Kate Longfield, Executive Director
Kate serves as Executive Director of the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition, where she oversees all organizational operations, programs, and partnerships. She manages grants, organizational outreach, membership engagement, and fundraising initiatives. Kate collaborates closely with the Board of Directors on governance and strategic direction.
Kate continues to lead the organization’s Water Quality Program, a role she has held since September 2022. She provides technical assistance to farmers to implement and expand conservation practices and supports farmers in navigating conservation and business viability cost-share programs. Kate collaborates with partners to plan and facilitate farmer roundtables and in-field workshops on soil health, water quality, conservation equipment, and climate resilience.
Kate holds a Master of Science in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein School. Her graduate research examined Vermont farmers’ trust in state and federal agricultural agencies, participation in conservation programs, and adoption of practices. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont, with a focus on environmental policy. Kate previously served in Vermont’s ECO AmeriCorps Program as Assistant Planner for the Vermont Land Trust, and Assistant Water Quality Program Coordinator for the Northwest Regional Planning Commission.
Shawn Goodfellow, Young Farmer Program Manager
Shawn provides farmers with technical and business support, helping them make confident, informed decisions for their operations. He coordinates on-farm educational events and conservation equipment demos, connects farmers with specialized service providers, and builds relationships with equipment dealers to ensure growers have access to the tools they need. Shawn also assists farms with grant applications, budgeting, and reporting, and frequently helps producers buy and sell equipment. He helps farmers access knowledge, resources, and supplies to improve their long-term economic and environmental resilience.
Shawn earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture from McGill University in 1996. His career has included roles with agricultural equipment dealerships across Quebec, Illinois, Colorado, and Vermont, giving him a broad understanding of farm systems, machinery, and regional production challenges. He has volunteered as a water sampler with Addison County River Watch and is always interested in new projects that advance agricultural water quality. He and his family operate a small farm in New Haven, Vermont, specializing in hay production for equine customers.
Brooke Gannon, Workforce Development Program Manager
Brooke Gannon comes to the Farmer Coalition with an eye for soil-based nutrition. She completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics and Food Science from the University of Vermont, but didn’t see this as the avenue for change until she connected human health with soil health through her work on New England farms.
Brooke has worked in every sector of the food system from seed to slaughter to USDA policy.
She is excited about connecting students and community members to the impactful work that is happening on Vermont farms and looks forward to promoting the limitless opportunities that agriculture provides.
