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Senate Committee on Agriculture Room 26

The Senate Committee on Agriculture has jurisdiction over matters relating to agriculture.

Print

Previous Meetings - Full Report

Summary Report

Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Forests, Parks and Recreation

  • Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Update

  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:00 AM

Farm to Plate Report

Room 10

  • Kristyn Achilich, Academic Program Coordinator, The Farm at St. Michael's College
  • Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Jenn Colby, Pasture Program Coordinator, UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Taylar Foster, Certified AICP Planner, CSA Manager, Pete's Greens
  • Mary Ellen Franklin, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Education Program Coordinator, UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Mary Niebling, Community Economic Development Director, Capstone Community Action

Thursday, January 17, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Vermont Legal Aid

  • Michael Fisher, Chief Health Care Advocate, Vermont Legal Aid
  • Wendy Morgan, Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid
9:30 AM

Vermont Fresh Network

  • Helen Labun, Vermont Fresh Network
10:00 AM

Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition

  • Marie Audet, Farmer, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  • Brian Kemp, President, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  • Kirsten Workman, UVM Extension, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
11:00 AM

Rural Vermont

Introductions

  • Caroline Gordon, Intern, Rural Vermont
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
  • Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Farmer, Field Organizer, Rural Vermont
11:30 AM

Vermont Farm Bureau

Introductions

  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Bernie Juskiewicz, Vermont Farm Bureau

Friday, January 18, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

School Lunch Program

  • Doug Davis, Director, Food Service, Burlington School District
  • Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:00 AM

Committee Discussion and Planning

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Vermont Farm Bureau

Farmer introductions
Ethan Allen Room

  • Sara Griswold
  • Terry Gulick
  • Chip Hellus, Vice President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Mike Isham
  • Jennifer Lambert
  • Roger Osinchuk
  • Bruce Shields, Vice President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Murray Thompson
  • Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Anne Tisbert, Valley Dream Farm
  • Mary White
  • Arthur Whitman
11:15 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

Ethan Allen Room

  • John Hollar, Lawyer, Downs Rachlin Martin
  • Trey Martin, Lawyer, Downs Rachlin Martin

Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

The Future of Farming in Vermont

Ethan Allen Room

  • Roger Allbee, Former Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Ela Chapin, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Paul Costello, Executive Director, Vermont Council on Rural Development
  • Chuck Ross, Director, University of Vermont Extension
  • Dan Smith, Consultant, Consultant

Thursday, January 24, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Agricultural Finance

hearing is in Ethan Allen Room

  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
9:30 AM

Dairy Commission Report

Joint Hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Ethan Allen Room

  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:30 AM

Green Mountain Dairy Farmers

  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
11:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Workers Compensation

  • Michael Pieciak, Commissioner, Department of Financial Regulation

Friday, January 25, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Advanced wood heating

  • Jake Marin, HVAC Program Manager, Efficiency Vermont
  • Adam Sherman, Interim Director, Biomass Energy Resource Center
  • Abby White, Director of Communications, Efficiency Vermont
10:00 AM

Agriculture Environmental Stewardship

Joint Hearing with House Natural Resources, Fish, and Wildlife Committee, Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee
Room 11

  • Jeff Carter, Agronomist/Soil Scientist, UVM Extension
  • Heather Darby, Agronomy Specialist, UVM Extension
  • Josh Faulkner, UVM Extension
  • Tim Kayhart, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  • Jack Lazor, Owner, Butterworks Farm
  • Scott Magnan, Franklin and Grand Isle Farmer's Watershed Alliance
  • Amy Richardson, Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance
  • Chuck Ross, Director, University of Vermont Extension
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:30 AM

Implicit Bias Training

Ethan Allen Room


Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Animal and Plant Traceability

  • Cary Giguere, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture
10:30 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

University of Vermont Extension

  • Chuck Ross, Director, University of Vermont Extension
10:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Vermont Economic Development Authority

  • Jo Bradley, CEO, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  • Sarah Isham, Director of Agricultural Lending, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  • Cassie Polhemus, Chief Operating Officer, incoming CEO, Vermont Economic Development Authority
10:30 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Yankee Farm Credit

  • Michael Farmer, Chief Operating Officer, Yankee Farm Credit
11:00 AM

Committee Discussion and Planning

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
4:45 PM

Vermont Farm Show

Capital Cook-Off


Thursday, January 31, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Dairy Update

Bissonnette Room at the Essex Fairgrounds
Vermont Farm Show
Dairy Dinner following

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services IV and Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:00 AM

Northeast Kingdom Collaborative

Senators not at the Dairy Briefing will meet with representatives of NEK in Room 26

  • Tom Gilbert, Owner/Operator, Black Dirt Farm, Stannard VT
  • Jon Jewett, Special Project Manager, Hardwick Yellow Barn Business Accelerator, Center for an Agricultural Economy
  • Alison Low, Senior Planner, Northeast Vermont Development Association
  • Hannah Pearce, Co-owner, Hillside Farm and Pearce's Pastured Poultry
  • Tracy Zschau, Conservation Director, Vermont Land Trust

Friday, February 1, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

Overview

  • Laura Lapierre, Wetlands Program Manager, Agency of Natural Resources
9:30 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Roland Rainville, Farmer
  • Bill Rowell, Board Member and Green Mountain Dairy Farm owner, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
10:00 AM

S.58 - An act relating to the State hemp program

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:15 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Ansley Bloomer, Assistant Director, Renewable Energy Vermont
  • Andy Boutin, General Manager, Pellergy, LLC
11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

S.58 - An act relating to the State hemp program

Hemp Collaborative
Ethan Allen Room 10-11 AM

  • Brenden Beer, Owner, Kitchen Cabinet Medicinals
  • Dan Chang, Owner, Kria Botanicals
  • Carl Christianson, Owner, Northeast Processing
  • Cary Giguere, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Bill Lofy, Owner, Kria Botanicals
11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Kara Shannon, ASPCA
11:45 AM

S.58 - An act relating to the State hemp program

  • Sen. John Rodgers, Sponsor

Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council

Joint Hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Room 10

  • Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture
10:00 AM

Farm to School

Joint Hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Room 10

  • Jim Birmingham, Food Service Director, Montpelier Public Schools
  • Rebecca Bishop, Assistant Director, Bennington County Head Start & Early Head Start
  • Peter Burmeister, Owner, Burelli Farm
  • Opal Carney, Student, Green Mountain Technology and Career Center
  • Emilie Choquette, Student, Green Mountain Technology and Career Center
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Cynthia Greene, Farm to Early Childhood Specialist, Shelburne Farms
  • Myla Judd, Student, Green Mountain Technology and Career Center
  • Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Abbie Nelson, Co-Director, VT Food Ed. Every Day & Education Director NOFA-VT
  • Chris Parker, Food Service Director, Newbrook Elementary School
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Project Director, Vermont FEED
  • Sam Rowley, Educator, Green Mountain Technology and Career Center, Hyde Park
  • Calvin Smith, Student, Green Mountain Technology and Career Center
  • Harley Sterling, Food Service Director, Windham Northeast Supervisory Union
  • Remington Vogan-Schneider, Student, Green Mountain Technology and Career Center
  • Barrett Williams, Principal, Sharon Elementary School

Thursday, February 7, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.58 - An act relating to the State hemp program

Hemp Processing Center Proposal
Joint Hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee and House Commerce and Economic Development Committee
Ethan Allen Room

  • David Muller, Entrepreneur
10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

S.58 - An act relating to the State hemp program

  • Netaka White, Consultant
10:30 AM

S.58 - An act relating to the State hemp program

  • Cary Giguere, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Nathan Maez, Head of Marketing, Go Farm Hemp
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Stephanie Smith, Land Use Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Netaka White, Consultant

Friday, February 8, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Salvation Farms

  • Rep. Avram Patt, President, Board of Directors, Salvation Farms
  • Theresa Snow, Director, Salvation Farms
9:30 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Steve Rowe, CEO, Newtrient
10:00 AM

S.58 - An act relating to the State hemp program

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain

  • Wayne Elliott, committee member, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
  • David Mears, committee member, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
  • Mark Naud , Vice Chair, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
11:00 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Presentation in Room 10

11:30 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Mike Winchell, Senior Hydrologist, Stone Environmental, Inc.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.58 - An act relating to the State hemp program

Committee discussion and possible vote

9:15 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Agricultural Education

  • Mark Canella, Agricultural Business Program Director, UVM Extension
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
10:30 AM

Committee Discussion and Planning

11:00 AM

Regenerative Agriculture

Joint hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Ethan Allen Room

  • Jesse McDougall, Studio Hill Farm

Thursday, February 14, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Brad Lawes, Owner, Lawes Agricultural Services
  • Caroline Potter, PRO-Dairy
  • Jim Walsh, Phoenix Feeds
  • Rick Zimmerman, Executive Director, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
10:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

Farmer Coalitions Pilot Project for ecosystem services

  • Marie Audet, Farmer, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  • Jeff Carter, Agronomist/Soil Scientist, UVM Extension
  • Ben Dykema, Owner, Wilcon Farm
  • Larry Gervais, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  • Walter Gladstone, Owner, Newmont Farm
  • Chuck Ross, Director, University of Vermont Extension
  • Jeffrey Sanders, UVM Extension
11:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Wood pellets

  • Tabitha Bowling, Owner, Kingdom Pellets
  • Chris Brooks, Owner, Vermont Wood Pellet Company
  • Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Friday, February 15, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Board

WLEB and Animal Welfare Discussion

  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:00 AM

S.58 - An act relating to the State hemp program

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:30 AM

Committee Discussion

11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Vermont Housing & Conservation Coalition

In House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Room.

  • Allen Karnatz, Senior Farm Project Director, Vermont Land Trust
  • Erika Lynch, Babette's Table, Waitsfield
  • Robin Morris, Mad River Food Hub, Waitsfield
  • Phelan O'Connor, Pigasus Farm, South Hero
  • Stephen Park, Fully Belly Farm, Monkton
  • Sarah Park, Full Belly Farm, Monkton
  • Justin Sauerwein, Almanack Farm, Chelsea
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association

  • Robert Congdon, Vermont State Fair, Rutland
  • Fernand Gagne, Franklin County Field Days
  • Lonna Kantorski, Vermont State Fair, Rutland
  • Diane Norris, Vice President, Addison County Fair and Field Days
  • Jason Sicard, , Orleans County Fair
  • Megan Sutton, , Addison County Fair and Field Days
10:30 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

Natural Resources Conservation Service

  • Vicky Drew, State Conservationist
  • Jim Eikenberry, Wetlands Specialist, Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

Committee meeting in Ethan Allen Room

  • Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

Committee meeting in Ethan Allen Room

  • Jon Groveman, Policy and Water Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  • Benjamin Heath, Vice President, Hamlin Consulting Engineers
  • Mark Magnan, Owner, Magnan Farm
  • Richard Nelson, Nelson Farms
  • Bill Rowell, Chair of Board, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  • Rebekah Weber, Lake Champlain Lakekeeper, Conservation Law Foundation

Thursday, February 21, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Election of Sergeant at Arms, Adjutant and Inspector General, and Trustees of UVM and State Agricultural College

Joint Assembly


Friday, February 22, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Poultry and Compost

  • George Cross, Owner, Dog River Farm
  • Kurt Ericksen, Assistant General Manager, Vermont Compost Company
  • Buzz Ferver, Owner, Full Circle Farm
  • Cary Giguere, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Tom Gilbert, Owner/Operator, Black Dirt Farm, Stannard VT
  • Cathy Jamieson, Program Manager, WMPD Solid Waste Program, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Shelley Mehlenbacher, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Bill Pearce, Co-owner, Hillside Farm, Albany
  • Hannah Pearce, Co-owner, Hillside Farm and Pearce's Pastured Poultry
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
9:30 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
10:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Molly Dillon, Deputy Commissioner, Banking, Department of Financial Regulation
  • Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer
11:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Kara Shannon, ASPCA
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont

Thursday, February 28, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

  • Ela Chapin, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Nancy Everhart, Agricultural Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  • Jennifer Hollar, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
10:15 AM

Rural Vermont

Introductions and issues
meet in Lt. Governor's office

  • Brooke Decker
  • David Hartshorn, Owner, Hartshorn Farm
  • Amy Todisco, Hartshorn Farm and Vermont Farm Immersion Program
  • Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Farmer, Field Organizer, Rural Vermont

Friday, March 1, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
9:00 AM

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

  • Rep. John O'Brien, Reporter
  • Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm to School Network
9:15 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture
  • Randy Quenneville, Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
10:30 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Rebekah Weber, Lake Champlain Lakekeeper, Conservation Law Foundation
11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
12:00 AM

No Committee Meetings Scheduled

The General Assembly is on break for Town Meeting Day week


Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Marli Rupe, Agricultural Water Quality Section Chief, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Rebekah Weber, Lake Champlain Lakekeeper, Conservation Law Foundation
11:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Lyn Desmarais, , Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Jennifer Hollar, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Kara Shannon, ASPCA
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
10:30 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
11:30 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Thursday, March 14, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
9:30 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

Committee bills

  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:30 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Ted Brady, Deputy Commissioner, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
11:30 AM

S.122 - An act relating to nutrient management plans

  • Sen. Corey Parent, Sponsor

Friday, March 15, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
10:00 AM

Committee bills

Wetlands

  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Marli Rupe, Agricultural Water Quality Section Chief, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

School Nutrition Day

  • Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Jaycie Puttlitz, Wellness Coordinator, Winooski School District
  • Heather Torrey, Assistant Director, Burlington School Food Project
11:45 AM

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
12:00 PM

School Nutrition Day

  • Kathy Alexander, Food Service Director, Mount Abraham Unified School District and Addison Northwest School District
  • Doug Davis, Director, Food Service, Burlington School District
  • Alison Forrest, Brewster Pierce School

Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Marli Rupe, Agricultural Water Quality Section Chief, Department of Environmental Conservation
9:00 AM

Federal Farm Bill Update

  • Wendy Wilton, USDA Farm Service Agency
9:50 AM

Break

10:00 AM

Vermont Farm Bureau

Introductions and Issues
Ethan Allen Room

11:00 AM

Rural Vermont

Introductions and Issues
Lt. Governor's office


Thursday, March 21, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

To Be Determined

  • Henry Commack, Sales Manager, Kimball Brook Farm
10:00 AM

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

  • Brad James, Education Finance Manager, Agency of Education
  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:30 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

In House Agriculture and Forestry Committee.
Overview of bill

11:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

Committee discussion of latest draft


Friday, March 22, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Jared Carpenter, Water Protection Advocate, Lake Champlain Action Committee
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Tess Kennedy, Lobbyist, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  • Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Meg Nelson, Lobbyist, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Marli Rupe, Agricultural Water Quality Section Chief, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor


Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.275 - An act relating to the Farm-to-Plate Investment Program

  • Rep. Charen Fegard, Reporter
  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Retention of Superior Court Judges and Magistrates

Joint Assembly

1:30 PM

St. Albans Cooperative Young Cooperators

Introductions and Issues
Senate Agriculture Room 26

4:00 PM

2+2 Agriculture Education Program

Reception in Cedar Creek Room


Thursday, March 28, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
9:30 AM

On-farm Slaughter

  • Mary Lake, Shearer, butcher, and shepherd, Tunbridge, Vermont
  • Randy Quenneville, Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
10:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Laura Lapierre, Wetlands Program Manager, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Marli Rupe, Agricultural Water Quality Section Chief, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation

Friday, March 29, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:45 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
9:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Budget presentation

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Jared Carpenter, Water Protection Advocate, Lake Champlain Action Committee
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  • Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Bill Rowell, Chair of Board, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
11:00 AM

Conservation Districts

  • Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  • Jeannie Bartlett, District Manager, Franklin County, Natural Resources Conservation Districts
  • Sarrah Damsell, Manager, Orleans County, Natural Resources Conservation Districts
  • Jeff Farber, Conservation Programs Manager, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  • Tucker Malone, Conservation Programs Technical Coordinator and Land Treatment Planner, St. Albans, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  • Justin Michaud, Conservation Planner, Newport, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  • Hilary Solomon, Manager, Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District

Thursday, April 4, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Rep. Rodney Graham, Reporter of bill
  • Rep. Terry Norris, Reporter of bill
9:30 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:00 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:30 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Section 12

  • Frank Huard, Huard Family Farm
10:45 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Friday, April 5, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.275 - An act relating to the Farm-to-Plate Investment Program

-

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

walk-through of bills and committee discussion

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm to School Network
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.275 - An act relating to the Farm-to-Plate Investment Program

-

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

  • Brad James, Education Finance Manager, Agency of Education
  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  • Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Project Director, Vermont FEED
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
7:45 AM

Sidebar Breakfast

Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
Cafeteria

9:00 AM

NOFA-VT

  • Erin Buckwalter, Acting Director, NOFA VT
  • Maddie Kempner, Membership and Advocacy Coordinator, NOFA VT
9:30 AM

Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance

Introductions and Issues
Room 10

  • Art Whitman, Chair Government Relations Committee, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
  • Rick Zimmerman, Executive Director, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
10:00 AM

Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance and Green Mountain Dairy Farmers Cooperative Federation

Comments on wetlands bill and other legislation
Room 10

  • Clara Ayer, Fairmont Farms, East Montpelier
  • Dustin Machia, Machia and Sons Dairy, Sheldon
  • Cy Nelson, Dairy farmer, Derby
  • Bill Rowell, Chair of Board, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  • Ferdinand Waibel, Brouillette Farms, Berkshire
  • Marty Waterman, President, Vermont Feed Dealers and Manufacturers Association
11:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

Committee discussion

  • Marli Rupe, Agricultural Water Quality Section Chief, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
11:30 AM

Confirmation Hearing

Appointment of Anson Tebbetts to Secretary of Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets

  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Thursday, April 11, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.205 - An act relating to the regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides

Room 10

  • Samantha Alger, Research Affiliate, Plant and Soil Science Department, UVM
  • Rep. John L. Bartholomew, Reporter of bill
  • Judy Bellairs, Pollinator Protection Leader, Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club
  • Ross Conrad, Owner, Dancing Bee Gardens
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • John Hayden, Owner, The Farm Between
  • Larry Keefe, President, Vermont Golf Course Superintendents Association
  • Sylvia Knight, Resident, Burlington
  • Bill Mares, Former President, Vermont Beekeepers Association
  • James Maroney, Owner/Operator, Oliver Hill Farm
  • Matt McMahon, Lobbyist, McLean, Meehan & Rice
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jack Rath, President, Vermont Beekeepers Association
  • Greg Smela, Webmaster, Vermont Beekeepers Association
  • David Tremblay, Apiary Inspector, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Henry Witte, Manager, Montpelier Aubuchon Store #045

Friday, April 12, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

Room 10

  • Jared Carpenter, Water Protection Advocate, Lake Champlain Committee
  • Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Jon Groveman, Policy and Water Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  • Laura Lapierre, Wetlands Program Manager, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Marli Rupe, Agricultural Water Quality Section Chief, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Hannah Smith, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation
11:00 AM

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

Room 10

  • Doug Farnham, Senior Research Economist and the Director of Policy, Department of Taxes
11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

  • Doug Farnham, Senior Research Economist and the Director of Policy, Department of Taxes

H.205 - An act relating to the regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides

Testimony and committee discussion

  • Kanika Gandhi, Clean Energy and Environmental Advocate, VPIRG
  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Syngenta, Bayer
11:45 AM

H.82 - An act relating to the taxation of timber harvesting equipment

  • Rep. Thomas Bock, Reporter of bill

Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.82 - An act relating to the taxation of timber harvesting equipment

  • Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
9:15 AM

H.205 - An act relating to the regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:30 AM

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm to School Network

Thursday, April 18, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S. - An act relating to farming activities in wetlands

  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
10:30 AM

H.205 - An act relating to the regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:30 AM

H.205 - An act relating to the regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont

Friday, April 19, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

  • Juliana Banach, Department of Children and Families
  • Pat Duda, Director, Department for Children and Families
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Judy Rex, , Department of Children and Families
  • Nicole Tousignant, Medicaid Program Coordinator, Department of Children and Families
9:30 AM

H.205 - An act relating to the regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides

-

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Discussion

  • Frank Huard, Owner, Huard Family Farm
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Marli Rupe, Agricultural Water Quality Section Chief, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

FLOOR


Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Bills in Committee

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:30 AM

Dairy Farmers of America

  • Jackie Klippenstein, Senior Vice President of Government, Community and Industry Affairs, Dairy Farmers of America
  • Stephanie Walsh, Director, Industry and Community Affairs, Dairy Farmers of America

Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

Discussion and possible vote

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
9:30 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

  • Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
12:00 PM

Gilbert King

author, "Devil in the Grove"
Senate Chamber

2:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, April 25, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.205 - An act relating to the regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides

Presentation of Neoniconitoid Pesticides; Safety and Use
Joint hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Room 10

  • Mike Bald, Founder and Owner, Got Weeds?
  • Judy Bellairs, Pollinator Protection Leader, Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club
  • Ross Conrad, Owner, Dancing Bee Gardens
  • Erica Cummings, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Nona estrin, East Montpeleir
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Bill Mares, Former President, Vermont Beekeepers Association
10:15 AM

Rural Vermont and NOFA-VT

Introductions and Issues
Joint Hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Room 10

  • Cat Buxton, Vermont Healthy Soils Coalition
  • Abbie Corse, Owner, Corse Family Farm
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Steve Fortmann, Owner, Ghost Dog Dairy/Fortmann Farm
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Karl Hammer, Owner, Vermont Compost Co.
  • Frank Huard, Owner, Huard Family Farm
  • Amy Huyffler, Strafford Organic Creamery
  • Maddie Kempner, Membership and Advocacy Coordinator, NOFA VT
  • Joie Lehouillier, Owner, Foote Brook Farm
  • Eden Marceau-Piconi, Owner, 5 Birds Farm
  • Judith Schwartz, Author, Journalist, Bennington
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
  • Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Farmer, Robinson Hill Beef

Friday, April 26, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Animal feed regulations

9:15 AM

H.275 - An act relating to the Farm-to-Plate Investment Program

Amendment

  • Sen. Randy Brock, Reporter, Sponsor of Amendment
9:50 AM

Animal feed regulations

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
10:15 AM

Raw milk

  • Jane Clifford, Dairy Producer, Starksboro
  • Frank Huard, Owner, Huard Family Farm
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
10:45 AM

H.79 - An act relating to eligibility for farm-to-school grant assistance

  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
11:00 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
12:00 PM

Break

12:15 PM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after

H.275 - An act relating to the Farm-to-Plate Investment Program

Brock amendment
Ethan Allen Room

  • Sen. Randy Brock, Reporter, Sponsor of Amendment
  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Cassie Polhemus, Chief Executive Officer, Vermont Economic Development Authority
11:00 AM

Raw milk

Ethan Allen Room

  • Steve Fortmann, Ghost Dog Dairy/Fortmann Farm
  • Eileen Wolfe, Council on Public Health, American Veterinary Medical Association

Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.275 - An act relating to the Farm-to-Plate Investment Program

Committee discussion - proposal of amendment

9:15 AM

Raw milk

  • Veronica Fialkowski, Epidemiologist, Vermont Department of Health
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Steve Fortmann, Ghost Dog Dairy/Fortmann Farm
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Kent Henderson, Northwest Veterinary Associates, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
10:15 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Permits for mosquito control; raw milk

  • Matthew Chapman, General Counsel, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Mabel Huard, Huard Family Farm
  • Frank Huard, Owner, Huard Family Farm

Thursday, May 2, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
9:45 AM

To Be Determined

11:00 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont

Friday, May 3, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Jared Carpenter, Water Protection Advocate, Lake Champlain Committee
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Senate Floor

The Senate expects to be in session all morning.


Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.525 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

  • Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, May 9, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Friday, May 10, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Monday, May 13, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:30 PM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor


Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.160 - An act relating to agricultural development

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, May 16, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

Senate Floor


Friday, May 17, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor


Monday, July 15, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

St. Albans Co-op and DFA Merger

impacts of the proposed merger of Dairy Farmers of America and the St. Albans Co-Op on Vermont’s farmers, environment and rural economy

  • Alice Allen, Dairy farmer
  • Rob Baum, Member, NDPO
  • Leon Berthiaume, CEO, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery
  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Pete Hardin, Editor and Publisher, The Milkweed
  • Harold Howrigan, President, Board of Directors, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery
  • Brad Keating, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Dairy Farmers of America
  • Bill Rowell, Chair of Board, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Senate Convenes

15 minutes after Adjournment

Committee Check-in and Priorities for 2020

11:15 AM

Legislative Study Committee on Wetlands

Report on work of committee

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Update from the Secretary of Agriculture

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • EB Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Anson Tebetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:45 AM

S.209 - An act relating to the bonding requirements for milk handlers

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • EB Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Thursday, January 9, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.194 - An act relating to standards for the sale of hemp seeds

-

S.214 - An act relating to regulation of the cultivation and sale of cannabis

  • Sen. John Rodgers, Sponsor
10:00 AM

S.192 - An act relating to prohibiting the use of the herbicide glyphosate

  • Sen. Dick McCormack, Sponsor
2:00 PM

Governor's State of the State Address

Joint Assembly-House Chamber


Friday, January 10, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.192 - An act relating to prohibiting the use of the herbicide glyphosate

  • Patty Casey, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:30 AM

Senate Convenes


Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

To Be Determined

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:30 AM

S.273 - An act relating to creating incentives for schools and establishing a goal for correctional facilities to purchase locally produced foods

  • Kathy Alexander, Food Service Director, Mount Abraham Unified School District and Addison Northwest School District
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Bob Hildebrand, Food Service Director, The Abbey Group
  • Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Project Director, Vermont FEED

Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Auditor's Report

"Where's the Money Flowing? Cost-Effectiveness of Lake Champlain Clean Water Efforts"

  • Doug Hoffer, State Auditor, State Auditor's Office
  • Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
10:30 AM

Farm to Plate Report

  • Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Sarah Danly, Farm to Plate Network Manager, Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Shane Rogers, Rooted in Vermont Project Manager, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

Thursday, January 16, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Food Hubs

  • Eric DeLuca, Principal, Leverage Point Consulting
  • Erika Lynch, Mad River Food Hub, Waitsfield
  • Robin Morris, Mad River Food Hub, Waitsfield
10:00 AM

Gund Institute for Environment, UVM

  • Stephen Posner, Gund Institute for Environment
11:00 AM

S.194 - An act relating to standards for the sale of hemp seeds

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, January 17, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Soil Conservation Practice and Payment for Ecosystem Services Working Group

The Agriculture Committee will be meeting in Room 5, the Senate Appropriations Room.

  • Nancy Everhart, Agricultural Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:30 AM

Senate Convenes


Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

S.209 - An act relating to the bonding requirements for milk handlers

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Catherine DeRonde, Senior Economist, Agri-Mark
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:00 AM

S.194 - An act relating to standards for the sale of hemp seeds

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, American Seed Trade Association
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
1:55 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:00 PM

Governor's FY2021 Proposed Budget Address

Joint Assembly - House Chamber


Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.180 - An act relating to the use and application of pesticides

  • Sen. Tim Ashe, Sponsor
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, American Seed Trade Association
9:30 AM

Vermont Agriculture Strategic Plan Report

Room 10
Joint hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee

  • Mark Cannella, Associate Professor, University of Vermont Extension
  • Ela Chapin, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Jenn Colby, Pasture Program Coordinator, UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Adeline Druart, President, Vermont Creamery
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network
  • Janice St.Onge, President, Flexible Capital Fund
  • Will Stevens, Owner, Golden Russet Farm
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Netaka White, Owner, Tak About Hemp
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Thursday, January 23, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Vermont Forest Carbon Sequestration Working Group Final Report Act 83 of 2019

  • Sen. Ruth Hardy
  • Jim Shallow, Director of Strategic Conservation Initiatives, The Nature Conservancy
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Forests. Parks and Recreation
10:00 AM

S.209 - An act relating to the bonding requirements for milk handlers

  • Leon Berthiaume, CEO, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery
  • Kiersten Bourgeois, Business Development and Communications Manager, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery
11:00 AM

S.192 - An act relating to prohibiting the use of the herbicide glyphosate

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
11:30 AM

S.265 - An act relating to the use of food residuals for farming

11:45 AM

S.272 - An act relating to the use and management of pesticides

  • Sen. Virginia "Ginny" Lyons, Sponsor

Friday, January 24, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Grazing and Pasture Management

Report

  • Cheryl Cesario, Champlain Valley Crop, Soil and Pasture, UVM Extension
  • Jenn Colby, Pasture Program Coordinator, UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Heather Darby, Agronomy Specialist, UVM Extension
  • Chuck Ross, Director, University of Vermont Extension
10:00 AM

Break

Vermont Farm Bureau

Room 10 (10:15)
Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

  • Rob Carey, Vermont Farm Bureau, Rutland County
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Jake Guest, former Organic Dairy Farmer
  • Bruce Hallett, Owner, Hallett Sheep Farm
  • Heidi Krantz, Vermont Horse Council, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Jennifer Lambert, Dairy Farmer/operator, Lambert Farm
  • Justin Poulin, Poulin And Daughters Farm, Randolph
  • Anna Poulin, Poulin and Daughters Farm, Randolph
  • Mary White, Chair, Dairy Committee, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Arthur Whitman, Vermont Seed Dealers Association, member, Vermont Farm Bureau
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

  • Shaun Fielder, Town Manager, Hardwick
  • Tom Gilbert, Owner/Operator, Black Dirt Farm, Stannard VT
  • Ben Notterman, Owner, Snug Valley Farm
  • Jon Ramsey, Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy
10:00 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition legislative day

  • Richard Hall, Owner, Fairmont Farm, Inc.
  • Miles Hooper, Owner, Ayer's Brook Goat Dairy
  • Jennifer Lambert, Dairy farmer, Washington
  • Justin Rich, Owner, Burnt Rock Farm
  • Nick Richardson, President & CEO, Vermont Land Trust
  • Shannon Varley, Owner, Strafford Village Farm

Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Strategic Plan

  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:00 AM

Medical Monitoring

effects of S.37 on Agriculture

  • Warren Coleman, Lobbyist, MMR
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
11:15 AM

Rural Vermont

meet with members of Rural Vermont in Room 47

  • Beth Champagne, Resident, St. Johnsbury
  • Kurt Erickson, Vermont Compost Company
  • Buzz Ferver, Owner, Full Circle Farm
  • Carolyn Grodinsky, Grow Compost
  • Karl Hammer, Owner, Vermont Compost Co.
  • Alison Levin, Community Harvest
  • Lynn Wild, Montpelier Tree Board
4:30 PM

Vermont Farm Show

Cook-off at Farm Show


Thursday, January 30, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

S.336 - An act relating to establishing standards for the sale of hemp seed

Committee discussion

10:00 AM

Dairy Update

Vermont Farm Show

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Friday, January 31, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Council on State Government

Representatives talk about pesticides

  • Bob Haefner, Council of State Governments
  • Tara Sad, Council of State Governments
9:15 AM

S.273 - An act relating to creating incentives for schools and establishing a goal for correctional facilities to purchase locally produced foods

.

S.265 - An act relating to the use of food residuals for farming

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 minutes after adjournment

S.273 - An act relating to creating incentives for schools and establishing a goal for correctional facilities to purchase locally produced foods

  • Doug Davis, Director, Food Service, Burlington School District
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Trevor Lowell, Farm to Institution Program Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Kali McPeters, American Farmland Trust
  • Chris Parker, Food Service Director, Windham Central Supervisory Union
  • Mark Perrault, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network
  • Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Afterschool Program

Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Farmland Access and Transition
Joint Hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Room 32

  • Sam Burr, Owner, Last Resort Farm
  • Ela Chapin, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Emily Donegan, Owner, Donegan Family Farm
  • Nancy Everhart, Agricultural Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Nick Richardson, President & CEO, Vermont Land Trust
  • Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Tracy Zschau, Vice President for Conservation, Vermont Land Trust
10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

S.207 - An act relating to the sale or distribution of milk and dairy products

.

S.208 - An act relating to the standards for the intrastate sale of milk

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • E.B. Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, February 6, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.273 - An act relating to creating incentives for schools and establishing a goal for correctional facilities to purchase locally produced foods

  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
10:00 AM

S.336 - An act relating to establishing standards for the sale of hemp seed

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Sen. John Rodgers, Sponsor
10:30 AM

S.207 - An act relating to the sale or distribution of milk and dairy products

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:00 AM

Neonicotinoid research for treated seed and the environment

Room 10
Joint Hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee

  • Erica Cummings, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Laura Klaiber, Research Scientist, Miner Institute

Friday, February 7, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.273 - An act relating to creating incentives for schools and establishing a goal for correctional facilities to purchase locally produced foods

  • Jed Davis
9:40 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Strategic Plan

  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
9:45 AM

Committee bills

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
9:55 AM

S.336 - An act relating to establishing standards for the sale of hemp seed

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:30 AM

S.272 - An act relating to the use and management of pesticides

  • Mike Bald, Founder and Owner, Got Weeds?
  • Judy Bellairs, Pollinator Protection Leader, Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club
  • Nat Shambaugh , Retired Chemist
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 minutes after Floor

S.180 - An act relating to the use and application of pesticides

-

S.192 - An act relating to prohibiting the use of the herbicide glyphosate

  • Mike Bald, Founder and Owner, Got Weeds?
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Andrew Shively, Highway Division Hazardous Materials Unit Manager, VTrans
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
  • Sarah Vose, State Toxicologist, Department of Health

Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain

  • Wayne Elliott, committee member, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
9:30 AM

Committee Discussion

10:00 AM

Farm to School Awareness Day

Joint Hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Room 11

  • David Baker, Superintendent, Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union
  • Teddy Chamberlain, Student, Berlin Elementary School
  • Meg Dawkins, Staff, Berlin Elementary School
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Gavin Haines, Student, Berlin Elementary School
  • JJ Hansen, Student, Berlin Elementary School
  • Phin Hilferty, Student, Berlin Elementary School
  • Camryn Hoffman, Student, Cabot School
  • Craig Locarno, Food Service Director, Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union
  • Sophia McCaffrey, Student, Berlin Elementary School
  • Kadence McCalister, Student, Berlin Elementary School
  • Beth Miller, Community Impact Director, Rutland County Parent Child Center
  • Lucas Richer, Student, Berlin Elementary School
  • Nene Riley, Teacher, Cabot School
  • Silas Robbins, Student, Cabot School
  • Helen Rortvedt, Farm to School Program Director, NOFA VT
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network
  • Jake Stafford, Student, Berlin Elementary School
  • John Stafford, Student, Berlin Elementary School
  • Peter Stratman, Teacher, Cabot School
  • Mary Zigman, Rutland County Parent Child Center
4:00 PM

2020 Farm to School Awareness Day

State House Cafeteria


Thursday, February 13, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Field Trip

Perfect Circle Farm
Joint Field Trip with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee

11:30 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Strategic plan

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, February 14, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

NOFA-Vermont

report on NOFA

  • John Hayden, Owner, The Farm Between
  • Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  • Grace Oedel, Executive Director, NOFA VT
10:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

FY21 Governor's Proposed Budget for Agriculture

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Convenes

15 minutes after adjournment

Committee Discussion and Review

  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Fairs & Field Days Association
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
11:00 AM

S.180 - An act relating to the use and application of pesticides

  • Tom Eaton, Agricultural Consulting Services
  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Jim Walsh, Quality Control Manager, Phoenix Feeds and Nutrition

Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council

Room 10
Joint hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee

  • Kristin Haas, Member, Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council
10:00 AM

S.265 - An act relating to the use of food residuals for farming

  • Kurt Ericksen, General Manager, Vermont Compost Company
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  • Cathy Jamieson, Program Manager, WMPD Solid Waste Program, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • John Leddy, Northwest Vermont Solid Waste Management District
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, February 20, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association

  • Robert Congdon, Vermont State Fair, Rutland
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Fairs & Field Days Association
  • Alan Howe, Tunbridge Fair
  • Dave Martin, Vermont Farm Show
  • Diane Norris, Vice President, Addison County Fair and Field Days
  • Jason Sicard, , Orleans County Fair
9:00 AM

New Approach to Dairy Pricing and Sustainability

Room 10
Joint hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee

  • Roger Allbee, Former Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Daniel Smith
10:30 AM

Election of Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges

Joint Assembly
House Chamber

following

Senate Convenes


Friday, February 21, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Lake Carmi Update

  • Rob Evans, President, Franklin Watershed Committee
  • Oliver Pierson, Lakes and Ponds Program Manager, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • John Tucci, CEO, Everblue Lake Solutions
9:50 AM

Dairy Proposal

Committee discussion on Thursday presentation on Dairy Pricing and Sustainability

  • E.B. Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:00 AM

S.336 - An act relating to establishing standards for the sale of hemp seed

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

S.180 - An act relating to the use and application of pesticides

  • Jared Carpenter, Water Protection Advocate, Lake Champlain Committee
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Nat Shambaugh , Retired Chemist
11:30 AM

Senate Convenes

12:00 PM

Letter to Appropriations Committee on FY2020 Budget

  • Jared Carpenter, Water Protection Advocate, Lake Champlain Committee
  • Phil Huffman, Co-Chair, Vermont Housing & Conservation Coalition

Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 minutes after Adjournment

S.273 - An act relating to creating incentives for schools and establishing a goal for correctional facilities to purchase locally produced foods

  • Robert Arnell, Facilities Operation Manager, Department of Corrections
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  • Bryan Mitofsky, Department of Corrections
11:30 AM

Implicit Bias Training

Legislative Lounge

  • Bor Yang, Executive Director, VT Human Rights Commission

Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.265 - An act relating to the use of food residuals for farming

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
9:30 AM

UVM's Land Grant Mission in Action

  • Suresh Garimella, President, University of Vermont
10:00 AM

Dairy Marketing Report

Room 11
Joint Hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee

  • Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Christophe Hille, Karen Karp and Partners
  • Ken Jones, Economic Research Analyst, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  • Ben Kerrick, Karen Karp and Partners
3:30 PM

UVM's Land Grant Mission in Action

Reception from 3:30-5:30 PM in State House Cafeteria


Thursday, February 27, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Room 10
Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

  • Sen. Tim Ashe, President Pro Tempore
  • Lila Bennett, Owner, Tangletown Farm
  • Peter Colman, Owner, Vermont Salumi
  • Mateo Kehler, Owner, Jasper Hill Farms
  • Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  • Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Jette Mandl-Abramson, Owner, Calabash Gardens
  • Mike Proia, Co-owner, Bread and Butter Farm
  • Rob Riley, Northern Forest Center
  • Lynn Ellen Schimoler, Program Manager, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
  • Sam Smith, Farm Business Specialist, Intervale Center
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:00 AM

S.180 - An act relating to the use and application of pesticides

-

S.265 - An act relating to the use of food residuals for farming

  • Kurt Erickson, Vermont Compost Company
  • Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  • Cathy Jamieson, Program Manager, WMPD Solid Waste Program, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Friday, February 28, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.265 - An act relating to the use of food residuals for farming

  • Jane Clifford, Dairy Producer, Starksboro
  • Kurt Erickson, Vermont Compost Company
  • Cathy Jamieson, Program Manager, WMPD Solid Waste Program, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

-

S.180 - An act relating to the use and application of pesticides

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:30 AM

Committee Discussion


Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.273 - An act relating to creating incentives for schools and establishing a goal for correctional facilities to purchase locally produced foods

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • James Maroney, Owner/Operator, Oliver Hill Farm
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Thursday, March 12, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Committee Discussion and Priorities


Friday, March 13, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.254 - An act relating to adequate shelter for livestock

  • Rep. John L. Bartholomew, Sponsor, House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry
  • Barry Londeree, Vermont State Director, United States Humane Society
  • Matt McMahon, Lobbyist, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
  • Rep. Terry Norris, Reporter of bill
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Thursday, April 2, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Update: Overview of federal COVID-19 money for agriculture; farmers markets and essential workers list; H2A seasonal workers program; federal farm insurance marginal protetion program.

  • Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Kyle Harris, Agricultural Development Specialist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:00 AM

S.273 - An act relating to creating incentives for schools and establishing a goal for correctional facilities to purchase locally produced foods

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:30 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

continuation of update


Thursday, April 9, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Update: milk processors capacity; community gardens; farmers markets ability to open; testing of sludge for hearvy metals; H2A workers program status.

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  • John Snell, Board Member, Montpelier Farmers Market
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:00 AM

Food Residuals and Composting

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:30 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Update

  • Chuck Ross, Director, University of Vermont Extension
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Thursday, April 16, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

COVID 19 Response

Vermont Food Systems

  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
10:30 AM

Addison County Fair and Field Days Septic System

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:40 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Farmers Markets

  • Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
11:00 AM

COVID 19 Response

Dairy supply management

  • Leon Berthiaume, CEO, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery
  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Catherine DeRonde, Senior Economist, Agri-Mark
11:45 AM

Municipal Solid Waste and Farmland

  • Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Thursday, April 23, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Migrant farm workers

  • Dan Baker, Professor, UVM
  • Jose Ignacio De La Cruz, Dairy Worker
  • Julia Doucet, Outreach Nurse and Nurse Case Manager, Open Door Clinic, Middlebury
  • Sarah Kleinman, Extension Director of 4-H, Farmworker, and Family Education Programs, University of Vermont Extension
  • Will Lambek, Organizer, Migrant Justice
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:15 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Congressional delegation

  • Tom Berry, Policy Advisor on Agriculture, Conservation, Energy and Natural Resources, Office of Sen. Leahy
  • Erica Campbell, Outreach Representative, Office of Senator Bernie Sanders
  • Ryan McLaren, Outreach Representative, Office of Congressman Peter Welch
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Migrant workers; Dairy issues

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Bill Rowell, Chair of Board, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  • Amanda St. Pierre, Executive Director, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance

Friday, May 1, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Support for farmers in Vermont

  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Jon Erickson, Professor, University of Vermont
  • Brian Kemp, President, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  • Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Hannah Sessions, Owner, Blue Ledge Farm, Leicester
  • Will Stevens, Owner, Golden Russet Farm
  • Paul Stone, Owner, Stonewood Farm, Orwell

Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Update from Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Status of Farmers Markets

  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:15 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Impact on migrant workers

  • Xusana Davis, Executive Director of Racial Equity, Agency of Administration
10:45 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Regional Food Supply and the Future of Farming in Vermont

  • Jon Erickson, Professor, University of Vermont
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Friday, May 8, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Monday, May 11, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
10:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Effects on farm community

  • Heather Darby, Agronomy Specialist, UVM Extension
  • Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association
  • Brian Kemp, President, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  • Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  • Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers
  • Steven Reviczky, Executive Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Bill Rowell, Chair of Board, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
  • Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor


Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Agricultural industry financial challenges

  • Cassie Polhemus, Chief Executive Officer, Vermont Economic Development Authority
10:30 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

  • Ela Chapin, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Nancy Everhart, Agricultural Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Thursday, May 14, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Friday, May 15, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:00 AM

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Walk-through

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

farmer support

  • Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
-

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

walk-through

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
12:00 PM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, May 21, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Friday, May 22, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Catherine Gjessing, General Counsel, Department of Fish & Wildlife
  • Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
-

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Farm aid

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Adjournment

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
12:00 PM

COVID-19 Related Agricultural Issues

Report on current initiatives

  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

COVID-19 Response

Joint hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee

  • Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
11:30 AM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, May 28, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Food security; Governor's proposals

  • Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
12:00 PM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Friday, May 29, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Farm support

  • Denna Benjamin, Riverview Farm, Franklin
  • Will Gladstone, Newmont Farm, Bradford
  • Darlene Reynolds, DFA Farmer of the Year for 2019, Crossroads Dairy
  • Bill Rowell, Chair of Board, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  • Amanda St. Pierre, Executive Director, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
11:15 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after adjournment

H.254 - An act relating to adequate shelter for livestock

  • Rep. John L. Bartholomew, Sponsor, House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry
  • Jessica Danyow, Chair, Animal Cruelty Investigation Advisory Board
  • Brynn Hare, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
12:00 PM

Adjourn


Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Committee discussion: Farm support package

  • E.B. Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
12:00 PM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, June 4, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

  • Ela Chapin, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Nick Richardson, President & CEO, Vermont Housing & Conservation Coalition
  • Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
12:00 PM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Friday, June 5, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

conclusion of walk-through and committee discussion

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:15 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Adjournment

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Committee discussion on aid to farmers

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
12:00 PM

Adjourn

5:00 PM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

Committee discussion and vote

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
5:30 PM

Adjourn


Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.254 - An act relating to adequate shelter for livestock

  • Sen. Brian Campion, Sponsor of amendment
  • Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
9:30 AM

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
12:00 PM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, June 11, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Friday, June 12, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:15 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor


Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Sen. Brian Campion, Amendment Sponsor, Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
9:45 AM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, June 18, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
9:30 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

  • Rep. Carolyn W. Partridge, , House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry
10:00 AM

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
12:00 PM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Friday, June 19, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

H.656 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

  • Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:15 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor


Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:00 AM

S.351 - An act relating to providing financial relief assistance to the agricultural community due to the COVID-19 public health emergency

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
11:45 AM

Committee Adjourns

12:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, June 25, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

Committee Discussion as Needed

12:00 PM

Senate Floor


Friday, June 26, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Senate Convenes

15 minutes after adjournment

COVID-19 Related Agricultural Issues

Updates from Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

  • Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Convenes


Thursday, August 27, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

COVID-19 Committee Discusssion

Agricultural support

  • Ela Chapin, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  • Mariah Noth, Outreach and Communications Coordinator, Vermont Farm and Forest Viability Program
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Legislative Council
  • Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
9:45 AM

COVID-19 Related Agricultural Issues

  • Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  • Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Senate Convenes


Friday, August 28, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Convenes


Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Convenes

15 minutes after Adjournment

COVID-19 Related Agricultural Issues

  • Xusana Davis, Executive Director of Racial Equity, Agency of Administration; and Chair of the Governor's Task Force on Racial Equality, Agency of Administration
  • Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Legislative Council
  • Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

COVID-19 Related Agricultural Issues

Non-dairy agriculture grant programs
Joint hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee

  • Amanda Andrews, Owner, Tamarack Hollow Farm
  • Ryan Fitzbeauchamp, Owner, Evening Song Farm, NOFA-Vermont
  • Bay Hammond, Owner, Doolittle Farm, Member, Vermont Sheep and Goat Association
  • Bruce Henessey, Owner, Maple Wind Farm, Vermont Grass Farmers Association
  • Allison Hope, Executive Director, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association
  • Niko Horster, Owner, Shire Beef, Vermont Grass Farmers Association
  • Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  • Dave Martin, President, Vermont Sheep and Goat Association
  • Emma Marvin, Executive Director, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association Board of Directors
  • Jen Miller, Farmer Services Director, NOFA-Vermont
  • Corie Pierce, Co-owner, Bread and Butter Farm, Board member, Rural Vermont
  • Sam Smith, Farm Business Specialist, Intervale Center
  • Andrea Stander, Policy Consultant, Rural Vermont
  • Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  • Mary White, Chair, Dairy Committee, Vermont Farm Bureau
12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Senate Convenes


Thursday, September 3, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Convenes


Friday, September 4, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:00 AM

COVID-19 Related Agricultural Issues

funding guidelines for non-dairy farmers

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
9:30 AM

Committee Adjourns

11:30 AM

Senate Convenes


Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

COVID-19 Related Agricultural Issues

Joint hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Funding for non-dairy farmers

  • Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
9:30 AM

Senate Convenes


Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

COVID-19 Related Agricultural Issues

Joint hearing with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Act 138 Amendment concerning grants to non-dairy farmers

  • Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
10:30 AM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Senate Convenes


Thursday, September 10, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Convenes


Friday, September 11, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

COVID-19 Related Agricultural Issues

  • Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Forests. Parks and Recreation
11:30 AM

Senate Convenes


Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:00 AM

Joint Hearing with Senate Natural Resources

Addison County Fair and Field Days Septic System

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Peter Walke, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation
9:30 AM

Senate Convenes


Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Convenes


Thursday, September 17, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Convenes


Friday, September 18, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Convenes


2019-2020 Session

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  • Sen. Christopher A. Pearson, Vice Chair
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  • Information for Witnesses

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