House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry (Room 49)

The House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry considers matters relating to Agriculture, food resiliency, climate change, mitigation and adaptation, forestry and forest products, State parks and lands, and other similar policies.

Print

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Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

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Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Convenes

1:30 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, January 5, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:00 AM

Joint Assembly

Canvassing Committee Results

11:00 AM

Caucus of the Whole

House Rules and Decorum

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

Committee Organizational Meeting

2:00 PM

Joint Assembly

Governor's Inaugural Address

3:30 PM

Committee Meeting

Tentative

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Friday, January 6, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

-

Caucus of the Whole

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

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Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:15 PM

Committee Meeting

Committee Discussion

2:00 PM

Break

3:00 PM

Walk-through of 2022 Legislation

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

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Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Security Briefing

Will not be livestreamed

• Matthew S. Romei, Chief of Police, Capitol Police Department
  

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Vermont Foodbank Update

• Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• John Sayles, CEO, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

3:00 PM

House Floor

Followed by ethics training for House members

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Thursday, January 12, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Walk-through of 2022 Legislation

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:00 AM

Introduction of Regional Planning Commissions

• Chris Campany, Executive Director, Windham Regional Commission
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation

Updates

• Danielle Fitzko, Interim Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:10 PM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Updates

• Brian Lowe, Executive Director, Vermont Council on Rural Development
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

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Friday, January 13, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 mins after floor

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Policy Overview

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

2021-2030 Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan

Committee Discussion

• Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Kristina Sweet, Assistant Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:10 PM

2021-2030 Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan

Committee Discussion

• Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Kristina Sweet, Assistant Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:30 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

Universal Income Declaration

Walk-through

• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

1:15 PM

Universal School Meals Campaign

Joint Hearing with House Education. The meeting will be livestreamed via the House Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry YouTube channel.

• Anne Bordonaro, Division Director, Federal and Education Support Programs, Agency of Education
  
• Bob Keeley, Education Project Manager, Agency of Education
  
• Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  

2:30 PM

Break

3:00 PM

Rural Vermont

Introductions

• Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  
• Graham Unangst-Rufenacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Walk-through of 2022 Legislation

Accessory On-Farm Businesses

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:15 AM

NOFA-Vermont

Introductions

• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA-Vermont
  
• Grace Oedel, Executive Director, NOFA-Vermont
  

11:20 AM

Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance

Introductions

• Tucker Purchase, Partner, Fairmont Farm, Inc., Board Member, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  
• Bill Rowell, Board Member, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  
• Amanda St. Pierre, Executive Director, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Climate Council Updates

Introduction and Updates - Discussion of Climate Action Plan

• Abbie Corse, Dairy Farmer and Co-Chair of Subcommittee on Agriculture and Ecosystems, Vermont Climate Council
  
• Billy Coster, Director of Policy and Planning, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Jane Lazorchak, Director of the Office of Climate Action, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Ryan Patch, Agriculture Climate and Land Use Policy Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:30 PM

Break Until House Floor

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, January 19, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Vermont Farm Bureau

Introductions

• Amber Perry, Policy Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Abby White, Vice President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Art Whitman, Second Vice President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  

11:00 AM

Universal School Meals Campaign

• Teddy Waszazack, Universal School Meals Campaign Manager, Hunger Free Vermont
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Association of Conservation Districts

Introductions and Updates

• Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  
• Jennifer Byrne, District Manager, White RIver Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Emily Finnegan, District Manager, Caledonia County Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Rick Hopkins, Chair, State Natural Resources Conservation Council and Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Hilary Solomon, District Manager, Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Lauren Weston, District Manager, Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, January 20, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:10 AM

Reports due to Committee

Walk-through

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

11:10 AM

Break

11:20 AM

FY23 Budget Adjustment

Walk-through

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Joint Assembly

Governor's Budget Address

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Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses

11:20 AM

FY23 Budget Adjustment

• Doug Farnham, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Administration
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Natural Resources Board

Discussing Report on Act 250 Jurisdiction over Agricultural Businesses

• Peter Gill, Executive Director, Natural Resources Board
  
• Sabina Haskell, Chair, Natural Resources Board
  
• Alison Stone, General Counsel, Natural Resources Board
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

Universal School Meals Campaign

• Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  

3:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Vermont Natural Resources Council

Introductions

• Jamey Fidel, General Counsel and Forest and Wildlife Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council, The Forest Partnership
  
• Kati Gallagher, Sustainable Communities Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  
• Brian Shupe, Executive Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Introductions

• Glenn Evans, Director, Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Universal School Meals Campaign

Updates from the School Nutrition Association

• Gretchen Czaja, School Nutrition Director, Windsor Central Unified School District
  
• Doug Davis, Former School Nutrition Director, Burlington School District
  
• Erika Dolan, Harwood Unified Union School District, Vice President, School Nutrition Association of Vermont
  
• Scott Fay, Director of Child Nutrition, Essex Westford School District
  
• Karyl Kent, School Nutrition Director, Lamoille North Supervisory Union
  
• Harley Sterling, School Nutrition Director and President of SNAVT, Windham Northeast Supervisory Union
  

2:00 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Farm to Plate Report

Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture. The meeting will be livestreamed via the Senate Agriculture YouTube channel.

• Elaine Brisson, Daona Farm
  
• Marc Brisson, Daona Farm
  
• Kevin Channell, Farm and Forest Services
  
• Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Natasha Duarte, Director, Composting Association of Vermont
  
• Jenne Hull, Follow a Farmer
  
• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Roger Osinchuk, DVM
  
• Chris Wagner, Green Dream Farm
  
• Becka Warren, Food Security Plan Project Manager, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Travis Whitcomb, Rhomanwai Farm
  
• Chuck Wooster, Owner, Sunrise Farm
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Organic Dairy Farm Crisis

Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture. This meeting will be livestreamed via the House Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee YouTube channel.

• Leanna Compagna, Organic Dairy Farmer, Scholten Family Farm
  
• Amanda Ellis-Thurber, Owner, Lilac Ridge Farm
  
• Calvin Gould, Lilac Ridge Farm
  
• Marcy Guillette, Organic Dairy Farmer
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  
• Jen Miller, Farmer Services Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Peter Miller, Organic Farmer, Miller Farm
  
• Shaun Riordan, Co-owner, Grateful Morning Farm
  
• Mike Thresher, Board member, NOFA-VT
  
• Ross Thurber, Owner, Lilac Ridge Farm
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Introductions

• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• E.B. Flory, Dairy Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Kristin Haas, State Veterinarian, Director of Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:10 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Meeting continued

3:00 PM

House Floor

Followed by Ethics Training for House Members

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Friday, January 27, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:15 AM

Climate Council Updates

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

11:15 AM

Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Discussion of Forest Fires and Opening Burning Statutes

• Danielle Fitzko, Interim Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Introductions

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

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Adjourn

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Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Current Use

• Elizabeth Hunt, Current Use Program Supervisor, Department of Taxes
  
• Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:30 PM

H.161 - An act relating to issuance of burning permits

Walk-through

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

2:45 PM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Walk-through

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

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

H.161 - An act relating to issuance of burning permits

Committee Vote

9:30 AM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Walk-through

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

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Federal Delegation

• Ryan McLaren, Outreach Representative, Sen. Peter Welch
  
• David Scherr, State Director, Rep. Becca Balint
  
• Will Stevens, Staff Representative, Sen. Bernie Sanders
  

11:45 AM

Break

12:00 PM

Caucus of the Whole

FY23 Budget Adjustment Act

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Committee Meeting

1:45 PM

Forest Economy Discussion

• Danielle Fitzko, Interim Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Charlie Hancock, Consulting Forester, North Woods Forestry
  
• Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  
• Sam Lincoln, Principal, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
  
• Christine McGowan, Forest Products Program Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Allen Thompson, Board Chair, Vermont Woodlands Association
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 2, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Serve, Learn, and Earn Coalition

• Rhoni Basden, Executive Director, VT Works for Women
  
• Breck Knauft, Executive Director, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
  
• Thomas Longstreth, Executive Director, ReSOURCE
  
• David Mears, Vice President and Executive Director, Audubon Vermont
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Vermont Trails and Greenways Council

Introductions

• Nick Bennette, Executive Director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Co-Chair of the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
  
• Cindy Locke, Executive Director of Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Treasurer, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Walk-through

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Marc Paquette, Section Chief Weights & Measures, Food Safety & Consumer Protection Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

1:50 PM

Break

2:00 PM

Vermont Technical College

Updates on the Agriculture Program

• Parwinder Grewal, President, Vermont State University
  
• Pat Moulton , Executive Director of Workforce Development, Vermont State Colleges
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 3, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 minutes after floor

Committee Not Meeting

Housekeeping and Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch

-

Adjourn

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Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

Current Use

• Danielle Fitzko, Interim Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Keith Thompson, Private Lands Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

Forest Future Strategic Roadmap

• Danielle Fitzko, Interim Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

3:00 PM

Break

3:10 PM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Walk-through

• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Committee Discussion and Review

10:00 AM

Farm to School Awareness Day

• Jim Birmingham, Director of School Nutrition Services, Montpelier Roxbury School District
  
• Tom Brewton , Institutional Sales Associate, Food Connects
  
• Gina Clithero, Farm to Institution Program Manager, Vermont Agency of Agriculture
  
• Ashley Fioretti, Farmer, Farm to School Educator, Little Flower Farm
  
• Conor Floyd, Grant Program Manager for Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  
• Becca Perrin, Food Hub Account Manager, Green Mountain Farm-to-School
  
• Helen Rortvedt, Farm to School and Local Food Access Director and VT FEED Program, NOFA VT
  
• Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Universal School Meals

Walk-through of 2023 Report on Possible Revenue Sources for Universal School Meals

• Julia Richter, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Patrick Titterton, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

2:15 PM

Land Use Change Tax Proposal

• Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
  
• Rebecca Sameroff, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Taxes
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 9, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Walk-through

• Rep. Erin Brady, Bill Sponsor, House Committee on Education
  
• Rep. Jana Brown, Bill Sponsor, House Committee on Education
  

10:30 AM

Farm to School

• Conor Floyd, Grant Program Manager for Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  
• Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Committee Discussion

Organizing and future agenda planning

2:00 PM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Stephanie Smith, Assistant Director, Public Health and Ag Resource Management Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 10, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Followed by Discrimination Prevention Training

11:30 AM

Agriculture Issues

Discussion of Federal and State Agriculture Issues

• Peter Welch, U.S. Senator, Vermont
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

UVM Extension

• Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension
  
• Josh Faulkner, Director, UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab, UVM Extension
  

2:00 PM

Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law School

• Laurie Beyranevand, Director, Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, Vermont Law School
  

2:30 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

Farm to School

• Helen Rortvedt, Farm to School and Local Food Access Director and VT FEED Program, NOFA VT
  

1:45 PM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

• Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  

2:30 PM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

• Michael Leichliter , Superintendent, Harwood Unified Union School District
  

3:00 PM

Act 67

Walk-through

• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

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Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.205 - An act relating to establishing the Small Farmer Diversification and Transition Program

Walk-through

• Rep. Rodney Graham, Bill Sponsor, House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry
  
• Rep. Heather Surprenant, Bill Sponsor, House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry
  

9:20 AM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association
  

10:00 AM

Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain's Future

2023 Lake Champlain Action Plan

• Wayne Elliott, Engineer, 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
  
• Lori Fisher, Executive Director, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
  
• Mark Naud , Chair, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
  
• Denise Smith, Community Health Manager, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
  
• Hilary Solomon, District Manager, Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
  

10:50 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

FY22 Impacts

• Tayt Brooks, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  
• Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Interim Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Ethan Gevry, Owner, Gevry Firewood
  
• Charlie Hancock, Consulting Forester, Northwoods Forestry
  
• Levi Irish, Director of Business Development, Vermont Natural Forest Products
  
• Sarah Isham, Director of Agricultural Lending, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  
• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Brian Leach, Owner, Haystack Farmstead
  
• Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  
• Elizabeth Sipple, Program Lead, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
  

12:30 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

Rights and Democracy Vermont (RADVT) Lobby Day

• Jessica Laporte, Member, Rights and Democracy Vermont
  
• Alex Lintner, Field Organizer, Rights and Democracy Vermont
  
• Ana Mejia , Vermont Organizing Director, Rights and Democracy Vermont
  
• Michael Weiss, Statewide Environmental Justice Organizer, Rights and Democracy Vermont
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 16, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

SNAP Awareness Day

• Johanna Doren, Local Food Access Coordintor, NOFA-VT
  
• Joie Lehouillier, Owner, Foote Brook Farm
  
• Ariana Matthews-Salzman, 3Squares Specialist, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  

9:40 AM

Farm to School

• Mark Boyden, Owner, Boyden Farm
  

10:00 AM

Committee Discussion

Next Steps

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of the Sergeant at Arms
Election of Trustees for the University of Vermont and Vermont State Agricultural College

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.205 - An act relating to establishing the Small Farmer Diversification and Transition Program

Walk-through

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

1:30 PM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Mark-up

• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

2:00 PM

Payment for Ecosystem Services

Working Group Report

• Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Ryan Patch, Agriculture Climate and Land Use Policy Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 17, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Committee Discussion

• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 mins after floor

Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition Day

• Julie Curtin, Director of Home Ownership, Champlain Housing Trust
  
• Allen Karnatz, Champlain Valley Project Director, Vermont Land Trust
  
• Mark Lourie, Rupert Valley Holsteins
  
• Gabrielle Tuite, Owner, Old Road Farm
  
• Abby White, Vice President of Engagement, Vermont Land Trust
  

11:15 AM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Discussion continued

• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Salvation Farms

• Theresa Snow, Director, Salvation Farms
  

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Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

Small Farms Day

• Jennifer Bryne, District Manager, White RIver Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Cat Buxton, Soil Health Working Group representative, Vermont Healthy Soils Coalition
  
• Abe Collins, Co-Founder, Land Care Cooperative
  
• Julie Davenson, President, Board of Directors NOFA-NH
  
• Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  
• Stephen Leslie, Owner, Cedar Mountain Farm
  
• Mario Machado, Postdoctoral Researcher, Gund Institute, UVM
  

2:00 PM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

• Keely Agan, Early Childhood Nutrition Manger, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Gina Clithero, Farm to Institution Program Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Cynthia Greene, Farm to Early Childhood Partnership Coordinator, Shelburne Farms
  
• Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  
• Helen Rortvedt, Farm to School and Local Food Access Director and VT FEED Program, NOFA VT
  
• Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Shelburne Farms
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:10 PM

Break

3:20 PM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Discussion continued

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association

• Bob Allen, Former President, Vermont Fairs & Field Days Association
  
• Jeff Bartley, Sales/Marketing Manager, Champlain Valley Exposition
  
• Ken Button, Addison County Fair and Field Days
  
• Nancy Howe, Member, Tunbridge Fair
  
• Chris Vance, President, Caledonia County Fair
  

9:30 AM

Break

9:45 AM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Committee Discussion

• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

11:15 AM

FY24 Budget

ACCD-DED Appropriation

• Joan Goldstein, Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Agency Budget Overview

AAFM FY24 Budget Overview

• Nicole Dubuque, Director of Administrative Services, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Amy Mercier, Financial Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:00 PM

Farm to Plate

FY24 Funding Request

• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  

2:30 PM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

• Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  
• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 23, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

FY24 Budget

Current Use Digitization

• Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
  
• Rebecca Sameroff, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Taxes
  

10:00 AM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Committee Discussion

• Julia Richter, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

11:00 AM

Future of Agriculture

Overview of Report

• Jed Davis, Commissioner, Future of Vermont Agriculture
  
• Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  
• Mieko Ozeki, Commissioner, Future of Vermont Agriculture
  
• Justin Rich, President, Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association
  
• David Roth, Commissioner, Future of Vermont Agriculture
  
• Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Committee Discussion

• Julia Richter, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

2:30 PM

H.205 - An act relating to establishing the Small Farmer Diversification and Transition Program

Committee Discussion

3:00 PM

House Floor

---

Friday, February 24, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Committee Vote

• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 mins after floor

Current Use

• Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
  
• Rebecca Sameroff, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Taxes
  

11:40 AM

FY24 Budget

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch

-

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

FY24 Budget

Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation

• Ansley Bloomer, Director of Finance and Administration, Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Interim Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

2:00 PM

FY24 Budget

$10M Food Producers and Value-Added Processors Appropriation

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• David Roth, Commissioner, Future of Vermont Agriculture
  
• Kristina Sweet, Assistant Director of Ag Development , Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:00 PM

FY24 Budget

Committee Discussion

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.205 - An act relating to establishing the Small Farmer Diversification and Transition Program

Mark-up

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

10:00 AM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

11:00 AM

FY24 Budget

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

10 mins after floor

FY24 Budget

Committee Discussion

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

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

An act relating to Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection

Overview of H.126

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Rep. Amy Sheldon, Bill Sponsor
  

10:30 AM

An act relating to Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection

• Jamey Fidel, General Counsel and Forest and Wildlife Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council, The Forest Partnership
  
• Lauren Oates, Director of Policy & Government Relations, TNC Vermont
  

11:00 AM

FY24 Budget Appropriations Memo

Committee Discussion

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

10 mins after the floor

FY24 Budget Appropriations Memo

Committee Discussion

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, March 3, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10 mins after floor

FY24 Budget Appropriations Memo

Committee Discussion

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

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

An act relating to Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection

• Sam Lincoln, Principal, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
  
• Allan Thompson, Vermont Woodlands Association
  

---

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

An act relating to Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection

• Amber Perry, Policy Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  

1:30 PM

H.205 - An act relating to establishing the Small Farmer Diversification and Transition Program

Committee Discussion and Vote

2:00 PM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Discussion

2:30 PM

An act relating to Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection

Overview of H.126

• Trey Martin, Director of Conservation and Rural Community Development, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  

3:30 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

Introduction

• Rep. Katherine Sims, Bill Sponsor
  

---

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

• Liz Gleason, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  
• Pollaidh Major, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  
• Trey Martin, Director of Conservation and Rural Community Development, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  
• Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  

10:00 AM

Vermont Land Trust

• Allen Karnatz, Champlain Valley Project Director, Vermont Land Trust
  
• Cara Montgomery, Stewardship Director, Vermont Land Trust
  
• Abby White, Vice President of Engagement, Vermont Land Trust
  

10:45 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Willie Cade, Member, Board of Directors, The Repair Association
  
• Gay Gordon-Byrne, Executive Director, The Repair Association
  
• Kevin O'Reilly, Right to Repair Campaign Director, U.S. PIRG
  
• Kelsey Schweitzer, Member, New England Farmers Union
  

11:30 AM

An act relating to Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection

Overview of H.126

• Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:30 PM

Committee Meeting

Discussion of H.126

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

3:15 PM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Discussion and Vote

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

4:00 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

Walk-through

• David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

---

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Zachary Tomanelli, Communications and Technology Director, VPIRG
  

9:30 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Andy Calderwood, Andersonville Farm
  

10:00 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Chris Gibson, Store Manager, Champlain Valley Equipment
  
• Michael McKenna, Director of Aftermarket, United Ag and Turf Northeast
  
• Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director, Diesel Technology Forum
  
• Joseph Tisbert, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Eric Wareham, Vice President of Government Affairs, North American Equipment Dealers Association
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:00 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Heather Shouldice, Contracts Lobbyist, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  

3:30 PM

Break

3:45 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

Committee Discussion

• David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, March 17, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10 mins after floor

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Rachel Stevens, Associate General Counsel, Department of Environmental Conservation, Agency of Natural Resources
  

-

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Zack Emerson, Owner/Operator, Emerson and Sons Logging, LLC
  

11:30 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

Mark-up

• David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Jack Bell, Co-Founder and General Manager, Long View Forest
  
• Sam Bellavance, Chief Executive Officer, Sunset Lake CBD
  
• Allen Fortier, Service Manager & Lead Mechanic , Long View Forest
  
• Paul Lang, Rottne Forest Machines Product Support, Long View Forest
  

2:00 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Kevin Kenney, Right to Repair Advocate, Farmer from Nebraska
  

2:30 PM

Committee Meeting

Discussion of next week's agenda

---

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Lunch and Caucuses

2:00 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  

2:10 PM

An act relating to Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection

Proposed Amendment

2:30 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

Mark-up

• David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Tourism Day

Agrotourism Theme

• Clara Ayer, Fairmont Farms
  
• David Keck, Owner, Stella 14 Wines
  
• Nick Managan, Partner & Community Marketing Manager, Cabot Creamery
  
• Tara Pereira, Executive Director, Vermont Fresh Network
  

10:00 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Justin Kolber, Chief of Environmental and Public Protection Division, Attorney General's Office
  

11:00 AM

Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition

• Leanna Compagna, Organic Dairy Farmer, Member, Board of Directors
  
• Brian Kemp, President, Board of Directors, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  
• Ramsay Mellish, Organic Dairy and Beef Farmer, Member, Board of Directors
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

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

9:30 AM

H.274 - An act relating to agriculture and nutrition education

Introduction

• Rep. Henry Pearl, Bill Sponsor
  

10:00 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Peter James, Farmer, Monument Farms Dairy
  
• Brian Kemp, Organic Beef Farmer, Mountain Meadows Farm
  
• Timothy White, Maintenance Supervisor, Shelburne Limestone Corporation
  

10:45 AM

Small Farms Day

• Dan Baker, Associate Professor, UVM Farmworker Advocate
  
• Ernest A. Caswell , Farm Worker Housing Activist
  
• Sadie Farris, Farmer, Council Member, Vermont Youth Council
  
• Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  
• Jess Laporte, Land Access and Opportunity Board, Rights and Democracy
  
• Carver Maxwell, Council member, Vermont Youth Council
  
• Jack Thomas, Aspiring Market Farmer
  
• Tanama Varas, Farmer, Farm Employee
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

---

Friday, March 24, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:10 AM

H.205 - An act relating to establishing the Small Farmer Diversification and Transition Program

Appropriations Amendment

• Rep. Tristan Toleno, House Committee on Appropriations
  

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

2:45 PM

H.205 - An act relating to establishing the Small Farmer Diversification and Transition Program

Vote on Appropriations Amendment

-

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

Joint Assembly

Retention of Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges

---

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Todd Hardie, Owner, Thornhill Farm
  

9:40 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Steve Dalphe, Operator, John Deere Forage Harvesters and Krone Mowers
  
• George St. Onge, Custom Cropping Operator, Owner, John Deere Forage Harvesters and Krone Mowers
  

10:00 AM

Vermont Milk Commission

Updates

• Rep. John O'Brien
  

10:30 AM

FY24 Budget

H.494 Section B.1101 (g)(6)

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

10:45 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

Mark-up

• David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

11:30 AM

Lunch

12:00 PM

Caucus of the Whole

FY24 Budget

1:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.274 - An act relating to agriculture and nutrition education

Walk-through

• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:00 AM

FY24 Budget

H.494 Section B.1101 (g)(6)

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

10:30 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

Mark-up

• David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, March 31, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.274 - An act relating to agriculture and nutrition education

• Ian Burfoot-Rochford, Health and PE Specialist, Student Pathways, Agency of Education
  
• Jess DeCarolis, Division Director, Student Pathways, Agency of Education
  

2:00 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

Committee Discussion

• David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

-

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

Committee Discussion and Vote

• David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

1:45 PM

H.368 - An act relating to supporting new farmers, veteran farmers, and farmers who are disadvantaged

Introduction

• Rep. Heather Surprenant, Sponsor
  

2:00 PM

H.368 - An act relating to supporting new farmers, veteran farmers, and farmers who are disadvantaged

Walk-through

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

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

H.274 - An act relating to agriculture and nutrition education

• Gwen Carmolli, President, Vermont Curriculum Leaders Association
  
• Jeff Evans, Executive Director, Vermont Curriculum Leaders Association
  

10:00 AM

H.85 - An act relating to trail accessibility

Introduction

• Rep. Elizabeth Burrows, Sponsor
  

10:20 AM

H.131 - An act relating to the creation of the Green Mountain Recreation Fund

Introduction

• Rep. Katherine Sims, Sponsor
  

10:40 AM

H.467 - An act relating to outdoor recreation

Introduction

• Rep. Dara Torre, Sponsor
  

11:00 AM

H.85 - An act relating to trail accessibility

Walk-through

• Callista Smith, Student Clinician, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

-

H.131 - An act relating to the creation of the Green Mountain Recreation Fund

Walk-through

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

11:30 AM

H.131 - An act relating to the creation of the Green Mountain Recreation Fund

• Nick Bennette, Executive Director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Co-Chair of the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

Committee Discussion of Agenda

Discussion of bills and committee planning

---

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.274 - An act relating to agriculture and nutrition education

• Megan Camp, Vice President and Program Director, Shelburne Farms
  
• Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Shelburne Farms
  

10:00 AM

H.274 - An act relating to agriculture and nutrition education

• Janis Boubol, Agricultural Innovation Instructor, Woodstock Union HS/MS
  
• Schulyer Hagge, Student, Woodstock Union HS/MS
  
• Chelsea McDermott, Student, Woodstock Union HS/MS
  

11:40 AM

Committee Housekeeping

Discussion of next week's agenda and H.274

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

1:45 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Introduction

• Sen. Brian Collamore, Reporter, Senate Committee on Agriculture
  

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 7, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative

• Jackie Dagger, Program Manager, Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative
  
• Rebecca Washburn, Director, Lands Administration and Recreation, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

-

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

2:00 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Walk-through

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

---

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

-

No Committee Meetings Scheduled

Committee Field Trip

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

1:00 PM

House Floor

10 mins after floor

H.457 - An act relating to establishing a tax on the transit of agricultural commodities

Introduction

• Rep. John O'Brien, Sponsor
  

---

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council

Introductions

• Ruth Blauweikel, Member, Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council
  
• Nicole Dubuque, Director of Administrative Services, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Kristin Haas, State Veterinarian, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:00 AM

H.467 - An act relating to outdoor recreation

• Mariah Keagy, VTGC Board Member, Sinuosity Trail Builder
  
• Cindy Locke, Treasurer of Vermont Trails and Greenways Council, Executive Director of Vermont Association of Snow Travelers
  
• Sarah Pelkey, Community Development Director, Town of Poultney
  
• RJ Thompson, VTGC Board Member, Co-Director of Vermont Huts Association
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

10 mins after floor

H.85 - An act relating to trail accessibility

• Peter Jensen, Past President, Professional Trailbuilders Association
  

3:00 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

---

Friday, April 14, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

H.368 - An act relating to supporting new farmers, veteran farmers, and farmers who are disadvantaged

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

2:00 PM

H.274 - An act relating to agriculture and nutrition education

• Tammy Kolbe, Vice Chair, Vermont State Board of Education
  

---

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

Small Farms Day

• Bruce Hennesey, Farmer/Slaughterer, Maple Wind Farm
  
• Nando Jaramillo, Food Producer, Moon & Stars Artisanal Food
  
• Stephen Leslie, Farmer, Cedar Mountain Farm and Cobb Hill Cheese
  
• Graham Unangst-Rufenacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
  

2:15 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Walk-through

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

3:00 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Tucker Diego, Agricultural Products Manager, Food Safety and Consumer Products, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

---

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Ryan Patch, Agriculture Climate and Land Use Policy Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:00 AM

H.467 - An act relating to outdoor recreation

• Mariah Keagy, VTGC Board Member, Sinuosity Trail Builder
  
• Sarah Pelkey, Community Development Director, Town of Poultney
  

11:00 AM

H.467 - An act relating to outdoor recreation

• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Rebecca Washburn, Director, Lands Administration and Recreation, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

H.131 - An act relating to the creation of the Green Mountain Recreation Fund

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

-

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Overview of JFO Fiscal Note

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

2:30 PM

Dairy Margin Coverage Program

• John Roberts, State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency
  
• Dan Smith, Co-Chair, Task Force to Revitalize the Vermont Dairy Industry
  

3:30 PM

Cannabis Background

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

---

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• John Beling, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation
  
• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:15 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Introduction

• Rep. Katherine Sims, Sponsor
  

10:30 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Walk-through

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 21, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 mins after floor

Committee Discussion

Discussion of H.128

-

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

1:20 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Andy Jones, Farm Manager, Intervale Community Farm
  

1:40 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Amber Perry, Policy Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  

2:00 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Walk-through

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

2:30 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Ryan Patch, Agriculture Climate and Land Use Policy Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Ari Rockland-Miller, Senior Agricultural Development Coordinator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:00 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  

---

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Walk-through of stormwater amendment

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

10:00 AM

Acceptable Management Practices for Protecting Watering Quality on Logging Jobs

• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• David Wilcox, Director Watershed Management Division, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

11:00 AM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• James Sherrard, Stormwater Program Manager, Burlington Public Works Department
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 mins after floor

Committee Discussion – next steps

Organizing and next steps

3:00 PM

Soil Conservation Act

Walk-through of 10 V.S.A. § 703

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

-

Adjourn

---

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Soil Conservation Act

Discussion with Conservation Districts

• Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  
• Jennifer Bryne, District Manager, White RIver Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Rick Hopkins, Chair, State Natural Resources Conservation Council and Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Clare Ireland, Finance Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  
• Hilary Solomon, Conservation District Manager, Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
  

10:15 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Peter Gill, Executive Director, Natural Resources Board
  
• Sabina Haskell, Chair, Natural Resources Board
  

11:00 AM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Christine Dougherty, Vice President, Green Mountain Water and Environment Association
  

11:45 AM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion and mark-up

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

15 mins after floor

Program Performance Measures

• Rep. Tristan Toleno, Windham-9
  

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 28, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Dylan Zwicky, Leonine Public Affairs, Partner
  

10:45 AM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Testimony, mark-up, and possible vote

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Cannabis Background

Discussion of some components of H.270

• Geoffrey Pizzutillo, Executive Director and CoFounder, Vermont Growers Association
  
• Graham Unangst-Rufenacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
  

2:10 PM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

2:30 PM

House Floor

As needed

-

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Followed by discrimination prevention training for House members

-

Caucuses and Lunch

15 mins after caucuses

Right to Repair

Review of amendments to H.81

• Rep. Monique Priestley, Bill Reporter, House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

---

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Right to Repair

Walk-through of amendments to H.81

• David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

9:30 AM

S.115 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion and possible vote

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

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Dairy Update

• Laura Ginsburg, Dairy Development and Innovation Lead, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:15 PM

Pilot Program for Virtual Fencing

• Kimberly Hagen, Grazing Outreach Specialist, Agritech Institute for Small Farms
  
• Daniel Smith, Co-Founder, Agritech Institute for Small Farms
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

15 mins after floor

Committee Discussion

Discussion of FY24 Budget

-

Adjourn

---

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Cannabis Control Board

Background on H.270

• Brynn Hare, Executive Director, Cannabis Control Board
  

2:00 PM

Committee Meeting

TBD

3:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, May 5, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Legislative Research Service (VLRS)

• Liz First-Raddock, Legislative Internship Program Instructor, Center for Research on Vermont
  
• Anthony Gierzynski, Director, Vermont Legislative Research Service, UVM
  

1:30 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Rep. Tesha Buss
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Monday, May 8, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Caucuses and Lunch

• Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  

2:00 PM

H.165 - An act relating to school food programs and universal school meals

Review of Senate proposal of amendment

• Julia Richter, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

---

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  

2:00 PM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Review of Senate proposal of amendment

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

3:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Farmworker Housing

• Julie Curtin, Director of Home Ownership, Champlain Housing Trust
  
• Pollaidh Major, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  

2:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, May 12, 2023

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

11:20 AM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Perchlik Amendment

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Abby Shepard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

H.472 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Vote on Senate proposal of amendment

3:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Committee Discussion

Introductions

1:30 PM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Bill introduction

• Rep. Marc Mihaly, House Committee on Appropriations
  

2:15 PM

Break

2:30 PM

Business Emergency Gap Assistance Grant Program Overview

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

3:15 PM

Break

---

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

"The Boy and the Bat"

• Sarah Keblin, Huntington, VT, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  

1:30 PM

Break

2:00 PM

Governor's State of the State Address

Joint Assembly

---

Friday, January 5, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:15 AM

Health of Forest Industry Overview

Joint Hearing with the Senate Committee on Agriculture

• Trevor Allard, Owner, Allard Lumber Company
  
• Cliff Allard, Owner, Allard Lumber Company
  
• Jack Bell, Co-Founder and General Manager, Long View Forest
  
• Dana Doran, Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast
  
• Sam Lincoln, Principal, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
  
• Oliver Pierson, Director of Forestry, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

11:15 AM

Break

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

NOFA Flood Impact Report

• Bill Cavenaugh, Farm Business Advisor, NOFA VT
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  

2:00 PM

Break

---

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Followed by Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

Maple Grants Testimony

• Madison Berry, Grant Program Manager of Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Kristina Sweet, Assistant Director of Agricultural Development, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:15 PM

Break

2:30 PM

H.603 - An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

Introduction

• Rep. Heather Surprenant, Sponsor
  

3:00 PM

H.603 - An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

Walk-through

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

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Committee Discussion

Budget Adjustment Act

11:00 AM

Center for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurship

• Glenn Evans, Executive Director, Center for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurship, Vermont State University
  
• DeMetris Reed, Meat Facility Director, Center for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurship, Vermont State University
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Federal Farm Bill Discussion

• Ivy Enoch, Food Security Advocacy Manager, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.550 - An act relating to expanding eligibility under the local foods grant program

Introduction

• Rep. Henry Pearl, House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:30 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Reports due to Committee

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

10:00 AM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Walk-through

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

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

Organic Dairy Relief Grants

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• E.B. Flory, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Committee Discussion

Organic dairy relief grant review

1:30 PM

H.603 - An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

Witness Testimony

• Julie Boisvert, Meat Inspection Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  
• Rose Thackeray, Farmer, Union Brook Farm
  
• Em Virzi, Farmer, Union Brook Farm
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

---

Friday, January 12, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:45 AM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Witness Testimony

• Mike Carriveau, Resident, Plainfield
  
• Dana Doran, Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast
  
• Sam Lincoln, Principal, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
  
• Peter Youngbaer, Resident, Plainfield
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Budget Adjustment Act

Committee Discussion

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

1:30 PM

Maple Industry Presentation

• James Buck, Board Chair, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association
  
• Allison Hope, Executive Director, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association
  
• Mark Isslehardt, Maple Specialist, UVM Extension
  

3:00 PM

Break

3:15 PM

Budget Adjustment Act

Meals on Wheels Testimony

• Mary Hayden, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

New England Feeding New England

• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:00 PM

Break

3:15 PM

H.603 - An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

• Elizabeth Roma, Farmer, Putting Down Roots Farm
  

3:30 PM

Break

3:45 PM

BAA

Committee vote

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

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

• Chris D'Elia, President, Vermont Bankers' Association
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Megan Hereth, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
  
• Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  
• Meghan Purvee, General Counsel, Forests. Parks and Recreation
  
• Keith Thompson, Private Lands Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Committee discussion

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.550 - An act relating to expanding eligibility under the local foods grant program

Walk-through

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

1:30 PM

H.603 - An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

Committee discussion

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

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.810 - An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Workforce and Housing Directory

Introduction

• Rep. Esme Cole, House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Field Trip - Barre Food Bank Distribution Center

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.603 - An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

• Taylor Blackmer, Farmer, Lucky Fields Farm
  
• Bob Blackmer, Farmer, Lucky Fields Farm
  
• Julie Boisvert, Meat Inspection Section Chief, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  
• Jack Vorster, Farmer, Four Springs Farm
  

2:30 PM

Break

2:40 PM

H.603 - An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

Committee discussion and tentative vote

3:00 PM

House Floor

---

Friday, January 19, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

15 Min After Floor

Committee Discussion

TBD

10:30 AM

Vermont Food Insecurity

• Sam Bliss, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Vermont
  

11:30 AM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

• Tim Lueders-Dumont, Legislative & Asst. Appellate Attorney, Vermont Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.550 - An act relating to expanding eligibility under the local foods grant program

• Liz Kenton
  
• Elyse Perambo, Farm-to-School Program Manager, Green Mountain Farm-to-School
  
• Kayla Strom, The Northeast Organic Farming Association of VT
  

2:15 PM

Break

2:30 PM

Universal School Meals

• Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  

3:00 PM

H.603 - An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

Committee discussion

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

4:00 PM

Adjourn Executive Session and Reconvene Meeting

---

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Followed by Discrimination Prevention Training for Members

-

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

Governor's 2025 Budget Address

Joint Assembly to Receive Budget Message

2:45 PM

H.603 - An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

Committee discussion and tentative vote

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

3:00 PM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Committee discussion

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

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Act 145 of 2022

Committee discussion

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

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Committee Discussion

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

Summer EBT

• Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  

11:45 AM

Lunch

12:45 PM

Food Security Roadmap

• Stephanie Bergen, Public Health Program Administrator, Vermont Department  of Health
  
• Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Monica Collins, Director, Feeding the Valley
  
• Mandy Fischer, Programs Director, Intervale Center
  
• Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Joie Lehouillier, Foote Brook Farm
  
• John Sayles, CEO, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Becka Warren, Farm to Plate Food Security Plan Project Manager, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:45 PM

Break

3:00 PM

House Floor

Followed by Caucus of the Whole - Budget Adjustment Act

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Pollinator Health

Committee Discussion

• Samantha Alger, Research Assistant Professor, Plant and Soil Science Department, University of Vermont
  

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

• Gary Kessler, Citizen, Fayston
  

10:45 AM

Break

10:50 AM

Summer EBT

• Miranda Gray, Deputy Commissioner, Economic Services Division, Department for Children and Families
  
• Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.550 - An act relating to expanding eligibility under the local foods grant program

• Gina Clithero, Farm to Institution Program Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:15 PM

Local Foods Incentive Program

• Conor Floyd, Grant Program Manager for Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, January 26, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:45 AM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

• Dana Doran, Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Sam Lincoln, Principal, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Agricultural Innovation Board

• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Morgan Griffith, Agrichemical Program Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:15 PM

Break

2:30 PM

H.813 - An act relating to establishing the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program

Bill Introduction

• Rep. John Arrison, Sponsor, House Committee on Education
  
• Rep. Michael Mrowicki, Sponsor, House Committee On Government Operations and Military Affairs
  

2:45 PM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Mark-Up

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

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Food Bank and Hunger Free Vermont

• Johanna Doren, Local Food Access Coordintor, NOFA-VT
  
• Ivy Enoch, SNAP Policy and Training Lead, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Nikki Jiraff, Crop Cash User
  
• Joie Lehouillier, Farmer, Foote Brook Farm
  
• Sherry Maher, Market Manager, Brattleboro Winter Farmers Market
  
• Amy Scott, Food Program Manager, BROC Community Action
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.673 - An act relating to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy

Introduction

• Rep. Mike Rice, Sponsor, Bennington-Rutland
  

2:30 PM

Pollinator Health

• Andrew Munkres, Past President, Vermont Beekeepers Association
  

3:30 PM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Walk-Through

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

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain's Future

• Katie Darr, Vermont Citizens Advisory Commission on Lake Champlain's Future
  
• Wayne Elliott, Engineer, 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
  
• Lori Fisher, Nonprofit Executive Director, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain's Future
  
• Denise Smith, Community Health Manager, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain
  
• Hilary Solomon, Conservation District Manager, Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
  

10:00 AM

Break

10:30 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Introduction

• Rep. Robin Chesnut-Tangerman, Sponsor, Rutland-Bennington
  

10:45 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Walk-Through

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

11:30 AM

H.567 - An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops

Introduction

• Rep. Emilie Krasnow, Lead Sponsor, Chittenden-9
  

11:45 AM

H.567 - An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops

Walk-Through

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Farm to Plate Annual Report

• Juan Alvez, Research Associate Faculty, UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture
  
• Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Network Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Kelly Dolan, Farm to Plate Network Manager, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Annie Harlow, Annie Harlow Consulting
  
• Emma Hileman, Program Director, Vermont Farmers Food Center
  
• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Mark Krawczyk, Owner and Operator, Keyline Vermont LLC
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Budget Presentations

Presentation from the Agency of Agriculture

• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Amy Mercier, Financial Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

H.420 - An act relating to establishing a program to encourage the implementation of year-round agricultural practices

Introduction

• Rep. Brian Cina, Sponsor, Chittenden-15
  

10:45 AM

Committee Meeting

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.673 - An act relating to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy

Walk-Through

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

1:30 PM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Committee Discussion and Tentative Vote

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

2:00 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Margaret Fowle, Conservation Biologist, Audubon Vermont
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, February 2, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

H.550 - An act relating to expanding eligibility under the local foods grant program

• Suzanne Podhaizer, Teacher, Danville School
  

11:00 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Forest Parks and Recreation FY25 Budget Review

Presentation from the Department of Forest Parks and Recreation

• Ansley Bloomer, Director of Finance and Administration, Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Barney Hodges, Sunrise Orchards
  

2:45 PM

Committee Meeting

TBD

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

After Caucus

Committee Meeting

12:00 PM

Lunch

Provided by CSG East

1:00 PM

Council of State Governments East Presentation

• Bob Haefner, Council of State Governments
  
• Tara Sad, Council of State Governments
  

2:00 PM

FY25 Budget

Natural Resources Conservation Service Request

• Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  
• Sarah Damsell, District Manager, Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation Districts
  
• Emily Finnegan, District Manager, Caledonia County Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Hilary Solomon, District Manager, Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
  

3:00 PM

Break

3:15 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Kevin Komer, Director of Agronomy, The Club at Spruce Peak
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Joint Hearing with Senate Agriculture - FY23 Annual Report
Room 267, Pavilion
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ogCBBT6D13zAYmsLI0Oiw/featured

• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Shawn Gingue, Dairy farmer, New England Grains
  
• Sarah Gingue, Dairy farmer, New England Grains
  
• Charlie Hancock, Chairman, Working Lands Enterprise Board
  
• Christopher Redder, Mud City Farm
  
• Tucker Riggs, LSF Forest Products
  
• Clare Salerno, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Elizabeth Sipple, Program Lead, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
  
• Eric Skovsted, Joe's Brook Farm
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Walk-through

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.673 - An act relating to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy

• Rebecca Washburn, Director, Lands Administration and Recreation, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

1:30 PM

H.673 - An act relating to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy

• Kelly Ault, Executive Director, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance
  
• Nick Bennette, Co-Chair, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
  
• Abigail Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trails Association, East Burke
  
• Tommy O'Connor, Co-Chair, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
  
• Sharon Plumb, Program Manager, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
  
• Matt Williams, Executive Director, Catamount Trail Association
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  

9:30 AM

Break

9:45 AM

Committee Meeting

10:30 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance

• Larry Gervais, Gervais Family Farm, Vice Chair, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  

11:00 AM

Local Food Incentive and Farm to School Grants

• Angus Baldwin, Farmer, West Farm
  
• Tom Brewton , Food Hub Institutional Sales Associates, Food Connects
  
• Gina Clithero, Farm to Institution Program Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Jake Gallogly, Food Service Manager, Leland and Gray Union Middle and High Schools
  
• Kayla Henry, Teacher, Crossett Brook Middle School
  
• Alyssa Pratt, Support Specialist, Spaulding Educational Alternatives
  
• Betsy Rosenbluth, Farm to School Director, Shelburn Farms, Vermont FEED
  
• Kayla Strom, Farm to School Programs Coordinator, The Northeast Organic Farming Association of VT
  
• Individual Students, Crossett Brook Elementary School
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance

• Denna Benjamin, Riverview Farm, Franklin
  

1:30 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:15 PM

Break

2:30 PM

Flood Recovery/Relief

• Douglas Farnham, Chief Recovery Officer, Department of Finance & Management
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, February 9, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Kent McFarland, Senior Conservation Biologist, Vermont Center for Ecostudies
  

11:00 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Ryan Patch, Agriculture Climate and Land Use Policy Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Forest Futures Roadmap

• Chris Fife, Public Affairs Manager, Weyerhaeuser Company
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Charlie Hancock, Chairman, Montgomery Selectboard
  
• Abigail Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trails Association, East Burke
  
• Christine McGowan, Forest Products Program Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Allan Thompson, Vermont Woodlands Association
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Peter Gill, Executive Director, Natural Resources Board
  
• Sabina Haskell, Chair, Natural Resources Board
  

3:15 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Jon Gaeta, Director of State Affairs, Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment
  
• Gene Harrington, Director of Government Relations in the Northeast, Biotechnology Innovation Organization
  
• Riley Titus, Director of Government Affairs, CropLife America
  

4:15 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucus

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

1:45 PM

Break

2:00 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Chris Campany, Executive Director, Windham Regional Planning Commission
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

2:45 PM

Break

3:00 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Tim Taylor, Former Chair, District 3 Environmental Commission
  

3:30 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Scott McArt, Associate Professor, Department of Entomology, Cornell University
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:40 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• John McCann, Owner, North Branch Vineyards, Montpelier
  
• Laura Olsen, Farmer and Co-Owner, Green Mountain Girls Farm
  
• Sam Smith, Farm Business Specialist, Intervale Center
  

10:40 AM

Break

11:00 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Clara Ayer, Fairmont Farms, Agri-Mark
  
• Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Network Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FY25 Budget

Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition and farmland conservation

• Gus Griffin, Farmer, Glinnis Hill Farm
  
• Britt Haselton, Conservation Director, Vermont Land Trust
  
• Lissy Heminway, Farmer, Wiley Side Farm
  
• Allen Karnatz, Champlain Valley Project Director, Vermont Land Trust
  
• Jake Kornfeld, Farmer, Farm Upstream
  
• Holly McClintock, Agricultural Cultural Program Coordinator, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  

1:45 PM

Break

2:00 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Shane Keady, Dairy Consultant, Orange County Farm Bureau
  
• Emily May, Pollinator Conservation Specialist, Pesticide Program
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:45 AM

H.877 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of Adjutant and Inspector General and Vermont State College Trustees

11:00 AM

Break

11:30 AM

H.624 - An act relating to providing financial assistance to the forest economy

• Katherine Sims, Sponsor, Orleans-4
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Asa Baer, Farmer, Knob Hill Farm
  
• Bruce Chapell, Farmer, Templeton Farm Grass Fed Beef and Maple Syrup
  
• Todd Heyman, Owner, Fat Sheep Farm and Cabins
  
• Steve Palmer, Owner, Shelburne Sugarworks LLC
  

2:45 PM

Break

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, February 16, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Dylan Hurtubise, Owner, L&F Hurtubise and Sons
  
• Kevin Kouri, Owner, Phoenix Feeds
  
• Tucker Purchase, Partner, Fairmont Farm, Inc., Board Member, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  
• Aaron Smith, CEO, S&D Landscapes LLC
  
• Bradley St. Pierre, Pleasant Valley Farm, Richford
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Tad Cooke, Principal, Larkelea
  
• Paul Ralston, President, Little Village Enterprise
  
• Ben Tipton, Farmer, Firefly Farm at Burke Hollow
  

2:30 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Forestry testimony

• Eli Gould, Founder, STIX, L3C
  
• Charlie Hancock, Chairman, Working Lands Enterprise Board
  
• Tucker Riggs, LSF Forest Products
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:10 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Forestry testimony

• Heath Bunnell, Owner, Kirby Mulch
  
• Dana Doran, Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast
  
• Colleen Goodridge, Owner, Goodridge Lumber
  

3:10 PM

Break

3:20 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Forestry testimony

• Al Kaiman, Resident, Middlesex
  
• Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  
• Sam Lincoln, Principal, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Committee discussion

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

10:00 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Marie Audet, Blue Spruce Farm, Agri-Mark
  
• Tim Kayhart, Kayhart Brothers Farm
  
• Brian Kemp, Organic Beef Farmer, Mountain Meadows Farm
  
• Vijay Nazareth, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  
• Graham Unangst-Rufehacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
  

10:45 AM

Break

11:15 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Seth Leach, Owner, Woodlawn Farm
  

11:30 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Follow-up

• Denna Benjamin, Riverview Farm, Franklin
  

11:45 AM

Vermont Fairs Association

• Scott Bushee, President of the Board, Bondville Fair
  
• Nancy Howe, Chair, Hartford Board of Civil Authority/Abatement
  
• Rick McKryker
  
• Chris Vance, President, Caledonia County Fair
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FY25 Budget

Food Security request and Serve Learn Earn request

• Johanna Doren, Local Food Access Coordintor, NOFA-VT
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  
• Margaret Loftus, Farmer, Crossmolina Farm
  
• Vanessa Rose, Farmer, Leaping Bear Farm
  

1:45 PM

Break

2:00 PM

FY25 Budget

Land Access and Opportunity Board request and VT Foodbank request

• Rhoni Basden, Executive Director, VT Works for Women
  
• Kate Gluckman, Director, Serve Learn Earn
  
• Jean Hamilton, Director of Program Development, Land Access and Opportunity Board
  
• Breck Knauft, Executive Director, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
  
• Thomas Longstreth, Executive Director, ReSOURCE
  
• Ornella Matta-Figueroa, Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, Land Access and Opportunity Board
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

3:30 PM

FY25 Budget

Land Access and Opportunity Board request and VT Foodbank request

• John Sayles, CEO, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Committee Discussion

• Jeff Cook, Administrative Services Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Nina Gage, Assistant Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Amy Mercier, Financial Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

9:45 AM

ARPA Funds

Committee discussion

10:00 AM

H.673 - An act relating to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy

• Sharon Plumb, Program Manager, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:40 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Jamey Fidel, General Counsel and Forest and Wildlife Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council, The Forest Partnership
  
• Jon Groveman, Policy and Water Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  

11:15 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Committee discussion and mark-up

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Jason Batchelder, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation
  
• Nat Shambaugh , Retired Chemist, Pesticides Expert
  

1:45 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Committee discussion

2:15 PM

Break

2:30 PM

ARPA Discussion

• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Frank Spaulding, Parks Projects Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, February 23, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Peter Miller, Organic Farmer, Miller Farm
  

10:45 AM

Break

11:15 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Committee discussion

• Sam Lincoln, Principal, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

• Louis Robert, Quebec Agronomist
  

1:45 PM

Break

2:00 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Committee discussion and mark-up

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

2:30 PM

Committee Discussion

Budget funds

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

11:45 AM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Committee discussion

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:15 PM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Ammendment walk-through

• Rep. Ela Chapin, Reporter, House Committee on Judiciary
  
• Michael O'Grady, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

1:45 PM

H.877 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

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

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Committee Discussion

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

3:00 PM

Break

3:15 PM

H.813 - An act relating to establishing the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program

• Rep. John Arrison, Wellwood Orchard
  
• Casey Darrow, Green Mountain Orchards
  
• Joseph Dutton, Owner, Dutton Berry Farm
  
• Simon Renault, Scott Farm
  

4:00 PM

H.128 - An act relating to removing regulatory barriers for working lands businesses

Committee vote

4:15 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Committee discussion

4:30 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

H.664 - An act relating to designating a State Mushroom

Introduction

• Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun, Sponsor, Windham-3
  

9:30 AM

H.664 - An act relating to designating a State Mushroom

Walk-through

• Tim Devlin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

9:50 AM

Break

10:00 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Committee discussion

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

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Committee vote

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

11:15 AM

H.813 - An act relating to establishing the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program

Walk-through

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

11:30 AM

H.624 - An act relating to providing financial assistance to the forest economy

Walk-through

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.813 - An act relating to establishing the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program

• David Keck, Owner, Stella 14 Wines, Vermont Grape & Wine Council
  
• John McCann, Owner, North Branch Vineyards, Montpelier
  
• Philip Murdock, Owner, Chapin Orchard
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.673 - An act relating to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy

Committee discussion

• Rep. Mike Rice, Sponsor, Bennington-Rutland
  
• Jill Sudhoff-Guerin, Maidstone Public Relations, Vermont Medical Society
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.664 - An act relating to designating a State Mushroom

• Christopher Denette, Wild Mushroom Food & Safety Educator
  
• Meg Madden, Mycologist, Spore Stories
  
• Ari Rockland-Miller, Senior Agricultural Development Coordinator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.664 - An act relating to designating a State Mushroom

• John Austin, Wildlife Division Director, Department of Fish and Wildlife
  
• Terrance Delaney, Associate Professor of Plant Biology, University of Vermont
  
• Grace Glynn, State Botanist, Department of Fish and Wildlife
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.624 - An act relating to providing financial assistance to the forest economy

• Dana Doran, Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast
  

1:30 PM

H.877 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Nina Gage, Assistant Director, Water Quality Division, 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
  
• Stephanie Smith, Agency of Agriculture
  

2:30 PM

Break

2:45 PM

Budget Memo Discussion

Committee discussion

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, March 1, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of Sergeant at Arms

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Budget Memo Discussion

Committee discussion

2:15 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

After Floor

Committee Meeting

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

H.664 - An act relating to designating a State Mushroom

Student testimony

• Nicholas Duprey, Student, The Compass School
  
• Lydia Dutton, Student, Windham Elementary School
  
• Zinth Holder, Student, The Compass School
  
• George Pelton, Student, Windham Elementary School
  
• Charles Pelton, Student, Windham Elementary School
  
• Mustapha Tucker, Student, The Compass School
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.624 - An act relating to providing financial assistance to the forest economy

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

3:00 PM

H.624 - An act relating to providing financial assistance to the forest economy

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

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.813 - An act relating to establishing the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program

• Terence Bradshaw, Assistant Professor, UVM Extension
  
• Barney Hodges, Sunrise Orchards
  
• John Roberts, State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency
  

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

H.813 - An act relating to establishing the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program

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

11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

H.813 - An act relating to establishing the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.673 - An act relating to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy

Committee discussion and vote

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

1:30 PM

H.664 - An act relating to designating a State Mushroom

Committee vote

2:00 PM

H.624 - An act relating to providing financial assistance to the forest economy

• Tom Pavlesich, Forestry Program Manager, Watershed Agricultural Council
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.550 - An act relating to expanding eligibility under the local foods grant program

Committee discussion

9:45 AM

Break

10:00 AM

Clean Water Report

• Claire Madden, Water Investment Division Environmental Analyst, DEC
  
• Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

H.624 - An act relating to providing financial assistance to the forest economy

• Ashlynn Doyon, Director of Policy, Office of the State Treasurer
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Rural Vermont Annual Small Farm Action Day

• Kate Blofson, Beekeeeper, Born to Swarm Apiaries
  
• Olga Cruz, Farmer, Migrant Justice
  
• Diego Flores, Farmer, Migrant Justice
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  
• Lilian Krugman, ACORN
  
• Will Lambeck, Advocate, Migrant Justice
  
• Stephen Leslie, Farmer, Cedar Mountain Farm
  

2:00 PM

H.624 - An act relating to providing financial assistance to the forest economy

• Sam Lincoln, Principal, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
  

2:30 PM

H.813 - An act relating to establishing the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program

Committee discussion

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

3:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, March 15, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

H.877 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

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

11:30 AM

H.813 - An act relating to establishing the Tree Fruit Farmer Assistance Program

Committee discussion and vote

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

11:45 AM

H.624 - An act relating to providing financial assistance to the forest economy

Committee discussion and vote

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.877 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee vote

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

1:15 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:45 AM

H.626 - An act relating to animal welfare

Introduction

• Rep. Chea Waters Evans, Sponsor, House Committee On Government Operations and Military Affairs
  

10:15 AM

H.626 - An act relating to animal welfare

Walk-through

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

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

H.664 - An act relating to designating a State Mushroom

Ammendment walk-through

• Rep. John L. Bartholomew, Sponsor of amendment, Windsor-1
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

H.626 - An act relating to animal welfare

Committee discussion

10:15 AM

Break

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, March 22, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

12:15 PM

H.877 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

House Committee on Ways and Means ammendment review

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Judicial retention

11:30 AM

Cauccuses

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:40 AM

Security Briefing

• Agatha Kessler, Sergeant-At-Arms, Vermont State House
  
• John Poleway, Chief, Capitol Police Department
  
• Kevin Williams, Acting Chief, Capitol Police Department
  

10:00 AM

H.567 - An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops

• JoAnne Bourbeau, Northeast Regional Director, Humane Society of United States
  
• Pamela Krausz, Vermont Humane Federation
  
• JoAnn Nichols, Member, Humane Society of Chittenden County, HEART Wildlife Removal
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

H.567 - An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops

• Amy Jesse, Public Policy Director, Puppy Mills , Humane Society of the United States
  
• Taylor Livelli, Government Affairs Manager, Pet Advocacy Network
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center

• Laura Ginsburg, Dairy Development and Innovation Lead, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:00 AM

Best Management Practices for the Use of Insecticide Treated Article Seeds

Report walk-thru

• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

School Nutrition Day

• Scott Fay, Director of Child Nutrition, Essex Westford School District
  
• Bob Hildebrand, SNS Food Service Director, The Abbey Group
  
• Harley Sterling, School Nutrition Director and President of SNAVT, Windham Northeast Supervisory Union
  
• Teddy Waszazack, Legislative Policy Lead, Hunger Free Vermont
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, March 29, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

10:00 AM

House Floor

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

Committee Discussion

TBD

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

H.596 - An act relating to eligibility of reserve forestland for use value appraisal

Introduction

• Rep. Gabrielle Stebbins, Sponsor, House Committee on Environment and Energy
  
• Keith Thompson, Private Lands Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

10:00 AM

H.567 - An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops

• Kristin Haas, State Veterinarian, Director, Food Safety, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

S.301 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

S.301 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Tucker Diego, Agricultural Products Manager, Food Safety and Consumer Products, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• David Huber, Deputy Director Public Health and Agriculture Resources, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Kaitlynn Levine, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:45 AM

Break

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 5, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

Committee Discussion

TBD

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.567 - An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops

• Jessica Hekman, President, The Functional Dog Collaborative
  

1:30 PM

Salvation Farms Update

• Tony Risitano, Salvation Farms
  
• Theresa Snow, Director, Salvation Farms
  

2:30 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Agriculture and 30 X 30

• Jennifer Byrne, District Manager, White River Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  
• Scott Magnan, Board Chair, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Farmworker Housing

• Dan Baker, Associate Professor, UVM Farmworker Advocate
  
• Ernest A.(Buster) Caswell, Farm Worker Housing Advocate, Milton
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:00 PM

H.567 - An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops

• Phil Guidry, Policy Director, American Kennel Club
  
• Mary McFaun, President, Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Agri-Mark 101

• Alison Kosakowski Conant, Agri-Mark Farmer, Richmond, VT
  
• Paul Doton, Dairy Farmer and Board Chair, Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance
  
• Catherine de Ronde , Vice President, Economics and Legislative Affairs , Agri-Mark
  

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

H.567 - An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops

• Justin Kolber, Chief of Environmental and Public Protection Division, Attorney General's Office
  

11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Viticulture and Grape Growing in Vermont

• David Keck, Owner, Stella 14 Wines, Stella 14 Wines
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 12, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Committee Discussion

Agricultural property transfers

• Rep. Henry Pearl, House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry
  

11:00 AM

Dairy Update

• Laura Ginsburg, Dairy Development and Innovation Lead, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

S.301 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Sarah Isham, Director of Agricultural Lending, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  
• Cassie Polhemus, Chief Executive Officer, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  

2:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

Committee Discussion

Agricultural property transfers

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Abby Shepard, Executive Policy Advisor, Department of Taxes
  

2:00 PM

H.567 - An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops

• John Goodwin, Senior Director, Stop Puppy Mills Campaign
  
• Linda Huebner, Contractor, Companion Animal Protection Society
  

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Maple Update

• James Buck, Board Chair, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association
  
• Allison Hope, Executive Director, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association
  
• Mark Isslehardt, Maple Specialist, UVM Extension
  

10:15 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Reserved Forest Land Current Use Update

• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Keith Thompson, Private Lands Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:30 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

2:00 PM

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

• Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Nina Gage, Assistant Director, Water Quality Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:00 PM

Dairy Update

• Laura Ginsburg, Dairy Development and Innovation Lead, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

4:00 PM

Adjounrment

---

Friday, April 19, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

Local Food

• Erica Wilson, Manager, Butterworks Farm
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board Update

• Stacy Cibula, Agriculture Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  
• Calley Hastings, Farm and Forest Viability Program Manager, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  
• Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

S.301 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Introduction

• Sen. Irene Wrenner, Chittenden-North District
  

2:30 PM

S.301 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Walk-through

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

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

---

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Collective Bargaining Rights

Introduction to S.102

• Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Rep. Thomas Stevens, House Committee on General and Housing
  

10:30 AM

S.301 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Discussion

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

11:00 AM

Collective Bargaining Rights

Committee Discussion of S.102

• Judith Dillon, Executive Director, Labor Relations Board
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:30 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Collective Bargaining Rights

Committee Discussion S.102

• Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

S.301 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee vote

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

11:00 AM

Collective Bargaining Rights

Committee Discussion S.102

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Jackie Folsom, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:15 PM

Collective Bargaining Rights

Committee discussion S.102

• Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 26, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Jumping Worms Update

• Mark Ferguson, Wildlife Biologist, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
  

2:15 PM

Collective Bargaining Rights

Committee Discussion of S.102

• Will Lambek, Organizer, Migrant Justice
  
• Liz Medina, Executive Director, AFL- CIO
  

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

S.102 - An act relating to expanding employment protections and collective bargaining rights

Committee Discussion

• Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:00 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

S.102 - An act relating to expanding employment protections and collective bargaining rights

Tentative Vote

• Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

4:30 PM

Budget Discussion

Vermont Association of Conservation Districts and NOFA Vermont

• Clare Ireland, Finance Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA VT
  

4:45 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Committee Discussion
Vote on Senate Proposal of Amendment

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

-

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Field Trip

Proctor Maple Research Center

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:15 PM

Budget Discussion

Vermont Association of Conservation Districts and NOFA Vermont

2:30 PM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Committee Discussion

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Equine Industry Update

• Mindy Hinsdale, Retired Horse Farmer
  
• Christina Rohan, Equine Studies Lecturer, University of Vermont
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Avian Flu and Cattle Update

• Kristin Haas, State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Kaitlynn Levine, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

11:15 PM

Budget Discussion

Vermont Association of Conservation Districts and NOFA Vermont

11:30 AM

H.706 - An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides

Senate proposal of ammendment - committee vote

11:45 PM

Hunger Free Vermont

Restaurant meals testimony

• Teddy Waszazack, Legislative Policy Lead, Hunger Free Vermont
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, May 3, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Committee discussion

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

1:15 PM

House Floor

3:30 PM

Adjourn

---

Monday, May 6, 2024

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

11:00 AM

H.81 - An act relating to fair repair of agricultural equipment

• Rik Sehgal, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

11:45 AM

H.614 - An act relating to land improvement fraud and timber trespass

Committee discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

-

Adjourn

---