Cloud Mountain Farm Center & Sustainable Connections:
Merging into one Nonprofit

Q: Why are Sustainable Connections and Cloud Mountain Farm Center merging?

A: We are two impactful, complementary, and collaborative nonprofits that can further our community’s goals for a vibrant and sustainable local and regional food economy. We are merging into one in order to deliver more benefit.

Q: What is the history of the relationship between Cloud Mountain Farm Center and Sustainable Connections?

A: Sustainable Connections Food & Farming program and Cloud Mountain Farm Center have a long history of collaboration on numerous grants, training opportunities, and complimentary services. Both of us support a thriving local food economy. Together, we will provide high quality education and technical assistance that helps farmers, home gardeners, value added food producers, distributors, restaurants, caterers, grocery retailers, farmer’s markets, and food serving institutions reach their full potential. We will also help all community members access more local food.

Q: What will change for Sustainable Connections and Cloud Mountain Farm Center?

A: The same services will be offered by both organizations. The ability to share resources will increase our impact and gain efficiencies. The following improvements can be expected:

• Aspiring, new and existing farmers can expect enhanced production and marketing help.
• Value added food producers, distributors, restaurants, caterers, grocery retailers, farmer’s markets, and food serving institutions can expect more and better connections to local producers, and enhanced marketing support.
• Consumers can expect more and better access to local food.
• Home gardeners can expect even more training opportunities, along with increased plant and nursery support.

Q: When will the merger be complete?

A: We expect the merger to be complete by midnight, December 31, 2018.

Q: Who will be on the board of directors and will there be staff changes?

A: Four Cloud Mountain Farm Center Board members have joined the Sustainable Connections Board of Directors. Cloud Mountain Farm Center’s current staff and programs will be welcomed into Sustainable Connections, with Derek Long as the Executive Director. Staffing will remain the same for Sustainable Connections.

Q: Will there still be a nursery at Cloud Mountain Farm Center where the public can purchase plants, take classes, and attend events?

A: Yes! You can expect the Cloud Mountain Farm Center Nursery and knowledgeable staff to remain the same. Workshops and the Fall Fruit Festival will continue as planned.

Q: Will I still be able to find food grown by Cloud Mountain Farm Center at local grocers, markets, and restaurants?

A: Yes! You will continue to see high quality Cloud Mountain Farm Center produce at all the places you have come to expect it.