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.

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Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Election of Speaker of the House
Election of House Clerk

12:30 PM

Lunch

1:30 AM

House Floor

Seat Assignments
Committee Assignments

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Thursday, January 9, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:00 AM

Joint Assembly

Receive report of Canvassing Committee

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Committee Discussion

2:00 PM

Joint Assembly

Governor's Inaugural Address

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Friday, January 10, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Committee Discussion

11:30 AM

Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation Introductions

• Kate Eberle, Principal Assistant, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Charles Martin, Deputy Commissioner, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Oliver Pierson, Director of Forests
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Avian Flu and Cattle Update

• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• E.B. Flory, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Kaitlynn Levine, Assistant State Veterinarian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

1:45 PM

Break

2:00 PM

Joint Fiscal Office Introduction

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

2:30 PM

Legislative Council Introduction

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

3:00 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Agency of Agriculture Introductions

• Cheryl Achilles, Director, Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Steven Collier, General Counsel, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• 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
  
• Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:00 PM

Chair and Vice Chair Training

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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:45 AM

Review of Legislation Passed in Previous Biennium

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

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

UVM HATCH Act Updates

• Eric J Von Wettberg, Director of the Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Vermont
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Food Security Research

• Meredith Niles, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences/Food Systems Program, University of Vermont
  

2:00 PM

Vermont Food Bank and Hunger Free Vermont

Introductions

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

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, January 16, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Working Lands Program Overview

Root's Farm Market

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

11:00 AM

Agency of Agriculture Introductions

• E.B. Flory, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Climate Resilience

• Al Freeman, Climate Forester, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Katharine Servidio, Forest Economy Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

2:00 PM

Committee Discussion

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, January 17, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:00 AM

Farm to Plate Investment Program

Introductions and overview

• Scott Birch, Farm Bureau President, Orleans County
  
• 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
  

11:00 AM

Wildland Fire Team Presentation

• Kathy Decker, Forest Protection Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Dan Dillner, State Forest Fire Supervisor, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Oliver Pierson, Director of Forests, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Farm Bureau

Introductions

• Scott Birch, Farm Bureau President, Orleans County
  
• Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Heidi Krantz, Member, Vermont Horse Council
  
• Amber Perry, Policy Director, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Kate Rowley, Rowley Brothers Dairy
  
• Mary White, Fort Waite Holsteins LLC, Vice President, Vermont Farm Bureau
  
• Gwynn Zakov, Lobbyist, Farm Bureau
  

2:00 PM

Vermont Logging Introduction

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

2:15 PM

Adjourn

2:30 PM

Field Trip

The Roots Farm Market

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Small Group DEI Training

Commerce, Government Operations, Agriculture

2:00 PM

Capitol Police Security Briefing

Due to the sensitive nature of this meeting, it will not be live streamed

• Agatha Kessler, Sergeant at Arms, Vermont General Assembly
  
• John Poleway, Chief of Capitol Police, Capitol Police Department
  

3:00 PM

Break

3:15 PM

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
  
• Tucker Purchase, Partner, Fairmont Farms
  
• Amanda St. Pierre, Pleasant Valley Farms, Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
  

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Agriculture Development Grants Final Report

Meat, maple, produce

• 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
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Clean Water Enforcement Dispute

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont's Agricultural and Food System Overview Panel #1

Overview of Vermont's food system: the data

• 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
  

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

3:45 PM

All Legislative Briefing in the House Chamber

House Chamber

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Thursday, January 23, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Committee Discussion

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

11:00 AM

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain's Future

• 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
  
• Denise Smith, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee Chair
  
• Hilary Solomon, Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee, Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
  

2:00 PM

Vermont Land Trust Presentation

• Allen Karnatz, Champlain Valley Project Director, Vermont Land Trust
  
• Tracy Zschau, President, Vermont Land Trust
  

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

3:15 PM

Ethics, Rules, Decorum Training

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Friday, January 24, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:00 AM

Vermont's Agricultural and Food System Overview Panel #1

Overview of development approach to Vermont's food system

• 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
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

NOFA Introductions

• Joe Bossen, Board Member, NOFA-VT
  
• Johanna Doren, Direct Markets and Local Food Access Program Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Jessica Hays Lucas, Grassroots Policy Organizer, NOFA-VT
  
• Becky Maden, Board Member, NOFA-VT
  
• Grace Oedel, Executive Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Melisa Oliva, Board Member, NOFA-VT
  

2:00 PM

Forest Future's Roadmap

• Chris Brooks, CEO, VT Wood Pellet Company LLC
  
• Abigail Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trails Association, East Burke
  
• Luke McNally, Champlain Region Forester, Ruffed Grouse Society
  
• Oliver Pierson, Director of Forests, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Allan Thompson, Certified Wildlife Biologist and Licensed Forester, Vermont Woodlands Association
  

3:00 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Governor's 2026 Budget Address

Joint assembly to receive budget address

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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Current Use Overview

Tax Department

• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
  

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

• Stacy Cibula, Agriculture Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  
• Liz Gleason, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  
• Pollaidh Major, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  
• Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Current Use Overview

Joint Fiscal Office

• Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

2:10 PM

Break

2:20 PM

H.14 - An act relating to prohibiting the use of animals in product testing

Introduction

• Rep. Emilie Krasnow, Lead Sponsor
  
• Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Dairy and NE Dairy Business Innovation Center

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

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Land Access and Opportunity Board

Introductions

• Jean Hamilton, Director of Program Development, Land Access and Opportunity Board
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Universal School Meals

Hunger Free Vermont update

• Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Kayla Strom, Farm to School Programs Coordinator, NOFA-VT
  

2:00 PM

Vermont Forest Products Association

• Colleen Goodridge, Vice President, Vermont Forest Products Association
  
• Gwynn Zakov, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, January 31, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:00 AM

Current Use in Agriculture

Agency of Agriculture

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

11:00 AM

Break

11:30 AM

Committee Discussion

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association

• Allison Hope, Executive Director, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association
  
• Mark Isselhardt, Maple Specialist, UVM Extension
  
• Emma Marvin, Board Member, VMSMA
  

2:10 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Herd Management Technology

• Ben Notterman, Owner, Snug Valley Farm
  
• Dan Smith, Executive Director, Agritech Institute for Small Farms, Inc
  

2:00 PM

Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive Program

Program update

• Sue Skaskiw, VSNIP Administrator, VVSA Humane Society
  

3:00 PM

H.4 - An act relating to standards for the care of egg-laying hens

Introduction

• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Rep. Barbara Rachelson, Sponsor
  

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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Field Trip

Little River Timber Harvest

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Timber Trespass Report

• Mike Carriveau, Concerned Citizen, Plainfield
  
• Todd Daloz, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, Attorney General's Office
  

1:45 PM

Break

2:00 PM

Federal Delegation

Introductions

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

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 6, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

3SquaresVT Awareness Day

• Frances Bevrige, Capstone Participant
  
• Christine Bourque, Blue Heron Farm
  
• Johanna Doren, Direct Markets and Local Food Access Program Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Elom Essiba, SNAP and Crop Cash participant
  
• Andrea Otto, Volunteer, Caledonia Farmers Market Association
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:40 AM

Equine Industry Update

• Mindy Hinsdale, Retired Horse Farmer, Vermont Horse Council
  
• Heidi Krantz, Member, Vermont Horse Council
  

11:30 AM

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Current Use

Forests Parks and Recreation

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

2:00 PM

Act 64 Clean Water Oversight

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

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 7, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

MOU Report

• Laura DiPietro, Water Quality Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  

11:45 AM

Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition

Introductions

• Vijay Nazareth, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Land Use Review Board

Introductions

• Peter Gill, Executive Director, Land Use Review Board
  
• Janet Hurley, Chair, Land Use Review Board
  

1:30 PM

Cannabis Control Board

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

2:30 PM

Committee Discussion

2:45 PM

Vermont Cannabis Equity Coalition

• 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
  
• Amelia Machia, Co Founder, Green Mountain Patients' Alliance
  
• 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
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Committee Discussion

1:30 PM

Avian Flu Update

This is a joint hearing with House Healthcare. It will be hosted in Room 10 and live streamed to the House Agriculture Youtube Channel

• E.B. Flory, Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Mark Levine, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
  

2:30 PM

Break

2:45 PM

Timber Trespass Report

Discussion

• Dana Doran, Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast
  
• Sam Lincoln, President, Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting
  

3:30 PM

Universal School Meals

Joint Fiscal Office overview

• Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

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

Legislative counsel walk through

• Rep. Esme Cole, Sponsor
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

9:30 AM

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

Vermont Foodbank Funding Request

• John Sayles, CEO, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Michelle Wallace, Director of Community Health Programs, Vermont Foodbank
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:40 AM

Viticulture Update

• David Keck, Owner, Stella 14 Wines
  
• Steven Wilson, Owner, VT Vineyards
  

11:30 AM

Outdoor Recreation Day

• Nick Bennette, Chair, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
  
• Tom Lepesqueur, Co-owner, L & D Trailworks
  
• James Patterson, Co-owner, L & D Trailworks
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Arts Council

Vermont Female Farmers photo series discussion

• Deirdre Connelly, Operations Specialist, Vermont Arts Council
  
• Juan Carlos González, Photographer, Vermont Female Farmers
  

1:15 PM

Farm to School Awareness Day

• Patrick Ackerman- Hovis, Institutional Sales Associate, Food Connects
  
• Reeve Basom, Teacher, Center for an Agricultural Economy
  
• Joe Bossen, Owner, Vermont Bean Crafters and Vermont All Souls
  
• John Buck, Buck Family Maple
  
• Gina Clithero, Farm to Institution Program Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Conor Floyd, Grant Program Manager for Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  
• Bob Hildebrand, SNS Food Service Director, The Abbey Group
  
• Dana Hudson, Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Network, Shelburne Farms
  
• Rosie Krueger, State Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  
• Sabrina McDonough, Teacher, Shrewsbury Mountain School
  
• Kayla Strom, Farm to School Programs Coordinator, NOFA-VT
  

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

• 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, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Elizabeth Sipple, Program Lead, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
  
• Alisha Utter, Vice-Chair, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

Conservation Districts

• Emily Finnegan, District Manager, Caledonia County Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Richard J Noel, Board Member, Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District
  
• Lauren Weston, District Manager, Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Extreme Weather Event Relief

Farmer introductions

• Bill Chidsey, Farmer
  
• David Keck, Owner, Stella 14 Wines, Stella 14 Wines
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Jacob Powsner, Baird Farm, Chittenden, VT
  
• Justin Rich, Farmer, Burnt Rock Farm
  

1:45 PM

Break

2:00 PM

Current Use Overview

Forest Parks and Recreation - conclusion of testimony from February 6th

• Katharine Servidio, Forest Economy Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Keith Thompson, Private Lands Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 14, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition

• Mike Audet, Owner, Ledge Haven Farm
  
• Julie Curtain, Director of Homeownership, Champlain Housing Trust
  
• Allen Karnatz, Champlain Valley Project Director, Vermont Land Trust
  
• Becca Knouss, Owner, The Goat Project
  
• Katie Rose Leonard, Owner, Head Over Fields Farm
  

11:30 AM

Universal School Meals

Budget Impact

• Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

11:45 AM

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Heavy Cut Law and Acceptable Management Practices

• Oliver Pierson, Director of Forests, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• David Wilcox, Forester, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

2:00 PM

Committee Discussion

2:15 PM

Current Use Advisory Board

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

3:00 PM

Universal School Meals

Agency of Education

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

3:30 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Budget Presentation

Agency of Agriculture

• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Introduction, Walk-through

• Kirby Keaton, Legislative Counsel, Department of Taxes
  
• Rep. Charles Kimbell, Sponsor
  

3:00 PM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Introduction and Drafting

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

3:30 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.229 - An act relating to establishing the Farm and Forestry Operations Security Special Fund to provide grants for losses to farms and forestry operations due to weather conditions

Introduction

• Rep. Mollie S. Burke, Sponsor
  

9:30 AM

Vermont Fairs

• Bob Allen, Member, Vermont Agricultural Fairs Association
  
• Randy Beams, Lamoille Field Days
  
• Ken Button, Addison County Fair and Field Days
  
• Robert Congdon, Vermont State Fair (Rutland)
  
• Sheila Martin, Orleans County Fair
  
• Peggy Sherlock, Tunbridge Fair
  

10:30 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative

Grant award winners report back

• Mark Goodridge, Partial Owner, Goodridge Lumber
  
• Annie Myers, Owner, Myers Produce LLC
  
• 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
  
• Rose Thackeray, Owner, Union Brook Farm
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Budget Request

Vermont Foodbank

• John Sayles, CEO, Vermont Foodbank
  

1:50 PM

Forest Management for State Land

• Jim Duncan, State Lands Manager, Forest Parks and Recreation
  

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 20, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

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

Agency of Agriculture Testimony

• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Trevor Lowell, Assistant Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

9:30 AM

Center for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurship

Vermont State University Update

• 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
  

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of Sergeant at Arms and UVM Trustees

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Vegetable and Berry Association

Introductions

• Vern Grubinger, Vegetable and Berry Specialist
  

1:45 PM

Break

2:00 PM

Animal Cruelty Investigation Advisory Board Annual Report

• Erika Holm, Co-Executive Director, Programs and Operations, Central Vermont Humane Society, and Chair, Animal Cruelty Investigation Advisory Board
  

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 21, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Working Lands Coalition

• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Denise Smith, Executive Director, VT Council on Rural Development
  

11:00 AM

Budget Presentation

Forest Parks and Recreation

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

11:30 AM

H.291 - An act relating to enrollment of posted land in the Use Value Appraisal Program

Introduction

• Rep. Charles Kimbell, Sponsor
  
• Rep. James Masland, Sponsor
  

11:45 AM

H.273 - An act relating to the Use Value Appraisal Program

Introduction

• Rep. Gregory "Greg" Burtt, Sponsor
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.273 - An act relating to the Use Value Appraisal Program

Walk-through

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

1:15 PM

H.291 - An act relating to enrollment of posted land in the Use Value Appraisal Program

Walk-through

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

1:30 PM

Governor’s Proposed FY2026 Budget

Reviewing the proposal for the concentrated animals feeding operation database project and contractor support

• Bethany Sargent, Deputy Director, Watershed Management Division
  

2:00 PM

3SquaresVT Update

• Miranda Gray, Deputy Commissioner, Economic Services Division, Department for Children and Families
  
• Leslie Wisdom, Food & Nutrition Program Director, Department for Children and Families
  

2:50 PM

Committee Discussion

FY26 Budget Discussion

3:15 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Agency of Agriculture 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
  

1:30 PM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Tax department current use overview

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

-

H.273 - An act relating to the Use Value Appraisal Program

Tax department current use overview

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

2:30 PM

Committee Discussion

FY26 Budget Discussion

3:30 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Serve Learn Earn

Budget Request

• Kate Gluckman, Director, Serve Learn Earn
  
• Breck Knauft, Executive Director, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
  

10:00 AM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

• John McCann, Owner, North Branch Vineyards, Montpelier
  

10:30 AM

Act 250

Review

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

11:30 AM

CSG East Presentation

Lunch Provided

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

12:30 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Committee Discussion

FY26 Budget Discussion

2:00 PM

Budget Presentation

Forest Parks and Recreation

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

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 27, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

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

Mark-up

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

10:15 AM

Break

10:30 AM

H.343 - An act relating to making State lands available for farming by citizens of State-recognized Native American Indian tribes

Introduction

• Rep. John O'Brien, Sponsor
  

11:00 AM

Committee Discussion

• Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

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

2:00 PM

H.396 - An act relating to the creation of the Mollie Beattie Distinguished Service Award

Introduction and walk-through

• Michael Chernick, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Rep. Kate Logan, Sponsor
  

2:30 PM

Committee Discussion

2:50 PM

Adjourn

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 28, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Joint Fiscal Office review

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

10:45 AM

H.273 - An act relating to the Use Value Appraisal Program

Joint Fiscal Office review

• Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

11:00 AM

H.291 - An act relating to enrollment of posted land in the Use Value Appraisal Program

Joint Fiscal Office review

• Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

11:30 AM

H.401 - An act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments

• Rep. Jonathan Cooper, Sponsor
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Department of Housing and Community Development Testimony

• Alex Farrell, Commissioner, Department of Housing and Community Development
  

1:30 PM

Committee Discussion

1:50 PM

Break

2:00 PM

Current Use

Agency of Agriculture overview

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

2:50 PM

Break

3:10 PM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

• Jamey Fidel, General Counsel and Forest and Wildlife Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  

4:15 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.273 - An act relating to the Use Value Appraisal Program

• Mindy Hinsdale, Member, Equine Industry Committee, Vermont Horse Council
  
• Heidi Krantz, Chair, Equine Industry Committee, Vermont Horse Council
  
• Catie Hill Waterman, Constance Hill Farm
  

9:40 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Language changes

• Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:15 AM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Legislative Counsel Current Use Overview

• Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:45 AM

Break

11:00 AM

H.401 - An act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments

Walk-through

• Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

11:30 AM

H.401 - An act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments

• Peter Hopkins, Partner, Hoppy Valley Farm
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:45 PM

H.401 - An act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments

Department of Health Testimony

• Julie Arel, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
  
• Elisabeth Wirsing, Senior Environmental Health Program Manager
  

4:25 PM

H.401 - An act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments

• Caroline Gordon, Legislative Director, Rural Vermont
  

4:35 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, March 13, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

LUCT Proposal

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

9:45 AM

Current Use

Forest Parks and Recreation

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

10:45 AM

H.396 - An act relating to the creation of the Mollie Beattie Distinguished Service Award

• Peter Anthony, Former Representative, Washington-3
  
• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

10:50 AM

Committee Discussion

11:00 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Mark-up

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

11:30 AM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Mark-up

• Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:00 PM

Vermont Center for Geographic Information Presentation

• John Adams, Director, Center for Geographic Information, Agency of Digital Services
  

3:30 PM

H.291 - An act relating to enrollment of posted land in the Use Value Appraisal Program

• Julia Barstow, Resident, East Montpelier
  

3:45 PM

H.396 - An act relating to the creation of the Mollie Beattie Distinguished Service Award

Committee Vote

4:00 PM

H.401 - An act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments

Joint Fiscal Office testimony

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

4:15 PM

H.401 - An act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments

Mark-up

• Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

4:30 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, March 14, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:15 AM

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

Mark-up and committee vote

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

11:30 AM

H.484 - An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects

Committee Vote

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

11:40 AM

Break

11:45 AM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Mark-up

• Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:05 PM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Regional Planning Commission testimony

• Charlie Baker, Executive Director, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission
  
• Tom Kennedy, Director of Community Development, Mount Ascutney Regional Commission
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:10 PM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Mark-up

• Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

2:30 PM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Forest Parks and Recreation testimony

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

3:00 PM

H.134 - An act relating to calculating land use change tax and creating a new land use change tax exemption for developing affordable housing

Committee Discussion

3:15 PM

Break

3:30 PM

H.401 - An act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments

Mark-up and Committee Vote

• Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

Hooray !

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Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucus

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:25 PM

Vermont Forest Products Association Timber Trespass Report

• Ed Larson, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  
• Gwynn Zakov, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  

2:05 PM

H.386 - An act relating to establishing an Agricultural Land Transfer Assistance Program

Introduction and Walk-through

• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Rep. Heather Surprenant, Sponsor
  

2:50 PM

H.408 - An act relating to State purchasing of local food

Introduction and Walk-through

• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Rep. Heather Surprenant, Sponsor
  

3:20 PM

H.372 - An act relating to application of neonicotinoid pesticides to nursery starts and herbaceous plants

Introduction and Walk-through

• Rep. John O'Brien, Sponsor
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

3:35 PM

H.398 - An act relating to the Vermont Economic Development Authority

Review

• Rep. Emily Carris-Duncan, Bill Reporter
  
• Cameron Wood, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:40 AM

Migrant Farmworker Safety Presentation

• Dan Baker, Associate Professor, UVM Farmworker Advocate
  

10:30 AM

SUSU Community Farm

Introductions

• Krista McClure, Farmer, SUSU Community Farm
  

11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

H.326 - An act relating to the regulation of the use of rodenticides

Introduction and Walk-through

• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Rep. Larry Satcowitz, Sponsor
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

---

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:05 AM

USDA Funding Cuts

• Gina Clithero, Farm to Institution Program Manager, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Cynthia Green, Farm to Early Child Education Coordinator, Shelburne Farms
  
• Becca Perrin, Food Hub Account Manager, Green Mountain Farm-to-School
  
• Carrie Stahler, Government and Public Affairs Officer, Vermont Foodbank
  
• Kayla Strom, Farm to School Programs Coordinator, NOFA-VT
  

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Judicial Retention

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

---

Friday, March 21, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:25 PM

Federal Funding Cuts

Agency of Agriculture Testimony

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

2:25 PM

Salvation Farms Update

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

3:15 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucus

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Caucus

2:20 PM

H.423 - An act relating to implementing the Vermont Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan

Introduction and Walk-through

• Rep. Brian Cina, Sponsor
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

2:50 PM

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

Straw Poll Vote

• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Rep. Thomas Stevens, House Committee on Appropriations
  

3:20 PM

Break

3:30 PM

H.371 - An act relating to the use of dynamic pricing by retail establishments

Introduction and Walk-through

• Rep. William "Will" Greer, Sponsor
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

3:55 PM

Break

4:05 PM

H.424 - An act relating to the donation to the State of managed forestland enrolled in current use

Introduction and Walk-through

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

4:20 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:40 AM

H.478 - An act relating to requiring price look-up stickers on produce be compostable

Introduction and Walk-through

• Rep. John O'Brien, Sponsor
  

10:00 AM

Small Farm Action Day

• Earnest A. (Buster) Caswell, Farmworker, Champlain Orchards
  
• Jean Hamilton, Exective 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
  

11:15 AM

Response to the Impact of Tariffs on the Forest Industry

Forest Parks and Recreation

• Chris Castano, Sales and Marketing Manager, Maine Woods Company LLC
  
• Oliver Pierson, State Forester and Director of the Forests Division, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Katharine Servidio, Forest Economy Program Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, March 27, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

Vermont Farm Show Testimony

• Dave Martin, Treasurer, Vermont Farm Show
  
• Theresa Snow, Board President, Vermont Farm Show
  

10:30 AM

Vermont National Guard

• Mark Rodgers, President, Vermont Sheep and Goat Association, Farmer, Glover VT
  

11:15 AM

Break

11:30 AM

H.477 - An act relating to forest management harvests on State Forest lands

Introduction

• Rep. John O'Brien, Sponsor
  

11:45 PM

H.475 - An act relating to establishing an equitable pricing system for the milk production

Introduction

• Rep. John O'Brien, Sponsor
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, March 28, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:05 PM

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

Introduction and Walk-through

• Sen. Joseph "Joe" Major, Reporter
  
• Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

1:45 PM

Ben & Jerry's Update

Caring Dairy and Milk with Dignity

• Tom Gates, Values Led Dairy Specialist, Ben and Jerry's
  

2:30 PM

Break

2:40 PM

Committee Discussion

3:00 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucus

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Committee Discussion

Side by Side of H.229 and S.60

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

1:30 PM

H.326 - An act relating to the regulation of the use of rodenticides

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

2:15 PM

Break

2:30 PM

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

NOFA Testimony

• Vern Grubinger, Vegetable and Berry Specialist, UVM Extension
  
• Bruce Hennessey, Farmer/Slaughterer, Maple Wind Farm
  
• Maddie Kempner, Policy Director, NOFA-VT
  
• Graham Unangst-Rufenacht, Policy Director, Rural Vermont
  

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Committee Discussion

• Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Action Circles, NOFA-VT
  

9:35 AM

Federal Impacts on the Forest Products Industry

• Trevor Allard, Vice President, Allard Lumber Company
  
• David Laforce, Owner and CEO, Built By Newport
  
• William Sargent, Owner, Hollow Hill Forestry
  
• Gwynn Zakov, Lobbyist, Vermont Forest Products Association
  

11:00 AM

Break

11:15 AM

H.475 - An act relating to establishing an equitable pricing system for the milk production

Walk-through

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

11:40 AM

H.477 - An act relating to forest management harvests on State Forest lands

Walk-through

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

11:50 AM

H.478 - An act relating to requiring price look-up stickers on produce be compostable

Walk-through

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

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:05 PM

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

• Nicole Dubuque, Chief Operations Officer, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:40 PM

Adjourn

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