Agriculture and food entrepreneurship are cornerstones of the Vermont economy, and important reflections of the communities that create these products. However, important gaps in information and resources are preventing Vermont from realizing the full potential that African diaspora food traditions have to contribute to this dynamic. To further grow our economy, build community, and provide new opportunities for food entrepreneurs, these gaps need to be filled.

The Clemmons Family Farm is partnering with UVM Extension and UVM’s Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences to create the African Diaspora Foodways Institute. The Institute will focus on growing crops in the African food traditions, provide culinary education, and support a new generation of food entrepreneurs with professional training and other services.

Extension staff will provide expertise in growing relevant crops, like teff.  Extension will also support marketing and tourism promotion for the Institute as a way to help these entrepreneurs realize the potential they have to thrive in Vermont’s food tourism economy.  UVM’s Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences will collect data to track and improve the Institute’s efforts and will create the professional development and training programs for the entrepreneurs.

Clemmons Family Farm, Inc is a non-profit based in Charlotte, Vermont that seeks to preserve the historic farmland of the farm, which is an official site of the Vermont African American Heritage Trail. Their mission also includes empowering Vermont’s Artists of the African Diaspora and building a dynamic and multicultural community.

UVM Extension integrates education, research and outreach to help Vermonters put knowledge to work for their families, farms, businesses, towns and the natural environment. 

UVM’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science pursues research and education to improve community health, increase food safety and security, and establish more sustainable food systems.