Rootswork 1998 - A Community-Based Research, Demonstration, Education and Participation Project

The Mad River Valley has a rich agricultural heritage. However, a significant portion of the agricultural base has been lost due to the influx of tourism and hence development. Agriculture is important to tourism because it is the working landscape that makes the valley much more than a skiing destination and attracts large numbers of people to the area. In addition, tourism beings many potential opportunities for agricultural development. The Rootswork project is and will continue to bring agricultural and environmental issues to the public eye in our community. Through this education and demonstration process we will enhance agricultural opportunities in the Mad River Valley. Our farm will also serve as a place where agricultural ideas can be researched and demonstrated by prospective producers prior to their full implementation. In the long term, Rootswork hopes that its method of encouraging valley residents to participate in agricultural projects will serve as a model for other communities.