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 like-minded 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 Agriculture

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.

Processing & Regional Infrastructure

Improving on- and off-farm food processing with technical and business assistance and funding, to enhance economic development, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Growing Season Extension Strategies

Encouraging year-round growing through supporting projects like climate-controlled greenhouses that use renewable energy, aquaponics, hydroponics and the building of cold storage infrastructure.

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 like-minded organizations to make farmland accessible and affordable for farmers while keeping more land in active agricultural use.

In Remembrance: Honoring the Legacy of Our Founder Neil Chrisman

With heavy hearts, the entire BAV community mourns the loss of our esteemed founder, Neil Chrisman. Neil’s unwavering passion and foresight in establishing Berkshire Agricultural Ventures to support farmers and preserve local agriculture in the Berkshires have left an indelible mark on our community. Neil’s legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward his vision through BAV’s work with our farmers and local partners each day. Neil will be greatly missed, and our deepest condolences go out to Neil’s wife, Kathy, and his family and friends.

His obituary can be found here, which beautifully commemorates his life.