Farm and Forestry Interests to Seek Greater State Investment

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Credit WAMC

A coalition of groups plans to lobby the Vermont Legislature in the upcoming session for additional funding for infrastructure investments in the state’s farm and forest sectors.

The Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Board was created by the Legislature during its last session and provided 1-million dollars to strengthen the farm and forestry economy. Vermont Council on Rural Development Executive Director Paul Costello explains that during the upcoming session, the Working Landscape Coalition plans to lobby the legislature to allocate 5-million dollars each year for three years to the program.

Vermont’s landscape is defined by its farms and working forests, and Vermont Natural Resources Council Executive Director Brian Shupe feels one of the most import ways to maintain that character is to protect the economic viability of those working lands.

Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association Executive Director Kathleen Wanner  says they are asking state leaders to invest in economic and infrastructure development.

Paul Costello notes that agriculture and forestry are heritage industries with tremendous importance for Vermont’s prosperity.