Gina has worked at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) as an intern and a part-time employee for nearly two years. She started as an intern in the Agricultural Development Division, and during her final semester of college simultaneously partnered with Water Quality staff on a GIS service-learning project in a University of Vermont (UVM) course. Gina graduated from UVM in 2018 with a B.S. in Natural Resource Planning, where she developed a strong background in food systems, policy, community and economic development, and natural resource issues, as well as technical skills in information technology. Throughout her time at UVM, she was actively involved in efforts to increase UVM Dining’s procurement of local, sustainable, fair and humane food. Since graduating, Gina has provided mapping services to various VAAFM programs as a part-time GIS Professional. Gina is familiar with the management of VAAFM grant programs through her close collaboration with grant managers in aggregating and analyzing data to communicate the impact of several Agency grant programs over the past two years. She now joins the Vermont Produce Program in a full-time capacity as an Agriculture Development Specialist. Gina grew up in Worcester, Vermont, and enjoys gardening, cooking, horseback riding, and staying informed about local issues and events. She is passionate about supporting local farms and building healthier, more resilient communities and a more equitable economy.
Gina will be managing the Specialty Crop Block Grant and Produce Safety Improvement Grant programs, in addition to supporting various Produce Program projects. To learn more about the Vermont Produce Program, visit agriculture.vermont.gov/produceprogram.