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View From 116 State Street - December 2019

By Secretary Anson Tebbetts | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

There is support for dairy.

It’s verified. An independent poll by Vermont Public Radio (VPR) and Vermont PBS (VTPBS) found tremendous public support for dairy in the Green Mountains. The scientific poll released by the VPR and VTPBS found a total of 93% of Vermonters support Vermont dairy.  The poll asked respondents about the importance of dairy in Vermont. The results were clear.  

72%   Very important
21%   Somewhat important
3%    Not too important
2%    Not important at all
2%    Not sure/Refused
801   Total Respondents 

This poll comes at a time when we are committed to growing the Agriculture economy. The Agency, along with its partners, has several projects underway aimed at improving the dairy economy. The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets was recently awarded one of three national USDA Dairy Innovation grants. These important dollars will help to further develop Vermont’s dairy economy, offering farmers support for developing new products, new markets and new practices. 

In addition, support is building for a nationwide growth management plan. The Vermont Milk Commission continues to expand a grassroots network advocating for change in how farmers are paid for their product. The Agency, and partners like the Vermont Farm Bureau, believe that family farms will be able to better survive in a global market with this new long-term approach.

Another project to improve the dairy economy focuses on helping farmers continue to improve the environment. The Agency and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board are leading an effort to look at ways to reward farmers for implementing “gold standards” in conservation practices. The group will deliver its “Payment for Eco-Systems” report for compensating farmers for services they provide to the ecosystem, in a proposal to the Vermont General Assembly in January.

Also, in January the Agency, in partnership with the Agency of Commerce, will deliver to the legislature a comprehensive report suggesting ways our senators and representatives can act to improve the agriculture economy in Vermont. Additionally, for the first time, an Agency of Agriculture employee will work side-by-side with development experts at the Agency of Commerce & Community Development, working on improving the dairy economy. 

As the VPR and VTPBS poll tell us, Vermonters support farms and farmers. It’s our duty to make sure farmers have the tools and finances to remain on their farms and land. We have work to do.

Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets