Vermont Conservation Leaders: Cultivating New Funding Pathways for Farmers

In a groundbreaking collaboration this June, the White River Natural Resources Conservation District (WR-NRCD) convened conservation planners, NOFA-VT, and leading forest and agricultural experts for an immersive three-day professional development event at Plenitud VT’s new 101-acre educational farm in Newbury. The goal? To transform how farmers using holistic and organic practices navigate and access vital federal funding streams.

Attendees get their hands dirty, delving into soil health and
conservation with NRCD Soil Health Agronomist Willie
Gibson and Agroforestry expert and Dartmouth PhD candidate
Kristen Jovanelly.

Attendees included conservation planners from across Vermont’s NRCDs, NRCS and NOFA-VT staff, Plenitud VT team, and interns from UVM, all eager to explore innovative approaches. Experts in permaculture, forestry, and agroforestry shared their knowledge, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas. A key highlight was the piloting of WR-NRCD’s cutting-edge holistic farmer interview, designed to better understand and support the unique needs of farmers embracing natural and organic practices. This pioneering effort aims to inspire similar initiatives nationwide.

The Plenitud VT farm served as a living case study, fostering hands-on learning, farm tours, and lively discussions. Participants bonded over shared goals, exchanging insights on how to more efficiently and effectively direct funding to farmers dedicated to sustainable agriculture, and enjoyed farm-to-table meals together.

About Plenitud VT

Plenitud VT is the new Vermont chapter of Plenitud, a 501(c)(3) non-profit rooted in service, sustainability, and community which has been serving in Puerto Rico since 2008. Plenitud VT launched in July 2023 with the purchase of their 101-acre Newbury farm where they will host educational and transformative experiences for a range of audiences, and build on their legacy of community hubs, sustainable farming, and providing healthy food to those in need. They are currently getting to know the area and learning from partners already doing good work in Vermont and New Hampshire. Want to learn more or explore partnership? Email: jessica@plenitudpr.org

About The WRNRCD

The White River Natural Resources Conservation District champions the conservation of natural resources across the Upper Valley watershed. They empower landowners and communities through education, technical assistance, and partnerships, promoting sustainable practices that safeguard soil, water, and wildlife. For more information, email: WhiteRiverNRCD@gmail.com

About NOFA-VT

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) is a non-profit dedicated to a sustainable and equitable food system. They support farmers with resources and organic certification (through VOF), advocate for progressive agricultural policies, and increase access to healthy, local food for all Vermonters. Visit: nofavt.org.