Vermont orchardist says limited paraquat use aids high‑density plantings, warns of drought losses Bill Shurer of Champlain Orchards told the Agriculture, Food Resiliency, & Forestry panel that paraquat (Gramoxone) is a targeted tool used on non‑bearing nursery trees to prevent grass competition and pest damage during establishment; he said drought cut his harvest about 30% and urged the committee to consider growers’ operational constraints when debating a ban.

Vermont orchardist Bill Shurer reveals how limited use of paraquat helps combat drought challenges while ensuring sustainable high-density plantings.

Learn more here

#VT #FoodResiliency #CitizenPortal #VermontAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #PesticideManagement

UVM Extension brief to Agriculture, Food Resiliency & Forestry committee highlights funding risks and launches statewide needs assessment Chris, interim director of UVM Extension, told the committee that flat capacity funding, rising costs and shifting federal priorities threaten core programming; UVM Extension will lead a Vermont‑wide needs and assets assessment that will pair a large language model analysis with traditional literature review and local advisory committees.

UVM Extension is facing financial uncertainty that threatens its vital programs, even as it connects millions with essential resources across Vermont.

Learn more here!

#VT #FoodResiliency #CitizenPortal #VermontExtension #SustainableAgriculture #CommunityAssessment

Committee reviews bill limiting municipal control over farm structures, debates narrow "right to grow" protections A legislative committee reviewed changes to a bill that would generally preempt municipal bylaws on farming while allowing towns to regulate construction of farm structures in designated tier 1a areas; members debated a grandfather clause for existing structures, whether household gardening should be protected, and how livestock and land-base rules would be implemented.

A new bill is stirring debate in Vermont as it seeks to limit municipal control over farm structures while introducing a controversial "right to grow" provision—could this reshape local agriculture?

Click to read more!

#VT #RightToGrow #FoodResiliency #CitizenPortal #VermontAgriculture

Rural Vermont urges lawmakers to enshrine farm exemptions in Title 24, not by reopening RAPs A Rural Vermont policy director told the Agriculture, Food Resiliency & Forestry Committee that longstanding legislative intent exempting farms from municipal zoning should be clarified in Title 24 statutes rather than by reopening Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), citing risk of broader rulemaking fights and distinguishing hemp from adult‑use cannabis.

Rural Vermont is pushing for a clear legal boundary that protects farms from municipal zoning, arguing that hemp should be treated distinctly from adult-use cannabis.

Learn more here

#VT #ZoningLaw #FoodResiliency #AgriculturalExemptions #VermontAgriculture #CitizenPortal

Commissioner Fitsco proposes permanent rules for heavy cut forestry practices Commissioner Fitsco seeks to publish long-standing forestry rules after administrative oversight.

Vermont's House Committee is on the brink of revolutionizing agricultural donations and forestry regulations—could these changes reshape food security in the community?

Get the details!

#VT #CitizenPortal #VermontAgriculture #FoodResiliency #LandManagement #EnvironmentalStewardship

Vermont proposes food licensing fee exemptions for small producers and home kitchens New bill H 401 seeks to enhance food resiliency and reduce fees for small food producers.

Vermont is taking a bold step to empower small food producers by proposing a bill that could eliminate licensing fees for home kitchens and boost local food production!

Click to read more!

#VT #SmallBusinessSupport #CitizenPortal #LocalFoodAccess #FoodResiliency #VermontFoodProducers

New England leaders push for 30% food resiliency by 2030 amid climate challenges New England aims for 30% food resiliency by 2030 amid climate change challenges and farmer needs.

New England leaders are rallying for a bold initiative to achieve 30% food resiliency by 2030, but can Vermont rise to the challenge amid climate change?

Click to read more!

#VT #ClimateChange #LocalFoodSystem #CitizenPortal #VermontAgriculture #FoodResiliency