Johnson, farmers and "agri-preneurs" (as well as officers on the CAE's Board of Directors!), will lead a group of up to 25 people, caravan-style, to several different farms and/or businesses in Hardwick, Craftsbury, Albany, Greensboro and East Hardwick. The tours will be informative, fast paced, fascinating and a fun way to experience the area.
The tours will start at the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) where one of our staff members will give you an overview of our mission and goals, setting the stage for the day's experiences. You will then hop into your cars, vans and trucks, carpooling with the rest of the tour guests, for a caravan-style tour through the Northeast Kingdom's gateway towns.
What is the Cost?
We charge $50 per person, with no charge for children under 12 years of age. That cost covers overhead, planning and implementing the tours and does not cover food or beverages. We encourage you to bring a lunch or enjoy snacks from the farmstands that open in June and July. All children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
What about the physically challenged or young children?
The tours are not as rugged as say...a hike up a mountain, but there will be plenty of driving and walking where wheelchairs or walkers may not be able to access. We trust that you will know your needs best.
Young children are absolutely welcome, but keep in mind it's a long day and plan accordingly for your child's needs. We want them to have fun too!
How do I sign up?
Download our registration form and mail in with a check for the appropriate amount, SEVEN DAYS before the requested tour date. We expect these tours to fill up quickly.
Check payable to:
The Center for an Agricultural Economy
Mail to:
The Center for an Agricultural Economy
c/o Tours
PO BOX 451
Hardwick, VT 05843
Other Questions?
Contact Elena Gustavson at elena@hardwickagriculture.org or 802-472-5840, ext 2
2011 Tour Dates:
All tours start promptly at 10am and end somewhere around 4pm or 5pm. Because each tour is different and we want people to savor the experience, we cannot guarantee when the tour will end.
February 17 (payment due February 10)
April 21 (payment due April 14)
May 19 (payment due May 12)
June 16th (payment due June 9)
July 21 (payment due July 14)
August 18 (payment August 11)
September 15 (payment September 8)
October 20 (payment due October 13)
If you have other questions or need clarification, please contact Elena Gustavson at elena@hardwickagriculture.org or call us at 802-472-5840
More Information:
Click links below for information about the area towns:
