Vital communities is undertaking a twoyear planning effort to strengthen food security farm viability farmland integrity distribution systems and overall stability within the upper valley

This project will facilitate the coordination of existing subregional agricultural and food system support groups through a collective impact network. The project will support the development of strategic plans of action for seven to ten local hubs which are farmerled food resilience groups with local expertise and technical assistance providers. These plans will be designed to be complementary across subregions. The anticipated outcome is that these local initiatives supported by technical assistance will create a significant positive impact for the upper valley as a whole by reducing duplication of efforts and fostering a more robust food system. The primary beneficiaries of this work will include farmers ranchers processors and other stakeholders involved in the regions food production and distribution. The project will focus on building relationships and gaining technical skills necessary for the successful implementation of these plans contributing to a more resilient and productive food system within the upper valley.