By Jamie Martin
The Vermont Farm Bureau hosted its Bridging the Divide conference in October 2024, fostering collaboration among 16 agriculture-related organizations in the state. This event aimed to address shared challenges and establish unified priorities for legislative advocacy.
With participation from the Vermont Agency for Food and Agriculture, Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts opened the conference, emphasizing the need for cooperation in tackling the unique issues faced by Vermont’s agriculture sector.
Attendees discussed the positive aspects and challenges of Vermont agriculture while outlining their legislative priorities for 2024.
The passage of a modernized farm bill emerged as a shared concern, alongside a commitment to form a coalition for legislative matters affecting farmers, foresters, and horticulturalists.
The conference also highlighted the importance of regular collaboration. Participants agreed to meet annually to review their goals and build on their progress, ensuring a sustained effort to strengthen the industry.
The event was supported by a $5,000 grant from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Strategic Action Fund, which helps smaller state Farm Bureaus address advocacy priorities.
Contributions from 10 other state Farm Bureaus, including Michigan, Oklahoma, and Kentucky, further bolstered the fund.
By uniting agriculture groups under a shared vision, Vermont’s agriculture sector is poised to make a greater impact in the legislative arena. This collaboration underscores the importance of working together for the benefit of the entire industry.
Categories: National