Sweet Roots taking ground in Charlotte
Perched on a hill off Route 7 in Charlotte sits Sweet Roots Farm & Market, the former Charlotte Berry Farm, operated by Jane and Dan MacLean. The couple began renting the berry farm from the Vermont Land Trust in late March. On the sprawling 57 acres of farmland, fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers flourish. The farm is known for the rows upon rows of blueberry bushes planted 40 years ago in 1981 and 1982. The market will continue to offer pick-your-own blueberries and pre-picked berries in the farm market where Sweet Roots’ vegetables, herbs and cut flowers, alongside meat, dairy products, bread, pastries, cold-brew and much more are sold and provided by local artisans.
While walking around the farm with Jane, it was evident how excited she was to partner with local producers to collaborate in a way that will highlight what Sweet Roots is doing and how they are doing it. Sweet Roots features the provisions for Charlotte families to stop by and grab whatever they may need to create a wholesome dinner plate. By branching out to craftspeople and local artisans, Sweet Roots will be different from other diversified farms while focusing on their roots of growing berries.
Another aspect of the farm that Jane highlighted is how they want Sweet Roots to be a space for everyone by offering many career and learning opportunities. Above all is the outstanding and unexpected aspect of Sweet Roots having a women-run operation and leadership team alongside Dan, who is essential to the operation. Jane speaks with pride of the women she works with on the farm and in the market and hopes that Sweet Roots will become known for their remarkably strong, capable and welcoming team.
Sweet Roots opened their doors this past weekend and are open this summer on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information and a pick-your-own schedule can be found on their website sweetrootsvt.com and social media @sweetrootsvt. The team is very excited to see what this summer holds and to become a local resource to the Charlotte community.