Woodstock, VT – Ski Vermont presented a contribution check of $8,510 to the Keep Local Farms Fund at Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock, Vt. last Thursday. The contribution comes from the proceeds of Ski Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport program, which enabled 1,900 children to ski and snowboard for free in Vermont during the 2012-13 season.

This is the third year in a row that the profits were donated to the Keep Local Farms Fund, which supports the long-term viability of New England’s dairy farms using three strategies: educating New Englanders about dairy farming, promoting purchases of milk and other dairy foods, and raising funds to support the sustainability of New England’s dairy farms. Contributions from Ski Vermont to the Keep Local Farms Fund over the last three years total nearly $26,000.

“Vermont’s sprawling green fields and snow covered peaks are not only a beautiful backdrop for visitors and Vermonters alike, but are also a part of our economic landscape,” said Ski Vermont Public Affairs Director Sarah Neith. “It only makes sense for the ski and farm industries to work together to guarantee the future success of both iconic Vermont industries.”

“Ski Vermont has been an amazing supporter of our Must Be The Milk program and Keep Local Farms Fund. We are honored to partner with Ski Vermont, a like-minded partner who sees the connection between dairy agriculture and tourism and how the relationship benefits the local community, economy and environment,” said New England Dairy Promotion Board CEO, Gary Wheelock.

This winter, Ski Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport program will launch its 13^th year of enabling children to ski free at all partner resorts, inspiring them to connect with the Vermont landscape. Ski Vermont also pledges to continue to donate proceeds from the passport’s $10 processing fee to support the sustainability of New England’s dairy farmers in the 2013-14 season.