On Monday, June 22nd at 7 pm at the Ilsley Library in Middelbury Rural Vermont’s farmers will tell the story of the wild and jam-packed 2015 legislative session, with particular focus on the bills and discussions that have the biggest impact on small-scale farmers and the communities they’re feeding. Some of these bills have since become law (e.g. water quality, raw milk improvements, current use), and some will continue to be discussed when the legislature reconvenes in January (e.g. poultry processing, more raw milk, hemp production, on-farm slaughter).

Rural Vermont farmer members, including dairy farmer Mike Eastman of Addison, will share personal stories of their farms and the reasons they choose to farm as they do. Their stories will highlight some of the public policy and regulatory barriers that limit economic opportunities for farmers and access for farmers and their customers.

Following the farmers’ stories, Rural Vermont director Andrea Stander will facilitate a discussion about these public policy roadblocks, and provide some hope for the future! Meaningful change is possible, and Rural Vermont’s 30 year history of educating, organizing, and advocating has proven that. Find out how you can get involved and support Rural Vermont’s efforts to advocate for commonsense public policy that helps, rather than hurts, our family farms and preserves our working landscape and Vermont’s cultural heritage of neighbors feeding neighbors.

This event is free and open to the public. Bring your own stories, bring your questions, and bring your friends! Hosted by the Addison County Democrats.

Since 1985, Rural Vermont has been amplifying the voices of farmers and advocating for a fair food system through education, organizing, and advocacy. For more info, visit www.ruralvermont.org.