BURLINGTON — The University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Farm Viability Program is seeking Vermont farmers who want to explore business needs, improve basic business management skills and share ideas as part of a monthly discussion group.

The Farmer Peer-to-Peer Discussion Cohort 2022 is a free, 12-month program for qualifying farms with a value-added product or retail component. The group will meet once a month for a three- to four-hour session that will include a tour of a member’s farm or agribusiness and discussion on relevant business topics. Participants will have the option of attending the discussion via Zoom.

The kick-off meeting and first tour is June 23 at a farm and co-packing facility in Randolph. Lunch will be provided. Farmers should contact Betsy Miller, UVM Extension Farm Viability Program coordinator, at [email protected] or (800) 287-1552, ext. 252, by June 20 if interested in attending to learn more about the group.

Farmers also may apply to join the cohort at go.uvm.edu/fvp-form. Topics and locations for future sessions will be decided by the group and based on their interests, availability and geographic disbursement.

Sessions will be facilitated by Miller and Rose Wilson, an agricultural enterprises consultant. Possible discussion topics and business coaching will cover a range of topics, among these, financial management, sales, staffing issues, operational efficiencies, market analysis, new market opportunities and succession planning.

The discussion group is funded by the Vermont Housing Conservation Board in partnership with UVM Extension. To request a disability-related accommodation to participate, contact Christi Sherlock at (866) 860-1382, ext. 200.