Burlington sits at the center of Vermont's Champlain Valley — one of the most agriculturally productive regions in New England and the heart of Vermont's legendary dairy, maple, and vegetable farming culture. Addison, Chittenden, and Franklin counties surrounding Burlington have the highest concentration of small diversified farms in the state.
Burlington's local food system is one of the most developed in small-city America. The city and surrounding Chittenden County have invested in food infrastructure — from year-round markets to local food purchasing requirements — that has made the region a national model for how a mid-sized city can build a genuine local food economy. The result is that Burlington residents have access to an extraordinary range of local farm products within 30 minutes of downtown.
Addison County directly south of Burlington is the heart of Vermont's dairy industry. The county produces more milk per acre than almost anywhere in the Northeast, and it's home to several of the most notable artisan cheesemakers and raw milk dairies in the state. Farm stands in Middlebury, Vergennes, and the farming corridor along Route 7 sell exceptional dairy products including raw milk, cultured butter, aged cheddar, and fresh cheese.
The Burlington region's maple season (late February through early April) is a genuine cultural event. The Champlain Valley's sugar maple stands run sap in the weather window between freezing nights and warm days, and sugarhouses throughout Addison, Chittenden, and Franklin counties open to the public during Maple Open Farm Weekend (traditionally the last weekend of March). Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state and the farms surrounding Burlington are central to that production.
Unlike most of the country, Burlington has genuine year-round farm stand access. Vermont's hardy farmers and the region's tradition of winter production mean that eggs, meats, dairy, root vegetables, stored apples, and maple products are available at farm stands throughout the winter. Several farms in Addison and Chittenden counties specifically market their year-round availability.
Yes. Vermont allows on-farm raw milk sales with a permit, and there are several licensed raw milk farms within 30 miles of Burlington, particularly in Addison County. Vermont farms can sell up to 40 quarts per day at the farm. Check our directory for currently licensed farms — the list changes as farms acquire and renew permits.
Vermont maple farms produce syrup during the sugaring season (late February through early April), but most sell maple syrup year-round at their farm stands. For the freshest syrup from the current year's harvest, visit farm stands in March or April. Many farms also offer tours during the boiling season.
Every season has something distinctive. Spring brings maple season and early greens. Summer brings strawberries, then corn and tomatoes. Fall brings apples, winter squash, and the most complete range of products. Winter, surprisingly, has strong farm stand activity with dairy, eggs, meats, and stored goods available at many farms. Vermont's year-round farming culture makes any month worthwhile.