By Sarah McIlvennie, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
In 2023 the Agency held 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 have thoughtful conversations around hard topics including farmer and farmworker housing, disaster relief needs and climate resiliency and planning. While we learned that virtual spaces have unique barriers to sharing, we had brave individuals share their needs and experiences with a robust group.
We have kicked off 2024 with two in-person events for Orleans & Essex and Caledonia & Lamoille counties. Alongside our partner co-hosts, we are excited to continue these conversations through the rest of the winter. Throughout early 2024, our conversations will cover eleven counties through seven sessions, in addition to another virtual event.
These sessions will be focused on hearing from producers, processors, distributors, and service-providers on topics such as: severe weather impacts, grant and programming feedback and business/industry needs. An invitation has been extended to Agency employees and legislators to attend in a listening capacity. 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.
Find a session near you!
2/7 - Bennington County
- When 4:00 – 5:45pm
- Where: Manchester Community Library
- Co-hosts: Bennington Co. NRCD & Merck Forest and Farmland Center
2/13 - Addison County
- When: February 13th, 5:00 – 7:00pm
- Where: Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
- Co-host: Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN)
*ACORN will provide childcare services during this event
2/22 - Orange and Windsor Counties (virtual)
- When: 6:30 – 8:00pm
- Registration available on webpage
- Co-host: White River NRCD’s Local Working Group Meeting
3/18 - Statewide (virtual)
- When: 12:30 – 2:00pm
- Registration available on webpage
3/20 - Rutland County
- When: 4:00 – 5:30pm
- Where: Vermont Farmers Food Center
- Co-host: Vermont Farmers Food Center
3/25 - Franklin and Grand Isle Counties
- When: 4:00 – 6:00pm
- Where: St. Albans Bay Town Office
- Co-hosts: Franklin & Grand Isle NRCD and Farmer’s Watershed Alliance