WILMINGTON, VT - Carl and Jill Adams Mancivalano of Adams Farm were recently honored as the 2003 recipients of the Vermont Sustainable Farm of the Year by the University of Vermont's Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

The award recognizes farms dedicated to maintaining the long-term sustainability of farming in the state. Award recipients use innovative farming practices, are profitable, managed by agricultural and community leaders, are recognized for environmental stewardship or conservation practices, and have shown a commitment to educating future generations about farming in Vermont.

In the award letter, Vern Grubinger, director of The Center for Sustainable Agriculture, wrote about the Mancivalanos, "Your enduring dedication to educating the public about agriculture; your participation in the Vermont Farms! Association, North American Direct Marketing Association and Windham County Farm Bureau; your creativity in diversifying your farming operation; and your commitment to keeping the farm active and productive for generations to come are all commendable." This is the first time that this prestigious award was granted to an agricultural tourism enterprise as opposed to a traditional farm.

According to Jill Adams Mancivalano, "I feel that this award recognizes the positive effect that agricultural tourism has had on our being able to sustain our family farm, in keeping our agricultural community alive, educating the public on where their food and fiber is coming from, and in challenging and fulfilling my life personally. I enjoy being part of something that people find fascinating and memorable, and as a family we can make a living at it."

Results from a census conducted by the New England Agriculture Statistics Service, which released the results of the 2003 study during a Statehouse press conference on Friday, April 30, Vermont's total revenue for agritourism in 2002 was $19.5 million, which has increased 9 million or 86% since a prior study was conducted in 2000. The U.S. Department of Agriculture now ranks Vermont as one of the top agritourism destinations in the country. "Vermont is ranked not against other states, but against other countries as to its success in agritourism," said Steve Kerr, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture during the press conference.

The $19.5 million generated from agri-tourism activities represented approximately four percent of the total gross farm income generated in Vermont in 2002. Agritourism is a commercial enterprise on a working farm conducted for the enjoyment, education, and/or active involvement of the visitor, generating supplemental income for the farm.

"I think by promoting the agritourism sector, we can expose more people around America and around the world to the beauty of Vermont and that way grow our economy and improve our quality of life," said Vermont Governor James Douglas.

Adams Farm is a working sixth-generation farm in southern Vermont, offering the public seasonal activities and agricultural interactive experiences for the whole family, as well as a complete Farm Store and Quilt & Fiber Arts Loft. Adams Farm has been rated as a "Top Ten Great Places to Ride into a Currier and Ives" by USA Today, "Top Ten Vermont Attraction" by Vermont Magazine, an "Editors' Pick" by Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to New England, and was named the 2003 Vermont Sustainable Farm of the Year. For rates and more information, call Adams Farm at 802-464-3762 or visit online at www.adamsfamilyfarm.com and shop.adamsfamilyfarm.com.