2010 VTFB Legislative Priorities:

Each year, following the County delegates’ policy direction, the Vermont Farm Bureau board of directors sets legislative priorities for the coming legislative session in Montpelier. This year the board asked that we rank the issues we think are the most important for this legislative year. Therefore, the 2010 Vermont Farm Bureau policy priorities are as follows:

Use Value Assessment

Vermont Farm Bureau supports the Vermont Current Use Program and supports a change to have it (Use Value Assessment) become permanent policy that reflects the goal of keeping those who work the land, on the land. Click here for the final 2009 report.

Water

Vermont Farm Bureau supports the protection of groundwater under Accepted Agricultural Practices (AAP's) with oversight of water quality standards by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets under 6 V.S.A. Chapter 215, Section 4810(a).  Further, we urge that regulatory agencies understand the special and distinct requirements for water quality standards as they apply to agriculture when making rules and regulations.  And, that all farm water quality related issues be solely under the jurisdiction of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

Immigration

Vermont Farm Bureau opposes inconsistent and heavy handed enforcement by the INS of cases involving undocumented farm workers.  We urge congress to simplify visa procedures for farm workers, to recognize the human rights of persons who enter this country seeking work, and to lessen the penalties against employers who hire foreign workers who possess valid documents and to include a reasonable path to citizenship for those interested laborers.

Recycling

2009 VTFB Legislative Priorities:

• We recognize that the Vermont Agency of Agriculture supports the largest industry in this state and requires the necessary resources to maintain its leadership and regulatory oversight. Even under current state fiscal constraints, the Vermont Farm Bureau urges the administration to maintain the current level of funding for the Agency of Agriculture.

• Vermont Farm Bureau encourages maintenance of an existing twenty five  foot buffer requirement  for the protection of groundwater only for state  waterways with year round running water, unless the buffer areas are already  exempted as agriculture.

• Vermont Farm Bureau supports legislative efforts to address the cost crisis in health care and to make health insurance available and affordable to all Vermonters.

• Vermont Farm Bureau aggressively supports legislation
that would give horse owners full and equal status within agriculture.

• Vermont Farm Bureau supports legislation that would “grandfather” the  use of railroad crossings on farms for farm use, whether agritourism, farm stand, crops or pasture. We oppose any legislation that would create an unreasonable burden on farms that must use an existing railroad crossing on their farm. In addition, we request that railroads identify all farm railroad crossings and make the report to the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

• The Vermont Farm Bureau urges the development and introduction of a comprehensive curriculum for agriculture and forestry by the Vermont Department of Education based on sound science.  In addition, we support maintaining the UVM and VTC dairy herds and barns for hands-on learning as well as research.

For more information about Vermont Farm Bureau’s
legislative priorities email Jackie Folsom at jackie@vtfb.org or call 802-777-3857.

2008 VTFB Legislative Priorities:
• Increased Funding for Agricultural Programs We support increased funding for agricultural programs at VTC, including the 2+2 program offered in cooperation with UVM.

• Farm Apprenticeship Program We support a farm apprenticeship program to be administered and funded through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

• Workers Compensation Reform Initiatives We continue to support workers compensation reform initiatives, including but not limited to removal of housing value as covered compensation in payroll.

• Maintain a Strong Transportation Infrastructure We support the allocation of sufficient resources to maintain a strong transportation infrastructure for Vermont.

• Wetlands We support the current definition of wetlands in Vermont State Law Title 10, Chapter 37, Section 902(5), which excludes areas that grow food or crops in connection with farming activities.

• Education Finance Reform Plan We support an education finance reform plan that incorporates the following:

A. Less reliance on property taxes
B. Education spending controls
C. Fair distribution of resources and tax burdens throughout
D. Support for the current use program or use value appraisal