January 22, 2020 | Montpelier, VT - The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) and the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund/Vermont Farm to Plate today outlined to legislators on shifts happening within Vermont’s agricultural and food sector. The plan lays out a strategy to stimulate more rural economic development and bring Vermont products to people throughout Vermont and beyond.
In May 2019, the Legislature and Governor Scott established Act 83 to encourage a new wave of agricultural development. The new law calls for the Agency and its partners to research and develop recommendations to stabilize and revitalize Vermont’s agricultural industry.
“With the help of the Vermont Farm to Plate team our Agency collaborated with a wide variety of farmers, producers and business development experts to set the table for the future of Vermont agriculture,” noted Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “We identified key factors in growing Vermont’s economy while protecting farmers and making it more affordable to do business in Vermont.”
The plan is part of a larger report that will be developed throughout 2020. The 23 topic-related briefs contained in the report addresses training, conservation, regional competition, marketing, innovation, planning, succession and more.
“This report recognizes that Vermont farmers have adapted to market changes and opportunities for 150 years but may need some additional assistance over the next decade. National and international economic influences and changing demographics and consumer trends are shaping today’s markets, and will continue to do so going forward,” said Ellen Kahler, Executive Director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. “It’s essential for Vermont businesses to continue to leverage quality, authenticity and creativity while continuously adapting to what customers want and need to buy.”
The report’s goal is to stimulate greater collaboration and stronger approaches to product development, storage and processing, marketing, and distribution. All of these ideas will be further developed in the coming year.
To explore the report, click here: Vermont Agriculture and Food System Plan: 2020
A Facebook live recording of the presentation is available here.
Read Secretary Anson Tebbetts’ Op-Ed: Setting the Table for Vermont - What Would You like to See on Our Plate
For more information contact:
Ellen Kahler
Executive Director
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
ellen@vsjf.org | 802-828-5320
Abbey Willard
Director of Agriculture Development
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Abbey.Willard@vermont.gov | 802-828-5667
Anson Tebbetts
Secretary
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
anson.tebbetts@vermont.gov | 802-828-5667