
Our Mission
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures’ mission is to support the development and viability of local farms and food businesses in order to build a thriving and equitable local food economy.
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2017 by individuals who saw the beautiful natural landscape and rolling farmlands of the Berkshires as a treasure meant to be preserved for generations. BAV’s founding members believed that by establishing access to flexible financial and technical resources (a service that did not exist before in this region), farmers and local food businesses alike would have the opportunity to grow and in turn build a thriving economy centered around local food production.
BAV’s mission aligns with the New England Food Vision, which states that by the year 2060 New England has the potential to produce 50% of the food its communities consume, creating a future where our regional food system supports healthy food for all, sustainable farming, and flourishing communities. To achieve this, BAV supports the initiatives laid out in a recent report by New England Feeding New England, which aims for 30% of food consumed to be produced locally by 2030. Berkshire Agricultural Ventures’ work is driven by this aspiration. Learn more about Our Initiatives and the successes of the clients we serve.
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures is committed to DEIB, (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging). These values are grounded in our mission to support the development and viability of local farms and food businesses. Learn about BAV’s commitment to DEIB.
Our Priority Areas
Climate Smart Practices
Practices such as agroforestry, rotational grazing, increasing pollinator habitats, solar power implementation, and no-till farming that enhance the overall health of an ecosystem.
Strengthening Business Viability
Supporting small- to medium-scale food producers and businesses in financial planning and analysis to improve overall business health and performance.
Food Access
Widening accessibility to local foods by matching both farmers and local food hub businesses with a larger pool of committed local partners: farmers markets, farms, and food businesses alike.
Improving Land Access
Partnering with land trusts and other organizations to make farmland accessible and affordable for farmers while keeping more land in active agricultural use.
Our Strategic Programs
Complementing these priorities, BAV has developed several strategic programs that incoporate our core services and “go deep” to address specific regional needs, gaps, and opportunities:
In Remembrance: Honoring the Legacy of Our Founder Neil Chrisman
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures is grateful to our founder, Neil Chrisman, for his dedication and vision around supporting farmers and preserving local agriculture. Neil’s legacy continues to inspire and inform our work with farmers, food producers, and food system partners in our Berkshire-Taconic region. We invite you to read Neil’s obituary here.