An effective and enjoyable way to start buying local food is by visiting one of the more than 50 farmers' markets in Vermont. Here you'll find a wide variety of farm-fresh, healthy and affordable produce, cheese, fish and much more.
The 10% Difference
For many years and from many different places, you have repeatedly heard that you should "buy local," and "support your local businesses." When times get tight economically, we cut back on purchases that we can do without. However food is something we buy in both good and bad times. That's where "the 10% difference" comes into play. If Vermonters shifted just 10% of their food purchases to locally grown food products, that would add more than $100 million to Vermont's economy.
Buy Vermont Products
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets extensive listing of vendors who manufacture or sell Vermont agricultural products.
Community-Supported Agricultural Farms (CSAs)
CSAs generally provide members with fresh food each week throughout the growing season. Though most CSAs primarily grow vegetables, many supplement their produce with fruits, flowers, poultry or other farm products. For more information on CSAs and how they can benefit you, please contact Bruce Martell at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets at (802) 828-3461 or e-mail.
Distributors of Local Products:
Black River Produce
North Springfield Facility
(800) 228-5481, (802) 886-7490
Proctorsville Retail Store
(802) 226-7484
Email
Black River Produce is a leader in providing fresh high-quality produce, seafood, and floral to New England customers whenever they need it. Since 1978, our goals have been to set the standard for quality and service, to support local agriculture, and to serve the local community. We assist local growers not only by buying first from them but also by hauling goods from more than 80 local farms and specialty food producers to regional markets.
Squash Valley Produce
2597 Waterbury-Stowe Rd.
Waterbury, VT 05671
(802) 244-1290
Squash Valley distributes fine quality Vermont grown and regional produce.
Farmers' Market Listings
Search by city or town throughout the state to find the farmer's market closest to you.
Intervale Center
Burlington, VT
802-660-0440
The Intervale Center supports financially viable and environmentally sustainable agriculture. Managing 354 acres of farmland, nursery, trails, wildlife corridors and compost production along the Winooski River in Burlington, the Intervale Center develops farm-and land-based enterprises that generate economic and social opportunity while protecting natural resources. Click here for a list of independent farms in the Intervale.
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) of Vermont
Richmond, VT
802-434-4122
Email
NOFA Vermont is a non-profit association of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations.
PYOs (Pick-Your Owns)
A county by county listing of farmstands and PYOs (pick your own fruits and vegetables) in Vermont.
Vermont Cheese Council
Richmond, VT
866-261-8595
The Vermont Cheese Council is a trade organization of more than two dozen Vermont cheesemakers, whose goal is to advance the production and image of premier cheeses from Vermont. The Council operates to educate the general public on the high quality and diversity of Vermont cheeses.
Vermont Fresh Network
Richmond, VT
802-434-2000
The Vermont Fresh Network builds innovative partnerships among farmers, chefs and consumers to strengthen Vermont's agriculture. A strong farm economy creates local jobs, provides nutritious food and preserves the close-knit communities of our state. The Vermont Fresh Network helps Vermont farms and restaurants team up to provide the freshest local food at restaurants.
| The Vermont Fresh Network will host a celebration of local agricultural and culinary heritage on Sunday, August 5th at Shelburne Farms' Coach Barn. For more information, click here. |
Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association
South Royalton, VT
802-763-7435
Founded in 1893, the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association (VMSMA) is the oldest known agricultural organization in the country. While the Vermont maple industry has changed over the past 100 years, its mission, to safeguard the tradition of maple sugarmaking while maintaining the highest standards possible in the production of pure maple products, has not. The VMSMA works with local, state, federal and international agencies and organizations to protect the integrity of pure maple syrup worldwide.
