Have you been wondering what goes on at the Center for an Agricultural Economy? We are having an open house and would love to see all our neighbors so we can show you first-hand what happens here. The open house is set for the same time as First Friday, on September 5 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tours of the commercial kitchens will be available, and entrepreneurs who have started their food businesses at CAE or used its services will be on hand with samples and products for sale. Among the small businesses are Vermont Kale Chips, Wood's Edge Pesto, Tom Knows Salsa, Vermont Chevon (goat meat), Vermont Food Group veggie burgers, lemonade made of Sumptuous Syrups, and Switchel, a modernized old-fashioned farm energy drink. Equipment to see includes a new filler and capper machine to help make production of Switchel and other bottled products easier and more efficient. There will also be music, and staff will be on hand with information about CAE's three main areas of work. These include activities and services for entrepreneurs at the Vermont Food Venture Center. CAE also does minimal processing of local vegetables for schools, hospitals, and other local markets. CAE is also dedicated to food access, community health and education projects. Grow Your Own is a project with the Hardwick Area Food Pantry and Northest Kingdom Kids on the Move which offers free workshops on gardening, cooking and preserving food. CAE also works with Hardwick Elementary School to bolster its sustainable food systems. The CAE office and kitchens are located at 140 Junction Road in Hardwick.
For more information, contact CAE at (802) 472-5362 or e-mail bethany@hardwickagriculture.org