2019 National Advisory Committee 

Mark Cannella                                  University of VT Extension                                             VT
Ela Chapin (previous host)             VT Farm & Forest Viability Program                             VT
Sid Dasgupta                                    Kentucky State University                                              KY
Todd Erling (previous host)            Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corp.      NY
John Fisk                                          Wallace Center at Winrock International                     DC
Julia Freedgood                               American Farmland Trust                                              MA
Tera Johnson                                   Food Finance Institute                                                    WI
Fred Kirschenmann                         Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture               IA
Scott Marlow                                    RAFI                                                                                  NC
Gary Matteson                                  Farm Credit Council                                                       DC   
​Tanya Murray                                    Oregon Tilth                                                                    OR
Greg Padget                                      Practical Farmers of Iowa                                             IA
Olivia Tincani                                    Kitchen Table Advisors                                                  CA
Sai Thao & Paul Dietmann             Compeer                                                                           MN/Midwest
David Weinand                                 Minnesota Department of Agriculture                        MN

2019 Regional Advisory Committee 

Details coming soon!

2019 Planning Committee 

Renewing the Countryside strengthens rural areas by championing and supporting rural communities, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists and other people who are renewing the countryside through sustainable and innovative initiatives, businesses, and projects. We do this by sharing stories of rural renewal, building awareness and support for sustainable endeavors, connecting people interested in sustainable rural development to each other, providing practical assistance and networking opportunities for those working to improve rural America, and fostering connections between urban and rural people.
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program began in 2003 and offers in-depth business planning and technical assistance to Vermont's working lands enterprises. We have worked with over 700 farm, forest product and food businesses across the state to improve business, production, and financial management, develop feasibility studies, access financing for growth, and plan for retirement and transitions to new ownership. We are a program of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, and work with an exceptional network of partner organizations and private consultants to deliver business planning and technical assistance services, including the Intervale Center, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension, the Center for Agricultural Economy, the Vermont Woodlands Association, Vermont Agricultural Development Program, and Land for Good.
​The Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) is the only economic development agency in the Hudson Valley with a specific focus on the viability of the agricultural economy in the region. HVADC’s charge is to enhance the agricultural sector in the Hudson Valley by assisting both new and existing agri-businesses, and supporting policies and regulations that recognize and support the agricultural economy. Our services are carefully designed to promote the Hudson Valley as an attractive, viable region for agriculture and to foster growth and development of the agricultural sector through a creative program or marketing, promotion and the provision and coordination of financial and other resources. 
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The mission of the American Farmland Trust is to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land. We do this through advocacy, education, innovation, investigation and collaboration.