As essential businesses, how are farms adapting to the evolving COVID-19 situation with no-contact direct sales, restaurant closures, and farmers markets in flux? Vermont is fortunate to have creative farmers leading the way. Farmers interested in direct sales, as well as ag service providers and others supporting farms are invited to share strategies, challenges, and resources at a webinar at 12pm on Wednesday, April 8.

This webinar is part of the Sourcing & Selling Vermont Food in the Time of COVID-19 Webinar Series being developed by a team from UVM Extension, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Farm to Plate, Vermont Fresh Network, NOFA-VT and other partners to help Vermont’s farm and food system build resiliency and support safety in these challenging times. 

Panelists include:

·       Shannon Varley from Strafford Village Farm will talk about transitioning their farmstand to online ordering with drive-thru and delivery.

·       Alissa Matthews from the Vermont Agency of Ag will let us know where to find the latest guidelines for CSAs and farmers markets.

·       Sara DeFilippi from the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing will give an update on resources from ACCD.

·       Hans Estrin from UVM Extension will discuss new models of direct sales and produce safety.

Register in advance for this meeting:  https://uvmextension.zoom.us/meeting/register/vJ0vdO2opj0veiAGTvqznrHDpUZiRi20Mw 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Feel free to send Lisa.Chase@uvm.edu questions in advance, and please let us know if you would like some time to share your experiences, ideas, and resources.

We are developing a list for future webinars that will go into depth on different topics with different presenters. What do you want to hear about and who do you want to hear from? Please send ideas to Lisa.Chase@uvm.edu. 

To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Becky Bartlett at 802-257-7967 by April 3, 2020 so we may assist you.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont.  University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.