The Vermont Fresh Network and UVM Extension is hosting a series of agritourism webinars to learn from a network of chefs, farmers, and agritourism experts as they share experiences, knowledge and tips for best practices.
This free webinar series is designed to offer members of Vermont’s food and farm sector tools to help build resiliency and to cultivate relationships, as well as provide resources to help seize opportunities in today’s dynamic rural economy.
To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Amber Hunt at 802-656-7530 or Amber.Hunt@uvm.edu so we may assist you.
The Food and Farm Webinar Series
Monday, Nov. 27: Local Partnerships for Restaurants
With Sean Blomgren of The Lodge at Spruce Peak and Hervé Mahé of Bistro de Margot.
Did you know Vermont Fresh Network Gold Barn members spend at least 35 percent of their annual food purchasing budget with local partners? VFN Gold Barn members Sean Blomgren, Executive Chef of the Lodge Spruce Peak and Hervé Mahé, Chef/Owner of Bistro de Margot will discuss what local partnerships look like for them, how prioritizing local impacts their culinary programs, and why they opt to purchase locally-grown and produced foods where they can.
Wednesday, November 29th: Managing Diversified Food & Farm Businesses
With Hannah Blackmer of Field Stone Farm and Jennifer Vascotto of Trenchers Farmhouse.
How do you balance a business that includes: managing a diversified farm, wholesale accounts, specialty food production, farmers market participation, never mind the usual aspects of running a business like marketing and overall financial management? Hannah Blackmer of Field Stone Farm and Jennifer Vascotto of Trenchers Farmhouse will discuss how they integrate the various aspects of their work and will offer their perspective on lessons learned and advice for others interested in developing their own diversified food and farm business.
Wednesday, Dec. 13: Business Planning for Agritourism Enterprises
With Lisa Chase and Zachary Smith of University of Vermont Extension.
Business planning is critical for any type of enterprise, and agritourism is no exception. In this webinar, we’ll provide a general overview of business planning for agritourism as well as information about registering for an online training series in February and March for those who would like to develop a business plan this winter with guidance from Extension business planning experts. We will cover key steps for business planning and introduce you to a new online tool.