Zachary Smith
Ph.D. Student, Agriculture, Landscape and Environment
Agricultural Business Educator, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension
- MBA in Entrepreneurship, Kennesaw State University
- B.A. in Latin American Studies, Ohio University
BIO
Zac is a PhD student in the CALS Department of Agriculture, Landscape and Environment where his research explores the intersections of farmland ownership, community health, and agroecological practices across Vermont, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico. His work investigates critical pathways for farmland ownership transfer, analyzing farmers' perspectives and how agroecological approaches can support these transitions while building community resilience.
Beginning as a Peace Corps volunteer in Loja, Ecuador in 2005, Zac developed a passion for rural community development, indigenous culture, and organic agricultural initiatives. His work bridges the connections between land stewardship, cultural heritage, and community well-being. In Ecuador and Guatemala, Zac led farming projects and social entrepreneurship incubators that emphasized advancement in sustainability practices with special respect to local wisdom and traditional practices. His recent experience contributing to multi-disciplinary community health collaborations in rural Ecuador supports his understanding of innovative, community-driven healthcare solutions. These experiences have combined to contribute to the development of study abroad and exchange programs that foster enduring community partnerships and locally driven development.
Zac is also an Agricultural Business Educator with ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension where he applies his global perspective to Vermont agriculture. He collaborates with farmers to strengthen their operations through business analysis, succession planning, and strategic development, while ensuring environmental compliance. Residing in Vermont with his wife since 2014, he continues to work towards contributing to sustainable agricultural systems that honor both tradition and innovation.
Awards and Achievements
Agricultural entrepreneurship, indigenous community health and resilience, international exchange programming in Latin America, land tenure succession planning.
Bio
Zac is a PhD student in the CALS Department of Agriculture, Landscape and Environment where his research explores the intersections of farmland ownership, community health, and agroecological practices across Vermont, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico. His work investigates critical pathways for farmland ownership transfer, analyzing farmers' perspectives and how agroecological approaches can support these transitions while building community resilience.
Beginning as a Peace Corps volunteer in Loja, Ecuador in 2005, Zac developed a passion for rural community development, indigenous culture, and organic agricultural initiatives. His work bridges the connections between land stewardship, cultural heritage, and community well-being. In Ecuador and Guatemala, Zac led farming projects and social entrepreneurship incubators that emphasized advancement in sustainability practices with special respect to local wisdom and traditional practices. His recent experience contributing to multi-disciplinary community health collaborations in rural Ecuador supports his understanding of innovative, community-driven healthcare solutions. These experiences have combined to contribute to the development of study abroad and exchange programs that foster enduring community partnerships and locally driven development.
Zac is also an Agricultural Business Educator with ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension where he applies his global perspective to Vermont agriculture. He collaborates with farmers to strengthen their operations through business analysis, succession planning, and strategic development, while ensuring environmental compliance. Residing in Vermont with his wife since 2014, he continues to work towards contributing to sustainable agricultural systems that honor both tradition and innovation.
Awards and Achievements
Agricultural entrepreneurship, indigenous community health and resilience, international exchange programming in Latin America, land tenure succession planning.