When the 2011 Jobs Bill was passed by the Legislature last year, over $500,000 was earmarked for Agricultural investments. The Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets estimates 100 jobs will be created as a result of the investments, and an additional $1.3 million dollars of matching funds and personal investments will be leveraged.
In a press conference held at the State House yesterday, grant recipients shared stories about how these funds will be used for workforce training, new market opportunities, and job creation.
‘Thanks to this grant, we are able to become GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certified,’ said Amy Skelton from Pete’s Greens in Craftsbury. ‘That’s what it takes to get our products into the big stores ‘ the Shaws, the Hannafords ‘ where a large majority of Vermonters shop. It’s creating a huge opportunity for us.’
Skelton was one of six grant beneficiaries asked to speak at the event. Pete’s Greens received $10,000 of the $100,000 designated for GAP certification grants.
Royal Laroque, a butcher from Braintree, received $35,000 towards the installation of a rail system, and increased processing space and cooler capacity at his operation, The Royal Butcher.
‘I can expand and bring new people into the business ‘ young people, the next generation’thanks to you,’ said Laroque, gesturing towards the legislators in attendance.
Senators Vince Illuzzi and Sarah Kittel, and Representatives Carolyn Patridge and Bill Botzow ‘ key legislators in crafting the agriculture sections of the Jobs Bill -- joined Vermont Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross and Commerce Secretary Lawrence Miller in congratulating grant recipients.
‘Ag is the key driver in our State,’ said Senator Kittel, who chairs the Senate Agriculture committee, ‘and this team of legislators recognizes that.’
‘A strong partnership between our Agencies is key, because in Vermont, Ag and the economy go hand-in-hand,’ said Secretary Lawrence, as he gestured at Secretary Ross. ‘The Governor knew that when he picked us for these jobs. He wanted to be sure we could partner together, to get things done, and we have.’
‘The Jobs Bill effectively stimulated job creation and economic growth by investing in critical components of our food system,’ said Secretary Ross. ‘The return on this investment is tremendous, not only in terms of dollars and cents, but also because Ag investments benefit the overall community by ensuring food security, preserving our working landscape, and providing healthy food options for our citizens and schools.’
In total, the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets administered seven sections of the Jobs Bill, for a total of $505,000:
Sec. 34 Meat Processing Infrastructure Development Grant ($50,000)
Granteesâ ¦
The Royal Butcher, Braintree: $35,000
Westminster Meats, Westminster : $15,000
Sec. 39 Large Animal Vet Loan Repayment Program ($30,000)
Sec. 40 Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Grant Program ($100,000)
Granteesâ ¦
·Champlain Orchards, Shoreham : $10,000
·Holton Farms Produce, Westminster : $10,000
·Cabot Smith Farm, Cabot: $10,000
·Pete’s Greens, Craftsbury: $10,000
·High Meadows Farm, Putney: $10,000
·Deep Meadow Produce, Ascutney: $9,130
·Foote Brook Farm, West Johnson: $7,985
·Harlow Farm, Westminster: $9,880
·Lewis Creek Farm, Starksboro: $9,400
·Scott Farm, Dummerston: $2,925
·Valley Dream Farm, Cambridge: $10,000
Sec. 41 Skilled Meat Cutter Training Program ($25,000)
Granteesâ ¦
·Hannaford Career Center: $16,500
·Vermont Technical College: $6,000
Sec. 42 Local Food Coordinator and Grant Program ($125,000)
Sec. 43 Farm-to-Plate Investment Program Implementation ($100,000)
Sec. 100 Appropriations and Allocation- Farm to School Grant Program ($75,000)
Grantees:
·Three schools where awarded implementation grants which cap at $15,000.
oStockbridge Central School,
oThe Dorset School,
oWeatherfield & Albert Bridge School
·Two schools received planning grants which cap at $1,500.
oBrookfield Elementary,
oMiddletown Springs Elementary
For a full explanation of how the $505,000 in grant money has been allocated, visithttp://www.vermontagriculture.com/news/2012/jobs_bill_press_event.pdf
About the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets
The Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.www.VermontAgriculture.com
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets2.16.2012