Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to subnav
Searching 2015-2016 Session

2015-2016 Session

Change Session
Select a session

House Committee on Agriculture and Forest Products (Room 31)

The House Committee on Agriculture and Forest Products considers matters relating to agriculture and forest products and their markets.

Print

Previous Meetings - Full Report

Summary Report
Friday, January 9, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

Introductions

Agency of Agriculture Staff

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-1, 2, 3
Meeting Record
10:45 AM

Introductions

Vermont Natural Resources Council

  • Kim Greenwood, Water Program Director & Staff Scientist, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  • Brian Shupe, Executive Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
11:30 AM

Introductions

Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association

  • Kathleen Wanner, Executive Director, Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association
2:30 PM

Introductions

Vermont Public Interest Research Group

  • Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
  • Falko Schilling, Consumer Advocate, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
3:15 PM

Introductions

Center for an Agricultural Economy

  • Sarah Waring, Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-4, 5, 6, 7
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Agricultural Finance

  • Jo Bradley, Director, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  • Ted Brady, State Director VT/NH, USDA Rural Development
  • Bob Paquin, State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency
  • George Putnam, President and CEO, Yankee Farm Credit
10:20 AM

Introductions

Feed Dealers

  • Louise Calderwood, Project Manager, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
  • Marty Waterman, Vermont Feed Dealers and Manufacturers Association
  • Art Whitman, Past President, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
Following press conference

Agricultural Research

Presentation on Results of the 2012 Census of Agriculture

  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Scott Sawyer, Research and Evaluation Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
3:30 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

USDA Grant to Vermont

  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
4:00 PM

Introductions

UVM Extension and Farmers Watershed Alliance

  • Heather Darby, Alburg Farmer, UVM Extension
  • Tim Magnant, Bridgeview Farm, Franklin County
  • Darlene Reynolds, President, Farmers Watershed Alliance
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-8, 9, 10
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Introductions

Rural Vermont

  • Andrea Stander, Executive Director, Rural Vermont
9:25 AM

Introductions

Vermont Association of Conservation Districts

  • Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
11:00 AM

Agricultural Education

University of Vermont Extension

  • Linda Berlin, Director, Center for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Doug Lantagne, Dean and Director, UVM Extension
1:30 PM

Introductions

DairyVision

  • Jackie Folsom, Executive Director, DairyVision
1:40 PM

Introductions

Green Mountain Dairy Farmers

  • Jane Clifford, Executive Director, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
Following Joint Assembly

Introductions

Northeast Organic Farming Organization of Vermont

  • Maddie Monty, Policy Advisor, NOFA-Vermont
  • Abbie Nelson, Ag. Education Coordinator NOFA Vermont and Vermont FEED Program Director
Friday, January 16, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-11, 12
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Vermont Farm Bureau

  • Bill Moore, Legislative Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
10:30 AM

Introductions

Federal Legislators' State Representatives

  • Tom Berry, Policy Advisor on Agriculture, Sen. Patrick Leahy
  • Patricia Coates, State Director, Rep. Peter Welch
  • Jenny Nelson, Agriculture Policy Advisor for Sen. Sanders
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-13, 14, 15
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

Committee Discussion

11:00 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

  • Ela Chapin, Farm Viability Enhancement Program, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Ethan Parke, Director of Conservation Assessment and Analysis, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
2:30 PM

Vermont Agricultural and Forest Products Development Board

  • Lynn Coale, Chair, Vermont Agricultural and Forest Products Development Board
3:15 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-16, 17, 18, 19
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Lake Champlain Committee

  • Lori Fisher, Executive Director, The Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlains Future
9:30 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Friends of Northern Lake Champlain

  • Shawn Gingue, Dairy farmer, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  • Alisha Sawyer, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain
  • Denise Smith, Executive Director, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain
  • Amanda St. Pierre, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain
10:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition

  • Jeff Carter, UVM Extension
  • Eric Clifford, President, Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition
  • Tim Kayhart, Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition
  • Brian Kemp, Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition
10:45 AM

Introductions

Vermont Farms!

  • Beth Kennett, Liberty Hill Farm, Vermont Farms!
11:10 AM

Introductions

Vermont Grass Farmers Association

  • Jenn Colby, Vermont Grass Farmers Association
11:35 AM

Introductions

RAFFL: Rutland Area Farm and Food Link

  • Tara Kelly, Executive Director, RAFFL
15 minutes after Floor

Introductions

Vermont Cheese Council

  • Tom Bivins, Executive Director, Vermont Cheese Council
3:00 PM

Introductions

Vermont Traditions Coalition

  • Steve McLeod, Executive Director, Vermont Traditions Coalition
3:30 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • David Mears, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-20, 21, 22, 23
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Food Safety

  • Ginger Nickerson, Center for Sustainable Agriculture
9:25 AM

Introductions

Vermont Specialty Foods Association

  • Jack Gilbert, Board President, Vermont Specialty Foods Association
  • Jim Harrison, Vermont Specialty Foods Association
9:45 AM

Vermont Fresh Network

  • Meghan Sheradin, Executive Director, Vermont Fresh Network
10:45 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Joint meeting House and Senate Agriculture Committees
Room 31

  • Paul Costello, Executive Director, Working Lands Coalition
  • Colleen Goodridge, Owner, Goodridge Lumber
  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Lucy Leriche, Deputy  Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  • Helm Nottermann, Owner, Snug Valley Farm
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
15 minutes after Floor

Introductions

Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association

  • Roger Brown, Chair, Industry Committee, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association
  • Matt Gordon, Executive Director, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association
2:15 PM

Introductions

Vermont Grape and Wine Council

  • John McCann, Co-Legislative Chair, Vermont Grape and Wine Council
2:45 PM

Introductions

Vermont Beekeepers Association

  • Kim Greenwood, Immediate Past President, Vermont Beekeepers Association
  • Bill Mares, Past President, Vermont Beekeepers Association
Friday, January 23, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-24, 25, 26
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Farm to Plate Report

Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee.
Room 10

  • Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Project Manager, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Jenn Colby, Vermont Grass Farmers Association
  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Janet McLaughlin, Special Projects Director, Vermont Community Foundation
  • Lisa Ransom, Owner, Grow Compost of Vermont
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • John Sayles, CEO, Vermont Food Bank
  • Sarah Waring, Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy
12:45 PM

Committee Discussion

Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-27, 28
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

Introductions

NOFA-Vermont

  • Erin Buckwalter, Community Food Security and Direct Marketing Coordinator, NOFA VT
  • Sam Fuller, Technical Assistance Administrator, NOFA - Vermont
11:30 AM

H.27 - An act relating to implementation of best management practices

  • Rep. Robert Krebs, House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources
2:30 PM

Miscellaneous Tax Bill

Agricultural fees

  • Devon Green, Special Counsel for Tax Legislation, Agency of Administration
3:30 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Julie Moore, Water Resources Engineer, Stone Environmental, Inc.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-29, 30, 31
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.52 - An act relating to exceptions for inspection of poultry slaughtering

  • Rep. Patricia Komline
  • Randy Quenneville, Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Andrea Stander, Executive Director, Rural Vermont
  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
10:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
  • Chris Cole, Deputy  Secretary, Agency of Transportation
  • Marli Rupe, Agriculture Water Quality Specialist, Department of Environmental Conservation
15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Lake Champlain Basin Program

  • Bill Howland, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Basin Program
Friday, January 30, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-32, 33
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

Vermont Technical College

Update

  • Chris Dutton, Associate Professor, Vermont Technical College
11:00 AM

University of Vermont

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

  • Josie Davis, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Thomas Vogelmann, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
12:45 PM

Committee Discussion

Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-34, 35, 36
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

Vermont Fairs Association

  • Chris Ashby, Champlain Valley Exposition
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Show
  • Jeff Goodwin, Caledonia County Fair
  • Jason Sicard, Orleans County Fair
11:15 AM

Update

Slaughterhouses and meat processing in Vermont

  • Randy Quenneville, Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
2:30 PM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

Update on Vermont's Raw Milk Law

  • Kalyn Campbell, Family Cow Farm
  • Frank Huard, Huard Family Farm
  • Lisa Kaiman, Jersey Girls Farm
  • Rich Larson, Larson Farm
  • Nate Rogers, Rogers Farmstead
  • Andrea Stander, Executive Director, Rural Vermont
4:00 PM

Introductions

Vermont Beef Producers Association

  • Phil Wagner, Vermont Beef Producers Association
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-37, 38, 39, 40
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
10:45 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Thursday, February 5, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-41, 42, 43, 44
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
10:30 AM

Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee (VTCAC) on the Future of Lake Champlain

2015 Lake Champlain Action Plan

  • James Ehlers, Executive Director, Lake Champlain International
  • Julie Moore, Chair, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
  • Sheri Young, Member, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
2:00 PM

Ag Lab Building

Joint Hearing with House Corrections and Institutions.
Room 10

  • Rep. Alice M. Emmons, Chair, House Committee on Institutions and Corrections
  • Michael Kuhn, Project Manager, Department of Buildings & General Services
  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
  • Trey Martin, Senior Counsel for Government Affairs, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Michael Obuchowski, Commissioner, Department of Buildings & General Services
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Michelle Sama, Professor, Vermont Technical College
  • Sandra Vitzthum, Project Manager II, Department of Buildings & General Services
3:30 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
Friday, February 6, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-45, 46, 47
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

Vermont Farm Bureau

  • Clark Hinsdale, Vermont Farm Bureau
11:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Friends of Northern Lake Champlain

  • Kent Henderson, Chair, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain
  • Brian Jerose, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain
  • Alisha Sawyer, Coordinator, Franklin Watershed Committee Coordinator
2:00 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Marli Rupe, Agriculture Water Quality Specialist, Department of Environmental Conservation
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-48, 49, 50
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
2:30 PM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

  • Kristin Haas, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Dan Scruton, Dairy Section Program Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
3:30 PM

H.236 - An act relating to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

  • Cary Giguere, Pesticide Program Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-51, 52, 53
Meeting Record
10:45 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Jonathan Bond, Water Committee Co-Chair, Sierra Club, Vermont Chapter
  • Robb Kidd, Organizing Representative, Sierra Club, Vermont Chapter
11:20 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Steven Scheinert, Vermont EPSCoR
  • Andrew Schroth, Department of Geology, UVM, Vermont EPSCoR
  • Judith Van Houten, State EPSCoR Director
15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Committee Discussion

Thursday, February 12, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-54, 55, 56
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Committee discussion

  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Laggistics
11:00 AM

Vermont Housing & Conservation Coalition

Joint Hearing. Room 11.

  • Earl Fournier, Organic Dairy Farmer, Swanton
  • Paul Harlow, Vegetable Grower, Westminster
  • Allen Kamatz, Senior Farm Project Director, Vermont Land Trust
  • David Robb, Tangletown Farm, Glover
  • Bob Stannard, Farmer and Vermont Natural Beef Producer, Benson
3:30 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Friday, February 13, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-57, 58
Meeting Record
11:45 AM

2+2 Agricultural Education

Committee discussion on 2016 budget for 2+2

12:45 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Committee discussion

Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-59, 60, 61
Meeting Record
11:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture Report

Agricultural Economic Development and Land Use Planning

  • Stephanie Smith, Chief Policy Enforcement Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
2:30 PM

Conservation Districts

  • Peggy Ainsworth, Natural Resources Conservation Districts
  • Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  • Mary Childs, White River, Natural Resources Conservation Districts
  • Sarrah Damsell, Essex County, Natural Resources Conservation Districts
  • Ryan Patch, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  • Pamela Stefanek, Otter Creek, Natural Resources Conservation Districts
3:15 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Justin Poulin, Farmer, Randolph
  • Anna Poulin, Farmer, Randolph
3:30 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Jane Clifford, Executive Director, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-62, 63, 64
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Caucus of The Whole

Clean Water for the State of Vermont.
CDs with House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources.

11:00 AM

Farm to School

Joint Hearing. Room 10.

  • Bill Half, Harvest Hill Farm, Walden
  • Anore Horton, Child Nutrition Manager, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Judy Ide, Teacher, Lowell Graded School
  • Blay McKenna, 4th Grade Student, Lowell Graded School
  • Abbie Nelson, Co-Director, VT Food Ed. Every Day & Ed. Coord. at Nofa-VT
  • Destiny Sorrell, 5th Grade Student, Lowell Graded School
  • Lindsey Tinker, 5th Grade Student, Lowell Graded School
  • Ely Willey, 2nd Grade Student, Lowell Graded School
  • Ali Zipparo, Farm to School Coordinator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
1:00 PM

FLOOR

15 minutes after Floor

Introductions

Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont
Vermont Brewers Association

  • Ed Metcalfe, Founder, Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont
  • Kurt Staudter, Executive Director, Vermont Brewers Association
2:00 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Eric Clifford, President, Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition
  • Ben Dykema, Wilcon Farm, North Ferrisburg
  • Brian Kemp, President, Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition
  • Lorenzo Whitcomb, Board Member, Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition
  • Kirsten Workman, Agronomy Specialist, UVM Extension
3:00 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Laura DiPietro, Deputy Director of ARM, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-65, 66, 67
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Committee discussion

9:45 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Friday, February 20, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-68, 69, 70
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Committee discussion

15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • John Akielaszek, Department of Environmental Conservation
11:45 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

USDA NRCS

  • Vicky Drew, State Conservationist
1:15 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Ela Chapin, Farm Viability Enhancement Program
  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-71, 72, 73
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Pat Sagui, Composting Association of Vermont
2:30 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-74, 75, 76, 77
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Current Use sections

  • Rep. Alison H. Clarkson, House Committee on Ways and Means
9:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
10:45 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
  • Laura DiPietro, Deputy Director of ARM, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-78, 79, 80, 81, 82
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
10:45 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Friday, February 27, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-83, 84
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Committee discussion

15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
12:45 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-85, 86
Meeting Record
2:30 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

Agency of Agriculture Housekeeping bill

  • Kristin Haas, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Dan Scruton, Dairy & Energy Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
4:00 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

review of funding sources letter to Ways and Means Committee

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-87, 88, 89, 90
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
10:45 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Discussion

15 minutes after Floor

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Discussion

3:30 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

  • Marcey Hodgdon, Business Manager, Agency of Agriculture
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-91, 92, 93
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Discussion

10:45 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Discussion

15 minutes after Floor

Tax Department methodology for determining exempt status

  • Mary Peterson, Commissioner, Department of Taxes
3:15 PM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Friday, March 13, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-94, 95
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

H.485 - An act relating to the Agricultural and Rural Heritage Special Fund

Committee discussion and vote

-

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

committee discussion and vote

Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-96, 97
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

H.65 - An act relating to designating the Gilfeather turnip as the State Vegetable

  • Wardsboro School Students
2:30 PM

H.164 - An act relating to adequate shelter for dogs housed outdoors

Introduced to committee

  • Rep. Gary Viens, < None >
2:45 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Ways and Means Report

2:50 PM

H.65 - An act relating to designating the Gilfeather turnip as the State Vegetable

Introduced to committee

  • Rep. Barbara Murphy, < None >
3:15 PM

H.236 - An act relating to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Introduced to committee

  • Zoe Hecht, Edmunds Elementary School, Burlington
  • Rosie Lowry, Edmunds Elementary School, Burlington
  • Rep. Christopher Pearson, Burlington
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
3:45 PM

Introductions

Salvation Farms

  • Theresa Snow, Director, Salvation Farms
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-98, 99, 100
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

  • Jane Clifford, Executive Director, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Andrea Stander, Executive Director, Rural Vermont
10:45 AM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

  • Bob Haefner, Chair, Environment and Agriculture Committee, New Hampshire House of Representatives
  • Tara Sad, Ranking Member, Environment and Agriculture Committee, New Hampshire House of Representatives
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-101, 102, 103
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

Room 10

  • Erica Berl DVM MPH, Public Health Epidemiologist, Department of Health
  • Tom Bivins, Executive Director, Vermont Cheese Council
  • Stephanie Eiring, Sunrise Farm, Enosburg Falls
  • Frank Huard, Huard Family Farm
  • Mateo Kehler, Owner, Cellars at Jasper Hill
  • Joseph Klopfenstein, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
  • Lisa McCrory, Earthwise Farm and Forest, Bethel
  • Nate Rogers, Rogers Farmstead, Berlin
15 minutes after Floor

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

Committee Discussion

Friday, March 20, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-104, 105
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Jeffrey Dooley, Lead Tax Policy Analyst, Department of Taxes
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-106, 107
Meeting Record
2:30 PM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

  • Kalyn Campbell, Family Cow Farmstead, Hinesburg
  • Paul Doton, Dairy farmer, Doton Farm
  • Wes Dunn, Raw milk consumer, Burlington
  • Kristen Eaton, Raw milk consumer, Essex Town
  • Laini Fondilier, Lazy Lady Farm
  • Kent Henderson, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
  • Andrew Kannler, Manager, Provisions International
  • Kaelyn Modrak, Raw milk consumer, Burlington
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-108, 109, 110
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

  • Tim Barritt, Former raw milk consumer, South Burlington
  • Lindsay Harris, Owner, Mountain Home Farm, Tunbridge
  • Lisa Kaiman, Jersey Girls Dairy, Chester
  • Carter Klenk-Morse, Raw milk consumer
  • Kait Skogstad, Raw milk consumer, Chester
  • Jeremy Stephenson, Cheese Program Director, Spring Brook Farm and Farms for City Kids Foundation
10:30 AM

Introduction

Rich Earth Institute

  • Kim Nace, Rich Earth Institute
  • Abe Noe-Hays, Rich Earth Institute
11:00 AM

2+2 Agricultural Education

  • Brendan Rowley, 2+2 Student, Milton
  • Annajo Smith, 2+2 Student, New Haven
11:30 AM

Invasive plants

Impact of Invasive Species on Agriculture

  • Makayla Clement, Randolph Middle School
  • CJ Stumpf, Happy Feet Farm, Randolph
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

To Be Scheduled

Friday, March 27, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

FLOOR

Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-111, 112, 113
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Committee discussion

2:30 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

Audits of businesses dealing with farms

  • Brad Gebbie, Owner, Lyndonville Hardware Store
3:30 PM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

  • Ted Beals, Lecturer and Consultant
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-114, 115
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

Committee Discussion

2:30 PM

H.164 - An act relating to adequate shelter for dogs housed outdoors

  • JoAnne Bourbeau, Senior State Director - VT/NH, Humane Society of US
  • Karen Bradley, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
  • Shelley Mehlenbacher, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15- 116, 117, 118
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Chris Conant, Claussen's Florist and Greenhouse
  • Ben Gates, Owner, Dads 4 By Tool and Supply
10:45 AM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

  • Erin Buckwalter, Marketing and Food Access Coordinator, NOFA VT
  • Randy Robar, Tier 2 Raw Milk Producer
  • Ben Stegman, USDA Accredited Veterinarian, North Dakota and Minnesota
  • Nick Zigelbaum, Director, FDA Accredited lab, Bob White Systems
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-119, 120, 121
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Kevin O'Donnell, Operations Manager, Hunger Mountain Coop
10:45 AM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

Committee discussion

  • Dave Patteson, Lab Manager, Agri-Mark Dairy Cooperative
15 minutes after Floor

H.164 - An act relating to adequate shelter for dogs housed outdoors

  • Mary Kate Lathari
Friday, April 10, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

FLOOR

15 minutes after Floor

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

Committee discussion

Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-122, 123, 124
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Jeffrey Dooley, Lead Tax Policy Analyst, Department of Taxes
  • Gregg Mousley, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Taxes
2:30 PM

To Be Scheduled

presentation of "Milk Matters"

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
3:30 PM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-125, 126, 127
Meeting Record
10:45 AM

Food Safety

Presentation of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

  • Shelley Mehlenbacher, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Kristina Sweet, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Abbey Willard, Local Foods Administrator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
2:00 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

Farm exemptions

  • Kathleen Govotski, Halladays Harvest Barn
2:30 PM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

  • Frank Huard, Huard Family Farm
  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-128
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Forest Fragmentation

Joint Hearing.
Room 11.
Audio of hearing is with House Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources Committee.

  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
11:15 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

15 minutes after Floor

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

Friday, April 17, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-129. 130, 131
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Roy Folsom, Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance
  • Kristin Haas, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-132. 133. 134
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
2:30 PM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Deb Beckett, Town Clerk-Treasurer, Williston
  • Carol Dawes, City Clerk-Treasurer, Barre City
  • Kirby Keeton, Tax Policy Analyst, Department of Taxes
  • Rep. Patricia McCoy, Town Clerk-Treasurer, Poultney
  • Bill Moore, Legislative Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Linda Wells, Town Clerk-Treasurer, Plainfield
  • Donna Zeller, Town Clerk-Treasurer, Rutland
3:30 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Kristin Haas, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-135, 136, 137
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

H.426 - An act relating to the expansion of raw milk sales

  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
9:00 AM

H.408 - An act relating to the retrieval of domestic animals from the real property of another owner

  • Clint Gray, President, Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
10:45 AM

2+2 Agricultural Education

  • Courtney Banach, 2+2 Student, South Burlington
  • Jonas Hastings, 2+2 Student, Bridport
  • Michael Ingwerson, 2+2 Student, Bridport
  • Matt Montgomery, 2+2 Student, Danville
  • Evan Roe, 2+2 Student, West Brookfield
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-138, 139
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Vermont Farm Health Task Force

Promoting a Healthy and Stable Farm Work Force

  • George Cook, Maple and Farm Safety Specialist, UVM Extension
  • Jean McCandless, Program Director, Vermont Farm Health Task Force
  • Louise Waterman, Agriculture Resource Management Specialist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
9:30 AM

Committee Discussion

10:15 AM

Update

Avian Flu

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
10:45 AM

Committee Discussion

15 minutes after Floor

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Joe Choquette, Lobbyist, Downs, Rachlin Martin PLLC
  • Wendy Morgan, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Friday, April 24, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-140, 141, 142
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Sen. Robert Starr, Senate Committee on Agriculture
15 minutes after Floor

H.164 - An act relating to adequate shelter for dogs housed outdoors

  • Cindy Cady, Animal Control Officer, Lyndon
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Paula Russell, President, Vermont Animal Control Association
11:30 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-143, 144, 145
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

H.355 - An act relating to licensing and regulating foresters

  • Colin Benjamin, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
  • Rep. Joanna Cole, Representative
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
2:30 PM

H.355 - An act relating to licensing and regulating foresters

  • Norm Arsenault, Vermont Forester, Former U. S. Senate Forestry Committee Staff Person
  • Robbo Holleran, Director, Vermont Forest Products Association
  • Bill Moore, Legislative Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Bill Sayre, Chair, Associated Industries of Vermont
3:30 PM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-146, 147, 148
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.236 - An act relating to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

  • Ross Conrad, writer, Dancing Bee Gardens
  • Tiffany Finck-Haynes, Food Futures Campaigner, Food and Technology Program, Friends of the Earth U.S.
  • Maryann Frazier, Senior Extension Associate, Penn State Center of Pollinator Research
  • Jim Frazier, Professor of Entomology
  • Cary Giguere, Pesticide Program Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
10:45 AM

H.355 - An act relating to licensing and regulating foresters

  • Richard Carbonetti, ME Licensed Forester 348, NH Licensed Forester 243, LandVest, Timberland Division
  • Jamey Fidel, Forest Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  • John Fogarty, Fogarty Forestry
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-149, 150
Meeting Record
2:30 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Candace Morgan, Director of Policy, Outreach and Legislative Affairs, Department of Taxes
3:30 PM

H.236 - An act relating to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

  • Charles Benbrook, Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University
  • Cynthia Palmer, American Bird Conservancy
  • Rebecca Valentine, Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, Vermont Law School
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-151, 152
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture
10:45 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Joe Choquette, Lobbyist, Downs, Rachlin Martin PLLC
  • Wendy Morgan, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

H.52 - An act relating to exceptions for inspection of poultry slaughtering

  • John Lomachinsky, SpringMore Farm
  • Randy Quenneville, Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Cameron Wood, Office of Legislative Council
15 minutes after Floor

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

  • Michael O'Grady, Office of Legislative Council
Friday, May 8, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
-

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Monday, May 11, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

FLOOR

Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
15-156
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

H.35 - An act relating to improving the quality of State waters

Committee consideration of Senate amendments to bill

  • Matthew Chapman, Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

FLOOR

Thursday, May 14, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

FLOOR

Friday, May 15, 2015
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

FLOOR

Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
15 minutes after Floor

Committee Discussion

2:30 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Overview of work in progress

  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Report

Animal Shelter Study Group Report

  • Rep. John L. Bartholomew, House Committee on Agriculture
9:45 AM

Security Presentation

  • Janet Miller, Sergeant at Arms
1:00 PM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

  • Shelley Mehlenbacher, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Rep. Gary Viens, Systems Administrator, < None >
3:30 PM

House Floor

Thursday, January 7, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

House Chamber

10:45 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

Exemptions for farms

  • Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
1:00 PM

2+2 Agricultural Education

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture
2:00 PM

Joint Assembly

Governor Shumlin's 2016 State of the State Address
House Chamber

3:30 PM

House Floor

Friday, January 8, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Candace Morgan, Director of Policy, Outreach and Legislative Affairs, Department of Taxes
  • Mary Peterson, Commissioner, Department of Taxes
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

  • Deborah Brown, President, Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs
  • Jenn Colby, Program Coordinator, Pasture Program, UVM Extension
  • Red Goodman, Board of Directors, Vermont Mushers Association
11:30 AM

Report

Annual SARL meeting

11:45 AM

Act 64 of 2015- Clean Water Fund

fertilizer fees

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:00 PM

Act 64 of 2015- Clean Water Fund

Fertilizer fees

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
2:30 PM

Required Agriculture Practices

  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Ryan Patch, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
3:15 PM

Committee Discussion

farm exemptions to taxes

Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

UVM and UVM Extension Updates

  • Doug Lantagne, Dean and Director, UVM Extension
  • Thomas Vogelmann, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.408 - An act relating to the retrieval of domestic animals from the real property of another owner

  • Butch Spear, President, Vermont Bearhound Association
11:30 AM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

  • Jane Jackson, Owner, Bookends Farm
1:00 PM

H.65 - An act relating to designating the Gilfeather turnip as the State Vegetable

  • Kendra Boerem, Student, Wardsboro School
  • Samantha Bovat, Teacher, Wardsboro School
  • Jesse Dykes, Student, Wardsboro School
  • Hayley Hescock, Student, Wardsboro School
  • John Moran, former Wardsboro Representative to Vermont Legislature
  • Rep. Barbara Murphy, Systems Administrator, '
  • Aryanna Pearson, Student, Wardsboro School
  • Rep. Laura Sibilia, ', '
  • Will Stevens, Owner, Golden Russet Farm and Greenhouses
  • Allison Teitelbaum, Student, Wardsboro School
  • Rob Weland, Chef, The Garrison Restaurant, Washington, D.C.
3:15 PM

Break

3:30 PM

House Floor

Thursday, January 14, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

To Be Determined

  • Theresa Snow, Executive Director, Salvation Farms
9:45 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Act 64 of 2015- Clean Water Fund

  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
11:30 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

1:00 PM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

  • Barry Londeree, Vermont representative, United States Humane Society
  • Lisa Nelson, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
  • Paula Russell, President, Vermont Animal Control Association
1:45 PM

H.408 - An act relating to the retrieval of domestic animals from the real property of another owner

  • Clint Gray, Northern Vice-President, Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
  • Evan Hughes, Vice President, Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
2:15 PM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

  • Barry Londeree, Vermont representative, United States Humane Society
  • Paula Russell, President, Vermont Animal Control Association
3:15 PM

Break

3:30 PM

House Floor

Friday, January 15, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

  • Samantha Alger, Graduate Research Fellow, Biology Department, UVM
  • Louise Calderwood, Project Manager, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
  • Warren Coleman, Lobbyist, Vermont Golf Course Superintendents Association
  • Charles Mraz, Beekeeper
10:30 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.561 - An act relating to deed restrictions and common interest properties

  • Rep. Betty A. Nuovo, Middlebury
11:00 AM

Results Based Accountability Presentation

  • Rep. Tristan Toleno, Brattleboro
12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

  • Rep. David L. Deen, House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources
  • Cary Giguere, Pesticide Program Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Andrew Hackman, Serlin Haley LLP, On behalf of TruGreen Lawn Services
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Farm to Plate Report - 5 year update on progress

Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee
Room 11

  • Rachel Carter, Communications Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Jenn Colby, Program Coordinator, Pasture Program, UVM Extension, Co-Chair Farm to Plate production and processing working committee
  • Jim Harrison, President, Vermont Retail & Grocers Association
  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Matt Meyers, UVM Extension, Co-Chair Farm to Plate education and workforce development working group
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • John Sayles, CEO, Vermont Food Bank
  • Denise Smith, Executive Director, Friends of Lake Champlain, Farm to Plate soil and water cross cutting team
11:00 AM

Press Conference

Farm to Plate Report
Cedar Creek Room

12:30 PM

Solar panel siting

A special meeting with constituents in Room 11.

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

  • Terry Bradshaw, Tree Fruit & Viticulture Specialist at UVM; director of the UVM Horticulture Research and Education Center
  • Cary Giguere, Pesticide Program Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Paul Harlow, Harlow Farm
  • John Hayden, Lecturer in the Ecological Agriculture Program, UVM
  • Dan Hudson, Agronomist, UVM Extension
  • Sarah Vose, State Toxicologist, Department of Health
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Report

Summary of the last 5 years of Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

  • Sid Bosworth, Extension Professor of Agronomy, UVM Extension
11:00 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

1:00 PM

H.584 - An act relating to miscellaneous timber harvesting, forestry, and State lands issues

  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
2:00 PM

Budget Address

  • Peter Shumlin, Governor, State of Vermont
3:30 PM

House Floor

Friday, January 22, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

following floor

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

  • Pat Vittum, UMass Professor of Turf Entomology, Associate Director of Center for Agriculture, Food and Environment
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

  • Tiffany Finck-Haynes, Food Futures Campaigner, Food and Technology Program, Friends of the Earth U.S.
  • Maryann Frazier, Senior Extension Associate, Penn State Center of Pollinator Research
  • Cary Giguere, Pesticide Program Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Jim Howe, Beekeeper
  • Peter Jenkins, Attorney, Center for Food Safety
  • Pat Vittum, UMass Professor of Turf Entomology, Associate Director of Center for Agriculture, Food and Environment
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Introduction

  • Chef Paul Somerset
9:30 AM

Introduction

  • Matthew Biette, Digested Organics LLC
10:00 AM

House Floor

5:00 PM

Vermont Farm Show

Capital Cook Off
CVE Blue Ribbon Pavilion

Thursday, January 28, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Vermont Farm Show

Workshop: Update of Dairy Issues
Blue Ribbon Pavilion, Bissonette Room

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
12:00 PM

Vermont Farm Show

2016 VDIA Annual Farmers' Appreciation Banquet

Friday, January 29, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

10:45 AM

Update

Vermont Citizens Advisory Council presents 2016 Lake Champlain Action Plan

  • Lori Fisher, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
  • Julie Moore, Secretary's Office, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
11:00 AM

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

Committee discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Candace Morgan, Director of Policy, Outreach and Legislative Affairs, Department of Taxes
3:15 PM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

mark up of bill

  • Carole Crossman, For the Love of Dogs/Dog Rescue
  • Lisa Nelson, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Introduction

  • Douglas Farnham, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

  • Iain Kelly, Director, Regulatory Policy and Issue Management, Bayer Research Fellow
  • Ken Lallier, Property Manager of Quechee Club, Trustee on Vt.GCSA Board of Directors
  • Chuck Leitgeb, Senior Regional Manager, State Government Relations, Bayer Corporation
11:00 AM

Committee Discussion

'Intersex' smallmouth bass fish in the Missisquoi River

  • Cary Giguere, Pesticide Program Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
1:00 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Agency Fees

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Katherine McNamara, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Shelley Mehlenbacher, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Randy Quenneville, Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Tim Schmalz, Plant Pathologist, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
3:45 PM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

  • Kristin Haas, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Committee discussion: Agency Fees

  • Jim Harrison, President, Vermont Retail & Grocers Association
9:45 AM

Break

10:00 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Joint Hearing, Room 11

  • Joe Buley, Owner, Screamin' Ridge Farm
  • Karen Guile, Owner, Peaslee Potato Farm, Guildhall
  • Andy Harper, Owner, Winterwood Timber Frames
  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Lucy Leriche, Deputy  Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  • Joe Nelson, Board Member, Working Lands Enterprise Board
  • Parker Nichols, Owner, Vermont Wildwoods
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

  • Barry Londeree, Vermont representative, United States Humane Society
  • Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
following

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Committee discussion: Agency Fees

  • Jane Clifford, Executive Director, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
2:00 PM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

vote on bill

  • Deborah Brown, Preident, Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs
  • Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
2:10 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Committee discussion: Agency Fees

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Marcey Hodgdon, Business Manager, Agency of Agriculture
  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Friday, February 5, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

  • Tabitha Bowling, Owner, Vermont Wood Pellet Company
  • Chris Brooks, Owner, Vermont Wood Pellet Company
following

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Committee discussion: Agency fees

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Kristin Haas, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Marcey Hodgdon, Business Manager, Agency of Agriculture
  • Andrea Stander, Executive Director, Rural Vermont
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

Committee discussion

Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

Committee discussion

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Farm to School

Joint hearing, room 11

  • Misse Axelrod, Farm to School Coordinator, Northfield, Vermont
  • Wyatt Bannister, Bristol, Vermont
  • Todd Brown, Owner, Farmer Brown Farm
  • Susan Camp, Vermont Department of Health
  • Jack Carroll, Two Rivers Supervisory Union
  • Laura Collaro, Teacher, Bristol, Vermont
  • Faye Conte, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Charlotte Crum, Bristol, Vermont
  • Doug Davis, Director, Food Service, Burlington School District
  • Genevieve Forand, Bristol, Vermont
  • Wesley Husk, Bristol, Vermont
  • Izzy Jackson, Roxbury, Vermont
  • Amirah Lewis, Roxbury, Vermont
  • Steve Marinelli, Food Services Director, Milton School District
  • Abbie Nelson, Co-Director, VT Food Ed. Every Day & Ed. Coord. at Nofa-VT
  • Patricia O'Reagan, Teacher, Roxbury, Vermont
  • Orrin Price, Roxbury, Vermont
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Co-Director, Vermont FEED
  • Zoe Ryan, Roxbury, Vermont
  • Peg Sutlive, Teacher, Bristol, Vermont
  • Ryan Torres, Eat Well, Play More Vermont
  • Abbey- Willard, Local Foods Administrator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Bruce Williams, Superintendent, Two Rivers Supervisory Union
1:00 PM

To Be Determined

15 minutes after Floor

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

  • Jane Clifford, Executive Director, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Introduction

  • Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
9:30 AM

Vermont Fairs Association

  • Charles Calmer, Caledonia County Fair
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Fairs & Field Days Association
  • Jim Foster, Director, Addison County Fair
  • Tim Shea, General Manager, Champlain Valley Exposition
  • Peggy Sherlock, Member, Tunbridge Fair
  • Mike Tetreault, Board Member, Orleans County Fair
10:00 AM

H.584 - An act relating to miscellaneous timber harvesting, forestry, and State lands issues

  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

Committee discussion

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
-

H.584 - An act relating to miscellaneous timber harvesting, forestry, and State lands issues

Committee discussion

  • Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.539 - An act relating to establishment of a Pollinator Protection Committee

committee vote

  • Cary Giguere, Pesticide Program Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
following

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

Friday, February 12, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.779 - An act relating to the regulation of raw agricultural commodities, value-added agricultural products, and agricultural accessory uses on a farm

  • Stephanie Smith, Chief Policy Enforcement Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

Vermont Association of Conservation Districts

  • Janet Angell, Supervisor/Dairy Farmer, White River Conservation District
  • Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  • David Arnold, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  • Mary Childs, District Manager, White River Conservation District
  • Sarrah Damsell, District Manager, Orleans County Conservation District
  • Joe Dippel, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  • Kerry O'Brien, Administrator, State Natural Resources Conservation Council
  • Pamela Stefanek, Resource Specialist, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
3:15 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Candace Morgan, Director of Policy, Outreach and Legislative Affairs, Department of Taxes
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

Committee discussion

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

  • Shelley Mehlenbacher, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Kristina Sweet, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Abbey Willard, Local Foods Administrator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

  • Shelley L Mehlenbacher, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Abbey Willard, Local Foods Administrator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of two Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges Corporations
House Chamber

1:00 PM

To Be Determined

15 minutes after Floor

H.584 - An act relating to miscellaneous timber harvesting, forestry, and State lands issues

  • Rocky Bunnell, Logger, Vermont Forest Products Association
  • Mark Doty, Community Affairs Manager, Plum Creek Timber Company
  • Bill Sayre, Chair, Associated Industries of Vermont Forest Policy Task Force
Following Joint Assembly

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

  • Andrew Bahrenburg, Organizer, Advocate, Rural Vermont
  • Lyn Desmarais, Legislative Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
Friday, February 19, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

  • Bill Suhr, Champlain Orchards, Shoreham
11:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

Mosquito districts

  • Tim Schmalz, Plant Pathologist, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
11:30 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Peter Griffin, Legislative Council, Office of Legislative Council
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

2+2 program

  • Thomas Vogelmann, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
11:15 AM

Farmers Markets

  • Erin Buckwalter, Marketing and Food Access Coordinator, NOFA VT
12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

2+2 Program

  • Dan Smith, President, Vermont Technical College
2:40 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Paul Costello, Executive Director, Vermont Council on Rural Development
  • Marcey Hodgdon, Business Manager, Agency of Agriculture
3:15 PM

H.584 - An act relating to miscellaneous timber harvesting, forestry, and State lands issues

Committee discussion

Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.584 - An act relating to miscellaneous timber harvesting, forestry, and State lands issues

  • Stuart Beavin, Forester
  • Jack Bell, Long View Forest
  • Mike Dunn, Logger
  • Steve Handy, President, Vermont Forest Products Association
  • Robbo Holleran, Director, Vermont Forest Products Association
  • Richard Pion, Logger
10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition

Joint hearing, Room 11

  • Allen Karnatz, Senior Farm Project Director, Vermont Land Trust
  • Mark Mordasky, Crop Farmer, Orwell
  • Tim Taylor, Crossroad Farm, Thetford
  • Jeremy Turner, Meadowsend Timberlands, Ltd.
  • Joan Wortman, Green Acres Farm, Randolph
12:00 PM

Council of State Governments

meeting in Room 31

  • Fran Boyd, Consultant, Council of State Governments
1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.584 - An act relating to miscellaneous timber harvesting, forestry, and State lands issues

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
2:30 PM

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

  • Laurie Bombard, General Manager, Sam Mazza's Farm Market, Bakery and Greenhouses
  • Paul Harlow, Harlow Farm
  • Shelley Mehlenbacher, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Roger Noonan, President, New England Farmers Union
  • Kristina Sweet, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.829 - An act relating to water quality on small farms

  • Rep. Steve Beyor
9:30 AM

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

Committee discussion

  • Kristina Sweet, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.851 - An act relating to the conduct of forestry operations

  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
2:30 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

committee discussion

3:30 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

Friday, February 26, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

Forestry Bills

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
9:00 AM

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

possible vote

9:15 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

Mosquito districts

  • Rep. Butch Shaw, Pittsford
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after the Floor

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Value of Lake Champlain

House Fish & Wildlife hearing, Room 47: Testimony from Professor Shaiko and Students from Dartmouth College

  • Ronald Shaiko, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, Dartmouth College
10:00 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

Fee Bill

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Rep. James Condon, House Ways & Means Committee
  • Kristin Haas, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Jim Harrison, President, Vermont Retail & Grocers Association
  • Marcey Hodgdon, Business Manager, Agency of Agriculture
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:15 PM

H.584 - An act relating to miscellaneous timber harvesting, forestry, and State lands issues

  • Rep. Anthony Klein, House Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
2:30 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Lyn Desmarais, Legislative Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Candace Morgan, Director of Policy, Outreach and Legislative Affairs, Department of Taxes
4:10 PM

H.860 - An act relating to on-farm livestock slaughter

  • Andrew Bahrenburg, Organizer, Advocate, Rural Vermont
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Candace Morgan, Director of Policy, Outreach and Legislative Affairs, Department of Taxes
  • Sara Teachout, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
9:30 AM

Required Agricultural Practices

Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee and House Fish, Wildlife & Water Resources.
Room 11.

  • Laura DiPietro, Deputy Director of ARM, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

H.861 - An act relating to regulation of treated article pesticides

  • Andrew Bahrenburg, Organizer, Advocate, Rural Vermont
  • Lyn Desmarais, Legislative Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Robb Kidd, Organizing Representative, VT Sierra Club Conservation Program
  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:45 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.779 - An act relating to the regulation of raw agricultural commodities, value-added agricultural products, and agricultural accessory uses on a farm

  • George Gross, Dairy farmer, Shoreham
  • Karen Horn, Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
  • Brian Shupe, Executive Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  • Stephanie Smith, Chief Policy Enforcement Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
3:30 PM

H.860 - An act relating to on-farm livestock slaughter

-

H.861 - An act relating to regulation of treated article pesticides

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

Farm tax exemptions

10:00 AM

H.861 - An act relating to regulation of treated article pesticides

  • Charles Mraz, Beekeeper
  • Leif Richardson, Post Doctoral Fellow, Gund Institute, UVM
  • Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Art Whitman, President, Northeast Ag and Feed Alliance
10:45 AM

H.860 - An act relating to on-farm livestock slaughter

  • Kristin Haas, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Randy Quenneville, Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Carl Russell, Earthwise Farm and Forestry, Bethel, Vermont
  • Andrea Stander, Executive Director, Rural Vermont
  • John Winn, Livestock producer
1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.860 - An act relating to on-farm livestock slaughter

possible vote

-

H.861 - An act relating to regulation of treated article pesticides

  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Friday, March 11, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Candace Morgan, Director of Policy, Outreach and Legislative Affairs, Department of Taxes
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

memo to House Ways and Means Committee

2:45 PM

Required Agricultural Practices

Committee discussion

  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

memo to House Ways and Means Committee

9:30 AM

H.779 - An act relating to the regulation of raw agricultural commodities, value-added agricultural products, and agricultural accessory uses on a farm

Committee discussion

10:30 AM

Break

1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, March 17, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Vermont Environmental Stewardship Program

  • Michael Middleman, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:00 AM

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Judicial Retention
House Chamber

1:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, March 18, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.864 - An act relating to agricultural exemption from Vermont’s sales and use tax

  • Candace Morgan, Director of Policy, Outreach and Legislative Affairs, Department of Taxes
  • Sara Teachout, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:00 AM

Committee Action as needed

Check in at 11:00 am

1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, March 24, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:00 AM

Recent history of Vermont meat industry

  • Randy Quenneville, Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
1:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, March 25, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

GMO labeling rules

  • Kyle Landis-Marinello, Attorney General's Office
11:00 AM

Rural Vermont Farmers

  • Peter Burmeister, Burelli Farm, Berlin, Vermont
  • Nicole Civita, Student, Sterling College
  • Emma Enoch, Student, Sterling College
  • Gabriel Grace
  • Lindsay Harris, Owner, Tunbridge, Vermont
  • Rich Larson, Rural Vermont Policy Committee
  • Lisa McCrory, Earthwise Farm and Forest, Bethel
  • Carl Russell, Board Member, Rural Vermont
1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, March 31, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Soil Health

Video with Ray Archuleta

11:00 AM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

Update

  • Rep. John L. Bartholomew
-

H.861 - An act relating to regulation of treated article pesticides

Update

  • Rep. Teo Zagar
1:00 PM

House Floor

3:00 PM

2+2 Agricultural Education

4:00 PM

Press Conference

2+2 Students. Cedar Creek Room.

Friday, April 1, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

JRS47 - Joint resolution expressing appreciation to the National Milk Producers Federation and Vermont’s dairy farmers for their phasing out the tail docking of dairy farm animals

  • Michael Chernick, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Jane Clifford, Executive Director, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Barry Londeree, Vermont representative, United States Humane Society
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.169 - An act relating to the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program

  • Faye Conte, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Anore Horton, Child Nutrition Manager, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Abbie Nelson, Co-Director, VT Food Ed. Every Day & Ed. Coord. at Nofa-VT
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Co-Director, Vermont FEED
  • Abbey Willard, Local Foods Administrator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, April 7, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

JRS47 - Joint resolution expressing appreciation to the National Milk Producers Federation and Vermont’s dairy farmers for their phasing out the tail docking of dairy farm animals

  • Michael Chernick, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Jane Clifford, Executive Director, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Barry Londeree, Vermont representative, United States Humane Society
10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Regenerative Agriculture

  • Meghan Giroux, Vermont Edible Landscapes
  • Lindsay Harris, Owner, Mountain Home Farm, Tunbridge, Vermont
  • Jesse McDougall, Studio Hill Farm and Pullman Farm, Shaftsbury, Vermont
  • Ryan Patch, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Chair, Rural Vermont
11:15 AM

S.169 - An act relating to the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program

  • Laurie Colgan, Child And Adult Care Food Program, Agency of Education
  • Rep. Mitzi Johnson, House Committee on Appropriations
  • Theresa Snow, Director, Salvation Farms
1:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, April 8, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.779 - An act relating to the regulation of raw agricultural commodities, value-added agricultural products, and agricultural accessory uses on a farm

  • Chris Campany, Executive Director, Windham Regional Commission
  • Stephanie Smith, Chief Policy Enforcement Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

Maple product labeling

  • Roger Brown, Chairman, Maple Industry Committee, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association
  • Matt Gordon, Executive Director, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association
  • Henry Marckres, Chief of Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Naomi Sheffield, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Report

Vermont Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council
Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee in Room 10

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Jane Clifford, Executive Director, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Joe Emenheiser, PhD, Livestock Specialist, University of Vermont Extension
  • Kristin Haas, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Kent Henderson, Chair, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

Vermont Economic Development Authority Update

  • Jo Bradley, CEO, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  • Sarah Isham, Senior Agricultural Lender, Vermont Economic Development Authority
1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Committee Discussion

Thursday, April 14, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.169 - An act relating to the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program

  • Laurie Colgan, Child And Adult Care Food Program, Agency of Education
  • Faye Conte, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • James Hafferman, Director of Administration and Development, Salvation Farms
  • Abbie Nelson, Co-Director, VT Food Ed. Every Day & Ed. Coord. at Nofa-VT
  • Abbey Willard, Local Foods Administrator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Ali Zipparo, Farm to School Coordinator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

On Farm Milk Processing

  • Erin Farr, Farr Farm
  • Ashley Farr, Farr Farm
1:00 PM

House Floor

2:30 PM

Vermont Environmental Stewardship Program

  • Michael Middleman, Water Quality Specialist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Friday, April 15, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

To Be Determined

Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

  • Shelley Mehlenbacher, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Cameron Wood, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.829 - An act relating to water quality on small farms

-

H.778 - An act relating to State enforcement of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act

  • Andrew Bahrenburg, Organizer, Advocate, Rural Vermont
  • Jane Clifford, Executive Director, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Warren Coleman, General Counsel, MMRVT
  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Randy Quenneville, Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Andrea Stander, Executive Director, Rural Vermont
10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

  • JoAnne Bourbeau, Senior State Director - VT/NH, Humane Society of US
  • Deborah Brown, Preident, Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs
  • Kent Henderson, Chair, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
  • Barry Londeree, Vermont representative, United States Humane Society
1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, April 21, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.861 - An act relating to regulation of treated article pesticides

  • Jim Leland, Director, Ag Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
9:30 AM

Eastern States Building

Update

  • Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Chelsea Lewis, Agricultural Development Coordinator, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.512 - An act relating to adequate shelter of dogs and cats

-

H.861 - An act relating to regulation of treated article pesticides

Committee Discussion

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Committee Discussion

Friday, April 22, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

During Floor break

H.861 - An act relating to regulation of treated article pesticides

-

H.829 - An act relating to water quality on small farms

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

S.169 - An act relating to the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program

2:30 PM

House Floor

Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Committee Discussion

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Meet the Farmers

Rural Vermont Small Farm Action Day

  • Kate Bowen, Meadowdale Farm, Putney
  • Peter Burmeister, Burelli Farm, Berlin, Vermont
  • Henry Cammack, Bread and Butter Farm, Shelburne
  • Lindsay Harris, Owner, Mountain Home Farm, Tunbridge, Vermont
  • Susan Hayes, Farmer, Hyde Park
  • Lisa McCrory, Earthwise Farm and Forest, Bethel
  • Alisha Utter, Udderly Fresh Produce
  • Ren Weiner, Food Entrepreneur, Winooski
1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, April 28, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Committee Check-in

1:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, April 29, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

Monday, May 2, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

House Floor

Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

MOUs with Agency of Agriculture

  • Diane Bothfeld, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  • Chuck Ross, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
9:30 AM

House Floor

Thursday, May 5, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

4:00 PM

S.169 - An act relating to the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Friday, May 6, 2016
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

2015-2016 Session

Change Session
Select a session
Contact

Vermont State House
115 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-5301
(802) 828-2228
sgtatarms@leg.state.vt.us


Capitol Police Department
(802) 828-2229

Member & Staff Links

Legislative Email Sign-on
Legislative Human Resources
Legislative Time Reporting
Legislative Expense Reporting
How to Use This Website

Disclaimer
State Government

State of Vermont
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Auditor
Secretary of State
Treasurer
Judiciary
State Telephone Directory

Noteworthy

Announcements
Scheduled Committee Meetings
Legislative Schedule


Site Resources

Sitemap | Disclaimers
Questions & Comments | Career Opportunities
Requests for Proposals | Accessibility

Comments or questions about the website? Fill out our feedback form and let us know.

Developers

Copyright 2024 State of Vermont. All rights reserved.

Website Design & Development by Bluehouse Group

Seal of Vermont