Think of Vermont farmers and food as you gather around the dinner table this holiday season.
Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets As many of us prepare to spend time with family and friends this holiday season, we naturally pause to give thanks. For many Vermonters, the dinner table will feature a fresh Vermont turkey, local produce, a selection of Green Mountain cheeses, or baked goods made with pure Vermont maple from a family recipe. We are fortunate to enjoy this abundance—made possible by those who work on the land.
Our farmers put in long hours year-round so we can enjoy fresh, local food. Their work is demanding, and their commitment unwavering. And this year has been no exception. In fact, 2025 has been a roller coaster for many. One thing is clear: farmers are not operating in a predictable landscape. Uncertainty has become the norm. Yet Vermonters—especially our farmers—know how to rise to the moment. They are strong, smart, and resourceful.
In recent years, agriculture in Vermont has faced extraordinary hardship. Farmers have endured two consecutive years of historic flooding, followed immediately by one of the worst droughts in decades. These back-to-back challenges have tested farms of all sizes.
But they have also revealed something important: the extraordinary resilience of Vermont farmers. Time and again, they have stepped up—supporting one another, staying focused, and working collaboratively and creatively when the situation demanded it.
As we gather for the holidays, it’s also important to think of those who may be struggling. Many Vermonters will lend a hand at a community dinner or donate to a local food shelf. Thank you for digging deep and supporting your neighbors. Acts of generosity like these strengthen our communities.
As you sit down with loved ones during the holidays, please raise a glass of your favorite beverage and offer a toast to those who make it all possible: our farmers.
Despite the uncertainty and hardship, Vermont agriculture remains strong, innovative, and rooted in community. With continued partnership, creativity, and determination, we will keep moving forward—together.
November 26, 2025 | Montpelier, VT – VAAFM
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