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Farm Fresh Milk Producers-Survey Information Needed
Over the past few years, Rural Vermont has worked very hard with farmers all across the state to expand the legal allowances of raw milk sales in Vermont. Since the 2009 passage of Act 62, the Raw Milk Bill, farmers’ rights to sell raw milk are protected in statute. Despite this, the law is not perfect and we need your help demonstrating this. No matter what size your miking operation, we want to hear from you. Your information will help us convince legislators that raw milk provides important economic opportunities for Vermont farmers and further changes are needed in the raw milk law for these opportunities to be fully realized. How Can You help ? Rural Vermont is asking all raw milk producers across the state to participate in a raw milk production survey in order to compile a comprehensive report on the economic benefits of raw milk. The legislature has requested that we present this data to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to reflect the economic impact of raw milk sales in Vermont. Whether you have been selling raw milk for a number of years or just started milking, your participation in this survey is very important as it helps legitimize the economic importance of raw milk in Vermont! If you are a raw milk producer, please take the survey. **Please note this survey includes data from Dec 1, 2010 to Dec 1, 2011. We are hoping to get this information to the legislature in early January.** Your support and participation is greatly appreciated. Of course, your personal information will remain anonymous in Rural Vermont’s report. If you know someone who is a raw milk producer, please forward them this email or have them contact Rural Vermont for a copy of the survey so that we can demonstrate an accurate reflection of raw milk sales to the legislature. Once again, thank you for your input, it is invaluable in helping us create positive change in Vermont agriculture. Best Regards, Shelby, Robb and Mollie PS: If you or someone you know is a farmer in Southern Vermont who faces physical challenges farming, the Vermont Center for Independent Living’s Agrability program has resources to help, click here for more information. |
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Rural Vermont Events
*** HOMEGROWN POTLUCK & KITCHEN TABLE CONVERSATION Friday, December 16th at 6pm RSVP for exact location, WEST TOWNSHEND Date TBD in WARREN Visit this page for more information. * More dates and locations coming soon.*** BEYOND MILK: RAW DAIRY PROCESSING ! Farmhouse Cheddar Curds, Mozzarella, Yogurt & Butter Wednesday, December 7th from 1 – 4 pm Apple Ledge Farm, COVENTRY SOLD OUT! but there’s good news … Due to an overwhelming initial response, this class will be repeated the following Wednesday, December 14th! Farmhouse Cheddar Curds, Mozzarella, Yogurt & Butter Wednesday, December 14th from 1 – 4 pm Apple Ledge Farm, COVENTRY More classes coming soon! All classes require advance registration and space is limited. $20-$40 sliding scale. All proceeds benefit Rural Vermont. To sign up, contact Shelby at (802) 223-7222 or email shelby@ruralvermont.org. STILL SEEKING HOSTS & TEACHERS! If you’re a raw milk dairy and would like to host a class OR a raw milk enthusiast eager to share your kitchen skills with others, please contact shelby@ruralvermont.org or call (802) 223-7222. We’ve got a specific need for teachers in the counties of LAMOILLE and ADDISON/RUTLAND! *** GROWING LOCAL FOOD SOVEREIGNTY If you are interested in having Rural Vermont facilitate a food sovereignty discussion in your community, please contact robb@ruralvermont.org. |
Phone Callers and Activist Leaders-The Vermont Legislature will soon be back in session, which means we may need to rely on your help making phone calls to engage others into action. We will also be looking for activists to testify at hearings and other events. Please contact Robb to learn how you can play a role in ensuring the success of Rural Vermont’s campaigns and supporting family farmers.
Local Food Sovereignty Campaign - As we gear up the local food sovereignty campaign, we need your help gathering signatures to place local food sovereignty articles on Town Meeting Day ballots. Contact Robb for petitions or information to get an article on your Town Meeting Day agenda.
Winter Conferences-We need volunteers at these upcoming winter conferences! The Vermont Grass Farmers Association (Jan 20-21) and NOFA-VT (Feb 11-13). Are you already registered for next year’s conferences? Please volunteer to help Rural Vermont with our informational and activist tables at these busy events. If you will be available on any of these days, email Robbto volunteer for a time slot.
Email Robb, or call (802) 223-7222 to get involved today!!!
**Want to help but not interested in the above activities? Contact us and we’ll see how we can plug you in!**