Business Details
41 Years
experience
Advocates for Vermont's Rural Communities and Farmers
Rural Vermont is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening agrarian communities through advocacy, education, and policy reform. Founded in 1985, we work collaboratively with local and global movements to promote social, ecological, and economic health in rural Vermont. Our efforts focus on empowering farmers, farmworkers, and community members to build equitable food systems and resist corporate consolidation. We activate a Farm Policy Network to preserve rural heritage, educate stakeholders about critical issues, and advocate for legislation that supports family farms and local food sovereignty.Our work addresses regulatory barriers that hinder direct farm-to-consumer transactions, ensuring farmers receive fair prices while consumers access high-quality local food. Rooted in a 40-year legacy, we envision a just world where communities coexist harmoniously with nature, prioritizing racial justice and economic equity. We honor the Abenaki Nation's stewardship of Vermont's land and commit to protecting this region for future generations.
Services
Farmer Advocacy
Policy Reform
Community Education
Food Sovereignty
Rural Organizing
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience advocating for Vermont's farmers and rural communities.
- Our work focuses on equitable policies that benefit small-scale, community-based agriculture.
- We provide educational resources to help farmers navigate regulatory challenges.
- Our Farm Policy Network actively shapes legislation supporting local food systems.
- We prioritize racial justice and economic equity in all our advocacy efforts.
What people say
Amazing farmers
Healthy food access
Monthly contributing family
Extreme gratitude
Services
Farmer Advocacy
We advocate for fair agricultural policies at local, state, and national levels. Our efforts focus on creating tiered regulations that support small and large farms equally. We work to remove barriers preventing farmers from selling directly to consumers.
Community Education
We provide resources and information about agricultural challenges and opportunities. Our educational initiatives include workshops, policy briefings, and public awareness campaigns about food systems and rural economic development.
Food Sovereignty
We promote local food sovereignty by supporting community-scale farms and direct market transactions. Our work helps maintain Vermont's agricultural heritage while ensuring equitable access to fresh, locally grown food.
Rural Organizing
We organize farmers, farmworkers, and community members to strengthen rural networks. Our initiatives include policy networks, community events, and collaborative projects that build solidarity among agrarian communities.
Agroecology School
We operate the Peoples Agroecology School of Vermont, providing education on sustainable farming practices and political advocacy. The school builds on decades of farmer organizing and Latin American agroecological traditions.
People
Donna & Phil Reback
Supporters
Monthly contributing family advocating for Vermont's agricultural community through financial support and active participation in Rural Vermont's initiatives.
Questions
What is Rural Vermont's primary mission?
We work to strengthen Vermont's agrarian communities through policy advocacy, education, and support for local food systems.
How does Rural Vermont support farmers?
We advocate for fair regulations, provide educational resources, and organize initiatives that help farmers access markets and policy discussions.
What policy issues do you focus on?
We prioritize food sovereignty, equitable regulations, and resisting corporate consolidation in agriculture.
How can I get involved with Rural Vermont?
You can join our Farm Policy Network, attend events, volunteer, or become a sustaining member to support our work.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide workshops, policy briefings, and operate the Peoples Agroecology School of Vermont for farmer training.
Where is Rural Vermont based?
Our main office is located at 46 East State St, Montpelier, VT 05602.
