3rd Annual Vermont Local Foods Matchmaker event

Presented by Vermont Fresh Network with generous support from Fletcher Allan Health Care
 
What: Through a speed dating format the Local Foods Matchmaker provides a time-efficient way for Vermont food sellers to meet with many potential clients at once. During 10 minute sessions buyers connect with sellers, learn about their local food options, and establish purchasing relationships. This year’s event will also feature workshops on innovative local food purchasing and GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Certification. Sellers will also have the chance to learn about and connect with Vermont food distributors during a distributor information session.  This event requires pre-registration and is not open to the public. More than 40 sellers and nearly 50 buyers will be attending this year’s Matchmaker.
 
When: Tuesday, November 9, 2010
10am: Welcome from Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Roger Allbee
10:15am: Workshops
11am to Noon & 1:30 to 3pm: Matchmaking
 
Where: Shelburne Farms, Coach Barn – Shelburne, VT
 
Who: The organizing committee for the Local Foods Matchmaker event is lead by Vermont Fresh Network in partnership with VT Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Specialty Food Association, Vermont Grocers’ Association, Northeast Organic Farmer Association of Vermont, and Healthcare Without Harm. The event is made possible by the generous support of Fletcher Allen Health Care.
 
Why: During the last two years the Local Foods Matchmaker has proven to overcome the perceived obstacle that large scale buyers are not interested in local food purchasing and provided local food producers with an entry point into this market. The event has also established Vermont as an ideal trial ground for larger companies interested in experimenting with how a “Buy Local” component can fit into their purchasing model.
 
Background: The Local Foods Matchmaker was designed by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture in response to feedback from Vermont growers and food producers.   The event is based on a model used by the Vermont Department of Economic Development and the Northeast regional offices of the Department of Defense to connect small businesses with government agencies and government contractors to build business relationships.