116 State Street, Montpelier

802-828-2430
Regular business hours are 7:15 to 4:30

www.vermontagriculture.com

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets in Montpelier is organized primarily by function not by commodity. That said, there are different general divisions addressing animal health issues (802-828-2421), dairy (802-828-2433), plants, soil, water quality (802-828-2431) plus overall administrative, policy or permitting questions (802-828-5434). Farmers wishing to be certified organic should also contact NOFA located in Richmond (802-434-4122). New farmers need to work through the regulations and license requirements specific to the agricultural product(s) they plan to grow for sale and/or food/agricultural/horticulture products made for sale, wholesale or retail. There are also many commodity-based Vermont associations (call 802-828-2416 for contact information). At any rate, if you have a question whether a regulation applies or a license is needed call and ask.

Any new farmer wanting to purchase livestock needs to understand what is required for import permits and suggested pre-purchase health testing. The initial contact is Stephanie Parks in the Animal Health Division (802-828-2421).

Dairy activities of any kind require early consultation with the Byron Moyer (802-828-2433). Byron will advise the prospective new farmer of inspection and inspector’s requirements, dairy regulations, labeling, certification and license requirements. Some requirements are very specific, like those for septic, clean water requirements for the milk inspector, or the requirements for a cheese room. Contacting ANR Environmental Permitting may also be necessary (802-241-3589).

Farms planning to raise animals for meat will have questions regarding labeling, animal health issues (like vaccination withdrawal time), scale and freezer accuracy testing and licensing requirements. For both labeling and licensing questions consult Randy Quenneville, Meat Inspection Division (802-828-2426). Questions on certification of scale and freezer accuracy testing should be addressed to Henry Marckres, Consumer Assurance Division (802-828-3458). Finally, any questions including possible expansion relating to large farm regulations (more than 950 animal units, soon changing to 1,000 animal units or 750 mature cows) should consult Katie Gehr at 802-828-3476.

Whether plants are grown as a primary product (nurseries or greenhouses) or for animal feeds (corn, hay, alfalfa), there are regulations concerning feeds, seeds, fertilizers. etc. regulated by the Plant Industry Division. For animal feeds and pesticides, contact Cary Guigere at 802-828-6531. Fertilizer questions should be directed to Jim Leland at 802-828-3478. Water quality questions go to Jeff Comtock at 802-828-3473. If you have plant pest issues, contact Scott Pfister at 802-828-3481 as well as for questions about nursery and greenhouse certification for resale. However, international sale of plants requires consulting with Steve Parise at 802-828-2431.

Bug/insect questions go to Jon Turmel at 802-828-3490. For questions about Vermont’s Accepted Agriculture Principles (the “AAPs”), the regulation of farm structures or local permits, contact Phil Benedict or Marian White at 802-828-3472 or 802-828-5434.

Pesticide licensing and certification requires contact with Wendy Anderson at 802-828-3475. She can talk about certification procedures and test dates.

Finally, there is a somewhat dated Environmental Handbook for Farming available by contacting Toni Lawrence at 802-828-2431 or Wendy Anderson at 802-828-3475.

The Agricultural Development Division helps new farmers and existing businesses gain access to working capital, explore new markets, facilitate new products, market their businesses and promote themselves. Staffers can help you at any stage along the way.

They can assist you if you are interested in selling directly to consumers from your farm or at a farmers’ market, or if you would like to focus on wholesale business. They also organize and attend several trade shows every year, and can advise you on which show may work for you.

Agricultural Development staffers work directly with farmers, community groups and businesses to promote Vermont agricultural products year round. They also work with most of the state’s commodity organizations. The Vermont Buy Local Program and the Seal of Quality Program help consumers identify Vermont products. The Agricultural Development Division runs these programs. Contact them for information.

Personnel

David Lane, Dep. Secretary for Agricultural Development, (802) 828-3830, davel@agr.state.vt.us

Teresa Doyle, Administrative Assistant, Agriview Advertising and Circulation, (802) 828-2416, teresa@agr.state.vt.us

Sylvia Jensen, Assistant Agricultural Land Use Planner, (802) 828-5435, sylvia@agr.state.vt.us

Steve Justis, Exports, Apples, Seal of Quality, Horse Studies, Apple Promotion Board, Apple Marketing Order, Honey Promotion Board, (802) 828-3827, stevej@agr.state.vt.us

Bruce Martell, Maple Marketing Specialist, (802) 828-3461, brucem@agr.state.vt.us

Denise Russo, Dairy Marketing Specialist, (802) 828-3835, drusso@agr.state.vt.us

Dan Scruton, Dairy Systems Coordinator, Milk Quality Enhancement, Dairy Management, Small Ruminant Dairying, Stray Voltage, Anaerobic Digesters, (802) 828-3836, dan@agr.state.vt.us

Louise Waterman, Risk Management Education Coordinator, (802) 828-6900, waterman@agr.state.vt.us