Senate Committee on Agriculture (Room 28)

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

Print

---

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Senate Floor

Elections of Senate officers

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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
  
• Steven 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

---

Friday, January 17, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

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

---

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

---

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

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

---

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

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

---

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

---

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

---

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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

---

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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

---

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

---

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

---

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

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

---

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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

---

Friday, February 14, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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

---

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

---

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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

---

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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

---

Friday, February 21, 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

• 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

---

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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

-

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

---

Thursday, February 27, 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

• 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

---

Friday, February 28, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.124 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

• Steven 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
  

-

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

---

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

• Steven 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

---

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

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

---

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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

---

Friday, March 14, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

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
  

-

Adjourn

11:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

---

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

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

---

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

---

Friday, March 21, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

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

---