Farmers, processors, distributors and service providers are invited to share high priority concerns and issues for Vermont agriculture
January 16, 2024 | Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), alongside our many statewide partners, invites those involved with agriculture in the state to participate in our 2024 listening sessions, focusing on hearing from producers, processors, distributors and service-providers on topics such as: severe weather impacts, grant and programming feedback and business/industry needs. In 2023 the Agency and partners co-hosted 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 discuss hard topics including farmer and farmworker housing, disaster relief needs and climate resiliency and planning. In 2024, VAAFM will continue to partner with multiple agricultural and environmental partners around the state to offer more opportunities for these conversations, and to continue to hear from you.
The 2024 listening sessions dates and times are:
- 1/25 - Orleans & Essex counties – 11:00am – 1:00pm, Hybrid | virtual registration on webpage
- 1/31 - Lamoille & Caledonia counties – 6:00pm-7:30pm, Hardwick | in-person
- 2/7 - Bennington county – 4:00pm-5:45pm, Manchester | in-person
- 2/13 - Addison county – 5:00pm – 7:00pm, Middlebury | in-person
- 2/22 - Orange & Windsor counties – 6:30 – 8:00pm | virtual registration on webpage
- 3/18 - Statewide – 12:30pm – 2:00pm | virtual registration on webpage
- 3/20 - Rutland county – 4:00pm – 5:30pm, Rutland | in-person
- 3/25 - Franklin & Grand Isle counties – 4:00pm – 6:00pm, St. Albans | in-person
For partner information, locations and virtual registration, please visit: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/agency-agriculture-food-markets-news/new-vermont-farm-and-food-industry-stakeholder-listening
Throughout early 2024, these conversations will cover eleven counties through seven sessions, in addition to another virtual event. 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 Sarah.McIlvennie@vermont.gov . We also have an anonymous form online where you can submit feedback and share your experiences.
For any questions, please contact:
Sarah McIlvennie (she/her) | VAAFM Agriculture Development Specialist | sarah.mcllvennie@vermont.gov | 802-261-5866