Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets 2020 was a year of turbulence, uncertainty and change, with many important societal issues highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has been deeply involved in many of these issues impacting Vermonters, while ensuring that important agriculture considerations continue to stay at the forefront of ongoing legislative discussions.
Several bills impacting the agriculture sector were signed into law this year. Act 74 provides additional funding for multiple agriculture programs, including the Working Lands Enterprise program, agricultural fairs and field days, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and the Farm and Forest Viability Program. It also allocates $500,000 to fund grants to the meat processing and slaughter industries.
Other bills that passed into law include updates to the Current Use program, the creation of a local incentive program to support schools purchasing more Vermont grown and produced food, and an act that limits liability for businesses engaged in agritourism activities. Changes to the regulations surrounding on farm slaughter and the sale of raw milk were also signed into law.
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