Norwich Farm Foundation has reached agreement to purchase farm from Vermont State Colleges
Sale Contingent on fundraising to support purchase (watch WCAX video)
Hello Norwich,
I am sharing with you a press release that I received from the Norwich farm Foundation.
I am also including the WCAX video/story link so that you can view that as well.
https://www.wcax.com/video/2021/12/20/deal-reached-buy-norwich-creamery-2/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kate Kahn December 20, 2021 Phone: 617.513.8849 Email: kahn@graymediagroup.com
NORWICH FARM FOUNDATION REACHES AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE FARM FROM VERMONT STATE COLLEGES
SALE CONTINGENT ON FUNDRAISING TO SUPPORT PURCHASE
Norwich VT---The not-for-profit Norwich Farm Foundation (NFF) today announced it has reached an agreement with Vermont State Colleges to buy Norwich Farm and preserve the property plus the creamery and farm store operated there by Norwich Farm Creamery.
The sale is contingent on raising enough money over the next four months to support the sale and fund the Norwich Farm Foundation’s plan to invigorate the value-added dairy at the location.
"We are thrilled that we have an agreement to buy Norwich Farm, but there is still work to do," said Kate Barlow, President of the Norwich Farm Foundation. "Preserving this special resource is of utmost importance to our community and the wider Upper Valley. We are asking supporters of local, sustainable agriculture
to donate whatever they can to ensure the final purchase and protection of this dairy farm that has been here for more than 200 years."
The Norwich Farm Foundation has developed a long-range ten-year plan based around the growth and success of Norwich Farm Creamery. In 2020, the creamery produced 150,000 pounds of nutritious grass-fed dairy products. The NFF plan calls for an expansion of production to more than 350,000 pounds of local grass-fed dairy per year. A herd of 25 milking cows will be re-established at the farm in order to supply milk to the
creamery. The plan also includes educational programming to benefit Norwich and the Upper Valley.
"We love doing what we do and couldn't be happier that this plan is taking another step towards fruition," said Chris Gray and Laura Brown, the owners of Norwich Farm Creamery (NFC). "From day one, our goal was to be able to produce high quality dairy products on a local level and to educate our community.” Currently, NFC produces ricotta cheese, yogurt, milk, ice cream, and other products for sale at the farm and in many retail locations and farmers markets.
"This is a win for everyone," said Liz Gemignani, a NFF board member. "The community will continue to have access to a top-notch dairy farm that produces outstanding and nutritious products as well as having a direct understanding of where their food comes from. Protecting our small farms that play an out-sized role in feeding our communities is exactly in line with our mission."
The goal of NFF is to keep the farm a working farm that will help feed the wider Upper Valley communities. Its mission is to support local food security, affordable farmer housing, working landscape, and regenerative agriculture.
To donate, www.norwichfarmfoundation.org
To learn more about the Norwich Farm Foundation, www.norwichfarmfoundation.org
