Medium Farm Operation General Permit public comment period begins

Submitted by tim on Mon, 05/13/2024 - 05:52

Medium Farm Operation General Permit Public Comment Period

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is updating the guidelines for the Medium Farm Operations (MFO) General Permit. The public can provide feedback on these updates until June 23rd. Two meetings will be held for discussions, both offered in person and via Microsoft Teams. The first public hearing will be held at the St. Albans City Hall in St. Albans on May 21st from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM and the second hearing will be held at the Isle Public Library in Middlebury on May 23rd from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM.

The MFO guidelines must be revised every five years by law, and since the last update was in 2018, it's time for another. These updated rules will be in effect from 2024 to 2029. The proposed changes focus on making the guidelines clearer and removing unnecessary repetitions found in the Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) and other Vermont statutes.

Comments may be submitted electronically to [email protected] or in writing to:

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Attn: Water Quality Program
116 State St
Montpelier, VT 05620

Once the public comment period closes on June 23rd, VAAFM will review all comments before finalizing the updated MFO guidelines.

Learn more about the proposed changes

DiPietro to Serve on EPA Advisory Committee Addressing National Water Quality Concerns

The Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets is excited to share that Laura DiPietro, Vermont's Water Quality Division Director, has been chosen to serve on the EPA's Animal Agriculture and Water Quality (AAWQ) subcommittee, formed to address concerns raised by environmental and community groups regarding pollutants from agricultural operations.

DiPietro aims to contribute her 20 years of experience in agricultural water quality regulation to the national discussion and bring back insights for Vermont's programs. The AAWQ will discuss various topics including agricultural technology adoption, CAFO operations, conservation practices, and public health impacts.

Learn more

UVM Extension’s Dairy Herd Management Technical Assistance Program Supports Farmers Statewide

Since 2021, UVM Extension's Dairy Herd Management Technical Assistance Program, funded by the Northeast Dairy Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), has supported Vermont dairy farms of all sizes and types. The program offers direct consultations, workshops, and educational programs covering herd health, milk quality, nutrition, and more. So far, the program has assisted 91 dairy farms, including Tup’s Crossing Farm and Magnan Brothers Dairy, with issues like grazing expansion and milk quality management. The program has also hosted 24 workshops, engaging 511 attendees. Learn more about this impactful program in a recent NE-DBIC blog.

Read the full blog

USDA Seeks Applications to Fill Five Vacancies on National Organic Standards Board

The USDA is seeking applications to fill five vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board, which assists in developing standards and advising the Secretary on the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.

The Board requests nominations for the following vacancies: One individual who owns or operates an organic farming operation or an employee of such individual; two individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation or employees of such individuals; one individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or employees of such individuals; and one individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.

Apply by June 28th

Survey for Small-Scale Producers

Researchers at Tufts University are conducting a study of small-scale producers and their local food marketing and promotion activities. They hope to learn about benefits and barriers of food hubs, value-added products, and more.

You may be eligible to participate in the study if you operate 10 acres or less and your farm operation made $1,000 or more in 2022 and 2023. If you're unsure if you meet the requirements, you can reach out via email to Anna Ruiz at [email protected]. The study team can also provide technical/translation assistance, if needed.

Compensation for responding to all survey questions includes a $50 Visa gift card.

Respond to the survey

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

May
5/13 - VAAFM Agriculture Development Specialist application deadline

June
6/1 - Harvest New England Day at the Big E application deadline
6/6 - Goat & Sheep Dairy Development Grant deadline
6/23 - Medium Farm Operation General Permit Public Comment Period deadline
6/25 - Dairy Product Trade Show Assistance Grant deadline

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar

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