January 29, 2021 | Montpelier, VT – On Tuesday January 26th, during his annual budget address to the Vermont Legislature, Governor Phil Scott announced an historic investment in the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic:
“The farmers, producers, markets and co-ops that make up our food system need help too, so my budget puts an additional $3 million in the Working Lands program. This will help these businesses survive and will strengthen our supply chain,” Governor Scott said. “But the challenges in this sector are significant, especially in meat processing - and we have to be able to feed ourselves - so let’s work together to find new ways to support and rebuild this important part of the economy.”
With this momentous proposal awaiting action from the Vermont Legislature, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture held its annual Working Lands Legislative Day, this year in virtual form. Held each year to educate and inform legislators about the historical efforts and impacts of the program, this years virtual joint committee hearing was streamed live and recorded, so anyone who wishes can find out more about this important program:
Meeting Excerpts:
Anson Tebbetts | VAAFM Secretary
Ted Brady | VACCD Deputy Secretary
Ted Brady | VACCD Deputy Secretary
Judith Irving | Fat Toad Farm - Brookfield, VT
Gabby Tuite | Old Road Farm - Granville, VT
Riva Reynolds | Stannard Farm - Stannard, VT
Ben Notterman | Snug Valley Farm - East Hardwick, VT