The Rural Economic Development Working Group heard testimony Wednesday evening (including from Mari) as they develop their legislative program to grow and sustain rural communities. I write to embolden them as leaders and encourage all of us to reframe how we see Vermont’s potential.
Green Mountain Girls Farm exists to contribute to a future within which Vermont persists as a global geotourism leader and as a place where farms succeed by working with natural cycles, providing healthy food and creating stronger rural communities.
Our farm links with humanity as we struggle to bridge divides and solve our global syndemic of obesity, under-nourishment, chronic disease and climate change. We are inspired by young people who work and shop at our farm. They stand together with Greta Thunberg, Time’s Person of the Year, striking out, living and spending with strong values of wellness, social fairness and ecological responsibility.
Young twin girls visited our farm from London with their CEO dad and sophisticated mom recently. One blurted out “this is more fun that our house in Bali!” To which the twin added with emphasis, “and it has 3 pools’! We cherish our hill farms but do we think of them competing with 3 pools in an opulent home in Bali? Can we sell our slice of sunshine at an equivalent price differential as our bold brothers in craft brews?
Vermont has been selected to host the 2nd Global Agritourism gathering in the fall of 2020.You will hear about preparations underway. The first Agritourism World Congress was hosted in Italy, 2 years back. It is time for Vermont to comprehend our potential and capture the possibilities alive within the authenticity of our working lands and functioning ecosystems. Vermont had North America’s first alpine ski lift. Can we invest adequately to tap Ski Vermont type potential in regenerative agritourism?
I hope as a state and community we invest in the strength of our working lands and ecological wholeness, the authenticity and essence which is Vermont’s brand.
