Kaiser Farm Conservation, Stowe

 
Kaiser Farm Conservation, Stowe
Conservation of a 49-acre farm in Stowe's Nebraska Valley by the Vermont Land Trust and the Stowe Land Trust enabled young farmers Andrew and Annie Paradee to purchase the Kaiser Farm, where they plan to raise vegetables, lambs, and laying hens. More than 200 Stowe households contributed to local fundraising for the project. 

The Paradees worked with Sam Smith of the Intervale Center through VHCB's Farm & Forest Viability Program to develop a business plan for the transition. The Vermont Land Trust Farmland Access Program connected the Kaisers and the Paradees.

The Stowe Land Trust took on community fundraising efforts, raising more than $372,000 towards the acquisition costs for the easement. Executive Director Caitrin Maloney said, "The response to this project has been so strong, with more than 200 people donating to help protect the farm. The Stowe community clearly values small farms and local food production...it was a true community effort."