Center for an Agricultural Economy and VT Food Venture Center
The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) supports rural communities and working landscapes by building a more interconnected local food system. Founded in 2004, CAE is a food system nonprofit based in Hardwick, Vermont. CAE’s food justice and place-based education programming is rooted in Northern Vermont, while the food hub enterprises and revolving loan fund operate statewide. Each year CAE’s programs impact over 500 farms, food businesses, local businesses, and institutions, as well as thousands of community members.
CAE’s opportunities for farm and food businesses included:
FARM CONNEX is a local food logistics and transportation partner that helps with all aspects of self-distribution and storage. We service locations in the first and last mile of Vermont, connecting our producers to a larger base of regional consumers.
JUST CUT purchases locally grown vegetables and prepares a line of ready-to-use products for K-12 schools, hospitals, colleges, and commercial kitchens throughout Vermont and just over the border in New Hampshire.
The VERMONT FARM FUND, is a community-based credit model in service of a community-based food system. We provide no-hassle, friendly-term
loans to Vermont farmers & food producers.
CAE's FARM & FOOD BUSINESS RESOURCES leverages industry tools and insights to support farmers and business owners as they manage the complexities of starting and sustaining successful farms and food enterprises.
The VERMONT FOOD VENTURE CENTER is a hub for food processing and innovation, where food businesses can rent two commercial kitchens to test or scale up their business models.
140 Junction Rd.
Hardwick, VT 05843
