Action Alert 1/18/07

--HEMP! Help us to legalize Agricultural Hemp in Vermont!
--Farm Fresh Milk Restoration Act Introduced in the House!
--Upcoming Events

**HEMP FOR VERMONT! BILL ON THE MOVE**
The House Agriculture Committee began taking testimony on H.267 - the Hemp for Vermont bill today! This bill is on the move, and we need your help to keep it moving to a vote on the house floor. This bill would allow Vermont Farmers to grow agricultural hemp in our state. They would need to get a permit, and buy only seed certified to have a low THC content (meaning, it's drug-free). Please TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK to help get this bill passed and onto the Governor's desk before town meeting day! You can download a copy of the bill here: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/H-267.HTM. You can find more info here:
http://www.ruralvermont.org/hemp.html and here: www.votehemp.org.

HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO THIS WEEK TO HELP GET THE HEMP FOR VERMONT BILL PASSED!

1) CALL YOUR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE! Please call your House Representative THIS WEEK (Tuesday-Friday) at the Vermont Statehouse and ask them to support H.267, the Hemp for Vermont Bill. You can call your Representative at 802-828-2228. You will need to leave a message. Be sure to leave your name and phone number and ask for a call back. Wait until your Rep. calls you back to talk to them about the bill - just leave your name and number for the message. DO NOT EMAIL your Rep, as this is not effective. If you don't know who your Rep. is, ask the person who answers the phone - you'll just have to tell them where you live.

2) WRITE A LETTER! If you have already called your Representative, please WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR of your local paper. Say why you support the Hemp for Vermont bill, and urge your neighbors to call their reps, too! You can find the contact info for your local paper here: http://www.ruralvermont.org/archives/001024.html.

3) COME TO AN EVENT! Rural Vermont is sponsoring a series of events to help you get up to speed on the issue and find out how you can get involved in the coming weeks...please join us for some film screenings and discussions. See the details below:

HEMP FOR VERMONT WEEK!
$5 - $10 suggested donation for all events - no one turned away for lack of funds (except special Montpelier event, which is $10). Limited quantity of Rural Vermont goods available for sale. Make a $100 tax-deductible donation and get a Vermont-made HEMP bag with Rural VT’s logo! ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT RURAL VERMONT’S HEMP FOR VT CAMPAIGN and all donations will be MATCHED by a special donor!

Two of the featured speakers played key roles in the passage of the law that legalized agricultural hemp in North Dakota. Representative David Monson is a farmer, house representative, and one of the first applicants for a hemp-growing license in North Dakota. Roger Johnson has been North Dakota's Agriculture Commissioner since 1996; he is a farmer with a degree in agricultural economics and a background in agricultural mediation. Ian Kiehle is a local hemp advocate and manager of the Brattleboro-based Save the Corporations from Themselves, a hemp and organic cotton clothing store.

*Sunday, January 20, 2008 ~ 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Ilsley Library, 75 Main St., MIDDLEBURY
Film: Hemp and the Rule of Law, followed by discussion with Rep Monson and Roger Johnson

* SPECIAL FUNDRAISER EVENT*
Monday, January 21, 2008 ~ 10 am - 12 pm
Savoy Theater, 26 Main St., MONTPELIER
Film: Hemp and the Rule of Law, followed by discussion with Rep Monson and Roger Johnson
* Admission = $10 *

*Monday, January 21, 2008 ~ 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Buffalo Mountain School, 39 N. Main St., HARDWICK
Film: Hemp and the Rule of Law, followed by discussion with Rep Monson and Roger Johnson

*Tuesday, January 22, 2008 ~ 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Springfield Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 Fairground Rd., SPRINGFIELD
Film: Hemp and the Rule of Law, followed by discussion with Roger Johnson

*Wednesday, January 23, 2008 ~ 6:30 - 8:30 pm
St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., BRATTLEBORO
Film: Standing Silent Nation, followed by discussion with Ian Kiehle

*Thursday, January 24, 2008 ~ 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Immanuel Episcopal Church, 20 Church St., BELLOWS FALLS
Film: Hemp and the Rule of Law, followed by discussion with Ian Kiehle

For more info and film descriptions, call (802) 223-7222 or visit ruralvermont.org.
If you want to schedule a hemp event in your area, contact Shelby at shelby@ruralvermont.org or 802-223-7222!

**FARM FRESH MILK RESTORATION ACT INTRODUCED IN VERMONT HOUSE!!**
On Thursday, the Farm Fresh Milk Restoration Act of 2008 was introduced in the House by the two lead sponsors, Rep. Kathy Pellet from Chester and Jim Hutchinson from Randolph. In addition to these two champions, 64 other house reps signed on as cosponsors in support of the bill. We are off to a great start! The bill's number is H.616, and you can download a copy here:
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/H-616.HTM

The bill would allow Vermont farmers to sell unlimited quantities of un-pasteurized milk directly from the farm, and to advertise that farm fresh milk is available for sale. Farmers would also be allowed to deliver milk to established (pre-paid) customers. The bill sets forth standards and creates a certification program for all of this to happen.

HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO THIS WEEK TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE FARM FRESH MILK BILL:
1) WRITE A THANK YOU NOTE. Please write a HAND-WRITTEN (not email!) note to your House Rep, if they cosponsored the bill (see list below). Tell your rep why the bill is important to you and thank them for your support. If your rep. did NOT cosponsor the bill, please write a note to Rep. Kathy Pellett or Rep. Jim Hutchinson, who are our lead sponsors! It is very important to thank our cosponsors, so they know how important their support is for the bill. Please write your note today!

You can send the note to your rep at the statehouse:
Representative _____________
Vermont Statehouse
115 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633

Find out who your Rep is here:http://www.leg.state.vt.us/legdir/findmember.cfm

Here is the List of Cosponsors:
Ancel of Calais
Anderson of Montpelier
Bostic of St. Johnsbury
Botzow of Pownal
Cheney of Norwich
Clarkson of Woodstock
Copeland-Hanzas of Bradford
Davis of Washington
Devereux of Mount Holly
Donaghy of Poultney
Donahue of Northfield
Dostis of Waterbury
Edwards of Brattleboro
Emmons of Springfield
Evans of Essex
Fallar of Tinmouth
Fisher of Lincoln
Frank of Underhill
French of Randolph
Gilbert of Fairfax
Haas of Rochester
Head of S. Burlington
Heath of Westford
Helm of Castleton
Hosford of Waitsfield
Howard of Rutland City
Howrigan of Fairfield
Hube of Londonderry
Jewett of Ripton
Johnson of South Hero
Kilmartin of Newport City
Kitzmiller of Montpelier
Klein of East Montpelier
Komline of Dorset
Larson of Burlington
Lenes of Shelburne
Leriche of Hardwick
Lippert of Hinesburg
Lorber of Burlington
Manwaring of Wilmington
Marek of Newfane
Martin of Springfield
Martin of Wolcott
Masland of Thetford
McCullough of Williston
Milkey of Brattleboro
Miller of Shaftsbury
Morley of Barton
Mrowicki of Putney
Nease of Johnson
Nuovo of Middlebury
Obuchowski of Rockingham
Orr of Charlotte
Pearson of Burlington
Peltz of Woodbury
Potter of Clarendon
Randall of Troy
Rodgers of Glover
Shand of Weathersfield
Sharpe of Bristol
Smith of Morristown
Sweaney of Windsor
Trombley of Grand Isle
Weston of Burlington

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OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
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LISTEN IN! This Saturday, January 19th at 9am Pacific, the Food Chain with Michael Olson hosts Vermont farmer Sharon Zecchinelli and Missouri farmer Doreen Hannes for a conversation about NAIS. Log on the Food Chain page at www.metrofarm.com to listen on your radio, computer or IPOD. Topics include how a voluntary Federal program is becoming a mandatory state program; why small farmers believe NAIS will drive them, and their support industries, out of business; and how NAIS may discourage individuals from raising their own food.
THIS SATURDAY! - Be sure to visit the Rural Vermont table!!!
**2008 VT Grazing Conferences Features Greg Judy
The 12th Annual Vermont Grazing Conference, titled From Forgotten Fields to
Farm Fresh Food will feature Missouri grazier Greg Judy as keynote speaker.
The conference will take place at Vermont Technical College in Randolph, VT
on Saturday, January 19, 2008. The schedule includes themed tracks for
dairy, meat, poultry, diversified, animal management, soil and forages,
consumer interests, and grazing partnerships. Plans are in motion for a
kids' mini conference, and an intensive afternoon session focused on meat
processing. The conference is co-organized by the UVM Center for Sustainable
Agriculture and the Vermont Grass Farmers Association. To learn more about the
conference, contact Jenn Colby, VT Pasture Network, at (802) 656-0858,
jcolby@uvm.edu , or visit www.uvm.edu/~pasture .

THIS SATURDAY!!! - *Livable Wage Workshop.
Learn how much income Vermonters should be earning in order to meet their most basic needs. Learn about valuable progrrams to assist lower income people, about how about you can help raise the minimum wage and can rethink your assumptions about Poverty and wages.
Date: Jan. 19, 2008
Time and Place: 2 to 3:30pm Aldrich Library in Barre
Workshop led by: The Burlington Peace and Justice Center
Sponsored by: Barre Universalist Church, Faith in Action Committee
For more info. contact: Colin at Peace and Justice Center: 802-863-2345, Andi from Barre UU FIA Committee: 802-229-1977
event is free but donations accepted. No one turned away for lack of funds.

**INTRO TO HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT:
Sat(s) Feb 2 & 9; 9am - 5pm; All Together Now, 170A Cherry Tree Hill Rd., E. Montpelier. Taught by Abe Collins of the VT Grass Farmer's Association and Carbon Farmers of America. The Holistic Management framework is a conscious decision-making framework that helps us to live out our core values as we advance biological succession, strengthen our families and communities and transform solar energy, air, minerals and water into lasting wealth. Born from the successful work of Allan Savory to reverse desertification in dry environments, Holistic Management represents breakthrough thinking that will change the way you see and engage with nature. You will leave this workshop with new perspective into ecosystem functioning and the human ability to heal land in any environment. You will have the understanding you need to form a ho- listic goal and start managing holistically. Holistic Management will give you confidence that your every decision is simultaneously meeting your short and long-term needs while being simul- taneously socially, ecologically and economically sound. $150-250 sliding scale Potluck Lunch Info: 223-1242, or briant@pshift.com.

**JANUARY FILM SERIES - FOCUS ON FOOD**
The common thread of the January Film Series being sponsored by the Lamoille County Natural Resources Conservation District & Nature Center, the Lanpher Memorial Library and Rural Vermont is food: how it travels, how it is grown, who profits and who loses. This film series is a FREE event; all films begin at 6:30 pm at the Lanpher Memorial Library in Hyde Park. Win an autographed copy of Joel Salatin's Everything I Want to do is Illegal or Jessica Prentice's Full Moon Feast. Call the Lamoille County Natural Resources Conservation District for more information 888-9218x13.
*January 22nd, The True Cost of Food and The Meatrix
*January 29th, Super Size Me

**STATEWIDE PEAK OIL ACTIVISTS RETREAT:
February 3; VT Technical College, Randolph. Peak oil activists from around the state will gather at to reflect, train, network, and discuss. The main event is a workshop by Phil Rice from the Sustainability Institute in Hartland and colleagues on "Four Capacities for Effective Leadership on Peak Oil." Info: Annie at newsletter@vtpeakoil.net.

**VTCECH will hold the 12th annual Hunger Awareness Day at the Vermont Statehouse on Thursday, February 7th, 2008. Hunger Awareness Day is an opportunity to remind our elected officials about the continuing problem of hunger in our communities. Likewise, citizens have the opportunity to thank their state legislators for their continuing support of anti-hunger initiatives. VTCECH will be showing our new film Every Child. Every Day. The Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont School Nutrition Association will also be present. Encourage your legislators to visit the display and view the film. For more information, please call our office at 802-865-0255.

CITIZEN ACTION DAY 2008 -- ACTIVATE YOUR VALUES!
February 13, 2007
10 am - 2 pm (registration starts at 9 am)
Vermont Statehouse - Rooms 10 and 11
Rural Vermont, in conjunction with the Vermont Alliance of Conservation
Voters, the Vermont Natural Resources Council, Vermont Public Interest
Research Group, and Vermonters for a Clean Environment will be hosting
their annual grassroots lobby day at the State House. Citizen Action
Day provides a great chance to lobby your legislators in solidarity
with many other concerned citizens about the issues that matter most to
you.
Don’t Miss This Chance to:
-Learn tips on how to talk with your legislators and then go do it.
-Have lunch with your legislators.
-Observe a floor debate.
-Attend a committee meeting.
No prior State House experience is needed. In the early part of the
day, organizers of the event will brief attendees on key environmental
issues and lobbying techniques prior to meeting with legislators.
Dress for indoors. Bring quarters for parking in Montpelier ($1 for 1
hour). Light morning snacks will be provided. You can buy lunch in the
statehouse for around $7-$10. For more information and to RSVP (please
let us know you're coming if you can!), visit www.vtactionday.org, or
contact Shelby at (802) 223-7222 or shelby@ruralvermont.org.

**Save the Dates! NOFA-VT 2-Day Winter Conference Announced
NOFA-VT is pleased and proud to announce we will be offering, for the first
time ever, a 2-day Winter Conference, February 16th and 17th, at the Vermont
Technical College in Randolph, Vermont. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for
more information! If you’d like to be added to our mailing list to receive a
copy of the Winter Conference brochure, please contact the office, 434-4122, or
info@nofavt.org.

**Exploring the Small Farm Dream with Beth Claypoole
Are you interested in starting a small farm business? What type of
information do you need to start? What type of farming enterprise you
would like to develop? Do you know someone who has these same questions?
If these questions sound familiar, Cornell Cooperative Extension Wayne
County, in cooperation with Wayne County Agriculture Development Board
will be presenting a 4 session workshop on February 27th, March 5th, 19th,
and April 2nd to help answer these questions. This in-depth program will
run each evening from 6-9pm at the CCE Wayne County office in Newark, NY.
Applications for participation are now available by calling 315-331-8415
or by accessing the CCE website at:
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/wayne, search for "Small Farm Dream".
Applications are due by Monday, February 11.