Wednesday May 26, 2021
1:30 – 3:00pm
Online webinar for funders only
Register Here (*required)
Farm and food entrepreneurs in New England and the Hudson Valley are facing the challenges of climate change, an economic structure that has left rural America in poverty, as well as an ongoing history of racism, sexism and bigotry. These rural communities in our region are resilient, but they need our support to thrive.
The Agricultural Viability Alliance, formerly the Blueprint, is made up of members who work to support the farmers and food businesses of this region to not only meet these challenges – but to create a thriving, sustainable and more resilient food system. By providing essential 1-to-1 business support they reduce the stress and increase the stability and confidence of these foundational businesses while encouraging start ups. This type of assistance supports small business owners in preparing for climate impacts, improving pay for farm workers, and encouraging civic engagement from our rural community members.
Join CFF as we hear from farm and food business technical assistance providers, as well as the entrepreneurs they support, to understand this critical resource and how we can better support a thriving local food system.
Presenters
- Todd Erling, Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp
- Lee Hennessy, Moxie Ridge Farm and Creamery
- Chris Wayne, GrowNYC
- Johanna de Graffenreid, Agricultural Viability Alliance
Co-sponsored by the Joyce & Irving Goldman Family Foundation, and
Sustainable Agriculture and Food System Funders
More about the presenting organizations
Agricultural Viability Alliance
The Agricultural Viability Alliance increases the number and economic viability of farm and food businesses by bringing together providers and organizations from across New England and New York’s Hudson Valley to address shared challenges, facilitate more uniform high-quality coverage, and more effectively share and expand limited resources.
This project serves business technical assistance providers and organizations that will ultimately support the long-term viability of farms and food enterprises in the region. In addition to our economic impact, our work also fosters a more equitable and inclusive sector that engages traditionally underserved communities, and we support and strengthen entrepreneurs who help conserve farmland and mitigate the effects of climate change for generations to come.
GrowNYC
Our mission is to improve New York City’s quality of life through environmental programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.
GrowNYC’s Farmer Assistance program provides both aspiring and established Greenmarket farmers with business technical assistance and training designed to ensure the long-term viability of participating farms and farmland. Technical assistance is provided through both in-house services and through the engagement of cost-shared consultants. GrowNYC is a proud member of the Agricultural Viability Alliance and serves on the Alliance’s Steering Committee.
Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC)
HVADC is the only economic development agency in the Hudson Valley with a specific focus on the viability of the agricultural economy in the region. HVADC’s charge is to enhance the agricultural sector in the Hudson Valley by assisting both new and existing agri-businesses, and supporting policies and regulations that recognize and support New York State’s agricultural economy.
Our services are carefully designed to promote the Hudson Valley as an attractive, viable region for agriculture and to foster growth and development of the agricultural sector through a creative program or marketing, promotion and the provision and coordination of financial and other resources. We are a not-for-profit organization with offices in Hudson, New York, enabling us to work closely with a variety of public and private partners throughout the Hudson Valley. HVADC is a proud founding member of the Agricultural Viability Alliance and serves on the Alliance’s Executive Committee.
The Carrot Project
The Carrot Project envisions a just and resilient farm and food system, where successful farms and agricultural businesses are increasing in number and racial diversity, and are contributing to New England’s economic, environmental, and social well-being. We address the most important gaps at the intersections of financial security, racial and economic justice, financial barriers to farmland access, and farmers’ ability to weather major disruptions. We do this as business advisors and through education, advocacy, and research. The Carrot Project is a proud founding member of the Agricultural Viability Alliance and serves on the Alliance’s Executive Committee.