In his inaugural address this month, Governor Peter Shumlin underscored agriculture’s role in economic development. He called for investments in infrastructure like processing and bottling facilities and expanding markets for Vermont farm and food products to capitalize on increasing demand for locally and regionally grown food.
We talk with Chuck Ross the new Secretary of Agriculture, Food And Markets about what it will take to maintain Vermont’s dairy industry in light of uncertain milk prices, and how the state can help farmers and food producers who want to meet rising consumer demand for fresh food.
If you have comments or questions for Secretary Ross, post them below or email vermontedition@vpr.net.
Also, the Shumlin administration has been quick to revoke a rule that allowed limited use of ATVs on state lands. The controversial rule was implemented a year ago over objections of environmentalists and others. We talk with Candy Page of the Burlington Free Press about the reasons for the rule revocation and the reaction from ATV enthusiasts.