UVM and USDA open Food Systems Research Station to study New England agriculture

# What opened and where Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have opened the Food Systems Research Station on an approximately 400-acre former dairy farm in Charlotte, Vermont. The center is housed in an 18,000-square-foot warehouse repurposed for research on crops, livestock and broader food-system questions.

# Who is involved

# Why the station was created The station builds on a collaboration that began with a $3 million congressional appropriation in 2019. UVM signed a 30-year lease on Nordic Farm in 2024 and spent subsequent years preparing land, acquiring equipment and bringing in livestock. The stated goal is practical: develop research that helps New England farmers produce more and better food and keep it local.

# Early research and priorities Limited studies began in May. Current and planned work includes:

• A grazing-preference study for cows, initiated following discussions among researchers.
• Planned research on crossbreeding dairy and beef cattle to investigate whether crossbreeding can help farms respond to dairy consolidation by improving production traits.

Researchers describe the work as systems-based: studying multiple products and interactions rather than isolating single commodities.

# How the station will connect to farmers and students UVM leaders emphasize hands-on learning for students and accessible results for farmers. The station intends to hold "field days" where community members, stakeholders and producers can observe experiments and learn practical takeaways. That outreach is part of the station's mandate to translate research into on-farm practices.

# Expected practical outcomes Researchers hope the work will provide concrete approaches farmers can adopt to increase local food production and adapt to pressures such as farm consolidation. Specific outcomes mentioned include insights on animal behavior, production performance and management practices that can be applied across New England.

# What remains to be seen The coverage describes early-stage operations rather than completed studies. Over time, the station will need to publish findings, document benefits to farmers and demonstrate measurable impacts on local food retention in the region.

# Quick facts

• Location: Nordic Farm, Charlotte, Vermont (about 400 acres).
• Facility: ~18,000-square-foot research warehouse.

• Initial research themes: grazing preference, dairy–beef crossbreeding, systems-level food research.