State Policy Priorities

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Outline of Vermont

We advocate on behalf of our members to build a food and farming system where farmers can thrive, natural systems are healthy and functioning, and everyone has enough nourishing food to eat. We engage in grassroots action, direct advocacy, and coalition building in support of our mission to build a food and farming system where people and land can thrive.

Our Vision

Economic Viability

Farmers should be able to make a living on the land and support themselves, their families, and their employees. Farms and farm enterprises should be capable of being passed on to the next generation of farmers. At the same time, NOFA-VT believes that all people, regardless of circumstance, should have access to and be able to afford nourishing local and organic food.

Ecological Responsibility

Through the widespread use of organic practices, we believe that farming can keep our communities fed while actively supporting biodiversity and ecological health. In the context of a rapidly changing climate and overlapping biological crisis, it is imperative that agricultural practices shift to those that can sustain life for human beings and all other species for the long term. 

Social Justice

NOFA-VT seeks to be a part of nourishing a healed and thriving food and farming system by employing social justice as the fundamental lens through which we assess, evaluate, and engage in all our work. Through all of our work, we aim to aid in the creation of a food and farming system wherein opportunities, access, wealth, power, privilege, decision-making, and leadership are fairly and equitably distributed.

Current Policies We're Tracking
Universal School Meals

Bills We're Tracking

  • H.165, would create permanent funding for free breakfast and lunch in Vermont's schools

Recent Updates

  • Last year, the legislature instituted Universal School Meals for the first time - meaning free school breakfast and lunch have been provided to all Vermont students for the current school year. A new bill, H.165 would make this funding permanent through the Education Fund and continue to ensure that meals are provided to all students regardless of their family's income. Universal School Meals have been proven to reduce stigma in the lunchroom, improve educational outcomes for students, and - especially when combined with the Local Foods Incentive Grant - have positive ripple effects in our local farms and rural economies! Learn more from our friends at Hunger Free Vermont. Updated 2/17/23.

     

Right to Repair

Bills We're Tracking

  • H.81, ensures accessible, timely, and affordable repairs of agricultural and forestry equipment

 

Recent Updates

  • H.81 is a bill that aims to ensure accessible, timely, and affordable repairs of agricultural and forestry equipment by restricting equipment dealers' ability to impose excessive costs, burdens, or limitations on equipment owners or independent repair providers. Updated 2/17/23.
Accessory On-Farm Businesses

Bills We’re Tracking

  • H.128, exempts accessory on-farm businesses and small forest products processors from Act 250 permits

 

Recent Updates

  • H.128 would clarify and expand upon previous legislation designed to support accessory on-farm businesses as a means of diversifying and increasing farms' income and long term viability. "Accessory on-farm businesses" include on-farm processing and sale of agricultural products, events or farm stays featuring farm practices or products, and aggregation and resale of products purchased directly from other farms - think farm stands, farm tours, farm dinners, camps or workshops, etc. This bill would exempt accessory on-farm businesses, as well as small forest products processors, from needing an Act 250 permit. Updated 2/17/23.
Farm Diversification and Transition

Bills We're Tracking

  • H.205, creates a new grants program for small farms seeking to diversify production and/or transition from one type of farming to another

 

Recent Updates

  • H.205 would create a new grants program at the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets to provide financial assistance specifically to small farms seeking to diversify production and/or transition from one type of farming to another. This would include support for on-farm processing of agricultural products, and the development of accessory on-farm businesses. Updated 2/17/23.
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Contact Your Representatives

Calling or writing your elected officials is one of the best ways to make your voice heard, and it's easier than you might think! You can always contact elected officials with your opinions, whether you’re participating in an organized advocacy effort or not. Click the links below to find contact information for the people who represent you at the state and federal levels.

Federal: U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders | U.S. Congressman Peter Welch

State: Find Your State Senator | Find Your State Representative

Pro Tip: Save your representatives' contact information in your phone so you have them on "speed dial."