HISTORY
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FOUNDING VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY
The founding board, all of whom were based in the region immediately surrounding Hardwick, were dedicated to a vision for a sustainable and viable economy, which built community as well as stewarded environmental health and well-being; a triple-bottom line approach to economic development.
Because of this vision for a vibrant community, a thriving economy, and a healthy environment, CAE was established to take the risks, create the partnerships, and foster the collaborations that business could not achieve on its own
CAE’S JOURNEY AND IMPACT AFTER 20 YEARS
Twenty years later, CAE is a food systems hub in Hardwick, VT, whose reach extends statewide and beyond.
Our work touches all aspects of the food system in support of rural food businesses, farms, and communities. We work alongside our neighbors and partners to cultivate interdependence, take risks, and initiate change.
TIMELINE
2004
CAE is founded as the “Center for a Biobased Economy” (later renamed the Center for an Agricultural Economy) on the belief that the Hardwick area could have a strong economy based on local food and agriculture.
2008
CAE purchases Atkins Field to be used as a publicly accessible green space for education, farming, recreation and relationship building opportunities
2009 - 2011
The Vermont Food Venture Center (VFVC) opens offering commercial kitchen space, storage, and technical assistance to farm and food businesses. CAE has a physical home!
2011
Vermont Farm Fund established as a revolving loan fund to ensure that Vermont farmers have access to funds when needed.
2012
Farm-to-Institution programming begins at VFVC as co-packing arrangements between local farms and the VFVC ( program renamed Just Cut in 2015).
2014
Food Insecurity and rural poverty catalyze and inspire the launch of the Grow Your Own project and a NEK listening campaign (Renamed Northeast Kingdom Organizing in 2018) with partner groups.
2016
Place-Based Education programming begins within school districts as a way to foster student’s connection to land, agriculture and their community.
2019
Pavilion at Atkins Field opens as a destination for gathering, connection, and community learning.
2020
CAE purchases Farm Connex to ensure that Vermont’s smallest and most rural farms continue to have distribution opportunities.
2020 - 2023
The Covid-19 pandemic and flooding in July of 2023 establishes CAE as an important resource for farmers and community members in times of emergency. CAE facilitates emergency response efforts that assists with recovery for farms and individuals.
2024
CAE will complete the fit-up of our new food hub infrastructure to expand market access, and increase food storage and aggregation opportunities. The new building will also serve as a space to learn and engage with agriculture and community.
ANNUAL REPORTS
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20 Years of Building Resilience: 2004-2024 Report
