Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center, located on conserved land along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, Vermont, has a rich history dating back to its days as a horse and dairy farm. In 1979, Robert and Marilyn Stone purchased the property, naming it Cedar Circle Farm and focusing on growing annuals and perennials, as well as operating pick-your-own strawberry, blueberry, and pumpkin patches. In 1990, the Stones sold the development rights to the Vermont Land Trust. In 2000, Will Allen and Kate Duesterberg took over, transitioning the farm to organic practices and establishing it as an education center. The farm received organic certification in 2004 and has since expanded its offerings to include a farmstand, café, commercial kitchen, and various educational programs. In 2020, the farm became a non-profit organization to further its educational and research missions.

The farm employs regenerative organic farming practices, focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable crop production. With 40 acres of crops and over 25,000 square feet of greenhouse space, the farm grows a variety of vegetables, small fruits, legumes, grain crops, bedding plants, and flowers. The farm also offers pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, and pumpkins. Their on-site commercial kitchen transforms crops into value-added products such as pickles, preserves, and baked goods. The farm's practices emphasize community involvement and education, aiming to raise public awareness about the benefits of local organic agriculture.

The farm features a full-service farmstand and the Hello Café, which operates seasonally. The Education Center hosts a variety of programs, including Homeschool Farm Science classes, Summer Camp, Cooking for Middle Schoolers, Pre-K programs, field trips, and farm tours. The farm also offers creative CSA options, including a Friday Night Dinner CSA. Special events like the Pumpkin Festival and wedding flower services add to the farm's community engagement. The farm's mission includes agricultural scientific research and providing education and training to promote a localized food economy.