Elmore Mountain Roots

When we think of our food system, we think of farmers, producers, processors and manufacturers. We think of markets and distributors, restaurants and cafes. We don't think of a nursery. Or more correctly, we don't think of our own food production abilities and therefore don't count ourselves as part of our food system. however, when you think about it, if a family can produce 50% of their fruit and nuts through designing fruit treas and bushes into their garden, these plants are certainly part of their food system, and so is the nursery that cultivated them.

 The nursery cultivates and sells an enormous variety of fruit bearing trees, shrubs, bushes and vines all of which are grown organically and bread to do well in some of the toughest weather Vermont has to offer. When the growers find a promising sapling or young tree they will act to ensure it's growth so they can graft it to create new treas of the same fine quality. Among the trees in the orchard are giants like this American Walnut which was thought to have been obliterated by blight some years ago. Elmore Roots actively conserve and cultivate lost or weak species.

One of the biggest challenges growers of year round plants face here in Vermont is the dropping winter temperature. Though the species of tree itself my not be damaged by cold, a young sapling in a bucket with little protection will. To overcome this problem the folks at Elmore Roots dug out two trenches where they can keep the plants during the winter with the protection of the ground around them and insulation of snow on top. What a great idea!

Seeds of Soy and Seeds of Joy

Our first class of the session we took a trip to three local businesses who all produce organic sustainable products while actively incorporating environmental concerns and community involvement in their business plans. These living example of successful business models that work with the community and each other are inspiring and show us all that it is not only possible to survive doing what we love and believe is right but it is possible to thrive.


Our first stop was Vermont Soy Company. I myself am not a fan of soy milk or of tofu, not for nutritional reasons but for simple flavor preferences. That is because I never tasted proper soy products before. But what really got my attention was not that the product is not pasteurized at a high temperature so the flavors are preserved or that the distribution network the company has delivers it all within 24 hours to the shelf.

 What impressed me was the connections and contacts made between the company and its neighboring businesses. Vermont Soy cooperated with Highmowing Organic Seed company, in the same town (which we later visited), with UVM and with two local farmers to find a variety of seed that would grow well in New England, produce the right flavor and texture bean for the desired finished product and be economic to grow.

 As a result, not only does Vermont Soy have an excellent product, they are also providing continuous income to the seed company and the farmers. Making the decision to purchase slightly more expensive beans from the local farmers using the specifically developed seeds from the local company was progressive and shows that businesses that take their role in their community seriously can help not only themselves but their neighbor.