The Agency is excited to welcome Kyle Harris in a new position as Economic Development and Emerging Issues Specialist within the Agriculture Development Division. Kyle Harris was born in Springfield, Massachusetts but raised on a Red Angus Farm on Maryland's Eastern Shore. An avid and competitive sailor, Kyle grew up fascinated with how people interacted with water and viewed its role in their community. Kyle attended the College of Charleston in South Carolina, where he received a history degree, focusing on how colonial America's growing and changing landscape accelerated grain production, along with a classical civilizations minor, where he focused on how ancient communities moved and utilized water. He is also an avid sailor and helped Charleston's sailing team win a national championship. Kyle decided to attend Vermont Law School, where he received a JD and a Masters in Environmental Policy with a certificate in Water Resource Law.
Kyle has spent time with Maryland's Office of the Attorney General for the Dept. of Natural Resources, a couple small environmental non-profits, and most recently Kyle was working in Washington D.C. with the Corn Refiners Association, where he directed the Environmental Affairs of 14% of US Corn Supply. His time there was spent focusing on improving the environmental footprint at both ends of the supply chain, from grower relations to helping launch the Plant Based Products Council, which focuses on 21st century uses for agricultural feedstocks and rural development.
Kyle’s work with the Agency will focus on emerging and industry economic development across ag industries – including dairy, maple, value-added production, and hemp. This position will form a new partnership with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to address intra-agency collaboration supporting emerging businesses and critical industry needs across Vermont’s agricultural economy. You can reach Kyle at Kyle.Harris@vermont.gov or 802-522-6679.