Senate Committee on Agriculture (Room 28)

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

Print

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Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Meeting Details

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Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Senate Floor

Elections of Senate officers

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Thursday, January 9, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Joint Assembly

Receive report of Canvassing Committee

2:00 PM

Joint Assembly

Governor's Inaugural Address

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Friday, January 10, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Committee - Welcome Back

10:45 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

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Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

10:00 AM

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

Senate Chambers

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

Introductions and Discussion

NOFA-VT

• Johanna Doren, Direct Markets and Local Food Access Program Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA-VT
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Introductions and Discussion

Legislative Counsel Staff

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

9:30 AM

Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association

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

10:00 AM

Introductions

Vermont Food Bank

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

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

Introductions and Discussion

Vermont Farm Bureau

• Jeannette Cole, President, Vermont Horse Council
  
• Jackie Folsom, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Heidi Krantz, Member, Vermont Horse Council
  
• Eliza Schraver, Southern Field Representative, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Mary White, Fort Waite Holsteins LLC, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Arthur Whitman, Vermont Seed Dealers Association, member, Vermont Farm Bureau
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, January 16, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Introductions and Discussion

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

• Cheryl Achilles, Director, Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• E.B. Flory, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, 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
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Introductions and Discussion

Food Security Roadmap to 2035

• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Autumn Moen, Legislative Policy Lead, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Becka Warren, Food Security Roadmap Coalition Manager, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, January 17, 2025

Meeting Details

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Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Economic Development Authority

Introductions

• Cassie Polhemus, Chief Executive Officer, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  

9:45 AM

Committee Legislative Review

Discussion of last year's Senate Agriculture Committee work

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

10:30 AM

Agency of Agriculture Introductions

Water Quality Division

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

11:15 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

Followed by Discrimination Prevention Training

11:00 AM

Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance

• Walter Gladstone, Newmont Farm, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  
• Chanin Hill, Four Hills Farm, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance Board
  
• Kevin Kouri, Director of Nutrition and Sales, Phoenix Feeds and Nutrition
  
• Emma Shouldice, Lobbyist, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  
• Amanda St. Pierre, Pleasant Valley Farms, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Meeting Details

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Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain's Future

Introductions and overview

• Breck Bowden, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee
  
• Karina Dailey, Vice Chair, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee
  
• Bob Fischer, Water Facility Operator, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee
  
• Lori Fisher, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Committee, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee
  
• Andrew Milliken, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee
  
• Mary Perchlik, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee
  
• Denise Smith, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee Chair
  
• Hilary Solomon, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee
  

9:45 AM

Rural Vermont

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

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Herd Management Technology

• Kristan Doolan, Owner, Does Leap Farms
  
• Ben Notterman, Owner, Snug Valley Farm
  
• Jackie Pratt, Green Mountain Stowe Electric Department
  
• Daniel Smith
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

3:45 PM

Legislative Briefing

House Chamber

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Thursday, January 23, 2025

Meeting Details

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Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Business Emergency Gap Assistance Grant Program Overview

• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Brett Long, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
  
• Mary Montour, Agricultural Water Quality Program Coordinator Supervisor, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

9:30 AM

New England Dairy Business Innovation Center

Introduction and Overview
Dairy Update

• Laura Ginsburg, Dairy Strategy and Innovation Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:30 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Vermont CAFO Program

Agency of Natural Resources
Department of Conservation

• Catherine Gjessing, General Counsel, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Peter LaFlamme, Director, Watershed Management Division, Department of Environmental Conservation
  
• Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, January 24, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Land Trust

• Tracy Zschau, President, Vermont Land Trust
  

9:45 AM

Cannabis Control Board

Introductions and Overview

• Kyle Harris, Board Member, Cannabis Control Board
  
• Julie Hulburd, Board Member, Cannabis Control Board
  
• James Pepper, Chair, Cannabis Control Board
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:40 AM

Vermont Cannabis Equity Coalition and Land Access and Opportunity Board

Introductions and Overview

• Jessilyn Dolan, Co Founder, Green Mtn. Patients' Alliance
  
• Jean Hamilton, Director of Program Development, Land Access and Opportunity Board
  
• Mark Hughes, Executive Director, Co-Chair, Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, Health Equity Advisory Commission
  
• Ornella Matta-Figueroa, Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, Land Access and Opportunity Board
  
• Geoffrey Pizzutillo, Executive Director and CoFounder, Vermont Growers Association
  
• Graham Unangst-Rufenacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
  

11:15 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 minutes after Senate adjourns

Center For an Agricultural Economy

Introductions and Overview

• Jon Ramsey, Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy
  

11:00 AM

Clean Water Performance Report

• Emily Bird, Program Manager, Clean Water Initiative, Department of Environmental Conservation, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Claire Madden, Clean Water Initiative Program Tracking & Accounting Supervisor, Department of Environmental Conservation
  
• Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Hunger Free Vermont

• Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  

9:40 AM

Break

9:50 AM

UVM Extension

Introduction and Overview

• Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension
  

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association

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

12:00 PM

Committee Adjourns

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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Security Briefing

This will not be livestreamed due to sensitive content.

• Emily Grant, Capitol Police Officer
  
• Agatha Kessler, Sergeant at Arms, Vermont General Assembly
  
• John Poleway, Chief of Capitol Police, Capitol Police Department
  
• Joe Tremblay, , Capitol Police Department
  

10:10 AM

Farm Service Agency Vermont

Introduction and overview

• Lana Walden, Deputy State Executive, Farm Service Agency
  

10:35 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Farmers Watershed Alliance

• Wayne Fiske, Member, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  
• Larry Gervais, Gervais Family Farm, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  
• Sara Gratz, Program Coordinator, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  
• Dan Laravee, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  
• Scott Magnan, Board Chair, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  
• Roland Rainville, Farmer, Farmers Watershed Alliance
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, January 31, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

To Be Scheduled

Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

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

11:15 AM

Committee Adjourns

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Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 minutes after Senate adjourns

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Introductions and Update

• Liz Gleason, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  
• Holly McClintock, Agricultural Program Coordinator
  
• Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Agricultural Development Grants final report
FY24 Agricultural Development Division Grant Demographic Report and Investment Data

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

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Dairy Pricing

• Bob Gray, Dairy Policy Advisor
  
• Bill Rowell, Board Member, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  

9:45 AM

Young Farmers

• Kylie Chittenden, Vermont Dairy Producers Association member, Richville Farm
  
• Britney Cyr, Four Hills Farm
  
• Keith Lanphear, Farmer, Lanphear Farm
  
• Stephanie Pope, North Wind Acres Farm
  
• Bradley St. Pierre, Pleasant Valley Farm, Richford
  

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Federal Delegation

Update on agriculture-related issues at the federal level

• Ryan McLaren, Outreach Representative, Sen. Peter Welch
  
• Haley Pero, Outreach Staff, Office of Senator Bernie Sanders
  
• Thomas Renner, Community Liaison, Office of Congresswoman Becca Balint
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, February 6, 2025

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

3Squares VT Awareness Day

• "Krystale" Shannon Aloise, SNAP and Crop Cash participant
  
• Kayleigh Boyle, Breadseed Farm
  
• Johanna Doren, Direct Markets and Local Food Access Program Director, NOFA-VT
  
• John Sayles, CEO, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Stoni Tomson, Owner, New Tradition Farm
  
• Hayley Williams, Manager, Hardwick Farmers Market
  

9:45 AM

Vermont Farmers Food Center

Introduction and overview

• Heidi Lynch, Executive Director, Vermont Farmers Food Center
  

10:30 AM

Adjourn

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Friday, February 7, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Farm Inputs

Feed, fertilizer, pesticides

• Nate Choiniere, Nutrien Ag Solutions
  
• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Brad Lawes, Owner, Lawes Agricultural Services
  

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition

• Tim Kayhart, Vice President, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  
• John Lucas, Board Member, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  
• Ramsay Mellish, President, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  
• Holly Menguc, Member, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  
• Vijay Nazareth, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  
• Lorenzo Whitcomb, Board Member, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  

11:15 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Convenes

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Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Senate Adjourns

Working Lands Program Overview

• Alyson Eastman, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Elisabeth Nance, Designee, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  
• Clare Salerno, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Program Staff, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Elizabeth Sipple, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Program Staff, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Alisha Utter, Vice-Chair, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

11:25 AM

Break for Lunch

11:30 AM

Vermont Veterinary Medical Association

Introduction and overview

• Karen Bradley, Chair of the Government Relations Committee, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

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Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Farm to School and Early Childhood Day

• Sam Bromley, Teacher, Montpelier High School
  
• Gina Clithero, Farm to Institution Program Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Dana Hudson, Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Network, Shelburne Farms
  
• Nando Jaramillo, Food Producer, Moon & Stars Artisanal Food
  
• Mischa Johnson, Food Service Director, White River Valley School District
  
• Chi-Chi MacVicar-Ceckler, Student, Montpelier High School
  
• Aziza Malik, Teacher, Champlain Elementary
  
• Ibrahim Mohamed, Student, Champlain Elementary
  
• Shania O'Neill, Student, Champlain Elementary
  
• Becca Perrin, Food Hub Account Manager, Green Mountain Farm-to-School
  
• Brigitte Savard, Teacher, Montpelier High School
  
• Kayla Strom, Farm to School Programs Coordinator, NOFA-VT
  
• Maddie Wegner, Student, Champlain Elementary
  

10:00 AM

Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day

• Georgia Gould, Kingdom Trails Landowner, Burke, VT
  
• Abigail Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trails Association, East Burke
  
• Shelby Semmes, Vice President, Trust for Public Lands
  

10:45 AM

Break

10:55 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Fund

Recipients of Working Lands grants

• Mark Goodrich, Part owner, Goodridge Lumber
  
• Annie Myers, Owner, Myers Produce LLC
  
• Elizabeth Sipple, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Program Staff, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Rose C. Thackery, Owner, Union Brook Farm
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, February 13, 2025

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Conservation Districts

• Jill Arace, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  
• Richard Noel, Board Member, Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Hilary Solomon, District Manager, Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Katie Stiles, District Manager Rutland Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Lauren Weston, District Manager, Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District
  

10:00 AM

Break

10:30 AM

NOFA-VT

Farm issues

• Bill Chidsey, Farmer
  
• Johanna Doren, Direct Markets and Local Food Access Program Director, NOFA-VT
  
• David Keck, Owner, Stella 14 Wines
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Jacob Powsner, Baird Farm, Chittenden, VT
  
• Justin Rich, Farmer, Burnt Rock Farm
  

11:15 AM

Manure Spreading Regulations in Vermont

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

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, February 14, 2025

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition Day

• Mike Audette, Co-owner, Ledge Haven Farm
  
• Julie Curtain, Director of Homeownership, Champlain Housing Trust
  
• Becca Knouss, Owner, The Goat Project
  
• Katie Rose Leonard, Owner, Head Over Fields Farm
  
• Abby White, Executive Vice President, Vermont Land Trust
  

10:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Report on the 2025 Governor's budget proposals for 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
  

11:15 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

10:00 AM

S.60 - An act relating to establishing the Farm Security Special Fund to provide grants for farm losses due to weather conditions

Introduction of bill

• Sen. Ruth Hardy, Sponsor, Addison District
  

10:25 AM

Break

10:30 AM

NEK Day

Representatives of the Northeast Kingdom

• Jennifer Carlo, Executive Director, NEK Collaborative
  
• Matthew Linehan, Sparrow Arc Farm
  
• Abigail Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trails Association, East Burke
  
• Mark Rodgers, President, Vermont Sheep and Goat Association, Farmer, Glover VT
  
• Molly Willard, Wood Energy and Forest Products Specialist, Vermont Forest, Parks and Recreation
  

11:00 AM

Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance

• Guy Crosby, Board Chair, Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance, Clay Hill Farm
  
• Paul Doton, Dairy Farmer and Board Chair, Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance
  
• Bill Emmons, Cloudland Farm
  
• Walter Gladstone, Newmont Farm, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  
• Charles Gray, Owner, Four Corners Farm
  
• Elizabeth Kennett, Owner, Liberty Hill Farm
  
• Jennifer Megyesi, Fat Rooster Farm
  
• Mike Snow, Executive Director, Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance, Post Mills Eggs and Grain
  
• Mary White, Fort Waite Holsteins LLC, Vice President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  

12:00 AM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Farm Inputs

• Jon Gaeta, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment
  
• Gene Harrington, Director of Government Relations in the Northeast, Biotechnology Innovation Organization
  
• Michael Heltzer, Director of State Government Affairs, BASF
  
• Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment
  
• Stephanie Pizzoferrato, Director of State Government Relations, CropLife America
  
• Jonathan D. Wolff, Lobbyist, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC
  

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Hemp

Introduction to Vilhemp USA

• Janet Currie, Co-founder, Vilhemp USA
  
• Travis Samuels, COO and Co-Owner, Zion Corporation
  

11:00 AM

Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association

• Randy Beams, Lamoille Field Days
  
• Robert Congdon, President, Vermont State Fair (Rutland)
  
• Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Fairs and Field Days Association
  
• Cindy Kayhart, President, Addison County Fair and Field Days
  
• Tim Shea, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Exposition
  
• Jason Sicard, President, Orleans County Fair
  
• Chris Vance, President, Caledonia County Fair
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, February 20, 2025

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Equine Industry Update

• Mindy Hinsdale, Member, Equine Industry Committee, Vermont Horse Council
  
• Heidi Krantz, Chair, Equine Industry Committee, Vermont Horse Council
  

9:35 AM

S.60 - An act relating to establishing the Farm Security Special Fund to provide grants for farm losses due to weather conditions

Vermont Farm Bureau Comments

• Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, VT Agricultural Fairs Association
  

9:50 AM

Adjourn

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of Sergeant at Arms and UVM Trustees

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Friday, February 21, 2025

Meeting Details

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.60 - An act relating to establishing the Farm Security Special Fund to provide grants for farm losses due to weather conditions

• Roy Beckford, Associate Dean and Director, UVM Extension
  
• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Doug Farnham, Chief Recovery Officer, Agency of Administration
  
• Andy Jones, Farm Manager, Intervale Community Farm
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Justin Rich, Farmer, Burnt Rock Farm
  
• Charlie Roy, Claims Specialist, NAU North East
  
• Mary White, Fort Waite Holsteins LLC, Vice President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  

11:15 AM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Meeting Details

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Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

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Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Meeting Details

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Grain Farmers in Vermont

• Heather Darby, Associate Professor, UVM Extension, Founding Member Northern Grain Growers Association
  
• Randy George, Co-owner, Red Hen Baking Company
  
• Todd Hardie, Champlain Valley Grain Center, Thornhill Farm
  
• Seth Johnson, Morningstar Farm, Glover, VT
  
• Elizabeth Sipple, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Program Staff, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:15 AM

Break

11:05 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Walk-through of bill

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S.60 - An act relating to establishing the Farm Security Special Fund to provide grants for farm losses due to weather conditions

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

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, February 27, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.60 - An act relating to establishing the Farm Security Special Fund to provide grants for farm losses due to weather conditions

• Vern Grubinger, Vegetable and Berry Specialist, UVM Extension
  
• Melanie Harrison, Harrison's Homegrown
  
• Jake Jacobs, Risk Management Outreach Specialist and Farm Teams Advisor, White River Natural Resource Conservation District
  
• Simon Renault, Scott Farm
  
• Sam Smith, Farm Business Specialist, Intervale Center
  
• Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Graham Unangst-Rufenacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:40 AM

S.80 - An act relating to establishing Vermont Digital Addictions Awareness Day

Committee discussion

11:05 AM

Adjourn

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Friday, February 28, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

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S.60 - An act relating to establishing the Farm Security Special Fund to provide grants for farm losses due to weather conditions

Possible vote

• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Action Circles
  

10:05 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

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Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Senate adjourns

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

10:25 AM

Break

11:00 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Steve Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Eric Guzman, Attorney, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, March 12, 2025

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9:00 AM

An act relating to protection from nuisance suits for agricultural activities

Review of S.45

• Sen. Robert Norris, Sponsor
  

9:25 AM

Break

10:00 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Caroline Sherman-Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  

10:10 AM

Adjourn

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Thursday, March 13, 2025

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Meeting Record

9:15 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Jared Carpenter, Water Protection Advocate, Lake Champlain Committee
  
• Catherine Gjessing, General Counsel, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:15 AM

Adjourn

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Friday, March 14, 2025

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Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

vote

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

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Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

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Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Meeting Details

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Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

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Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Meeting Details

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9:00 AM

Herd Management Technology

• Rep. John O'Brien, Member, House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry
  
• Daniel Smith, Agritech Institute for Small Farms, Inc
  

9:40 AM

Adjourn

11:00 AM

Senate Floor

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Thursday, March 20, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.60 - An act relating to establishing the Farm Security Special Fund to provide grants for farm losses due to weather conditions

Consideration of amendment

9:15 AM

Adjourn

10:00 AM

Senate Floor

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Judicial Retention

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Friday, March 21, 2025

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9:00 AM

Salvation Farms Update

• Kelly Dolan, Director, Salvation Farms
  
• Richie Houriahan, Owner/Operator, Cabot Smith Farm
  
• Connie Houriahan, Owner/Operator, Cabot Smith Farm
  
• Kim Lipinski, Director of Nutrition and Wellness, Central Vermont Council on Aging
  
• Tony Risitano, Program Director, Salvation Farms
  

9:45 AM

Break

9:50 AM

S.108 - An act relating to the Dog, Cat, and Wolf-Hybrid Spaying and Neutering Program

• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Kaitlynn Levine, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Sue Skaskiw, VSNIP Administrator, Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals
  
• Nicole Tousignant, Economics Benefits Director, Economic Services Division, Department for Children and Families
  

10:45 AM

Adjourn

11:00 AM

Senate Floor

---

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Rural Vermont Annual Small Farm Action Day

• Earnest A. (Buster) Caswell, Farmworker, Champlain Orchards
  
• Jean Hamilton, Executive Director, Land Access and Opportunity Board
  
• Ethan Kramer, Tilia Hills Farm
  
• Beth Levine, Beth The Baker LLC
  
• Chris Lillie, Green Mountain Sativa
  
• Chris Piana, Fable Farm & Fermentory
  
• Caroline Sherman-Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  

10:20 AM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Discussion and Agenda Planning

9:20 AM

Adjourn

---

Friday, March 28, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Beekeepers

• Jeff Battaglini, President, Vermont Beekeepers Association
  
• Brooke Decker, Pollinator Health Specialist, State Apiculturist, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Jackie Merriam, West Meadow Apiary
  
• Fred Putnam, Recording Secretary, Vermont Beekeepers Association
  

10:30 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

---

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Senate adjourns

Vermont Food Bank

• Sarah Keblin, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  

10:35 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Introduction and walk-through

• Rep. Richard Nelson, Representative
  

10:55 AM

Break

11:00 AM

H.486 - An act relating to homestead declarations and the property tax credit

• Michael O'Grady, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

11:35 PM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets testimony

• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Stephanie Smith, Deputy Director in the Division of Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

9:40 AM

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 4, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

NOFA-VT

Crop Cash Plus and Farm Share Funding

• Kayleigh Boucher, Owner, Green Mountain Blue Cheese
  
• Vanessa Rose Bramhall, Owner, Leaping Bear Farm
  
• Justin Bramhall, Owner, Leaping Bear Farm
  
• Johanna Doren, Direct Markets and Local Food Access Program Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Aprille Soons Palmer, Manager, Champlain Islands Farmers Market
  
• Ashley Strobridge, Program Participant, via pre-recorded video
  

9:40 AM

Break

9:45 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Budget request

• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  

10:00 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

10:10 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Consideration of Senate Natural Resources Amendment

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

10:35 AM

H.167 - An act relating to establishing the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Grant at the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

• Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun, Bill Reporter
  

10:45 AM

S.118 - An act relating to agricultural economic development

• Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Sponsor
  

10:50 AM

Break

11:00 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Sen. Ruth Hardy, Reporter, Addison County
  

11:20 AM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Association of Conservation Districts

Budget request

• Sarah Damsell, District Manager, Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Michelle Monroe, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts
  

9:45 AM

Committee Adjourns

---

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Pesticides

Pesticide fee disposal and report proposal

• Steve Dwinell, Director, Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Jennifer Holliday, Representative, Chittenden Solid Waste District
  
• Margaret Laggis, Responsible Industry for a Sustainable Environment (RISE), CropLife America
  
• Stephanie Smith, Deputy Director in the Division of Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

9:30 AM

Break

11:00 AM

S.118 - An act relating to agricultural economic development

Walk-through

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

12:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 11, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee discussion

9:15 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

15 minutes after Senate adjourns

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

-

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

-

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

9:50 AM

Committee Discussion

---

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Forest Products Association

Overview

• Evan Dell’Olio, VFPA Member, Synergy Bioproducts
  
• Chris Fife, VFPA Board of Directors, Weyerhaeuser Company
  
• Ken Gagnon, VFPA Board of Directors, Gagnon Lumber
  
• Colleen Goodridge, Vice President, Vermont Forest Products Association
  
• Mike Green, VFPA Board of Directors, Green Forest Tree Service
  
• Steve Hardy, VFPA President, Green Mountain Forestry
  
• Gwynn Zakov, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  

10:15 AM

Break

10:25 AM

S.118 - An act relating to agricultural economic development

Little Village Enterprise

• Paul Ralston, President, Little Village Enterprise
  

11:00 AM

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 18, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Discussion and Next Steps

9:25 AM

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

9:35 AM

Break

10:30 AM

Rural Vermont Annual Small Farm Action Day

• Samantha Langevin, Director of Partnerships and Community, Liberation Ecosystems
  
• Joseph Morel, Eastman Farm, Barnard
  
• Caroline Sherman-Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  
• Katie Steere, Wild Earth Farm, Randolph
  
• Graham Unangst-Rufenacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
  
• Ben Wilcox, Off Piste Farm
  

11:30 AM

Adjourn

---

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Joseph Morel, Eastman Farm, Barnard
  
• Christopher Piana, Fable Farm & Fermentory
  
• Caroline Sherman-Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, April 25, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Dairy Delivers Report

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

9:40 AM

Break

10:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

-

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

following Senate adjournment

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Joseph Morel, Eastman Farm, Barnard
  
• Amy Morel, Eastman Farm, Barnard
  
• Christopher Piana, Fable Farm & Fermentory
  
• Caroline Sherman-Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  

-

Adjourn

---

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:10 AM

SR14 - Senate resolution strongly urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expedite the establishment and implementation of an avian influenza vaccine national reserve and distribution system for small- and medium-sized poultry farms

committee discussion

-

Adjourn

---

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Discussion and Next Steps

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, May 2, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Peter Gill, Executive Director, Land Use Review Board
  

-

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

following Senate adjournment

H.167 - An act relating to establishing the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Grant at the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

• Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Michael O'Grady, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Action Circles, Vermont Community Action Partnership
  
• Michelle Wallace, Director of Community Health Programs, Vermont Foodbank
  

-

Adjourn

---

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Possible vote

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

-

Adjourn

---

Friday, May 9, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

11:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Possible vote

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

-

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Exemptions for food manufacturing establishments

Review of H.401

• Sen. Martine Larocque Gulick, Sponsor
  
• Sen. Virginia "Ginny" Lyons, Sponsor
  
• Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Elisabeth Wirsing, Senior Environmental Health Program Manager, Vermont Department of Health
  

-

Adjourn

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

following Senate adjournment

Technical corrections for fish and wildlife statutes

H.231 Section 19 (p.25)

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

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