3/5 Sign-On to Protect the Right to Grow Food!

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On May 30, 2025, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that farming is not exempt from all municipal regulation, overturning nearly 40 years of precedent. This ruling allows municipalities to control where farming can occur, potentially requiring new permits, increasing costs, and adding regulatory hurdles for farms — many of which are already financially vulnerable. 

NOFA-VT, Rural Vermont, the Vermont Farm Bureau, and partners are concerned this could create a patchwork of local rules that undermine farm viability, food production, and Vermont’s agricultural economy.

We are partnering with a diverse group of farming organizations to advocate for a clear, consistent regulatory framework and to return the “ag exemption” to its original intent, and we have developed a sign-on letter that proposes to the Vermont legislature a compromise that the undersigned endorse. This compromise is proposed by Rural Vermont, the Vermont Farm Bureau, NOFA-VT, the Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund/Farm to Plate, American Farmland Trust, the Land Access and Opportunity Board. We work in ongoing collaboration with more organizations and in consultation with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets and with farmers and community members all across our state.

This broad coalition of Vermont’s agricultural and land access organizations will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, March 24th, from 9:30-11 am, to discuss the ruling and invite public input. Representatives from Rural Vermont, Vermont Farm Bureau, Agri-Mark/Cabot, NOFA‑VT, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts, Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance, Farm to Plate, and the Land Access and Opportunity Board will:

  • Explain what the ruling means for farms and communities.

  • Share updates on the coalition’s work at the State House.

  • Present the proposed compromise.

  • Invite participants to share thoughts, questions, and experiences

Write to your State Reps and Senators TODAY, urging them to restore the municipal exemption for farming and to codify the Right to Grow Food for all Vermonters!


Time is of the essence.
Letters sent before March 13th may significantly increase our chance of success in time for the ongoing legislative process. 

Municipal Exemption Overview
Rural Vermont