Under New Leadership, VT Agency of Ag Launches Statewide Listening Tour for February

Farmers are Invited to Share Ideas and Feedback 

Under the direction of newly-appointed Ag Secretary, Anson Tebbetts, and Deputy Secretary, Alyson Eastman, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets has announced plans to host a statewide listening tour throughout the month of February. The public meetings, which will be held in Lyndonville, St. Albans, Brattleboro, and Middlebury, are designed to open the lines of communication between the Agency, the farming community, and the public.

“I am inviting all farmers, and all Vermonters interested in agriculture, to attend these meetings, to share thoughts and ideas about the future of farming in our state,” said Tebbetts. “I want to learn about the issues that matter most to our farmers, and how the Agency can support them.”

“We hope to hear from farmers of all types, and sizes – from maple to meat, to produce and dairy,” said Eastman. “This is an opportunity for us to listen and learn from the people who are driving Vermont’s agricultural economy.”

The meetings will be held from 10 a.m. – noon in the following locations…

• Friday, Feb. 10  – Lyndon State College Theater
• Friday, Feb. 17 – Vermont Agricultural Business Education Center in Brattleboro
• Monday, Feb. 27 – Middlebury Parks & Recreation Gym
• Thursday, March 2  – St. Albans City Hall Auditorium

For complete location details and directions, please visit agriculture.vermont.gov/listeningtour2017

The Agency will start the meeting with a brief but broad overview of the status of agriculture in our state, and will then open the floor to hear ideas from attendees.

For more information about the listening tour, please visit agriculture.vermont.gov/listeningtour2017 or call 802-828-5667.