The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is developing a series of in-person and virtual listening sessions for the agricultural community over the 2023-2024 winter. Our primary goal is to create space with Vermont’s agricultural producers, processors, and distributors; hear directly about their experiences, needs, priorities and concerns; and utilize this feedback to inform and guide our programs and future funding opportunities. We welcome your participation in one or more gatherings!
2023 Listening Sessions
November (in-person)
- When: November 30th from 5:00-6:30pm
- Where: Brattleboro Food Co-op Community Room, Brattleboro, VT
- Counties served: Windham and Windsor counties
- Co-host: Food Connects
December (in-person)
- When: December 4th from 5:00 – 6:30pm
- Where: Agency office in Williston at 94 Harvest Lane, Williston, VT
- Counties served: Chittenden and Washington counties
December (virtual)
- When: December 18th from 12:30pm – 2:00pm
- Register here
2024 Listening Sessions
Stay tuned as we finalize details for the 2024 listening sessions! Please note that some meetings will be held with partner organizations and/or in collaboration with other regularly-scheduled partner events.
January (in-person)
- When and where – two sessions with details TBD
- Counties served: Lamoille, Caledonia, Orleans, and Essex
February (in-person)
- When and where – three sessions with details TBD
- Counties served: Addison, Bennington, and Orange
March (in-person)
- When and where – two sessions with details TBD
- Counties served: Franklin, Grand Isle, and Rutland
Logistics and Feedback Form
The Agency greatly valued the in-person components of these sessions, but we want to be transparent that we are not able to offer stipends, childcare, translation services, or full meals. We aim to provide light snacks and refreshments. It is our hope that as this program develops in future iterations that those services can be offered, but unfortunately there is not capacity currently.
If you are unable to attend for any reason but would like to share your experiences, we welcome you to fill out this form. We also welcome feedback on the structure and accessibility of this process.
Questions
If you have questions about this process or want to offer direct input, please reach out to Sarah McIlvennie at Sarah.McIlvennie@vermont.gov or 802-261-5866.
There is no need to RSVP.