Farmers and health experts clash at hearing over proposed paraquat ban At a legislative hearing on H.739, apple and strawberry growers told lawmakers paraquat (marketed as Gramoxone) is a critical tool for young orchards and tree nurseries, while a public-health expert cited new EPA modeling and studies linking paraquat exposure to brain damage and increased Parkinson's risk and urged restrictions or phase-outs.

Farmers and health experts are at odds over the future of paraquat, a controversial herbicide linked to health risks, as a pivotal hearing unfolds in Vermont.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #VermontFarmers #SustainableAgriculture #AgriculturalSafety

NOFA asks House commerce committee to fund $15.6 million farm disaster fund and $500,000 for local food programs NOFA Vermont urged lawmakers to include $15.6 million for the Farm and Forestry Operations Security Special Fund (S.60) to provide rapid relief for climate-related losses, and requested $500,000 for Crop Cash/Crop Cash Plus and FarmShare programs to expand food security and market support for farmers.

Vermont farmers are facing nearly $94 million in climate-related losses, and urgent funding is needed to protect their livelihoods and boost local food access!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #ClimateResilience #FoodSecurity #VermontFarmers #EconomicSupport

Farm and forestry groups press for $15.6M disaster fund in FY27 Growers and farm advocates urged the Appropriations committees to appropriate $15.6 million to a Farm and Forestry Operations Security Special Fund (speakers referenced S.60) to provide predictable disaster relief after frost, flooding and other climate-related losses that federal insurance often does not cover.

Farmers are rallying for $15.6 million to create a safety net for Vermont's diverse agricultural community, ensuring swift disaster relief against unpredictable climate impacts.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #ClimateResilience #DisasterRelief #EconomicPreservation #VermontFarmers

Vermont presenters describe FarmFirst outreach, crisis lines and funding squeeze for farmer mental health FarmFirst and InvestEAP told a legislative committee FarmFirst offers rapid access to clinicians, peer support and tailored Mental Health First Aid for farmers; presenters said funding has tightened and there is no current appropriations request, while crisis referrals route to a 24/7 intake and 988 where appropriate.

Vermont farmers are facing a mental health crisis, with outreach programs struggling due to funding cuts, highlighting the urgent need for community support and resources.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #CrisisIntervention #VermontFarmers #MentalHealthSupport #CommunityOutreach

Vermont farm groups urge clear statute to protect "right to grow food" after court ruling Farm and food-system witnesses told a legislative committee that the Vermont Supreme Court ruling risks a patchwork of town-by-town regulation and urged the legislature to reinstate the municipal exemption, protect livestock care and keep Required Agricultural Practices rulemaking deliberate and inclusive.

Vermont's farm advocates are rallying for legislative clarity to safeguard the right to grow food after a court ruling threatens to fragment agricultural regulations across towns.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #AgriculturalPolicies #VermontFarmers #SustainableFarming

Delegation staff warn delayed USDA disbursements are squeezing Vermont farmers Staff for U.S. senators told the Agriculture, Food Resiliency & Forestry committee that USDA has not yet distributed 2025 organic cost‑share reimbursements and that $220 million in small‑state flood‑recovery block grants from the 2024 appropriations remain unreleased to states, prompting ongoing congressional and state follow‑up.

Vermont farmers are facing unprecedented delays in federal aid as the USDA holds back critical organic reimbursements and a $220 million flood recovery grant.

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#VT #OrganicFarming #AgriculturalAid #VermontFarmers #CitizenPortal #DisasterRelief

Farmers say delayed composting rules are blocking on‑farm investment Rural Vermont told the committee that ANR has not opened rulemaking needed to implement Act 41 (2021) protections for on‑farm composting, and that uncertainty about setbacks and operations prevents farmers from investing in new facilities despite legacy operations being protected.

Farmers in Vermont are facing a frustrating standstill as delayed composting rules hinder their ability to invest in on-farm operations, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.

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#VT #AgriculturalRegulations #EnvironmentalPolicy #SustainableComposting #VermontFarmers

Committee members discuss funding options and partnerships after House bill reference Committee members raised a House-passed measure referred to as "69," clarified it contains no appropriation in the members' view, and discussed partnering with agencies or grant programs to provide immediate farmer relief; members agreed to follow up with the bill sponsor and agency staff.

Vermont committee members are searching for urgent funding solutions to support struggling farmers after a recent bill fell short—what's next for farmer relief?

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#VT #LegislativePartnerships #AgriculturalSupport #FundingOptions #VermontFarmers #CitizenPortal

FSA describes lending, emergency loans and disaster payouts in Vermont State FSA director Wendy Wilton told lawmakers FSA is a "lender of first opportunity," with about $112 million in loans statewide (roughly $45M direct, $66M guaranteed), a delinquency rate of ~2.2%, and emergency/disaster programs that have delivered millions to Vermont producers.

Vermont's USDA FSA is stepping up with over $112 million in loans and vital disaster assistance to support local farmers in need!

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#VT #AgriculturalAssistance #EmergencyLending #VermontFarmers #CitizenPortal #DisasterRelief

Members press for farm relief after drought; S.60 unfunded last session Lawmakers said the S.60 farm relief bill received no funding last session and urged the committee to prioritize drought and flood relief this year, citing concrete impacts on dairy, cattle and vegetable producers.

Vermont lawmakers are pushing hard for urgent drought and flood relief after last year's critical S.60 farm relief bill went unfunded, highlighting the devastating impact on local producers.

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#VT #AgriculturalSupport #VermontFarmers #CitizenPortal #DroughtRelief #FloodResilience

Vermont farmers warn health-insurance premium shock could push small operators off the land Farmers and advocates told a committee that impending increases to Vermont Health Connect premiums and the loss of ACA subsidies will disproportionately affect self-employed and small-scale farmworkers; witnesses urged state support for Bridges to Health and other programs to maintain farm-sector health coverage.

Vermont farmers are sounding the alarm: skyrocketing health insurance costs could drive small operators off their land and threaten the stability of farm labor.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #InsuranceReform #HealthCareAccess #FarmworkerSupport #VermontFarmers

Vermont farmers seek stability as tariff changes create unpredictability Farmers emphasize the need for stability amid fluctuating tariff regulations impacting business.

Vermont farmers are calling for stability as unpredictable tariff changes threaten their livelihoods and the future of local businesses.

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#US #CitizenPortal #EconomicStability #TradePredictability #TaxReform #VermontFarmers

Vermont farmers struggle with inadequate crop insurance and wildlife damage compensation Farmers lack effective crop insurance and face challenges with wildlife damage management.

Vermont farmers are battling inadequate crop insurance and wildlife damage, raising urgent concerns about their future survival.

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#VT #WildlifeManagement #CitizenPortal #AgricultureReform #InsuranceImprovement #VermontFarmers

Committee discusses flood impact on Vermont and New Hampshire farmers' crop management Farmers express concerns about flood damage and eligibility for assistance across state lines.

Vermont farmers are facing devastating flooding challenges that threaten their livelihoods, sparking urgent calls for better risk management solutions.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #VermontFarmers #CommunitySupport #FloodingChallenges #AgriculturalRiskManagement

Legislators propose emergency fund to support farmers against climate impacts Lawmakers advocate for a structured fund to aid farmers facing climate-related risks.

Vermont lawmakers are taking a bold step to protect farmers from the looming threats of climate change by proposing an emergency fund to provide swift financial assistance when disaster strikes.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #FinancialStability #VermontFarmers #ClimateResilience

Farmers face lengthy litigation over neighbor disputes and compliance issues Farmers challenge ongoing neighbor litigation regarding land use and agricultural practices.

A five-year legal battle between a Vermont farmer and their neighbor over environmental concerns could reshape the future of agricultural rights.

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#VT #VermontFarmers #PropertyRights #EnvironmentalIssues #AgriculturalCompliance #CitizenPortal

Vermont judge rules against manure smell standards affecting dairy farming Judge prohibits manure smell, threatening Vermont's remaining dairy farms' operations.

A controversial court ruling in Vermont could threaten the future of local dairy farms by enforcing stringent odor standards that farmers say are impossible to meet.

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#VT #VermontFarmers #AgriculturalRegulations #CommunityConcerns #EnvironmentalBalance #CitizenPortal

Litigator Critiques Vague Law Impacting Farm Protection and Litigation Costs Litigator expresses concerns over law's vagueness harming farmers and increasing litigation uncertainty.

A seasoned litigator warns that a recently discussed law meant to protect farmers is riddled with vague language, raising concerns about costly legal battles and uncertainty in the agricultural sector.

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#VT #AgriculturalLaw #VermontFarmers #LegalClarity #LitigationCosts

Vermont establishes farm security fund to aid weather-affected farmers Vermont launches a new special fund for farmers facing financial losses due to weather.

Vermont is stepping up to support farmers with a groundbreaking new fund aimed at easing financial burdens caused by unpredictable weather.

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#VT #FinancialAssistance #VermontFarmers #WeatherResilience #AgriculturalSupport #CitizenPortal

Vermont lawmakers propose civil litigation protections for farmers against nuisance lawsuits Legislation aims to shield farmers from lawsuits while adhering to water quality regulations.

Vermont lawmakers are stepping up to protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits, addressing a growing crisis that leaves many feeling vulnerable in their own fields.

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#VT #AgriculturalStability #VermontFarmers #LegalProtections #CommunitySupport #CitizenPortal

Vermont Secretary of Agriculture launches Farm Security Special Fund for weather-related losses Secretary of Agriculture establishes fund to aid farms suffering losses from weather conditions.

Vermont's Senate Bill 60 is set to revolutionize support for farmers hit hard by unpredictable weather, offering crucial financial relief through a new Farm Security Special Fund.

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#VT #AgricultureSupport #VermontFarmers #ClimateChangeAdaptation #FinancialRelief #CitizenPortal

Vermont farmers embrace precision agriculture to enhance sustainability and productivity Farmers embrace precision agriculture technology, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in modern farming practices.

Vermont farmers are revolutionizing their fields with cutting-edge precision agriculture tools, but challenges remain for smaller operations to harness this technology effectively.

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#VT #PrecisionAgriculture #VermontFarmers #CitizenPortal #SustainableFarming

Farmers face competition from New York's tax incentives amid rising cattle prices Farmers struggle to compete with New York's tax incentives amid rising livestock and feed costs.

Vermont farmers are feeling the pinch as they grapple with soaring cattle prices and New York's enticing tax incentives that threaten their livelihoods.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #EconomicViability #AgriculturalPractices #VermontFarmers #SustainableFarming