This week we have heavy hearts as we continue to hear of the devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding this past week in the northeast. In addition to all of the residents and area businesses impacted, many farms in NH, VT, and MA are experiencing widespread loss. 

Acres of fields are underwater, equipment has been damaged, and so many crops have been lost. Vermont farms are estimating millions of dollars in damage. There aren’t that many growing days left in the season, so replanting and restarting is challenging. Farmers are still processing the loss and determining how to move forward. Coupled with the cold snap in February and late frost in May, there have been a number of devastating events to area farmers this season.

These extreme weather events are reminders of the need to support farmers through hard times because not only do their livelihoods depend on it, but because we rely on them to feed us. Farming is inherently a business full of risk, but plays one of the most important roles in our community. It’s imperative that we share a level of risk with farmers and help disperse the cost of this type of loss. A principal part of a CSA is to weather the storm with your farmers.

Although the farms are wet, the Fresh Start Farm thankfully did not experience any flooding. Additionally, as a Food Hub, we work with a large network of area farms and are able to source from farms unaffected by the flooding, but we don’t yet know the full impact. It’s possible you may see changes in the variety and quantities available this season.

Consider donating to one of these relief funds:

• Vermont Community Foundation – 2023 Flood Response & Recovery Fund 
• NOFA Farmer Emergency Fund
• Intervale Recovery Fund
• Center for Agricultural Economy’s Farm Fund