The professional staff and farmer board members from Rural Vermont will provide an overview of the many situations in which citizen voices can and must be heard. From town boards to our state legislature, regulatory agencies, the U.S. Congress and global grassroots movements, learn how they work and how you can influence them. Using personal stories, fun interactive activities, and the opportunity to meet other aspiring activists, this workshop will give you inspiration, confidence and practical skills to speak up for causes you care about and create the change you seek.
Inspired by the recent formation of proactive farmer watershed alliances in the Champlain Valley, recently a group of farmers in the Connecticut River Watershed began formation of a similar group. Starting in the White River and Ottaquechee River watersheds, the group is inviting farmers from throughout the region to join together and combine efforts to make sure that every farmer in the watershed is engaged in water quality protection. Members from the alliance will present on work that’s been done so far and where the group plans to go next.
While the initial public comment period on the draft Required Agricultural Practice rules closed in December, the comments have now been incorporated into a second draft for release. Come join this working session with Ryan Patch of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets as he walks through some of the changes so far, and talks about nest steps for the RAPs.
