Oh, what a night! Last week, nearly 100 community members joined us for our Annual Meeting. Thanks to them, our gathering represented the best of Vermont agriculture. It was a multi-generational mix of farmers, researchers, service providers, policymakers, and, of course, future farmers. We welcomed young kids, teens, people in the thick of their agricultural careers, and folks who’ve retired, but still like to keep their fingers on the sector’s pulse.
Attendees asked thoughtful questions and engaged in a lively discussion of agricultural policy and research. It’s ok that we don’t always see eye-to-eye on how things should work. It is this diversity of thought and opinion that will fuel a brighter future for Vermont agriculture.
We’re grateful to our many panelists who shared their expertise and perspectives:
- Anson Tebbetts, Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets
- Julie Moore, Vermont Secretary of Natural Resources
- Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
- Travis Thomason, State Conservationist, NRCS
- Roy Beckford, Associate Dean & Director, UVM Extension
- Joshua Faulkner, Research Assistant Professor, UVM
- Heather Darby, Extension Professor: Agronomy Specialist, UVM Extension
- Brian Kemp, Mt. Meadows Farm, CVFC Board President
- Ramsay Mellish, Cutting Hill Beef Co., CVFC Board Member
We’d also like to congratulate three of our long-serving board members on their re-election for another three-year term: Tim Kayhart, Lorenzo Whitcomb, and Loren Wood. Thank you for your service!
