MISSION, VISION AND VALUES
MISSION
At the Center for an Agricultural Economy, we take care of each other and the land.
- We support rural communities and working landscapes by building a more interconnected local food system.
- We cultivate community by organizing and collaborating with farmers, food producers and neighbors
- We strengthen the agricultural economy by providing farm & food business resources, access to capital, shared infrastructure, and dynamic social enterprises.
- Our care is expressed through places, programs, projects, and partnerships that ensure our rural food system is supported, our farms are thriving, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
VISION
The Center for an Agricultural Economy imagines a future with healthy working lands, abundant & accessible local food, and communities where everyone can thrive.
Collaboration
We are just one part of a web of people, partners, and communities working together. We can only reach our goals through deep partnerships and thoughtful connections. We know we cannot solve problems in isolation, so we practice deep listening, creativity, and inclusion as we work with others toward our collective visions for the future.
Equity
We recognize everyone does not start at the same place due to historical and societal causes. We share a collective responsibility to dismantle these inequities and create opportunities for all people to thrive.
Interdependence
We acknowledge that the actions of one impact the experiences of all. The well-being of ourselves and everything around us is related, and it depends on respect and reciprocity.
Joy
We believe the richness of life is experienced through connection. We find and elevate the moments of wonder and awe that help us stay connected, generous, compassionate, and thankful. There is much to celebrate.
Resilience
We accept that the only constant is change, and we understand that meeting the needs of our stakeholders/constituents may look different from day to day. We are resourceful, flexible, and reflective. We approach new situations with curiosity and understanding so we can stay adaptable in the face of change.
Process Statement
We believe that everyone has a human connection to food and land.
Community Nourish
We work through the local food system and rural agriculture to nurture and strengthen connections within the community. We weave collaboration, equity, resilience, interdependence, and joy into everything we do.
Value Driven
We honor community connections through our core values, enabling the creation and maintenance of resources and services that enhance agency, support, and access. This empowerment allows individuals to engage more fully in the community.
Sustainable Development
We are committed to building more participatory communities because when more people share direction and responsibility, the community becomes more resilient and more likely to thrive socially and economically.
Thrive Together
When communities thrive, people better care for each other and the land. We embrace this cyclical process, focusing on continual engagement rather than a fixed end result, to improve relationships with each other, local food systems, and the land.
ANNUAL REPORTS
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20 Years of Building Resilience: 2004-2024 Report
