The Vermont Farm Fund

News of disasters around the world is difficult enough to hear, but it is even more affecting when it happens in your own community. In August, Tropical Storm Irene dealt a powerful blow to Vermont. As ten inches of rain fell and rivers began to flood, it was the farmers in the floodplains that bore the brunt of the damage. Over two days, Irene damaged or destroyed the farms of many of our customers and friends. We have joined in both the sadness and the response to this disaster and we hope that you, our wider High Mowing community, can help support the VT farmers that make this small state such a beacon of hope for healthy food systems.

The Vermont Farm Fund, established by Pete’s Greens and the Center for an Agricultural Economy, supports farmers with 0% interest loans and flexible payment schedules. Pete’s farm received a huge outpouring of support and donations after a devastating fire destroyed his barn in late 2010. Pete has paid that support forward into this fund to help other farmers when they need it most. We are proud to help support this fund as a long-term safety net for the innovative agriculture and spirit of collaboration that fills our region.  

The winter and spring of 2012 is going to be a tough time for many small vegetable farmers in Vermont. High Mowing has given gift certificates for seed to our farmer  customers who were   affected by the flood. Your support of High Mowing Organic Seeds  all these years has helped us to be able to do that and your support for the Vermont Farm Fund will continue to inspire a new generation of farmers who are on the front lines of re-building our nation’s food system.    

How can I help?
Donate any seed refunds for out of stock items to this fund. Let our sales staff know you’d like to contribute when you place your phone order, or go directly to the website that is handling donations for the Vermont Farm Fund, http://www.hardwickagriculture.org/thankyou.html.

Vermont Farmers thank you.