From the Publisher
With each issue we begin again. Maria and I brainstorm months in advance of production as to who or what we feature and why. And as I write these forwards, I am always amazed at the journey on which each issue takes me. In my head I hear the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting It Together.” “Bit by bit, every little detail plays a part, having just a vision’s no solution, everything depends on execution, putting it together. That’s what counts!”
I’m so fortunate to have a great team of designers, writers, editors, and photographers to collaborate with on the publication’s execution. I am very thankful to our ever-growing community of advertising support. Thank you for allowing us to tell the stories!
This issue’s path began with organizations, restaurants, and farms dedicated to sustainability; they include Shelburne Farms, Earth Sky Time Community Farm, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Gardener’s Supply Company, Caledonia Spirits, Split Spirits, Trenchers Farmhouse Pasta, Merck Forest & Farmland Center, and Yalla Vermont and Bramble restaurants.
We were also fortunate to have obtained sponsorships from American Farmland Trust in support of NOFA-VT. This summer, vote for a local Vermont farmers’ market to be recognized in America’s Farmers Market Celebration™ (AFMC)! We present our inaugural showcase with members of the Vermont Specialty Food Association. We have partnered with the Vermont Cheese Council in support of their 13th annual festival, and interviewed Ryan Nakhleh of Local Maverick in our Edible Voices feature.
I know firsthand how tightly knit our Vermont farm/food network and community is. I must conclude with the following provided by NOFA-VT.
It is a difficult time for sustainable, localized agriculture in this country. Polls demonstrate that the vast majority of Americans want investments in resilient farming practices and small- and midscale farms, yet instead we’re experiencing widespread freezes and cancellation of federal support. These shifts are already having massive, negative impacts on Vermont farms and are destabilizing our entire food system. The movement for a more thriving, sustainable, just food system continues, and I invite you to be part of it! Become active in NOFA-VT and stand with farmers and farmworkers as we build toward a better food future for us all.
Enjoy the summer months and support local every day.
Marcia Lissak
