Food Systems - Expert in Residence
Eric DeLuca is a food systems finance and cooperative development leader with extensive experience advancing capital access, regional food economies, and mission-driven enterprises. His work focuses on structuring investment strategies and building networks that support working lands, food producers, and community-based businesses.
Since 2010, Eric has helped guide more than $10 million in funding decisions supporting working lands enterprises. He plays a leadership role in national and regional food systems initiatives, including serving on the Food Systems Finance Advisory Council of the Council of Development Finance Agencies. His work has emphasized cooperative development, impact investment, and building infrastructure that strengthens regional food economies.
Eric has held key leadership roles across a range of influential organizations. He served as vice-chair of the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Board and led the Slow Money Vermont network, catalyzing investment in food system enterprises. He also co-founded the University of Vermont’s Food Hub Management Professional Certificate program, helping establish one of the first programs of its kind in the country. His work has contributed to the growth of collaborative networks, including the Neighboring Food Co-op Association, which now connects more than 35 co-ops generating significant regional economic activity.
At the community level, Eric serves on the board of Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society, where he supports a retail system that has created substantial market access for local producers. His career reflects a sustained focus on building financial systems, institutions, and partnerships that enable resilient, regionally rooted food economies.
