FARM & FOREST
Since settlement times, the people of northern New Hampshire and
Vermont have worked the land to provide for their families. That still
holds true today.
FARMS
Our land once was home to many dairy, potato and sheep farms, among
others. Now the agricultural sector consists of mostly small tree farms
and niche farms, where hard working folks are growing produce, raising
chickens & beef cattle, producing maple products, honey and Christmas
trees, to sell locally at farmers markets and local shops. A buy local
movement is steadily growing, and thus, so is demand for products.
This trend has presented opportunities for entrepreneurs.
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April’s Maple is a family owned and operated sugarhouse,
retail store, and cafe in Canaan, VT. Situated on 814 acres with
approximately 14,000 taps. April’s Maple is a state-of-the-art
sugarhouse that will be the highlight of your trip. Stop in for a tour
and a maple cream truffle!
PICK
April’s Maple
Forest Products
Logging has long been a North Country tradition, as has tree farming. Hard
workers harvest both wild and cultivated trees which are then trucked to various
markets. Some logs are destined for pulp wood, others to be planed into boards
for a multitude of uses, and still others could be developed into niche forest
products. In the past, mills provided a great number of jobs for the area, but have
since been forced out due to global economic pressures.
The North Country Chamber of Commerce has
adopted the acronym, S.O.H.L. to help guide us
in all we do. This stands for Sustainable, Organic
(true to the area), Healthy/Handcrafted, Local
Living. We find it fits well in staying true to our
roots in the North Country.
Fir trees bring joy to those near and far as they are decorated at Christmas time
within homes, or cut and crafted into wreaths. You can even “cut your own”
Christmas tree at some businesses, making for an authentic and memorable
experience. Other wild forest products are foraged such as chaga, fiddleheads,
berries and mushrooms. The wilderness of this region provides an abundance of
sustenance, put to good use by hearty and resourceful New Englanders.
www.northcountrychamber.org
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