A growing presence in a green state. (Vermont).

CLF is stepping up its efforts to promote the welfare of Vermont agriculture. We're bringing together legislators, government officials, and farmers and their advocates to develop policy changes that improve economic conditions for the state's farmers.

We recently organized a meeting of 25 farmers and advocates that utilized a CLF-authored paper titled "Policies to Support Vermont Agriculture." The group discussed tax incentives and land protection, and its input has been used by CLF to develop specific recommendations. These pertain to enhanced business planning for farm operations, and greater inclusion of agriculture in tax incentive programs. They also expand state procurement of Vermont farm products, and focus efforts to assist beginning farmers. Potential costs are being computed, and funding sources are being identified.

The need for such advocacy has never been greater: prices for milk have declined by more than 20% in the past year. Transition payments in this year's Farm bill will help some farmers, but they won't be enough for some farms to make a profit, or for others even to survive. Many Vermont cows are being auctioned off and shipped westward, often becoming part of factory farms that spew pollution and wreak havoc on rural communities.

Prospects for agriculture in Vermont may seem bleak, but there is a bright side: the state is close to many major urban centers where farm products can be sold, soils are rich and farmers dedicated, and CLF is committed to supporting it.