Event Overview - 2026 Annual Farm to Plate Network Gathering

As we work towards the goals identified in the 2021-2030 Vermont Agriculture & Food System Strategic Plan, as well as other statewide and regional goals, this year's Gathering is an opportunity to dig into where we are, what we've learned, and where coordinated action is still needed to achieve and continue to advance those goals.

More than halfway through the decade, our community has navigated a pandemic, historic floods, and shifting political and economic conditions, all while continuing to work on strengthening Vermont's food system.

Thursday Morning

Taking Stock: Where We Are

We made a plan in 2020 to strengthen Vermont's food system. How are we doing in meeting those goals?

Join us for a dynamic plenary exploring progress towards the four goal areas of the 2021-2030 VT Agriculture & Food System Strategic Plan: Racial Equity, Healthy Local Food for all Vermonters, Environmental Sustainability, and Sustainable Economic Development.

Food System leaders will draw on data and evidence-based story telling techniques to explore what's been accomplished, where gaps remain, and what actions are realistic moving forward. Attendees will then reflect together at their tables on what the findings mean for their own work, and identify opportunities and strategies to adapt, pivot, or go deeper as we work to advance our collective goals.

Friday Morning

Looking Forward: Personal Stories of Progress

Progress doesn’t have to mean everything went according to plan. It often means adapting, persisting, learning, building new relationships, or pivoting to a different path forward.

We are living in challenging times, and despite this, meaningful and impactful work continues to happen across Vermont’s food system.

Join us to hear from storytellers reflecting on how far we’ve come, what we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve faced, the relationships we’ve built, and the possibilities ahead. Together, these stories will offer a chance to take stock of where we are, as well as imagine what progress can look like from here.

We're proud to offer meals sourced locally through the Vermont Food Hub Collaborative. The Vermont Food Hub Collaborative (VFHC) is Vermont's statewide network of six nonprofit food hubs. The VFHC works to strengthen Vermont's farm and food economy by expanding market opportunities for farmers and food producers while making it easier for institutions, such as event venues, to purchase local food.

More than a meal program, this sourcing project demonstrates how collaboration and shared resources can address market consolidation and provide an alternative pathway for institutions to source, purchase, and receive local food.

Registration Deadline: Registration closes at 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 15. If facility capacity (275 attendees) is met before this date, we will announce an early cut-off and close registration links.

Cancellations & Refunds: Full refunds (minus a $20 administrative fee) are available if cancellations are made by Friday, November 20th.

Meal selections are refundable through Thursday, November 5. After this date, meal costs are nonrefundable due to catering commitments; however, registration fees will still be refunded according to the cancellation policy.

To cancel or modify your registration or meal selections, click the Modify Your Registration button in your confirmation email. For direct assistance, contact Esther.

Substitutions: You may send someone in your place if you’re unable to attend. Substitutions are accepted through Monday, November 16.

Day-of registration will not be available. Only pre-registered attendees will be admitted.

Burke Mountain Hotel