Rural Vermont

Next Steps in the Farm Fresh Milk Campaign

While the 2013 legislative session has just ended, Rural Vermont is already making plans to introduce a broad-based raw milk bill in the 2014 session. Between now and then, there is a LOT of work to do, and we need your input. Raw Milk Producers & Consumers: If this is an issue you’re passionate about, please contact robb[at]ruralvermont.org and get involved today.

06/13-06/15 The Vermont Traditional Foods and Health Symposium

Hosted by Shelburne Farms, co-sponsored by Rural Vermont. Generously supported by the Forrest C. & Frances H. Lattner Foundation

The 2nd annual Traditional Foods Symposium will provide participants with access to the teachings of four nationally and internationally recognized speakers (including Sally Fallon Morell of the Weston A. Price Foundation), locally produced and nutrient-dense lunches, a tastings dinner based on traditional diet principles, techniques for preparing traditional foods, and plenty of time to network with like-minded individuals, organizations, and businesses.

Help spread the word by printing and hanging the event poster in your community!

More details about the Symposium are available here.

End of Session Legislative Updates

GMO Food Labeling Bill – H.112

The VT House of Representatives approves the GMO labeling bill by a vote of 99 – 42! To see how your Rep voted, visit this page. For additional details, visit the Vermont Right to Know GMOs page and Rural Vermont’s Facebook page.

Hemp Bill - S.157

S.157 unanimously PASSED the Senate and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk to become law! Find your Senator to thank them for supporting this bill. For more information contact Robb[at]ruralvermont.org

On-Farm Slaughter Provisions in Ag Housekeeping Bill – H.515

H.515 passes as the House concurs with the Senate on a final vote. More details about what this bill means for VT farmers soon.

This is the latest update. For more background information and specific details, read Rural Vermont’s latest alert and check out our Facebook page.

For more information, contact andrea[at]ruralvermont.org.

Rural Vermont’s 2013 Annual Celebration!

Thanks to everyone who came to Rural Vermont’s Annual Celebration last week! We had a great time and hope you did too. For those of you who couldn’t be there, here’s how some of our guests summed up the night:

Keynote Philip Ackerman-Leist talks to a packed house in Vergennes.
[photo credit: Vanessa Emery]

“Tonight was really fun, engaging, and encouraging! It is so great to be around so many people who care deeply about community and good food.” – Katie Spring, Good Heart Farmstead, Worcester

“Inspiring community. Thoughtful and challenging issues.” – Bruce Hennessey, Maple Wind Farm, Huntington

“Thought provoking and inspirational! Made me want to jump into action!” – Lucas Jackson, Tangled Roots Farm, Shrewsbury

“This was my first time joining Rural Vermont—the first of many, I have a feeling. Great people with open minds and hearts. I look forward to getting more involved in the future.” – Ethan Waldo, Burlington

“Great event! Wonderful speaker!” – Cassandra Corcoran, Monkton
Want to see who won this year’s raffle prizes? Could it be you? Click here.

And thanks again to our sponsors for their generous support: Chelsea Green Publishing, Healthy Living, NOFA-VT, Vermont Compost Company, and Vote Hemp. Media support provided by Edible Green Mountains and Local Banquet, with additional support from City Market, Molly Davies, Ann Day, Dorothy Hines, and Robin McDermott & Ray Mikaluk.

Thank you Matt Hogan for the wonderful images below!