HARDWICK – In 2024 the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) celebrated 20 years of supporting an agricultural community in the greater Hardwick region. 2024 was one of CAE’s busiest years to date as it packed many activities into the year and began new ventures.
photo by Kelly Bogel Stokes
The flooding events of the past two years cemented the CAE’s role a community and agricultural resource as it helped navigate what community-driven recovery looks like and highlighted how important existing food and community infrastructure is. They underwent a brand refresh; celebrated 20 years; and continued the work of improving conditions for farmers, food businesses and community members.
The Vermont Farm Fund deployed more loans than ever before; the kitchens at the Vermont Food Venture Center had their busiest year and construction of the Food Hub, the new 12,500 sq. ft. space located in the Yellow Barn Complex on Route 15 in Hardwick, is almost complete.
The Food Hub includes gathering space and increased storage capacity. It will transform CAE’s ability to serve clients and partners by bringing its physical space into alignment with its programming. Investment in energy-efficient technology has been made to minimize the space’s environmental impact.
Jon Ramsey, executive director said, “We’re so excited about the opportunities the space will create for us and the community. We anticipate beginning to move in early in the new year, and hope to have our Farm Connex program operating completely out of the space in the next few months.”
CAE was founded on the belief that a local food system is critical to the long-term sustainability of rural communities in Vermont. This meant not only supporting the farms and businesses but also the people of a community. CAE has programs that support economic viability with community engagement and education. The community guides the CAE’s foundational principles of abundant and accessible local food, healthy working lands and thriving communities.
