Maria “Flip” Filippi | Local Foods Program Leader & Harvest Kitchen Manager
After a decade away for school and (mostly) ag-related adventures, Flip returned to the North Country to be near family and set roots. Since 2010, she has co-operated the community farm littleGrasse Foodworks. She has a Master’s in Education and is a certified Master Food Preserver. At the Learning Farm she is dedicated to serving people all along the food chain: from farmers looking to create value-added products, to schools seeking local options for their menus, to consumers eager to access foods produced in the region and gain the confidence to use them in their kitchens. She offers workshops and 1-1 consultations with beginning stages food entrepreneurs to aid them in establishing a strong foundation for their new business with topics including labeling requirements, regulations, record keeping, sourcing, and food safety.
Erica LaFountain | Community Horticulture Educator
Erica LaFountain grew up in the North Country on a homestead in Potsdam. After getting a degree in Natural Resource Management, she worked as an apprentice on an expanding organic vegetable farm in Western Massachusetts, and later managed a training farm for the City of Boston. She became a Master Urban Gardener in Boston and coordinated a community garden in her neighborhood. After returning to the North Country in 2013, Erica established her own homestead with her family, next door to her parents’ place. Her garden, perennial beds, chickens, and kids keep her busy at home. At the Learning Farm, Erica helps county residents with gardening questions through the Growline, and delivers programming focused on skill-building to the public as well as student groups. She also coordinates a dedicated group of Master Gardener Volunteers who amplify this work.