Vermont Agriculture and Food Systems Strategic Plan

Over the past ten years, Vermont’s food system economic output expanded 48%, from $7.5 billion to $11.3 billion, which includes $3 billion (26.5%) from food manufacturing—Vermont’s second-largest manufacturing industry. The food system added 6,560 net new jobs (11.3% increase), and more than 64,000 Vermonters were directly employed by over 11,500 farms and food-related businesses. Local food purchases rose from $114 million (5%) to $310 million (13.9%) of the total $2.2 billion spent on food in the state annually, and Vermont farms sold $781 million worth of product per year.

Recognizing the success of the first Plan and the continued importance of agriculture and food to Vermont’s economy, environment, and culture, the Vermont Legislature and Governor Scott reauthorized the Farm to Plate Investment Program in 2019. (source: Vermont Farm to Plate)

Here are the key points* of the Vermont Agriculture and Food Systems Strategic Plan for 2021-2030:

• Vermont’s agriculture and food system will be defined by human well-being, environmental sustainability, equity, trust, collaboration, and ingenuity.
• Access to land, infrastructure, education, capital, and technical assistance will be sufficient and equitable
• We envision a working landscape where agricultural soils are protected and respected for their ability to sustain us in good times and hard times, in which farming and food production generate clean water, clean air, healthy soils, and ecological diversity
• We envision a food system in which there are no social, cultural, or infrastructure barriers to obtaining and enjoying local food

*The full text can be found in the Related Documents folder on this site.