The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) will be hosting, along with the Essex County Natural Resources Conservation District, a stakeholder listening session in Brunswick on Jan 25, 11am-1pm. The goal is to hear directly from agricultural producers, processors, and distributors. This input will help VAAFM to inform and guide their programs and future grant opportunities.
The Essex and Orleans County combined listening session will take place in person and virtually, simultaneously at two locations: the Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge Welcome Center in Brunswick and the USDA office in Newport.
This hybrid meeting will be a facilitated, open conservation. Discussion topics will include: How can VAAFM programs feel more relevant to your farm's needs? What would helpful business support look like for your farm? How should the State help farms prepare for climate change? Do current farm grant opportunities fit the needs of your business?
Advanced registration is requested at: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=O5O0IK26PEOcAnDtzHVZxgMNGzZOrMRDoKzDdOs8[...]C4u
Light food and refreshments will be provided.
For more information, you can contact the Essex County Natural Resources Conservation District at (802) 424-5353 or VAAFM at (802) 261-5866 or Sarah.McIlvennie@vermont.gov
About the Essex County Natural Resources Conservation District:
The Essex County Natural Resources Conservation District, established in 1947, is organized as a local non-profit that coordinates with organizations and state and federal agencies in the County to encourage and support the integrity of land use practices and ensure environmental quality in Essex County through implementing appropriate, cost-effective programs. ECNRCD offers a resource to landowners, farmers, schools, and businesses through their efforts with water quality, agriculture, education and other community conservation projects.