Vermont Technical College launches conference series on the sustainable economy

Vermont Technical College’s Institute for Applied Agriculture and Food Systems is pleased to announce a series of four conferences focused on agriculture, education, innovation and the future of the regional economy. The series, entitled, GroundWork: A Series on Cultivating a Sustainable Future through Education, Applied Research and Innovation, kicks off on November 13, on Vermont Tech’s Randolph Campus, with a focus on entrepreneurship.  

The keynote speaker is Richard Waybright, world-renowned innovator in the Pennsylvania dairy industry and operator of Mason-Dixon farms. Following Mr. Waybright will be a panel discussion, moderated by Vermont Tech’s Director of Agricultural Programs, Chris Dutton, featuring five of Vermont’s most innovative agricultural entrepreneurs; Lisa Ransom of Grow Compost, Linda Dimmick of Neighborly Farms, Tyler McNaney of Filabot (current student at Vermont Tech), John Kleptz of LaPlatte River Angus Farm, and Norah Lake, of Sunrise Farm.  

Following lunch will be an afternoon panel on resources for agricultural entrepreneurs, including Lawrence Miller, Secretary of VT’s Agency of Commerce; Steve Paddock, Small Business Development Council; Ela Chapin, Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program; Ben Waterman, Vermont Farmland Access Network; Donna Barlow-Casey, Director of VT Tech’s Center for Sustainable Practices and representatives from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, University of Vermont Extension and VT Tech’s Department of Continuing Education. The afternoon forum will be moderated by Roger Albee, former VT Secretary of Agriculture and senior advisor to the Vermont Tech Institute for Applied Agriculture and Food Systems.  

The series conferences also include: 

December 4, 2012  Enacting Sustainable Practices that Reduce Food Processing Waste co-presented with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources 

January 15, 2013  Connecting Education with Employers co-presented with the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund Farm to Plate Network 

March 12, 2013  Aligning Educational Needs and Resources; Vermont Technical College’s Roadmap, and Collaborations with Educational Counterparts 

Cost is $25 per conference, including lunch, or $75 for all four. Advanced registration is at www.vtc.edu/groundwork. For more information contact: Ivansteamburg@vtc.edu or call 802-728-1339. 

The Vermont Technical College Institute for Applied Agriculture and Food Systems serves the applied research and educational needs of agriculture, food production, waste disposal and energy production businesses in the region. Supported by a $3.4 million federal grant through the U.S. Department of Labor, the Institute uses a cooperative education learning model in partnership with state government businesses within Vermont’s agriculture, waste management and energy sectors, and educational counterparts. Says Vermont Technical College President 

Phil Conroy: “GroundWork celebrates Vermont Tech's long tradition of agricultural and engineering excellence, and our extensive collaborations with government, businesses, and educational counterparts. Together, we are well positioned to help Vermont’s agricultural economy thrive.” 

Vermont Technical College is a public, coeducational institution offering more than 25 bachelors, associates, masters degree, and certificate programs, in Agriculture, Engineering, Technology, Nursing/Health Sciences and Sustainable Practice. www.vtc.edu