New England Grassroots Environment Fund

Group Resources

Hardwick Community Garden Participation Form
Press Release: Food Access Fund
2008 Annual Report
NY Times Article: United Around Food to Save an Ailing Town

Group Details

The Center for an Agricultural Economy seeks to engage agricultural leaders in the emerging 21st century food system to build capacity and inspire the public in supporting and implementing this system. The Center vision supports the desire of rural communities to rebuild their economic and ecological health through strong, secure, and revitalized agricultural systems to meet both their own food needs locally as well as to determine and build the best opportunities for value-added agricultural exports. Currently programs aim to conduct research and educate the community on food and agricultural value-added products to enhance the strength of Vermont rural communities, to promote stewardship of Vermont agriculture, and to protect and enhance the environment through the use of sustainable agricultural practices and products.

The group’s successes include a feature in the New York Times about the Hardwick food system model and the recent purchase of Atkins Field, a 15.2 acre area that will serve as a venue to create a sustainable agricultural center in Hardwick in partnership with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Northern Vermont Development Association, and the Vermont Land Trust.

The group, located in Hardwick (VT), received its latest NEGEF in March 2008 to enhance community participation in the local good system and support area food security by increasing community outreach concerning the benefits of community gardening. Emphasis will be placed on encouraing the participation of at-risk households.