History

In 1996,  Vermont Fresh Network became one of the nation's first farmer-chef networks. We began when a group of enthusiastic food lovers - some professional chefs, some farmers, some just enthusiastic - came together to find a way to support farming, restaurants, and the quality of Vermont food at the same time. They wanted to create a culture around our food that valued fresh, local ingredients at the center of not only delicious meals but also thriving communities - communities that supported their homegrown businesses all the way from the ground to the plate. 


A lot has changed since 1996. Vermont has become a leader in promoting local food. People travel from around the world to Vermont to experience our food and learn from some of the innovative projects that happen here and that VFN is proud to support. We’re also a small state that’s full of top notch restaurants and world renowned specialty food makers. Our enthusiasm for local food and support of the working landscape reaches a broad range of venues, schools, inns, hotels, catered events, office cafeterias, senior living facilities - all of which are represented in the VFN membership.


Healthy Farms + Sustainable Food Production

= Vibrant Rural Communities & Flourishing Local Economies


We help to shape the future of food by working across the food system to build strong relationships between farmers, producers, chefs, and consumers who share these values and support our region.  For 28 years, the Vermont Fresh Network has engaged farmers, chefs, food artisans and consumers in making the greatest positive impact we can with our food choices.  The Vermont Fresh Network has demonstrated that our original premise was correct - the combined purchasing power and cultural influence of our members makes a difference.

Today, we remain focused on how far local food partnerships and  connections can take us towards a sustainable environment, healthy communities, and flourishing rural economy. We’re pleased to leave behind the days of knocking on chefs’ doors and asking if they’d heard of the local food movement. However, past accomplishments are only a starting point. We are still hard at work creating a transparent food system where “local” and "farm to table" isn’t just a marketing term. Our members grow, raise and prepare food  with integrity connected to the land and the season.


We engage with our members to identify, and resolve, the barriers that still exist to business growth through local connections. We support members in exploring how their work can have a greater impact on the local food system issues they care most about. We build partnerships across different segments of Vermont’s food system to promote shared goals. 


It’s an exciting time for work in food and agriculture and we’re proud to have the experience of more than 28  successful years as our foundation at the Vermont Fresh Network.


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