Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Monday, August 6, 2007

Shelburne, VT – The Vermont Agency of Agriculture presented the annual Buy Local Awards Sunday, August 5, 2007 at the Vermont Fresh Network 12th Annual Forum. Awards were presented to Governor Douglas, Shelburne Farms and Chef Sean Buchanan. Previous recipients of the Buy Local Awards are listed below.

According to Bruce Martell, who coordinates the awards for the Agency of Agriculture, Governor Douglas was recognized for his continued dedication and support of the Buy Local program. “I wholly support this program. The people of Vermont are concerned about the quality and safety of their food as well knowing where it comes from and how far it must travel,” said Douglas. “Buying local also supports our agricultural economy.”

Shelburne Farms has served as an educational resource in the community by practicing rural land use that is environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable since its creation in 1886 by William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb as a model agricultural estate. Shelburne Farms has a long tradition of supporting agriculture in Vermont and actively participates in many programs that encourage people to buy items from local producers.

Sean Buchanan is an accomplished chef whose mission is to educate people on the importance of the Buy Local movement and the benefit of value added farming. In his series “Feast in the Making” on Vermont Public Television, Sean takes viewers on a journey around the state talking to unique food producers and visiting chefs who immerse themselves in the seasonality of their foods and embrace the variety of food available.

“I commend the recipients of the Buy Local Awards for their dedication to supporting local producers and, in turn, the local economy,” said Roger Allbee, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. “Vermont must have a strong, viable agricultural segment if its overall economy is to remain strong. ”

If you would like to nominate a business or person for the Buy Local Award, please contact Bruce Martell at 802-828-3461 or bruce.martell@state.vt.us.

Buy Local Award Winners

• City Market – Burlington
• Shelburne Supermarket – Shelburne
• American Flatbread – Waitsfield
• Black River Produce – Springfield
• Main Street Grill – Montpelier
• Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa – Stowe
• Basin Harbor – Vergennes