How to Buy an Organic Farm in Vermont

Organic farms are what you make them.

Buying an organic farm isn't much different from buying any other farm. An organic farm is simply one where no chemical fertilizers, insecticides or pesticides have been used to raise crops or livestock for three years or more.

Geography

Decide what you're going to farm before buying one. Vermont has several different regions, ranging from relatively flat land in the Northeast Kingdom to rugged ranges in the Green Mountains that bisect the state. Different crops and different livestock require different terrain.

Getting help

Ask around before you buy. The local county extension agent should know a little bit about the history of the land or farm, including whether or not pesticides and insecticides were used. The agent should also give you an idea of what crops or livestock can be supported.

Support groups

There's a lot of support for small-scale, organic farming in Vermont. Ask for help from organizations like the Vermont chapter of the Northeast Organic Farmer's Association (NOFA), Rural Vermont, or the Vermont Land Trust.

References

• Vermont Land Trust: The History and Future of Vermont's Landscape
• Buying Farms in Vermont: What's Required for a Farm to be Certified Organic?
• Living Organic: Organic Farming Definition

Resources

• Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont
• Vermont Land Trust
• Rural Vermont