Supporting Vermont Family Farms Enduring the Lasting Impacts of the 2023 Severe Weather & Floods
In the wake of the catastrophic 2023 severe weather and floods that caused widespread damage along Vermont waterways, several business and government leaders are stepping up for farms fighting to remain solvent.
This new fundraising campaign, envisioned by a group of state agriculture supporters and officials, will make donations to local communities possible through a first-in-the-country crisis response template.
“Vermont’s farms faced significant challenges this year from freezing to floods,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “The loss is significant, and farmers need our help. We must work to support our ag economy and the local economies in every Vermont county.”
The campaign goal is to raise $20 million with the need being far greater at nearly $45 million. Please help spread the word and donate if you can.
Find Out How to Donate
Public Comment Period Now Open for Vermont’s Livestock and Poultry Importation Rules
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture invites you to submit comments to its proposed updates to Vermont’s livestock (including horses) and poultry importation rules.
The comment period for this proposed rule closes on March 15, 2024.
To view the proposed rule, click here.
You may submit comments in writing by emailing: [email protected].
You may also attend one or more public hearings to provide comment:
February 23, 2024. In-person and Virtual: 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory
163 Admin Dr, Randolph Center, VT 05061
Microsoft Teams: Click here to join the meeting
February 27, 2024. Virtual only: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Microsoft Teams: Click here to join the meeting
March 6, 2024. In-person and Virtual: 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory
163 Admin Dr, Randolph Center, VT 05061
Microsoft Teams: Click here to join the meeting
More information about this public comment opportunity, including a copy of the proposed rule for your review may be found at: Rule Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals, Including Livestock and Poultry | Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets (vermont.gov).
See All Public Comment Opportunities
Statewide Listening Sessions Continue In 2024
By Sarah McIlvennie, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
In 2023 the Agency held three listening sessions – two in-person for Windsor, Chittenden and Washington counties and one (virtual) state-wide session. In each session legislators, Agency employees, producers and service providers came together to have thoughtful conversations around hard topics including farmer and farmworker housing, disaster relief needs and climate resiliency and planning. While we learned that virtual spaces have unique barriers to sharing, we had brave individuals share their needs and experiences with a robust group.
We have kicked off 2024 with two in-person events for Orleans & Essex and Caledonia & Lamoille counties. Alongside our partner co-hosts, we are excited to continue these conversations through the rest of the winter. Throughout early 2024, our conversations will cover eleven counties through seven sessions, in addition to another virtual event.
These sessions will be focused on hearing from producers, processors, distributors, and service-providers on topics such as: severe weather impacts, grant and programming feedback and business/industry needs. An invitation has been extended to Agency employees and legislators to attend in a listening capacity. Each event will have on-site parking and light snacks provided. If you don’t see or cannot make the in-person session near you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sarah McIlvennie at [email protected]. We also have an anonymous form online where you can submit feedback and share your experiences.
See the complete schedule of upcoming sessions and register:Click Here:
See the Schedule of 2024 Listening Sessions and Register
Register for the Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit
By Katie Spring, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
Dairy farmers, processors, service providers, and industry stakeholders are invited to join the Northeast Dairy Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) on April 2 - 3 in Albany, NY for the Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit. Register by February 29 to receive early-bird registration discounts.
The Summit will include tracks on dairy farm innovation, processing innovation and expansion, and workforce development. We’ll dig into topics including expanding diversity and equity in the dairy workforce; how smaller dairies can benefit from innovative technology; how to grow sales through marketing and branding; market opportunities for goat and sheep dairy; shifting to climate-smart practices; building resiliency in dairy processing; and more.
Dairy Farmers and Processors will receive discounted rates. Early-bird registration rates end March 1. Learn more and register online at www.nedairyinnovation.com/summit
Register for the NE Dairy Summit Here
READ all the February 2024 Agriview Editions Here
READ All Agriview Editions HERE
Since 1937, Agriview has been the flagship monthly news source of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. The new 'Agriview All-Access' email delivers a snapshot of the stories you'll find each month in the full print edition.
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