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Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829
Helen Labun Jordan, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3828
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Roger Allbee will kick off the 2008 National Farmers Market Week (August 3rd – 9th) with events around the state. Secretary Allbee has initiated a national celebration by challenging his fellow commissioners of agriculture, in all 50 states, to eat only local foods for at least one day during the week.
Secretary Allbee will shop for his all-local cooking ingredients at the Stowe City Farmers Market, Route 108 at Red Barn Shops, with the guidance of manager Barbara Conn. This diverse market features 40 vendors selling items made and grown in Vermont. Members of the media are invited to join the Secretary for firsthand tips on shopping for the best local produce.
Secretary Allbee’s Eat Local Challenge day. See schedule below; directions appear at end of the document. All events are open to the media except as marked.
- 8:00 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast at Agency of Agriculture (116 State Street, Montpelier, VT)
- 9:30 a.m. – Visit to Screamin’ Ridge Farm (East Montpelier, VT)
A diversified farm run by a professional chef, notable both for its use of unheated greenhouses throughout the winter and close partnership with the Rumney School.
- 10:30 a.m. – Visit to Beidler Family Farm (Randolph, VT)
The Beidler Family Farm, an established organic dairy, recently gained national attention in a Boston Globe article on grain growing in Vermont.
- 11:45 a.m. – Cooking Demonstration by Chef Tom Bivins (NECI) and presentation of annual Buy Local Award (Chef’s Table, Montpelier, VT)
Award will be presented at 1:15 pm to Meghan Sheradin of the Vermont Fresh Network. Please join us as we recognize her hard work on behalf of farmers.
- 3:00 p.m. – Visit to 4 Corners Farm farmstand (South Newbury, VT)
- 6:30 p.m. – Localvore dinner party prepared by Secretary Allbee and Ann Allbee
- Private party – by invitation only
Vermont Agency of Agriculture: 116 State Street, Montpelier, VT
Screamin’ Ridge Farm: Take Elm St North (Rt. 12) leaving Montpelier. After the swimming pool and baseball filed on your right look for the North Branch Nature Center (formerly VINS) on the right. Just after that take a Right onto Gould Hill Rd. Come up Gould Hill about 1.5 miles and take a Right onto Dillon Rd. Screamin’ Ridge is the only Greenhouse on the Right. Approximately 10 minutes from Montpelier.
Beidler Family Farm: Take Exit 4 off I-89, turn on to Rte 66 E towards Randolph Center and VTC. At the entrance of Vermont Technical College turn right. After several hundred yards take your first left on to South Randolph Road (between white church and red schoolhouse). Proceed on South Randolph Road for 8/10 of a mile and Beidler Family Farm is on the left. Approximately 20 – 30 minutes from Montpelier.
Chef’s Table: Main Street, Montpelier, VT
4 Corners Farm: From Montpelier, follow Rte. 302 East until the split with Rte 25. Bear right onto 25. Rte. 25 will reach Bradford, VT. This is the last stop in Vermont! At the light in Bradford, turn left onto Rte. 5 North. Follow Rte. 5 North until the signs for 4 Corners Farm (on the left). Approximately 45 - 55 minutes from Montpelier.
If you have questions about any of these stops or would like more information, please contact:
Kelly Loftus, 828-3829
Helen Labun Jordan, 828-3828
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