2021-2022 Session

Change Session

House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry Room 49

The House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry considers matters relating to agriculture and forestry, forest products and their market, and state parks and lands.

Previous Meetings - Full Report

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

1:30 PM

House Floor

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:00 AM

Joint Assembly to hear Canvassing Committee Report

Canvassing Committee Report

10:15 AM

Caucuses

1:00 PM

Committee Introductions

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

2:00 PM

Joint Assembly for Governor's Remarks

Governor's Remarks

-

House Floor

Friday, January 8, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:30 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Introductions and overview

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
E.B. Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Katherine McNamara, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

1:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held immediately following the Floor

1:00 PM

House Floor

Following Adjournment of Floor

Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition

Update

Marie Audet, Farmer, Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition
Brian Kemp, President, Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition
John Roberts, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition

-

Committee discussion regarding scope of work

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Farm Bureau

Update

Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau

9:30 AM

Rural Vermont

Update

Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont

10:00 AM

Committee Discussion

1:15 PM

House Floor

-

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation

Update

Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Forests. Parks and Recreation

10:00 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Update

Ela Chapin, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Liz Gleason, Viability Program Manager, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Jennifer Hollar, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Mariah Noth, Outreach and Communications Coordinator, Vermont Farm and Forest Viability Program
Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

11:00 AM

NOFA-VT

Update

Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Jen Miller, Farmer Services Director, NOFA-VT
Grace Oedel, Executive Director, NOFA VT
Helen Rortvedt, Farm to School Program Director, NOFA VT

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after adjournment

Connecticut River Farmers Watershed Alliance

Walter Gladstone, Owner, Newmont Farm
Elizabeth Kennett, Owner, Liberty Hill Farm

2:30 PM

Vermont Technical College

Pat Moulton , President, Vermont Technical College

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, January 15, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:30 AM

Family Farms in Vermont

Ashlyn Bristle, Owner, Rebop Farm
Abbie Corse, Owner, Corse Family Farm
Norah Lake, Owner, Sweetland Farm
Suzanne Long, Owner, Luna Bleu Farm

12:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Following the Floor

Implicit Bias Prevention Training

12:15 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:00 PM

Agri-Mark Farmers

Marie Audet, Farmer, Agri-Mark
Paul Doton, Dairy Farmer and Board Member, Agri-Mark
Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Agri-Mark
Rob Wheeler, Dairy Farmer and Board Member, Agri-Mark

2:45 PM

Wood Products

Kathleen Wanner, Executive Director, Vermont Woodlands Association, Administrator, Vermont Wood Works Council

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance

Jacob Bourdeau, Owner, Bourdeau Bros Inc and Feed Commodities Inc
Brian Carpenter, Board Member VT Dairy Producers Alliance, Champlain Valley Equiptment
Walter Gladstone, Board Member, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
Chanin Hill , Secretary, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
Stephanie Pope
Amanda St. Pierre, Executive Director, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
Cayden Theberge, Member, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

University of Vermont Extension

Mark Cannella, Associate Professor, UVM Extension
Lisa Chase , Professor of Agronomy, UVM Extension
Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension
Kate Forrer, Outreach Specialist, UVM Extension Urban & Community Forestry
Sarah Kleinman, Director of 4-H, Farmworker, and Family Education Programs, UVM Extension
Dan Lerner, Association Director and Chair, State Office, UVM Extension
Leslie Parise, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Vermont

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor Adjourns

Salvation Farms

Greta Hasler, Strategy and Advocacy Coordinator, Salvation Farms
Theresa Snow, Director, Salvation Farms

2:30 PM

Congressional Delegation

Andrew Bahrenburg, Organizer, Advocate, Office of Senator Patrick Leahy
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

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Center For an Agricultural Economy

Michael Heath, Center for an Agricultural Economy
Jon Ramsey, Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy

9:45 AM

Vermont Forest Products Association

Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Vermont Council on Rural Development

Paul Costello, Executive Director, Vermont Council on Rural Development

11:25 AM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.88 - An act relating to the use value appraisal program.

Rep. David Durfee, Bill Sponsor

-

H.67 - An act relating to bears doing damage to agricultural crops

Rep. James Harrison, Sponsor

2:45 PM

Forest Carbon

Nick Richardson, President & CEO, Vermont Housing & Conservation Coalition
Bill Roper, Land Use Consultant, Slow Communities

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, January 22, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjournment

Vermont Association of Conservation Districts

Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
Jennifer Byrne, District Manager, White RIver Natural Resources Conservation District
Brodie Haenke, Conservation Specialist, Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District
Justin Michaud, Conservation Planner, Newport, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
Hilary Solomon, Manager, Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District

11:30 AM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held immediately following the Floor

1:00 PM

Governor's FY2022 Budget Address

Joint Assembly

following the Joint Assembly

Gund Institute for Environment, UVM

Stephen Posner, Director of Policy, Gund Institute for Environment

2:45 PM

Food Security

Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.58 - An act relating to creating a right to repair agricultural equipment

Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Sponsor

9:45 AM

Break

10:00 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee and House Commerce and Economic Development Committee

Ted Brady, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Ela Chapin, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Eric DeLuca, Vice Chair, Working Lands Enterprise Board
Ken Gagnon, Owner, Gagnon Lumber
Adam Hausmann, Owner, Adam's Berry Farm
Judith Irving, Owner, Fat Toad Farm
Sarah Isham, Director of Agricultural Lending, Vermont Economic Development Authority
Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Ben Nottermann, Owner, Snug Valley Farm
Riva Reynolds, Owner, Stannard Farm
Lynn Ellen Schimoler, Program Manager, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Forests. Parks and Recreation
Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Gabrielle Tuite, Owner, Old Road Farm

11:30 AM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

Farm to School

Update

Hayden Adams, Senior, Harwood Union High School
Antony Jeswin, Sophomore, Harwood Union High School
Jasper Koliba, Senior, Harwood Union High School
Trevor Lowell, Farm to Institution Program Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network
Maggie Rubick, Preschool Teacher, Northshire Day School
Harley Sterling, School Nutrition Director, Windham Northeast Supervisory Union

3:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.89 - An act relating to limiting liability for agritourism

Kevin Gaffney, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Financial Regulation, Insurance Division
Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rep. Michael Yantachka, Sponsor

9:45 AM

Break

10:00 AM

Vermont Dairy Industry Price Regulations: Assessment and Recommendations

Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee
Please click here for the livestream

Marie Audet, Owner, Blue Spruce Farm
Eugene Audet, Owner, Blue Spruce Farm
Leon Berthiaume, Senior Advisor, Dairy Farmers of America
Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kiersten Bourgeois, Business Development and Communications Manager, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery
Jane Clifford, Dairy Producer, Starksboro
Catherine DeRonde, Vice President, Agri-Mark
Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Larry Gervais, Owner, Gervais Family Farm
Bob Gray, Dairy Policy Advisor, Northeast Farmers Cooperative
Steve Kayhart, Kayhart Brothers, West Addison
Jennifer Lambert, Dairy Farmer/operator, Lambert Farm
Scott Magnan, Board Chair, Farmers Watershed Alliance
Michael Pieciak, Commissioner, Department of Financial Regulation
Darlene Reynolds, Owner, Crossroads Dairy
Jill Rickard, Director of Policy, Department of Financial Regulation
John Roberts, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
Bill Rowell, Green Mountain Dairy, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
Dan Smith
Amanda St. Pierre, Executive Director, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
Karie Thompson Atherton, Owner, Aires-Hill Farm and Creamery
Stephanie Walsh, Director, Industry and Community Affairs, Dairy Farmers of America
Rob Wheeler, Dairy Farmer and Board Member, Agri-Mark
Mary White, Chair, Dairy Committee, Vermont Farm Bureau

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

Farmers Watershed Alliance

Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension
Larry Gervais, Owner, Gervais Family Farm
Scott Magnan, Board Chair, Farmers Watershed Alliance
Nick Mannng, Farmers Watershed Alliance Board Member, Manning Dairy Farm

3:00 PM

Council of State Governments

David Biette, Director, Council of State Governments
Bob Haefner, Council of State Governments
Tara Sad, Council of State Governments

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, January 29, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

Current Use

Primer in current use

Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held immediately following the Floor

1:00 PM

Animal Welfare

Animal shelter

Aimee Braxmeier, Owner, Hildene Farm and Goat Dairy
Joan Falcao, Owner, Health Hero Farm, South Hero
Robert Fireovid, Owner, Health Hero Farm, South Hero
Kimberly Hagen, Grazing Outreach Specialist
Annie Hopper, Owner, Scuttleship Farm
Niko Horster, Owner, Shire Beef, Vermont Grass Farmers Association
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Dave Martin, Owner, Settlement Farm
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
Adam Wilson, Brush Brook Community Farm

2:00 PM

Agricultural Innovation

Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council

Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Christina Ashley, Essex Police Department
Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kent Henderson, Northwest Veterinary Associates, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
Steve Kayhart, Kayhart Brothers, West Addison
Brian Kemp, President, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition, Mountain Meadows Farm
Rhonda Miller, Owner, Molly Brook Farm
Ben Notterman, Owner, Snug Valley Farm
Tara Oeschger, Northeast Kingdom Processing, LLC
Omar Oyarzabal, UVM Extension

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

How to Read a Bill

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

10:45 AM

Everyone Eats

Richard Berkfeld, Executive Director, Food Counts
Kara Fitzbeauchamp, Owner, Evening Song Farm
Jean Hamilton, Vermont Everyone Eats Program Manager, SEVCA, ShiftMeals and The Skinny Pancake
Gary Holloway, Downtown Program Manager - Community Planning & Revitalization, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Michael Wegner, District Manager, The Works Bakery and Cafe
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

Vermont Economic Development Authority

update

Sarah Isham, Director of Agricultural Lending, Vermont Economic Development Authority
Cassie Polhemus, CEO, Vermont Economic Development Authority

2:45 PM

Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center

Laura Ginsburg, Agricultural Development Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Glyphosate

An overview
Joint hearing with House Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Committee Bill

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

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.58 - An act relating to creating a right to repair agricultural equipment

Nathan Proctor, Campaign Director, U.S. PIRG National Right to Repair

2:45 PM

H.67 - An act relating to bears doing damage to agricultural crops

Jennie Amirkiaee, Maple Valley Farm
Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Elizabeth Kennett, Owner, Liberty Hill Farm
Bob Kennett, Owner, Liberty Hill Farm
Rick Shortleff, Maple Valley Farm

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, February 5, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.89 - An act relating to limiting liability for agritourism

Lisa Chase , Professor of Agronomy, University of Vermont Extension
Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Elizabeth Kennett, Owner, Liberty Hill Farm
Rick Lunt, Vice President, Dynamic Business Solutions
Tara Pereira, Executive Director, Vermont Fresh Network

11:30 AM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the floor

1:00 PM

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kaitlynn Levine, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Marc Paquette, Section Chief Weights & Measures, Food Safety & Consumer Protection Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

2:30 PM

Break

2:45 PM

Vermont Farm Bureau

Update

Jackie Folsom, Legislative Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
Shane Keady, President, Orange County Farm Bureau
Steven Reviczky, Executive Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
Mary White, Vice President, Vermont Farm Bureau
Art Whitman, President, Bennington County Farm Bureau

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.58 - An act relating to creating a right to repair agricultural equipment

Brian Carpenter, Owner Champlain Valley Equipment and Chair, Middlebury Selectboard
Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau

9:45 AM

H.67 - An act relating to bears doing damage to agricultural crops

Colonel Jason Batchelder, Director of Law Enforcement, Department of Fish & Wildlife
Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Jason Gravelle, Warden, Department of Fish and Wildlife
Forrest Hammond, Bear Biologist, Department of Fish and Wildlife
Louis Porter, Commissioner, Department of Fish and Wildlife
Mark Scott, Wildlife Director, Department of Fish & Wildlife
Mary White, Chair, Dairy Committee, Vermont Farm Bureau

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.89 - An act relating to limiting liability for agritourism

Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rusty Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney, National Agriculture Law Center Staff
Mary White, Chair, Dairy Committee, Vermont Farm Bureau

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Heidi Krantz, Vermont Horse Council

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Farm to Plate Report

Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee
livestream here

Terence Bradshaw, Assistant Professor, UVM Extension
Mark Cannella, Associate Professor, UVM Extension
Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension
Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
Lauren Masseria, Senior Market Development Specialist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Randy Quenneville, Former Section Chief, Meat Inspection Section, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Becka Warren, Farm to Plate Strategic Plan Project Coordinator and Editor, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Rose Wilson, Consultant

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Proposed budget for the Agency

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Amy Mercier, Financial Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

3:00 PM

H.186 - An act relating to the sale of shell eggs

Rep. Barbara Rachelson, Sponsor

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, February 12, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.67 - An act relating to bears doing damage to agricultural crops

Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel

-

H.420 - 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
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Forests. Parks and Recreation

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:00 PM

H.421 - An act relating to animal cruelty investigation response and training

Rep. John L. Bartholomew, former member, House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Jessica Danyow, Chair, Animal Cruelty Investigation Advisory Board
Brynn Hare, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Mary McFaun, Animal Cruelty Investigation Advisory Board

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.88 - An act relating to the use value appraisal program.

Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes

-

Adequate Shelter

Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes

9:45 AM

Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association

Update

Jeff Bartley, Sales/Marketing Manager, Champlain Valley Exposition
Jackie Folsom, Legislative Director, Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association
Alan Howe, President, Tunbridge Fair
Richard Lawrence, President & Director, Caledonia County Fair
Diane Norris, President, Addison County Fair and Field Days
Jason Sicard, President, Orleans County Fair

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.89 - An act relating to limiting liability for agritourism

possible committee vote

Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel
Adam Necrason, Lobbyist, Vermont Association for Justice
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

11:30 AM

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

Rep. Heather Surprenant, Sponsor

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

Kanika Gandhi, Agrichemical Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

2:45 PM

New England Agribusiness and Feed Alliance

Update

John Clark, President, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
Andy Dugan, Executive Committee member; Chair, Government Relations Committee, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, America's Health Insurance Plans
Arthur Whitman, Vermont Seed Dealers Association, member
Rick Zimmerman, Executive Director, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition

Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Clara Ayer, Fairmont Farms, East Montpelier
Barrett Grimm, Co-Chair, Huntington Conservation Commission
Katie Rose Leonard, Snow Farm
Stephanie Pope, Iroquois Acres
Don Stevens, Chief, Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki Nation
Abby White, Vice President for Strategic Communications, Vermont Land Trust

10:25 AM

Break

10:30 AM

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

Joint Assembly

following Joint Assembly

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Budget recommendations

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after the Floor

Budget Recommendations

Jennifer Hollar, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, February 19, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Vermont Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan

Agriculture Committee bill elements

Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor

1:00 PM

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

Kylie Cook, Owner, Sunday Bell Farm
E.B. Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kent Henderson, Northwest Veterinary Associates, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
Natalie Kwit, State Public Health Veterinarian, Department of Health
Rich Larson, Owner, Larson Farm and Creamery
Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Mollie Wills, Rural Vermont
Elisabeth Wirsing, Senior Environmental Health Program Manager, Department of Health

3:30 PM

Definition of Humane Officer

walk-through of new bill

Brynn Hare, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

4:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Definition of Humane Officer

Rep. John L. Bartholomew, former member, House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, Vermont League of Cities and Towns

-

Adequate Shelter for Livestock

Rep. John L. Bartholomew, former member, House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont

10:00 AM

H.88 - An act relating to the use value appraisal program.

possible vote on bill

Abby Shepard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.186 - An act relating to the sale of shell eggs

Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:45 PM

H.67 - An act relating to bears doing damage to agricultural crops

Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel
Louis Porter, Commissioner, Department of Fish and Wildlife

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

Kanika Gandhi, Agrichemical Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
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

9:45 AM

Break

10:00 AM

Council of State Governments East

webinar from 10 - Noon

1:15 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

Results of the Votes for Sergeant at Arms, Adjutant and Inspector General, Trustees of the UVM and State Agricultural College

Joint Assembly

15 minutes after Joint Assembly adjourns

Adequate Shelter for Livestock

Report from the Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council

Ruth Blauwiekel, UVM Veterinarian, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
Brynn Hare, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Kent Henderson, Northwest Veterinary Associates, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association

3:00 PM

H.421 - An act relating to animal cruelty investigation response and training

Brynn Hare, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, February 26, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.421 - An act relating to animal cruelty investigation response and training

possible vote

Brynn Hare, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

11:00 AM

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

possible vote

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

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor

1:00 PM

Results of the Votes for Sergeant at Arms, Adjutant and Inspector General, Trustees of the UVM and State Agricultural College

Joint Assembly

Following adjournment of Joint Assembly

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

Kanika Gandhi, Agrichemical Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
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

2:30 PM

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

Becky Allen, Food Animal Veterinarian, Addison County
Mollie Wills, Rural Vermont

3:00 PM

H.108 - An act relating to Vermont standards for issuing a Clean Water Act section 401 certification

Rep. Katherine "Kari" Dolan, House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife
Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Adequate Shelter for Livestock

Brandon Bless, Bread and Butter Farm
Jessica Danyow, Chair, Animal Cruelty Investigation Advisory Board
Bruce Hennesey, Maple Wind Farm
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Barry Londeree, Former Vermont State Director, Humane Society of the United States
Mary McFaun, Animal Cruelty Investigation Advisory Board
Justin Poulin, Poulin And Daughters Farm, Randolph
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

Jared Carpenter, , Lake Champlain Committee
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Andrew Shively, Highway Division Hazardous Materials Unit Manager, VTrans

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

Roy Folsom, Elite Certified Farm Agent, Nationwide Agribusiness
Mollie Wills, Rural Vermont

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources

9:30 AM

Adequate Shelter for Livestock

Brynn Hare, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Committee bills

Committee discussion

11:30 AM

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kanika Gandhi, Agrichemical Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

following Floor adjournment

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

Committee discussion

3:15 PM

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

Committee discussion

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, March 12, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

James Donegan, Owner, Trillium Hill Farm
Rich Larson, Owner, Larson Farm and Creamery
Suzanne Long, Owner, Luna Bleu Farm
Mollie Wills, Rural Vermont

11:30 AM

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
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

12:00 PM

Break

12:30 PM

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

discussion and possible vote

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
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

1:00 PM

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

discussion and possible vote

Becky Allen, Addison County
E.B. Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Rich Larson, Owner, Larson Farm and Creamery
Suzanne Long, Owner, Luna Bleu Farm
Mollie Wills, Rural Vermont

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the floor

1:50 PM

S.100 - An act relating to universal school meals

Sen. Christopher A. Pearson, Sponsor, Chittenden County

-

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

Kelley McGill, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Counsel

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:30 AM

Rural Vermont

Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee. Livestream here.

Jericho Bicknell
Sam Bromberg, Mountain Fire Farm
Cat Buxton, Vermont Healthy Soils Coalition
Buster Caswell, Activist, Agricultural worker housing
Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
Evan Hoyt, Brush Brook Community Farm
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Jane Lanza, This is Family Tree
Stephen Leslie, Owner, Cedar Mountain Farm and Cobb Hill Cheese
Suzanne Long, Owner, Luna Bleu Farm
Jesse Lukas, GMC Farms, LLC
Rev. M Moretti, Owner, Murmuration Farm
Allan Reetz, Director of Public and Government Affairs, Hanover Co-op

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

11:00 AM

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

Rep. John L. Bartholomew, former member, House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
E.B. Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rep. Carl Rosenquist, , House Committee On Human Services
Mollie Wills, Rural Vermont

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

Friday, March 19, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

8:00 AM

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

Consideration of amendment

Rep. John L. Bartholomew, former member, House Agriculture and Forestry Committee
Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rep. Carl Rosenquist, Amendment Sponsor, House Committee On Human Services
Mollie Wills, Rural Vermont

9:15 AM

Committee Adjourns

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain

Update on committee activity

Wayne Elliott, committee member, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
Bob Fisher, committee member, Vermont Citizens Advisory Commission on Lake Champlain's Future
Mark Naud , Chair, Vermont Citizens Advisory Commission on Lake Champlain's Future
Hilary Solomon, committee member, Vermont Citizens Advisory Commission on Lake Champlain's Future
Jeff Wennberg, committee member, Vermont Citizens Advisory Commission on Lake Champlain's Future

10:00 AM

Regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

S.102

Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont

11:00 AM

Regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

S.102

Cathy Jamieson, Program Manager, WMPD Solid Waste Program, Department of Environmental Conservation
Eamon Twohig, Program Manager, Residuals Management and Emerging Contaminants Program, Department of Environmental Conservation

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

S.102

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

10:15 AM

Committee Adjourns

10:30 AM

Retention of Superior Court Judges and Magistrates

Joint assembly

1:15 PM

House Floor

Friday, March 26, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor adjournment

1:00 PM

Senate Amendments

H.315

1:15 PM

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

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

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

Louise Calderwood, Director of Regulatory Affairs, American Feed Industry Association
Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Biotechnology Innovation Org, National Animal Supplement Council, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
Steven LaRosa, Neighbor to food residual composting facility

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs 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
Tom Gilbert, Owner/Operator, Black Dirt Farm, Stannard VT
Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
Karl Hammer, Owner, Vermont Compost Co.
Cathy Jamieson, Program Manager, WMPD Solid Waste Program, Department of Environmental Conservation

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

Results of the Votes for Retention of Superior Court Judges and Magistrates

Joint Assembly

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

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

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, April 2, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

Committee Check-In

11:30 AM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor adjournment

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Food Security

Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

2:30 PM

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

Lisa DeSmet, Vice President, Quality/Regulatory, FoodScience
Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist
Sarah Phillips, Vice President and General Manager, Animal Business Unit, FoodScience
Sharon Rossi, CEO, FoodScience

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Technical College

Revisioned Agriculture and Food Systems Program
Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Regina Beidler, Program Specialist Organic Valley, Beidler Family Farm
Louise Calderwood, Owner, Echo Hill Farm Maple Products
Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Pat Moulton , President, Vermont Technical College

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Ecosystem Services

Ryan Patch, Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Gwynn Zakov, Municipal Policy Advocate, Vermont League of Cities and Towns

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, April 9, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cathy Jamieson, Program Manager, WMPD Solid Waste Program, Department of Environmental Conservation

11:30 AM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor adjournment

1:00 PM

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

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

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Grazing and Pasture Management

Transitioning conventional dairy to grazing

Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Rural Vermont and NOFA-VT

Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee
Livestream here.

Cat Buxton, Vermont Healthy Soils Coalition
- Chris, West Crescent Farm
Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Shawn Lenihan, Kismet Farm
Stephen Leslie, Owner, Cedar Mountain Farm and Cobb Hill Cheese
Rose Thackeray, Union Brook Farm
Emily Virzi, Union Brook Farm

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Federal Agriculture Issues

Andrew Bahrenburg, Office of Senator Patrick Leahy
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

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Agriculture Issues

Preventing the dumping of milk

Kiersten Bourgeois, Business Development and Communications Manager, Dairy Farmers of America
Jennifer Huson, Senior Director of Council and Industry Affairs, Dairy Farmers of America

11:00 AM

Regional Food System

Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

Friday, April 16, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
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

2:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor adjournment

1:00 PM

Forestry issues

Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Forests. Parks and Recreation

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Agricultural Housing

Joint hearing with House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs. Livestream here.

Dan Baker, Professor of Community Development and Applied Economics, UVM
Marita Canedo, Rep., Migrant Justice
Ernest A. Caswell , Farm Worker Housing Activist, Milton
Tom Fritzsche, Executive Director, Milk with Dignity Standards Council
Liz Gleason, Director, VHCB Farm and Forest Viability Program
John Ryan, Owner, Development Cycles
Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Following Joint Hearing

Committee Check-In

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after House Floor adjourns

Committee Check-In

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Board

Enterprise Finance Options
Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Will Belongia, Vermont Community Loan Fund
Eric DeLuca, Enterprise Financing Options Committee Chair, Working Lands Enterprise Board
Lane Fury, Cooperative Fund of New England
Sarah Isham, Director of Agricultural Lending, Vermont Economic Development Authority
Dave Lane, Senior Vice President, Yankee Farm Credit
Joel Moyer, Fair Food Fund
Benneth Phelps, Dirt Capital Partners
Michael Philipp, Regenerative Food Network
Jon Ramsey, Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy
Siobhan Smith, Vermont Land Trust
Janice St. Onge, President, Flexible Capital Fund
Janice St.Onge, President, Flexible Capital Fund
Gaye Symington, Executive Director, High Meadows Fund
Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Committee Work

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

Agricultural Housing

Liz Gleason, Director, VHCB Farm and Forest Viability Program
Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, April 23, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:00 AM

Council on State Government

Webinar

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor adjournment

2:00 PM

Agricultural Housing

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Liz Gleason, Director, VHCB Farm and Forest Viability Program
Nick Richardson, President & CEO, Vermont Land Trust
Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

8:30 AM

H.218 - An act relating to the sale of unpasteurized raw milk

-

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

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

9:00 AM

Forestry issues

Christi Colton, General Manager, Colton Enterprises
Colleen Goodridge, Owner, Goodridge Lumber
Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Forests. Parks and Recreation

10:00 AM

Vermont Fairs and Field Days

Update

Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:15 PM

House Floor

Friday, April 30, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.102 - An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming

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

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor adjournment

Following caucuses, approx. 1:30 PM

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

3:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:40 AM

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Consideration of Senate Amendment

Julie Boisvert, Meat Inspection Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
Mary Lake, Shearer, butcher, and shepherd, Tunbridge, Vermont
Elizabeth Roma, Putting Down Roots Farm
Shona Sanford-Long, Flying Dog Farm
Chuck Wooster, , Sunrise Farm

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 AM

House Floor

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Agricultural Housing

Marita Canedo, Representative and Translator, Migrant Justice/Justicia Migrante
Jose Ignacio De La Cruz, Dairy Worker, Migrant Justice/Justicia Migrante

10:00 AM

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Kanika Gandhi, Agrichemical Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

10:45 AM

Break

10:55 AM

Rights and Democracy Vermont (RADVT)

Introductions

Dan Fingas, Rights and Democracy
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT

11:45 AM

H.434 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board

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

1:15 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

2:30 PM

Student Research

Policy Research Shop, Dartmouth College, presents two reports:
Regional Food Supply Systems
Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture/PES

Vanessa Haggans, Student, Dartmouth College
Sadhana Hall, Deputy Director, Rockefeller Center, Dartmouth College
William Platt, Office of Public Affairs, Rockefeller Center, Dartmouth College
Ronald Shaiko, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, Curricular and Research Programs, Nelson A. Rockefeller Center, Dartmouth College
Kelly Westkaemper, Student, Dartmouth College
Kate Yuan, Student, Dartmouth College

3:30 PM

H.421 - An act relating to animal cruelty investigation response and training

Brynn Hare, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, May 7, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor

Committee Check-In

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor adjournment

2:15 PM

Committee Check-In

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

12:30 PM

H.420 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee vote on Senate Amendment

1:15 PM

House Floor

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Forestry issues

Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association

9:30 AM

H.88 - An act relating to the use value appraisal program.

Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
Abby Shepard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

10:00 AM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

House Floor

Friday, May 14, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Caucuses will be held following the Floor adjournment

1:00 PM

S.100 - An act relating to universal school meals

Scott Fay, Child Nutrition Manager, Essex-Westford School District
Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network

2:15 PM

Committee Adjourns

2:30 PM

House Floor

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Friday, May 21, 2021

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Committee Check-In

10:00 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:10 AM

Committee Check-In

10:00 AM

Committee Updates

Office of Legislative Counsel

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

12:00 PM

Adjourn

2:00 PM

Governor's State of the State Address

Joint Assembly

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Updates

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Steve Collier, Agency Attorney, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Rebecca Harvey, Director, Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory
Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Committee Updates

Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Forests. Parks and Recreation
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont

3:30 PM

Adjourn

Friday, January 7, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Budget Adjustment

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

9:15 AM

Adjourn

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

Task Force to Revitalize the Vermont Dairy Industry Report

Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Dan Smith, Co-Chair, Task Force to Revitalize the Vermont Dairy Industry

3:30 PM

Adjourn

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Carbon Sequestration

Sara Via, Professor and Climate Extension Specialist, University of Maryland

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Vermont Climate Action Plan

Chris Campany, Member, Steering Committee and Just Transitions Subcommittee, Climate Council
Abbie Corse, Member, Vermont Climate Council
Billy Coster, Director of Policy and Planning, Agency of Natural Resources, Co-Chair, Agriculture and Ecosystems Subcommittee
Jane Lazorchak, Director of Global Warming Solutions Act, Agency of Natural Resources
Lauren Oates, Interim Director of Government Relations, Vermont Climate Council
Ryan Patch, Member, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

11:30 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Fund

Funding request

Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

12:00 PM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Agrimark

Introductions

Clara Ayer, Fairmont Farms, East Montpelier, VT
Catherine DeRonde, Vice President, Economics and Legislative Affairs , Agrimark
Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Agrimark
Joanna Lidback, Wheeler Mountain Farm, Barton, VT

1:45 PM

Animal Welfare

Cows dying from broadband debris

Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Clark Parmalee, Agricultural Resource Management Specialist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

2:45 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Gund Institute for Environment, UVM

Stephen Posner, Director of Policy, Gund Institute for Environment

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Break

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Morgan Griffith, Agrichemical Research and Policy Specialist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Stephanie Smith, Cannabis Quality Control and Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

11:30 AM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

Forest Carbon Sequestration

Alexandra Kosiba, Climate Forester, Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation

2:15 PM

Animal Welfare

Cows dying from broadband debris

F.X. Flinn, Chair, ECFiber

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, January 14, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

Chris Brooks, Owner, Vermont Wood Pellet Company
Colleen Goodridge, Owner, Goodridge Lumber
Mike Rainville, Maple Landmark Woodcraft
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

1:00 PM

Governor's FY2023 Budget Address

Joint Assembly

15 Minutes After Joint Assembly Adjourns

H.566 - An act relating to the establishment of the Vermont Forest Future Program

Walk-through of bill

Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rep. Katherine Sims, Sponsor

3:50 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Center for Agriculture and Entrepreneurship (CAFE)

Pat Moulton , President, Vermont Technical College

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

NOFA-Vermont

Update

Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

H.566 - An act relating to the establishment of the Vermont Forest Future Program

Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association

1:45 PM

Dairy Proposal

Maine Milk Commission

Julie-Marie Bickford, Executive Director, Maine Milk Commission
Tade Sullivan, Executive Director, Maine Dairy Industry Association

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Current Use

Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Keith Thompson, Private Lands Program Manager, Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

New England Feeding New England

Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

H.566 - An act relating to the establishment of the Vermont Forest Future Program

Jack Bell, Long View Forest
Charlie Hancock, Consulting Forester, North Woods Forestry
Sam Lincoln, Principal, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
Christine McGowan, Forest Products Program Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, January 21, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

Carbon Sequestration

Ryan Patch, Agriculture Climate and Land Use Policy Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

2:00 PM

H.504 - An act relating to the reorganization, enhancement, and enforcement of animal welfare requirements in the State

Introduction

Rep. Charles "Butch" Shaw, Sponsor

2:20 PM

Break

2:40 PM

H.610 - An act relating to airport expansion and primary agricultural soils

Introduction

Rep. Lisa Hango, Sponsor

3:00 PM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Introduction

Rep. Amy Sheldon, Sponsor, Chair

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Walk-through of bill

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

10:00 AM

On-farm Slaughter

Julie Boisvert, Meat Inspection Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

11:00 AM

H.653 - An act relating to the creation of an ecological management qualification for the Use Value Appraisal program

Introduction

Rep. Paul Lefebvre, Sponsor

11:20 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

H.610 - An act relating to airport expansion and primary agricultural soils

Walk-through of bill

Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:00 PM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Charles Mraz, Owner, Champlain Valley Apiaries

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Farm to Plate Report

Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

H.566 - An act relating to the establishment of the Vermont Forest Future Program

Zack Porter, Director, Standing Trees
Kathleen Wanner, Executive Director, Vermont Woodlands Association, Administrator, Vermont Wood Works Council

11:30 AM

H.610 - An act relating to airport expansion and primary agricultural soils

Brian Savage, Town Administrator, Swanton, Vermont

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, January 28, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

H.566 - An act relating to the establishment of the Vermont Forest Future Program

Dana Doran, Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine
Joe Short, Vice President, Northern Forest Center

2:00 PM

H.696 - An act relating to on-farm restaurants

Introduction

Rep. Matthew Birong, Sponsor

2:15 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Housekeeping bill

Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

3:00 PM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension

4:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Max Feken, Environmental Toxicologist, Syngenta
Michelle Kopa, Director, State Government Relations and Public Policy - Eastern Region, Household and Commercial Products Association
Jeffrey Miller, President and Executive Director, Treated Wood Council
Caydee Savinelli, Stewardship Team and Pollinator Lead, Syngenta

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Housekeeping bill

Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Food Security

Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Helen Labun, Director, Vermont Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care Association
Mary Kate Mohlman, Director, Vermont Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care Association
Becka Warren, Farm to Plate Strategic Plan Project Coordinator and Editor, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

2:45 AM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.610 - An act relating to airport expansion and primary agricultural soils

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Trini Brassard, Division Deputy Director, Policy, Planning, and Intermodal Development, Agency of Transportation
Heidi Britch-Valenta, Town Administrator, Town of Highgate

9:45 AM

Vermont Federal Legislative Delegation

Update on federal agriculture issues

Tom Berry, Policy Advisor on Agriculture, Conservation, Energy and Natural Resources, Office of Sen. Leahy
Alex Piper, Senior Legislative Assistant, Office of Rep. Welch
Will Stevens, Outreach Representative, Office of Sen. Sanders

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Margaret Fowle, Conservation Biologist, Audubon Vermont
Kent McFarland, Senior Conservation Biologist, Vermont Center for Ecostudies
Judy Wu-Smart, Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska

12:15 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Brooke Decker, Pollinator Protector Specialist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Morgan Griffith, Agrichemical Research and Policy Specialist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

3:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, February 4, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

2:45 PM

Farm to School

Conor Floyd, Grant Program Manager for Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
Trevor Lowell, Farm to Institution Program Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Helen Rortvedt, Farm to School Program Director, NOFA VT
Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network

3:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Samantha Alger, Research Affiliate, Plant and Soil Science Department, University of Vermont
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Andrew Munkres, President, Vermont Beekeepers Association

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition

Update

Guy Choiniere, Owner, Choiniere Family Farms
Julie Curtin, Director of Home Ownership, Champlain Housing Trust
Kelly Dolan, Coordinator, Vermont Migrant Education Program, UVM Extension
Abby White, Vice President for Strategic Communications, Vermont Land Trust
Gregory Witscher, Co-owner, Understory Farm

11:15 AM

H.704 - An act relating to the regulation of accessory on-farm businesses

Rep. Charles Kimbell, Sponsor

11:30 AM

H.705 - An act relating to prohibiting the running of livestock at large

Rep. Felisha Leffler, Sponsor

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Food Security

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

1:30 PM

Committee Discussion and Planning

2:00 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Housekeeping bill

Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Updates
Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Steve Bick, Owner, Northeast Forests LLC
Joe Bossen, Owner, Vermont Bean Crafters and Vermont All Souls
Danielle Fitzko, Director of Forests, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Charlie Hancock, Consulting Forester, North Woods Forestry
Sarah Isham, Director of Agricultural Lending, Vermont Economic Development Authority
Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Molly Mahar, President, Vermont Ski Areas Association
Lynn Ellen Schimoler, Program Manager, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Randall Szott, Former Representative, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Rural Vermont and NOFA-VT

Updates and introductions
Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Jen Daniels, Meristem Farms
Josh Decatur, CEO
Rick Fox, Meristem Farms
Patricia Heck, Mystic Mountain Cannabis
Mark Hughes, Executive Director, Vermont Racial Justice Alliance
Eduardo Jaime, Fine Bud Farms
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Matt Leonetti, , NurseGrown Organics
Charlotte Rootblum, Vermont Cannabis Coaching
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
Ben Wilcox, Off Piste Farm

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

Governor's Proposed FY2023 Budget

Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Kristin Freeman, Financial Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

3:00 PM

H.566 - An act relating to the establishment of the Vermont Forest Future Program

Committee discussion

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, February 11, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after Floor adjourns

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Housekeeping bill

Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
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

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain

Wayne Elliott, committee member, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
Bob Fischer, Water Facility Operator, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
Mark Naud , Chair, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
Hilary Solomon, Conservation District Manager, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
Jeff Wennberg, Retired Commissioner of Public Works, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain

1:45 PM

H.709 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Potential Vote

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Rep. Charles "Butch" Shaw, Chair of Board of Civil Authority, Pittsford, Rutland-6

3:00 PM

Governor's 2022 Supplemental Budget

Dairy Farmer Insurance Support

Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Sen. Robert Starr, Chair, Senate Agriculture Committee

3:45 PM

Adjourn

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.697 - An act relating to eligibility of reserve forestland for enrollment in the Use Value Appraisal Program

Rep. Seth Bongartz, Reporter, House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife
Bill Sayre, Co-owner, A. Johnson Lumber Co., Inc
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Keith Thompson, Private Lands Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

10:00 AM

Vermont Fairs and Field Days

Update

Jackie Folsom, Legislator Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
Alan Howe, President, Tunbridge Fair
Richard Lawrence, President & Director, Caledonia County Fair
Dave Martin, President, Vermont Farm Show
Jason Sicard, President, Orleans County Fair

10:40 AM

Break

10:50 AM

Rights and Democracy Vermont

Neily Jennings, Member, Rights and Democracy
Saudia LaMont, Member, Rights and Democracy
Alison Nihart, Vermont State Director, Rights and Democracy

11:30 AM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Review of House Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Bill H.657

Rep. Seth Bongartz, Co-Sponsor of the bill, House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife

1:45 PM

Governor's Proposed FY2023 Budget

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Amy Mercier, Financial Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Marie Audet, Owner, Blue Spruce Farm
Abbie Corse, Self-Advocate, Corse Family Farm, Vermont Climate Council
Tom Eaton, Agricultural Consulting Services
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont

10:15 AM

Committee Adjourns

10:30 AM

Election of Legislative Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation

Joint Assembly

11:15 AM

Committee Discussion and Planning

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

H.566 - An act relating to the establishment of the Vermont Forest Future Program

Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association

1:45 PM

Vermont Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan

Budget request

Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

2:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, February 18, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after House floor adjourns

Dairy Margin Coverage Program

Support for funding in Supplemental Budget

12:45 AM

H.566 - An act relating to the establishment of the Vermont Forest Future Program

Walk-through of latest draft, 3.2
Possible vote

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

1:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

Review of House Natural Resources Bill H.581

Accessory on-farm business

Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rep. Charles Kimbell, Sponsor, House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development

2:00 PM

Conservation Districts

Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
Jennifer Byrne, District Manager, White RIver Natural Resources Conservation District
Sarrah Damsell, District Manager, Orleans County, Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District
Hilary Solomon, District Manager, Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
Molly Varner, Communications Coordinator, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
Lauren Weston, District Manager, Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council

Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Christina Ashley, Retired Officer, Essex Police Department
Ruth Blauwiekel, Retired, UVM
Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Andrea Etter, Assistant Professor, Nutrition and Food Services Department, UVM
Kristin Haas, State Vet, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Rhonda Miller, Member, Molly Brook Farm
JoAnn Nichols, Member, Humane Society of Chittenden County, HEART Wildlife Removal
Ben Notterman, Owner, Snug Valley Farm
Tara Oeschger, Member, Northeast Kingdom Processing, LLC
Eliza Rutherford, Member, Foxwood Hanoverians
Tracy Webb, Member, National Farmers Organization

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Farm to Plate Report

10 Year Retrospective. Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Abbie Corse, Member, Vermont Climate Council, Corse Dairy Farm
Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

2:00 PM

H.581 - An act relating to rural economic development

Karen Horn, Director, Public Policy & Advocacy, Vermont League of Cities and Towns

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Review of House Natural Resources Bill H.581

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Kevin Geiger, Senior Planner, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission
Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Review of House Natural Resources Bill H.581

Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

11:00 AM

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:15 PM

FY2023 Budget

letter to House Committee on Appropriations

1:30 PM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid 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
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, February 25, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Jared Carpenter, Water Protection Advocate, Lake Champlain Committee
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

1:50 PM

Break

2:00 PM

Ecosystem Services

Ryan Patch, Agriculture Climate and Land Use Policy Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.610 - An act relating to airport expansion and primary agricultural soils

Sen. Randy Brock, Franklin County
Bob Flint, Executive Director, Springfield Regional Development Corporation
Sen. Corey Parent, Sponsor, Franklin County

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Review of House Natural Resources Bill H.581

Chris Campany, Executive Director, Windham Regional Commission
Todd Heyman, Owner, Fat Sheep Farm and Cabins
Rep. Charles Kimbell, Sponsor

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

H.581 - An act relating to rural economic development

Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

15 minutes after floor adjourns

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

4:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.704 - An act relating to the regulation of accessory on-farm businesses

Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

9:45 AM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.610 - An act relating to airport expansion and primary agricultural soils

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Trini Brassard, Division Deputy Director, Policy, Planning, and Intermodal Development, Agency of Transportation
Sabina Haskell, Chair, Natural Resources Board
Alison Stone, Associate General Counsel, Natural Resources Board

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

H.704 - An act relating to the regulation of accessory on-farm businesses

Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, March 11, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.704 - An act relating to the regulation of accessory on-farm businesses

possible vote

Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Sabina Haskell, Chair, Natural Resources Board
Alison Stone, Associate General Counsel, Natural Resources Board

9:25 AM

Committee Adjourns

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Discussion

Sen. Christopher A. Pearson, Sponsor, Senate Committee on Agriculture

9:20 AM

Review of Senate Bill S.258

Sen. Brian Collamore, Reporter, Senate Committee on Agriculture

9:40 AM

H.723 - An act relating to establishing a program to encourage the implementation of year-round agricultural practices

Rep. Brian Cina, Sponsor, Chittenden-6-4

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Vermont Feed Dealers

Stuart Hall, Member, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance, Phoenix Seeds
Mike Thresher, Member, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance, Morrison's Feeds
Art Whitman, Member, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance, A&K Agriservices

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Review of Senate Agriculture Bill S.188

Walk-through of bill and testimony

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Brynn Hare, Executive Director, Cannabis Control Board

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Review of Senate Agriculture Bill S.258

Walk-through of bill and testimony

Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Ryan Patch, Agriculture Climate and Land Use Policy Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, March 18, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor & Caucus

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Pesticides

Changes in pesticide regulations

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
David Huber, Deputy DIrector, Public Health and Agriculture Resources, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Zach Szczukowski, Intern, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Committee Discussion and Planning

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Rural Vermont and NOFA-VT

Member introductions and testimony about On-Farm Slaughter
Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Ali Berlow, On-Farm Slaughter Customer, Author and Writer
Brandon Bless, Bread and Butter Farm, Shelburne, VT
Julie Boisvert, Meat Inspection Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Bill Cavanaugh, Farm Business Advisor, NOFA VT
Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Silene DeCiucies, Farm Business Planner, Center for an Agricultural Economy
Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
Mary Lake, Shearer, butcher, and shepherd, Tunbridge, Vermont
Curt Peterson, Shincracker Icelandic Sheep Farm, Hartland, VT
Elena Roig, Legislative Intern, Rural Vermont
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
Katy Wolfe, Boondoggle Farm, Putney, VT

10:15 AM

Committee Adjourns

10:30 AM

Retention of Superior Court Judges

Joint Assembly

1:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, March 25, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor & Caucus

1:00 PM

Tile Drainage

Josh Faulkner, Director, UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab, UVM Extension
Laura Klaiber, Research Scientist, Miner Institute

2:15 PM

Raw milk

Cynthia Larson, Owner, Larson Farm and Creamery
Rich Larson, Owner, Larson Farm and Creamery

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Field Trip

to Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory
with Senate Agriculture Committee

Rebecca Harvey, Director, Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory

1:00 PM

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

Sen. Corey Parent, , Sponsor

2:45 AM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

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

10:15 AM

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

Gerard Vorsteveld, Owner, Vorsteveld Farm

11:15 AM

Review of S.234 as Passed by the Senate

Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Organic Dairy Processors

update on organic standards

John Cleary, procurement, Organic Valley
Britt Lundgren, Senior Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs, Stonyfield

2:00 PM

Food Security

John Sayles, CEO, Vermont Foodbank
Theresa Snow, Director, Salvation Farms

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, April 1, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

1:00 PM

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

Sam Bellavance, Executive Director, Sunset Lake CBD
Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension
Walter Gladstone, Board Member, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
Rusty Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney, National Agriculture Law Center Staff
Travis Samuels, Zion Growers

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Discussion

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Local Food and Food Security Updates and Requests

Meg Burmeister, Executive Director, Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging
Cynthia Greene, Farm to Early Childhood Partnership Coordinator, Shelburne Farms
Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
Trevor Lowell, Farm to Institution Program Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Helen Rortvedt, Farm to School Program Director, NOFA VT
Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network
Carrie Stahler, Vermont Food Bank
Becka Warren, Food Security Plan Project Manager, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Amanda Witman, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, Vermont Everyone Eats

11:30 AM

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Committee Discussion

1:25 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

Vermont Farm Bureau members

Leon Corse, Owner, Corse Family Farm
Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Frank Kampf, Farmer, Cabot
Jack Rath, Vermont Beekeeper

10:45 AM

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

differences between current law and S.268 concerning Right to Farm

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

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Council of State Governments

Tara Eric, Council of State Governments
Bob Haefner, Council of State Governments

2:00 PM

Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs)

Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, April 8, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

1:00 PM

S.188 - An act relating to regulating licensed small cannabis cultivation as farming

Rick Fox, Meristem Farms

1:45 PM

Break

2:00 PM

S.188 - An act relating to regulating licensed small cannabis cultivation as farming

Sam Bromberg, Mountain Fire Farm

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Enforcement procedures

David Huber, Deputy DIrector, Public Health and Agriculture Resources, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

Right to farm

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

1:45 PM

S.188 - An act relating to regulating licensed small cannabis cultivation as farming

-

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

Steven Thomas, Chicken Wiggle Farm, Chelsea, VT
Kate Thomas, Chicken Wiggle Farm, Chelsea, VT

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Rural Vermont and NOFA-VT

Member introductions and issues
Joint hearing with Senate Agriculture Committee

Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Stephen Leslie, Owner, Cedar Mountain Farm and Cobb Hill Cheese
Suzanne Long, Owner, Luna Bleu Farm
Jon Ramsey, Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy
Shona Sanford-Long, Flying Dog Farm
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
Ryan Yoder, Yoder Farm

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

S.188 - An act relating to regulating licensed small cannabis cultivation as farming

Michael DiTomasso, Hemp Resource Management Specialist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Brynn Hare, Executive Director, Cannabis Control Board
Stephanie Smith, Chief Policy Enforcement Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

Right to farm

Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Matt Strassberg, Director, Vermont Agricultural Mediation Program

1:55 PM

Break

2:00 PM

S.188 - An act relating to regulating licensed small cannabis cultivation as farming

Geoffrey Pizzutillo, Executive Director and CoFounder, Vermont Growers Association
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
Chris White, West Crescent Farm

2:45 PM

Committee Adjourns

3:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, April 15, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

1:00 PM

Review of Senate Judiciary Bill S.268

Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

2:00 PM

S.188 - An act relating to regulating licensed small cannabis cultivation as farming

Michele Childs, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
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

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Rural Vermont and NOFA-VT

Legislative priorities

Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

S.258 - An act relating to agricultural water quality, enforcement, and dairy farming

Consideration of amendment and possible vote

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

11:00 AM

S.188 - An act relating to regulating licensed small cannabis cultivation as farming

Committee discussion

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

House Floor

Following House Floor Adjournment

Committee Discussion

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Discussion

9:30 AM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

S.188 - An act relating to regulating licensed small cannabis cultivation as farming

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

2:00 PM

Break

2:50 PM

S.258 - An act relating to agricultural water quality, enforcement, and dairy farming

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

3:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

Friday, April 22, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.258 - An act relating to agricultural water quality, enforcement, and dairy farming

Possible vote

-

S.188 - An act relating to regulating licensed small cannabis cultivation as farming

Vote

9:25 AM

Committee Adjourns

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucus

1:00 PM

Caucuses

2:00 PM

House Floor

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.709 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
Kati Gallagher, Sustainable Communities Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
Sabina Haskell, Chair, Natural Resources Board
Sen. Corey Parent, Sponsor
Ari Rockland-Miller, Senior Agricultural Development Coordinator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Alison Stone, General Counsel, Natural Resources Board

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

S.234 - An act relating to changes to Act 250

Rep. Seth Bongartz, House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife

11:15 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Budget

Diane Bothfeld, Director of Administrative Services & Dairy Policy, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:15 PM

Recommendations to House Appropriations

Committee letter to House Committee on Appropriations

3:30 PM

Committee Adjourns

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.258 - An act relating to agricultural water quality, enforcement, and dairy farming

Trini Brassard, Assistant Director, Agency of Transportation
Sen. Corey Parent, Sponsor

1:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, April 29, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

12:40 PM

Caucuses & Lunch

2:15 PM

House Floor

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

H.466 - An act relating to surface water withdrawals and interbasin transfers

Ryan Patch, Agriculture Climate and Land Use Policy Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Sen. Christopher A. Pearson, Sponsor

1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

House Floor

Friday, May 6, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Monday, May 9, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

House Floor

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.626 - An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides

Cary Giguere, Policy Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Brynn Hare, Executive Director, Cannabis Control Board
Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

10:00 AM

House Floor

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Friday, May 13, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

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