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Roots Rising describes new farm and education center and 2027 apprenticeship plan to Pittsfield council
Summary
Jess Vecchia told the advisory council Roots Rising will use a new farm and education center as a home base while crews continue work at community farms; the organization runs the Pittsfield Farmers Market, Youth Crew and plans an apprenticeship program in 2027.
Jess Vecchia, co‑founder and executive director of Roots Rising, presented to the Human Services Advisory Council on Jan. 29, 2026, describing the nonprofit’s programs and a new facility plan.
Vecchia said Roots Rising operates three core programs—the Pittsfield Farmers Market, a Youth Crew and The Farm and Education Center—and provides teens with culinary lessons, financial‑literacy education, feedback circles and reflection spaces. She said the new farm and education center will serve as a home base but crews will continue to work at existing partner farms across Berkshire County and New York.
Vecchia also said the organization plans to launch an apprenticeship program on the new property in 2027.
Council members asked how the facility would affect crew activities; Vecchia emphasized continuity of partnerships and the planned expansion into an apprenticeship model. Materials were submitted as Attachment A to the meeting minutes.
