When I first heard the term “specialty crop,” I thought of niche specialty food products, such as elderberry jam, maple-flavored granola, and Vermont wine. I did not think of staple foods like potatoes and onions, nor did I expect that over half of the 6,808 Vermont farms counted in the 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture grow specialty crops.
2020 was the year of all years, so to speak. Last year at this time, Vermont was going about its business; we were toasting 2019, and we were looking forward to the start of a new decade. We made it through deep winter; then came March and our routines ended.
To limit in person contact and continue with inspections and connecting with Hemp Program registrants, the Hemp Program started conducting contactless records inspections in accordance with Section 5 and 6 of the Vermont Hemp Rules.
There’s nothing quite like the taste of pure maple around the holiday season. From maple-infused liquor and maple seasonings to maple candy and maple syrup —unique and tasty Vermont maple products are perfect for gift giving!