By Juana Lopez, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Farm First, is a Vermont-based program that tries to tackle issues that farm owners and their families might be facing, including but not limited to financial and family concerns, alcoholism, and illness. These services are free and confidential in order to best suit their needs. Farm First provides professional and personal support to address a wide range of issues.
One of the programs that Farm First Provides is The Farm First Peer Network. The Farm First Peer Network is a group of diverse farmers from around the state who have been trained in active listening and accessing resources. Sometimes, it's only having another farmer who can understand what you’re going through that can make a difference. These trained peers can be a first call when things start to go sideways. They can help talk you through a situation, build on your past successes, brainstorm possible solutions, or make a referral for accessing other resources or counseling.
Farm First also provides up to 12 free counseling sessions with a counselor that would fit your needs, situation, and insurance after the first initial phone call. If one does not have insurance, The Farm First Resource Coordinator, Eva Griffin, can help find counselors who have reasonable and affordable prices.
If you need resources or support on other issues like legal or, disaster relief, Farm First can help research resources that one can contact. You are not alone in this process. Farm First is only a phone call away.
For more information on Farm First, please call or visit our website:
Call: (802) 318-5538 during daytime work hours (8:00 AM-4:30 PM M-F)
Call: 877-493-6216 outside of daytime work hours
Email: Eva Griffin at EvaG@farmfirst.org
Website: https://www.farmfirst.org/