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Resource Guide for Vermont's
New and Aspiring Farmers
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Intervale Foundation
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A non-profit center for sustainable ventures and ecological innovation, the Intervale Foundation runs a network of programs in a unique agricultural setting. Located in Burlington, Vermont, the Intervale comprises 700 acres of community farms, gardens, wildlife, and nature trails. Our mission is to incubate sustainable businesses in farming, and value-added food, fiber and fuel production, with a focus on economic development and environmental solutions for communities worldwide. We invite you to visit our farms, programs and projects that provide healthy food, clean energy and jobs for our entire community. Farm Venture Program: Creating Opportunities for New Farmers Founded in 1990, The Farm Program is a business incubator that leases land, equipment, greenhouses, irrigation and storage facilities to small farms that agree to farm organically on Intervale land. Farmers have access to a cafeteria of technical and mechanical support as well as the benefit of marketing programs and business planning resources to ensure profitability. One of the great assets of the program is the cooperative spirit of the farmers themselves, the informal mentoring and support they provide to each other. After completing three years as an Incubator farmer, individuals graduate from the program and become Enterprise farmers. At this stage farm enterprises are entitled to extended leases and their fees increase to cover full operating costs for Intervale services. Farmers have the option of continuing to farm in the Intervale or re-establishing their business elsewhere in the Northeast. Growing Success on Farms: A Farm Viability Enhancement Program Growing Success on Farms began in 2002 as an Intervale Foundation pilot project to help Vermont farm operations increase their economic viability over a five year period. Still in its development stages, Growing Success works one-on-one with selected farmers throughout the state, and provides specialized support and technical assistance to help farmers expand their markets and increase revenues. A key component of the project is to engage farmers in a rigorous self-evaluation process so that they can develop the skills they need to grow their unique business. Linking farmers with technical assistance providers (lenders, tax consultants, extension agents, and well-established farmers, to name a few) is critical to the program’s success. These consultants will assist farmers with production, diversifying, solid business planning, securing financing, developing value-added businesses, and marketing. Ultimately the project will form a caring and lasting marriage between farmers and those committed to their success. For More Information: Intervale Foundation |