Those who make a living off the land found their voice in Montpelier this year — and lawmakers listened
by Anson B. Tebbetts, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Vermont’s sugar makers, fruit and vegetable growers, loggers, and dairy farmers made their way to the State House this winter to speak out about Act 181 and its impact on rural Vermont. Their grassroots effort reminded legislators that policies crafted in Montpelier reach deep into the hills, valleys, farms, and forests that define our state.
Act 181 expanded state authority over land use regulation. But after strong public pushback from working Vermonters across the state, portions of the law were stripped back — something that rarely happens once legislation is already enacted.
Representative Greg Burtt of Cabot, Peacham, and Danville uniquely impacted those discussions. He introduced an amendment aimed at giving agritourism businesses more flexibility by eliminating the need for Act 250 permits for certain accessory on-farm business activities.
For small farms, the Act 250 process can mean significant time, expense, and uncertainty, and it may prevent them from diversifying. Rep. Burtt’s amendment recognizes that many farms today should be allowed to bring more people to their farms to share their products and practices without excessive or duplicative regulations. Whether it is hosting educational events, farm dinners, maple open houses, or seasonal gatherings, agritourism has become an important tool to help farms stay financially viable and to continue growing our food.
The amendment would allow farms to make improvements for educational, recreational, or social events that feature Vermont farm products or agricultural practices without requiring a State Act 250 permit process. Towns may already choose to regulate these activities, so no additional State permit (or the related potential litigation) is necessary.
The margins in agriculture are tight. Farmers are constantly balancing weather, markets, labor shortages, and rising costs. Allowing farms more flexibility through a commonsense approach to agritourism is not about weakening protections — it is about recognizing the importance of growing local food, the realities of modern agriculture, and giving rural businesses a fair opportunity to succeed.
Just as importantly, these activities connect the public to Vermont agriculture. They give families and visitors the opportunity to experience firsthand the people and products that shape our working landscape.
As this column is being written, the Senate has not yet had an opportunity to evaluate the issue, but public support for the Burtt amendment continues to grow. If given final approval by the legislature, the bill then heads to Governor Scott.
If the amendment remains intact, it will represent something increasingly rare in Montpelier: lawmakers from rural communities working together with farmers, foresters, and small businesses to find practical solutions.
A sincere thank you to Representative Burtt and most House members for standing up for those who make a living off the land — and for reminding Montpelier that rural Vermont deserves a strong voice at the table.
VAFFM photos.
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