NOFA-VT is excited to once again be co-hosting Small Farm Action Days with our friends at Rural Vermont! Kicking off Tuesday, February 21st, this event series offers farmers and the agrarian community at large—homesteaders, gardeners, (urban) farmers, medicine makers, and food activists alike—opportunities to speak with lawmakers, voice their real-life issues, and learn more about the legislative process. This in-person event at the State House includes a policy briefing and advocacy training, the option to testify (in-person or remotely) to the agriculture committees, the chance to meet and greet with your legislators, and a tour of the building. To make this event accessible to all, stipends are available for activists!
This first event will focus on payment for ecosystem services. Farmers desire better programmatic solutions to support and incentivize regenerative farm and forestry practices. After the Payment for Ecosystem Services and Soil Health Working Group concluded their work, what can be done now to improve Vermont’s landscape, field, and forests and the livelihoods of those who provide that care? Speak to what is and is not working for you as a future, beginning, transitioning, or retiring farmer and share your ideas about what could be different and better - be the change!
Schedule of Events
9:00am - Arrival, Introductions, & Priorities
10:00am - Advocacy Training & Statehouse Tour
11:00am - Senate Ag Testimony
Noon - Meet & Greet Legislators
1:00pm - House Ag Testimony
RSVP IS REQUIRED FOR ANY PORTION OF TUESDAY, FEB. 21ST EVENT
Important Note: You are more than welcome to attend the day's events without an obligation to testify. If, however, you are planning to attend the day's events and are not choosing to testify, you may not be able to listen to testimony due to capacity limits in the committee rooms.
