2023 Annual Report on Financial and Technical Assistance for Agricultural Water Quality (PDF)
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) Water Quality Division provides financial and technical assistance to Vermont farmers in support of their construction and implementation of on-farm improvements designed to abate nonpoint source agricultural waste discharges into the waters of the State of Vermont, consistent with the goals of the federal Water Pollution Control Act, the State Water Quality Standards, and Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices Regulations (RAPs).
2023 Report on Importation of Food Residuals for Farming (PDF)
The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) respectfully submits this report as required under Section 8 of Act 41 enacted on May 20, 2021, addressing the importation of food residuals for farming as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6001(22)
2023 Annual Report for the Agricultural Innovation Board (PDF)
On June 1, 2021, Governor Scott signed Act 49 into law and the Agricultural Innovation Board (the Board or AIB) was created. The Board is tasked with thirteen separate charges. The Board has input in five additional areas of potential rulemaking, centered on developing recommendations for regulations establishing best management practices (BMPs) for seeds treated with insecticides used in Vermont agriculture. The establishment of the Board and its responsibilities are codified at 6 V.S.A. §§ 1105a and 4964(a)-(d). Pursuant to the enabling legislation, the Board shall provide an annual report to the General Assembly that recommends policy solutions to help farmers reduce their use of and exposure to pesticides, and to encourage the utilization of innovative or alternative practices.
2023 Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council (PDF)
In 2009, the Vermont legislature authorized the formation of the Vermont Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council (LCSAC). This body, comprised of 14 members and Chaired by the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, is tasked with advising the Secretary of Agriculture and the legislative committees on agriculture on issues relating to livestock well-being in the state of Vermont. A meeting of the Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council (LCSAC) was held on September 20, 2023. The 2024 legislative report for the Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council (LCSAC) comprises the minutes from the 2023 LCSAC meeting. A final copy will be posted here upon approval of minutes during the next LCSAC meeting in 2024.
Vermont Agriculture Recovery Task Force Extreme Weather Impact and Recovery Final Report (PDF)
In August 2023 the Vermont Agricultural Recovery Task Force was established to coordinate recovery efforts for Vermont’s agriculture and food systems. The Extreme Weather Impact & Recovery report includes impact details and data, an overview of many recovery efforts, and the Vermont Agriculture Recovery Task Force recommendations to continue, expand, and improve our response.