RAFFL Strategic Plan (2011-2013)

Local Farms Fresh Foods Healthy People Resilient Communities

2011‐2013 Priorities

P.O Box 561 East Poultney, VT 05741 • 802‐417‐1528 www.rutlandfarmandfood.org

The Rutland Area Farm and Food Link is a 501(c)(3) not‐for‐profit corporation.

Director’s Message Dear Friends: RAFFL is pouring its energy into programs that increase access to local foods and stimulate the local economy.

We are excited about all of the statewide activity and surrounding attention following the release of the Farm‐to‐Plate Strategy. It is encouraging to see the data and analysis supporting the very same priorities we have established through extensive public input, on‐ the‐ground assessment and common sense wisdom.

As the local farm and food agenda moves forward in Vermont, RAFFL will ensure our region plays a significant role in the “agricultural renaissance.”

RAFFL staff and board members are actively engaged in discussions and big‐picture thinking, striving to bring resources to our area that will move our farm and food enterprises forward.

We are grateful to the more than 50 individuals who shared their knowledge, opinions and expertise with us through one‐on‐one interviews during the summer of 2010. Your input was extremely valuable and has formed the foundation of this plan.

There is a passionate movement afoot and the community is energized. We hope you will join us as we plow ahead.

Tara Kelly Executive Director

Purpose of this Document This plan is intended to guide the RAFFL board and staff as we intensify our program offerings and build the organizational capacity necessary for the realization and fulfillment of our mission and goals.

Determined to remain an innovative and forward‐thinking organization, RAFFL recognizes that this document can never and should never stand as a static representation of a certain future. It should be viewed as a set of guiding principles, directing us toward the achievement of our long‐ term vision.

About the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link

BACKGROUND The Rutland region is dependent upon agriculture’s role in building the local economy, fostering community connections, and transforming the health of our people and our ecosystems.

Choosing healthy local foods is a community investment that positively impacts the economy of our region and state.

OUR VISION The Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL) envisions a vibrant, interconnected, and organized year‐round farm and food system that involves and benefits the entire Rutland region.

OUR VALUES A strong and vibrant farm economy is essential to the enduring strength of our region.

All people should have access to healthy, affordable and nutritious food from local sources.

The Rutland region’s long‐term food security relies on the success of local farms.

Community connections to local farms is important to the preservation and appreciation of our region’s working landscape.

Community collaborations and partnerships are essential to achieving our mission.

OUR MISSION To support new and existing farms within and around the Rutland region.

To inspire and expand community‐wide participation in the region’s agricultural economy.

To develop an increased community appreciation for the positive impact local farms have on the whole Rutland region.

Programs and Projects for 2011 Resources for New and Existing Farmers 2nd Annual Farmer Resource Fair New Farmer Mixers Summer Workshop Series Winter Discussion Series One‐on‐One Services to Match Farmers to Statewide Resources Farmland Access Matchmaking Farm‐to‐Farm Mentorships

New Markets Development

Infrastructure Planning

Farm‐to‐Workplace Delivery

Green Mountain Food Hub

Farm‐to‐Institution Collaborative marketing initiatives

Programs and Projects for 2011 Food Access and Education Grow a Row Place‐based nutritional education in collaboration with Rutland County Nutrition Coalition

Celebrations of Local Farms and Foods 6th Annual Locally Grown Guide 3rd Annual Twilight in the Meadow 6th Annual Farmers’ Gathering

RAFFL Priorities 2011‐2013 Priority #1 To preserve and promote Vermont’s working landscape by providing technical, educational and business support to new and existing farm and food producers in our region.

Priority #2 To inspire and expand community‐ wide involvement in the region’s agricultural economy.

Priority #3 To maintain a vibrant and effective presence in the Rutland region.

RAFFL Priorities 2011‐2013 Priority #1 To preserve and promote Vermont’s working landscape by providing technical, educational and business support to new and existing farmers and food producers in our region.

RAFFL’s success will be evident in the demonstrative growth and diversity of local farms and food producers in our region and the resulting increased cultivation of agricultural land.

Goals 1. Provide new and existing farmers and food producers with access to technical and business support.

2. Increase market opportunities for farmers and food producers.

3. Help connect new and existing farmers with potential land opportunities.

RAFFL Priorities 2011‐2013 Priority #2 To inspire and expand community‐wide involvement in the region’s agricultural economy.

RAFFL‘s success will be evident in the community’s increased demand for, access to and purchase of local agricultural products through direct market channels and an increase in wholesale and institutional purchase.

Goals 1. Increase market interest and demand for local agricultural products.

2. Increase the availability of local foods on a year‐round basis.

3. Advance systems and infrastructure to improve the market access and competitiveness of small scale, local food producers.

4. Decrease financial and institutional barriers to local foods.

5. Celebrate the importance of local farms.

6. Inform the public about opportunities to access local farms and their products.

RAFFL Priorities 2011‐2013 Priority #3 To maintain a vibrant and effective presence in the Rutland region and across the state.

RAFFL’s success will be evident in: the organization’s sustained financial health; the effectiveness of its board, staff, and volunteers; the positive response it will continue to receive from community members, funders and other supporters; and the public's continued understanding of and appreciation for RAFFL programs and successes.

Goals 1. Expand recognition of the RAFFL brand through a successful public relations campaign that promotes and publicizes RAFFL’s programs, actions and successes.

2. Maintain and expand RAFFL's funding stream through a diversified set of funding sources.

3. Develop the strength and commitment of RAFFL's board, staff and volunteers.

4. Remain innovative and forward‐thinking so as to anticipate and participate in new and emerging farm and food issues in the region and around the state.

Connecting the Rutland Region’s Farm and Food System Farmers/Food Producers

Consumers/Market Access

Food Access Issues