April 25th: 9:30-2:30
For more information, visit our Events page!
Rural Vermont’s Year-End Fundraising Campaign – We Need Your Support!
November 1st marks the beginning of Rural Vermont’s year-end fundraising campaign, our biggest and most important appeal of the year. To help us hit the ground running, one big-hearted donor has offered to add $50 to the first 50 donations we receive! Please make your contribution early (now?!) to take advantage of this generous offer.
As we approach the beginning of yet another year (our 35th!), we at Rural Vermont are feeling hopeful, humbled, and buoyed by the incredible outpouring of support and enthusiasm we’ve received over the past 12 months. Thank you for your commitment to our work, and also for caring so deeply about inhabiting a landscape of thriving farms and vibrant communities.
It is no exaggeration to say that this has been a transformative year for Rural Vermont, made possible by folks just like you. Your contribution TODAY moves us even closer to a Vermont in which all farmers have equal opportunity to prosper, and all Vermonters have equal access to nourishing foods produced with reverence for all human and non-human beings, as well as for the land that supports us all.
While our work over the past year has been multi-faceted, including a brand new website (yes, this one!), as well as a diverse slate of events as part of our Pitchfork Series, we are particularly excited about our focus on building strong, effective coalitions with other agricultural and social justice based organizations. These partnerships enhance our capacity and amplify our ability to impact the public policy arena, where we have the opportunity to cultivate meaningful change on behalf of all Vermonters who believe that a flourishing and inclusive agricultural community is essential to our collective well-being. And to the well-being of generations to come.
Right now, we’re busy analyzing the results of our first policy survey in nearly a decade and identifying priorities for the years ahead. We’re excited to work with our partners and constituents to continue ensuring that our collective voice is heard, and that the future of Vermont’s agricultural and food systems is rooted in equity and opportunity for all.
We need your support now to lay the groundwork for the upcoming year. Simply put, your contribution means we accomplish more in 2019, which means more opportunities for farmers to serve their community members, while improving the health of the land upon which we all depend. Please help us maintain Rural Vermont’s momentum by giving today.
In deep and enduring appreciation,
Ben, Coco, Graham, Shelby, and the Board of Directors
P.S. Please consider automated giving! You can give monthly or annually with a debit/credit card or bank transfer. Our sustainers enjoy uninterrupted Rural Vermont membership status, while helping us to manage our cashflow and minimize administrative costs. PLUS, those who sign up for auto giving by December 31st will be entered to win a $50 Johnny’s credit!
In October of 2018 Rural Vermont conducted a policy priorities survey of our membership and Vermont’s greater agricultural community. Our goal was to share information about some issues that we expect to be considered during the upcoming legislative biennium. We had an additional goal of seeking guidance from our community on how Rural Vermont should prioritize these issues. Read more here.
In August, Rural Vermont sent a survey to all of Vermont’s registered hemp producers and all the folks in the Rural Vermont database who have identified themselves as interested in hemp. The purpose of the survey was to gather information to help inform Rural Vermont’s strategy for engaging in the upcoming public rule-making process. We expect to have a timeline for the rule-making process by the beginning of 2019. Read some highlights from the Hemp Survey.
Rural Vermont's 2018 annual gathering included a great meal and fun catching up with old friends and welcoming new ones. Thanks to everyone who joined us!
For a very limited time, you can purchase raffle tickets that not only support Rural Vermont, but also put you in the running to win your choice of three super special prizes: a $100 gift card to Darn Tough, a goodie bag of chocolates and granola from Nutty Steph's, or a horse-drawn sleigh ride for ten at Fair Winds Farm. Tix $10 for 2 or $20 for 5. Available online through 11/4 and in person at Rural Vermont's Annual Meeting on 11/5
Thank you in advance for your valuable input!
Rural Vermont's goal is to make sure that our constituents are represented in the rulemaking, and that the new rules are fair to all producers, processors, and consumers. In order to better understand the concerns and interests of Vermont hemp farmers, we created a survey about hemp farming. This information will be kept entirely confidential, and will be used to help us better represent your interests. Please note the deadline for completing this survey was Friday, August 31st. The survey is now closed.
For details about the hemp pilot program and hemp's history in Vermont, see Rural Vermont's most recent factsheet here.
Thanks to everyone who has donated this summer -- we just hit the $10K mark! Just $5K left to go! And when you give, you will be entered to win a $100 of Johnny's credit!
Rural Vermont just submitted our official comments to the USDA in response to their draft GMO labeling rules. There is still time to submit yours! They're due July 3rd.
RURAL VERMONT COMMENTS ON THE USDA’S PROPOSED RULES FOR GMO FOOD LABELING
Re: Docket No. AMS-TM-17-0050
Rural Vermont (aka Rural Education Action Project) is one of the core organizations in the Vermont Right to Know GMOs coalition that worked for four years to successfully pass Vermont’s first-in-the-nation, no strings attached, clear and concise GMO Food Labeling Law – Act 120 (2014). During the four-year grassroots campaign to pass Vermont’s law, we engaged over 10,000 citizens, many of whom testified before legislative committees and/or at the numerous public hearings that were held by the Vermont Legislature. These citizens unequivocally expressed their desire to know whether the food they purchase, consume, and feed to their families is genetically engineered. They also made it clear that they wanted Vermont’s labeling law to be clear and provide easily understandable and accessible information directly on food packages they could use to make their food purchasing choices. In representing many of these concerned citizens, Rural Vermont requests that the Agency adopt the following:
TOP PRIORITY: It is crucial that the USDA reject “QR codes” and any other options for on-package labels that clearly discriminate against consumers and are not transparent. Labels of any kind that require the use of a “smartphone” and a functional connection to the Internet to be used are inherently discriminatory – according to the Pew Research Center, as much as one third of Americans do not have a smartphone and we know that this percentage is much higher in rural states like Vermont where many communities still don’t have broadband service. QR codes or other so-called “smart labels” would especially discriminate against low-income, minority, and elderly populations – known to disproportionally lack access to these technologies. The USDA’s own 2017 study demonstrated this. Even for those who do have access to smartphones and Wi-Fi – it is an undue burden and barrier for consumers trying to get the grocery shopping done for their family to stop, scan a package, connect to the internet and spend time reading tiny text on their phone.
In addition, providing access to product information via on-package website URLs or text messaging should also be opposed, as it is equally discriminatory to the same groups of citizens. These methods are time-consuming, require access to technologies by consumers, and act as a disincentive for true transparency. This indirect form of food labeling would be unprecedented. Rural Vermont urges the USDA to require clear, easy to read, on-package labels using clear language and/or symbols that are easily understandable and unbiased.
ADDITIONAL PRIORITY CONCERNS:
1. Do not prohibit or otherwise constrain the use of well-understood food labeling terms, such as GE or GMO. These terms have been in common usage in the public sphere for decades. USDA’s proposed restriction on the use of the terms “genetic engineering,” and “GMO,” despite their familiarity for consumers, food companies, and state and federal regulators will only serve to create confusion and a further lack of transparency. The proposed new term “bioengineered,” and its accompanying obscure acronym “BE,” does not meet the needs of consumers. In addition, many companies have already invested time and resources in labeling their products using the well-understood terminology “GMO,” or “GE,” and USDA must not thwart these responsible efforts by restricting their use.
2. Any proposed visual symbol to be used as disclosure labels on packages MUST BE NEUTRAL. We acknowledge that the federal disclosure law allows companies to choose to use symbols instead of text on their labels. However, two of three proposed symbols are objectively and unashamedly pro-GE / Biotech. Boldly biased symbols such as the “sun/smiley face” are an insult to consumers. The USDA should eliminate these clearly biased options for symbols, and again, require any visual symbol used to label packaging be neutral and utilize the broadly recognized acronyms “GE,” or “GMO.”
3. It is essential, in providing meaningful information to consumers, that any labeling requirement include all processed foods produced with genetic engineering. It is widely understood that the overwhelming majority of GE foods are not whole foods, but processed foods, made with GE commodity crops such as corn, soy, canola, and sugar derived from GE beets, including cooking oils, sodas, and candies. These products must be required to be disclosed as GE. By potentially leaving these products out of the labeling requirements, it is likely that that hundreds of GE foods will not be labeled and the consumer’s right to know will be curtailed. Any labeling standard must include ALL GE products regardless of how highly refined they are so that consumers are not deceived or mis-informed.
4. It is also critical that labeling disclosure rules include future food products made with forms of genetic engineering that are not yet in use or even considered. Food & chemical corporations are vigorously experimenting with new forms of manipulating the genetics of food crops including gene-editing. The little understood, but increasingly used, so-called CRISPR technology is being used on such common food as oranges, cacao, potatoes, soy, and canola. USDA must ensure that foods made with any of these emerging forms of genetic engineering are included in the labeling disclosure requirement.
5. In the proposed rules, USDA offers two options for GE content in food that arises from inadvertent contamination at some point in the supply chain. Disclosure of this contamination would only be required if unintentional GE contamination exceeded 0.9% or 5% of the specific ingredient (by weight). We insist that the 0.9% threshold is the right one to use because it is high enough to cover contamination; has long been established in the European Union and so would facilitate trade with EU countries; and it further comports with the existing standards being used by many U.S. food companies. A third potential option which would permit even intentional use of a GMO ingredient in a food product up to 5% of the entire item's weight, would effectively exempt the great majority of GE foods from mandatory labeling and is completely unacceptable.
6. A large percentage of American consumers have been demanding that the presence of genetic engineering in their food be disclosed for more than a decade. A uniform federal requirement for disclosure is long overdue. Please do not postpone the labeling requirement to 2022 as currently proposed. The labeling law requires regulations be finalized by July 29, 2018. However, USDA’s proposed rules would allow companies to further postpone GMO labeling until as late as 2022. This kind of delay is negligent and unfair to the many companies that have taken their responsibility to their customers seriously and are already labeling. The USDA must require companies to use GMO content disclosure labels by no later January 1, 2020.
We appreciate your consideration of these comments and look forward to receiving your response.
Rural Vermont
46 East State Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
802-223-7222
www.ruralvermont.org
Last month, the USDA released its long-awaited draft of the federal GMO labeling rules. Just as we had expected, if implemented as proposed, they will mislead and confuse consumers, while giving industrial ag & food companies plenty of opportunity to hide the truth about their ingredients. Public comment is critical and due July 3rd. More details here
June 1, 2018
It’s barely summer, and already what a momentous year for Rural Vermont. New website and podcast! More Pitchfork Series events! Coalitions and working groups! Big wins in the legislature!
Our members have made it all possible, and we need your support today to keep at it. Donate to our summer appeal and your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Read more and make your one-time or recurring gift here.
NOTE: The links we have provided to the bills listed below are the most current versions available through the Legislative website – they may change.
H.663 – AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISE BILL
What this bill will do: Provide statewide consistency in how accessory on-farm businesses are regulated by municipalities giving farmers more opportunities to develop additional income for their farms.
What is the status of this bill: This bill has been passed by both chambers and, on May 21st, the Governor signed the bill into law. This law will take effect on July 1, 2018.
NEXT STEPS: Please contact your Senators and Representatives to thank them for supporting this bill which will provide significant economic opportunities for farmers. ALSO – watch for notification from Rural Vermont seeking your input on implementation of this new law.
What this bill will do: Provide the opportunity for any farmer who registers with the Agency of Agriculture by July 1, 2018 to grow Hemp and participate in a federally compliant research program in 2019. This bill also mandates a formal rule-making process for the implementation of the new law and provides regulations for the testing and quality control of hemp and hemp-derived products.
What is the status of this bill: See H.663 status, above
NEXT STEPS: Please contact your Senators and Representatives to thank them for supporting this bill which will help Vermont re-establish Hemp as a significant agricultural crop. ALSO – watch for notification from Rural Vermont about opportunities to participate in the upcoming rule-making process. It will be VERY IMPORTANT for small-scale farmers to actively contribute to shaping the implementation of this law.
S.101 – RIGHT TO FORESTRY BILL
What this bill will do: Provide some basic protection from nuisance lawsuits for small-scale, non-permanent, legal forestry operations.
What is the status of this bill: This bill was passed by both chambers, and then the House concurred with a final amendment made by the Senate, which gave a little more protection to citizens pursuing a complaint against a forestry operation. It is expected that the bill will be sent to the Governor for his signature. This bill will take effect upon passage.
NEXT STEPS: Please contact your Senators and Representatives to thank them for supporting this bill which provides important recognition of the role of forestry in Vermont’s working lands economy.
H.904 – MISC. AGRICULTURAL SUBJECTS BILL
What this bill will do: This bill went through many changes in the final days of the session and was the subject of much conflict as it became a veritable “Christmas tree” containing portions of many other bills. In the end, it was reduced to just a few provisions that primarily deal with the Agency of Ag’s authority to implement and enforce FSMA (the federal Food Safety and Modernization Act). It also has a provision that makes a minor change to regulations regarding the transport of livestock and poultry to slaughter facilities.
What is the status of this bill: This bill was passed by both chambers in its much-diminished form and has been sent to the Governor for signature. This bill will take effect upon passage.
NEXT STEPS: Rural Vermont plans to request a meeting with the Agency of Agriculture to review all the new legislation and better understand how the Agency will be proceeding with its implementation.
S.276 – RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BILL
What this bill will do: This is another bill that went through many iterations and then ended up as a mere shadow of its original scope. Although it originally contained the Hemp Pilot Program, that was removed in the final days of the session because it had been attached to H.633.
What is the status of this bill: This bill was passed by both chambers, and we believe it has been sent to the Governor, but its fate is currently unknown.
NEXT STEPS: TBA
S.260 – CLEAN WATER FUNDING BILL
What this bill will do: The original intent of this bill was to create a long-term funding mechanism for the multi-million-dollar annual cost of addressing Vermont’s significant water quality problems. It has gone through many revisions and, like other bills this session, ended up essentially as a relatively toothless bill that simply mandates more studies and reports.
What is the status of this bill: The Governor signed this bill on May 21st.
NEXT STEPS: Rural Vermont supports the creation of a long-term funding mechanism to address water quality. We will continue to work to ensure that such a funding mechanism will be just and enable all farmers to be fully engaged in the solutions to water quality problems and have fair access to all funding sources for water quality improvement projects.
H.915 – POLLINATOR PROTECTION BILL - DEAD
This bill failed to emerge from its conference committee as the House and Senate members were unable to reach a compromise.
H.903 – REGENERATIVE FARMING BILL - DEAD
After this bill became a target for unfriendly amendments, and its source of funding (the Clean Water Fund) was called into question, Sen. Starr successfully pulled the bill back into the Senate Ag Cmte and no further action was taken. This bill would have codified into law the VT Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP) that the Agency of Agriculture has already been developing. It is expected the Agency of Ag will continue to develop the VESP program as staffing & funding allows.
H.663 – AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISE BILL
What this bill would do: Provide statewide consistency in how accessory on-farm businesses are regulated by municipalities giving farmers more opportunities to develop additional income for their farms.
What is the status of this bill: This bill has passed the House, was slightly amended by the Senate Ag Committee and is currently being considered by the Senate Natural Resources Committee
Talking points: Rural Vermont supports this bill and has worked in coalition with several other ag organizations to shepherd it through the legislative process. Ask Senators to vote for the bill and ask House members to concur with the Senate amendment.
S.101 – RIGHT TO FORESTRY BILL
What this bill would do: Provide some basic protection from nuisance lawsuits for small-scale, non-permanent legal forestry operations.
What is the status of this bill: This bill passed the Senate, was amended by the House, further amended by the Senate and now it is expected that the House will concur with the Senate’s latest amendment.
Talking points: Rural Vermont supports this bill, because it creates a basic “right to forestry” similar to Vermont’s “right to farm” and provides support for the working lands economy. Ask House members to support the bill as amended by the Senate.
S.276 – RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BILL – Including new Hemp Pilot Program
What this bill would do: Many, many things – it is a “Christmas tree bill.” Rural Vermont has been focused on the Hemp section but there are lots of other components that will have impact on farms and rural communities.
What is the status of this bill: It has gone through many iterations and changed substantially at each step in the process. It passed the Senate and is currently in the Hse Ag Cmte and will next need to be reviewed by Hse Ways & Means and House Appropriations. Then, it still must pass the House and the Senate will have to agree with the many changes the House has made. Time is running out and this bill is at risk for not making it.
Talking Points: Rural Vermont supports this bill in large measure because of the Hemp provision. Because this bill is in jeopardy we are working with legislators to find another bill that is more likely to pass to which the Hemp provision could be added. Tell Senate and House members you want to see the Hemp Pilot Program enacted this year.
H.915 – POLLINATOR PROTECTION BILL
What this bill would do: In its current form, the bill would BEGIN to address the threat that neonicotinoid pesticides pose to pollinators, soil health, water quality and aquatic insects.
What is the status of this bill: It was just amended and passed by the Senate on Thurs. Now it needs to go back to the House – hopefully they will concur and pass it as well. Not clear whether the Governor would veto it.
Talking Points: Rural Vermont supports the bill but would like to see stronger measures taken to protect pollinators and move the state away from the use of chemicals and pesticides more quickly. Ask House members to pass the bill when it comes back to them.
H.904 – MISC. AGRICULTURAL SUBJECTS BILL
This bill currently contains many of the same provisions as S.276 (see above) but it is likely it will be significantly amended by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. It is one of the bills that might be an alternative vehicle for the Hemp Pilot Program.
H.903 – REGENERATIVE FARMING BILL
What this bill would do: In its current form the bill would put into law the Vermont Environmental Stewardship Program that the Agency of Ag has been developing over the past year.
What is the status of this bill: It is expected that this bill will not pass
Talking Points: Rural Vermont supports a just transition to regenerative farming practices but feels the standards proposed in the VT Environmental Stewardship Program are not rigorous enough.
S.260 – CLEAN WATER FUNDING BILL
What this bill would do: The original intent of this bill was to create a long-term funding mechanism for the multi-million-dollar annual cost of addressing Vermont’s significant water quality problems.
What is the status of this bill: It has gone through many revisions. It passed the Senate in late March. Since then it has been considered by multiple House committees. It is currently being worked on by the House Ways & Means Cmte. When this bill passed the Senate, it landed on a list of bills the Governor said he would veto.
Talking Points: Rural Vermont supports the creation of a long-term funding mechanism to address water quality. Such a funding mechanism must just and enable farmers to be fully engaged in the solutions to water quality problems.
!!((THIS POST IS NOT FORMATTED, NEED TO DISCUSS MOVING TO MAILCHIMP vs CONSTANT CONTACT))!!
Quick Links:
The Pitchfork Series Launch is a Success!
Update from the Statehouse
Head to the Farmhouse for Burgers with Benefits!
March Merchandise Promotion: Hats & Tees
Thanks to our 2018 Partner Members
March 27, 2018
Last week, a large and enthusiastic group gathered in Randolph to dive into the persistent challenges and creative solutions to land access in Vermont. The panel discussion and subsequent dialogue provided plenty of valuable info and inspiration for everyone in the room.
Thanks to everyone who made this event possible, including: our co-host BALE (Building a Local Economy); our panelists Corie Pierce of Bread & Butter Farm, Lila Bennett of Tangletown Farm, and Graham Unangst-Rufenacht of Robinson Hill Beef; Black Krim Tavern; the volunteers; and all of you who attended and shared some thoughtful conversation and an incredible meal with us.
Check out the Facebook album here. And stay tuned - the Pitchfork Series might be coming to you next!
- All of us at Rural Vermont
RURAL VERMONT ISSUES IN THE NEWS:
Friends of the Earth, 3/8: Poll: Farmers Overwhelmingly Oppose Bayer Monsanto Merger
* Rural Vermont was among the many organizations who administered this survey.
VPR, 3/12: She's From Jersey. She Tends Jersey. She Says Vermont Dairy Regulations Make a Hard Job Harder.
* featuring Rural VT member Lisa Kaiman!
The Hill, 3/26: McConnell Bill Would Legalize Hemp as an Agricultural Product.
* finally! the Feds might catch up with the states.
UPDATE FROM THE STATEHOUSE
Now that all the "Crossover" deadlines have come and gone, it is clear which bills have the potential to continue through the balance of the legislative process this year. Fortunately several of the bills Rural Vermont has been working on are still "alive."
As you are probably aware, much of the energy in the State House for the past few weeks has been focused on unprecedented gun control legislation. In addition, the political lines between the majority of the legislature and the Governor have become more clearly drawn as the struggle over the big annual "money" bills accelerates. The Governor is maintaining his "no new fees, no new taxes" position and the legislators are struggling to figure out how to pay for crucial services and programs.
None of the bills that Rural Vermont is working on involve appropriations or fees. We are hopeful that this, combined with the potential, albeit modest, of positive progress for farmers and the agricultural economy will increase their chances of being passed. You can read more details here.
Stay tuned for our Action Alerts when your voice will need to be heard!
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If you care about any of these issues and want to offer some ideas, share your perspective, stay informed, or serve as a Rural Vermont Advocacy Volunteer at the State House, please be in touch with Rural Vermont's field organizer Graham or call the office: (802) 223-7222.
THE FARMHOUSE TAP & GRILL:
Burgers with Benefits through this Sat, March 31st!
And while you're there, thank the Farmhouse for
their generous support of Rural Vermont!
MARCH MERCHANDISE PROMOTION:
Make a $100 donation and receive a special gift!
Bucket hat pictured. Standard baseball hat also available.
Now through the end of this month (that's Saturday, folks!), we've got a special "March Merchandise" promotion going on. Make a donation of $100+ or sign up to be a monthly giver at $10+ and we will thank you with your choice of a Rural Vermont tee or hat.
Of course, we always welcome your donation in ANY size. For 33 years, Rural Vermont has been fueled by members throughout the state and beyond who, just like you, have a strong desire to live in a landscape populated by thriving community-scale farms, and an economy that prioritizes reverence for the land and for tight-knit relationship. Come on, join us!
And thank you!
MANY THANKS TO OUR 2018 PARTNER MEMBERS
the Farmhouse Group, the Frankenburg Agency, Geobarns, Johnny's Selected Seeds, Northeast Organic Farming Association of VT, Red Hen Baking Co., the Skinny Pancake, Vermont Compost Company, Vermont Grass Farmers Association, and Vote Hemp
For more info on becoming a Partner Member, contact Shelby or call (802) 223-7222.