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VAAFM: Spring Is Here!

Submitted by tim on

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Flowers are blooming. Birds are chirping. Tourists are coming. And, dare I say, the pandemic is waning here in Vermont. As more Vermonters get vaccinated and case counts continue to go down, many food, farm and forestry businesses have questions about evolving health guidelines and regulations.

Currently, all business sectors are subject to the state's universal guidance. This guidance requires businesses and employees to adhere to five simple things: staying home when sick, wearing a mask unless fully vaccinated, maintaining social distancing unless fully vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and thinking before you travel.

Beyond that, there are no sector specific requirements for food, farm or forestry businesses. That said, businesses may benefit from resources and best practices on things like managing farm visitors and improving hand washing stations.

As we look forward to a more normal summer in Vermont, thanks for doing your part to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Commission on Future of VT Ag

Twelve members have been appointed to the new Governor's Commission on the Future of Vermont Agriculture. The Commission will focus on ensuring the viability and adaptability of Vermont’s agriculture and food system by delivering recommendations for more cross-sector collaboration, increased production, reduced barriers to entry, increased diversity within the sector and continued progress on environmental issues.

Host a Vaccine Clinic

Are you interested in hosting a vaccine clinic at your business? Want to make it easier for your employees or members of your community to get vaccinated? The Vermont Department of Health is taking requests from businesses interested in helping with Vermont's vaccination efforts. Interested businesses should fill out and submit the form linked above. Help do your part to protect the health of all Vermonters.
Find A Farmers Market Near You

Many farmers markets will be operating this summer, including several that were closed in 2020. Vendors and market staff are following Vermont's Universal Guidance to ensure a safe but less restricted environment for shoppers and vendors alike. As the public health situation evolves over the summer, we expect markets to change the rules that patrons must follow. Please be flexible as markets work to adapt. To find a farmers market in your community, or to find other markets across the state, check out NOFA-VT's farmers market directory by clicking the link in the title.

Farm and Food Safety for Visitors

Join producers from the Northeast for free online conversations about what is working and what is not for farms open to visitors for direct sales, education, hospitality, entertainment, and recreation. We will share video footage and discuss practices and policies, from handwashing stations to dog policies to curbside pickup. This session is part of a UVM series that will cover several topics for farms open to visitors through the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Advance registration is required

Event Date: June 1, 7 pm