Essex, Vermont - February 16, 2009
Lawmakers have a new plan to increase the amount of local food and farming in Vermont.
The goal is to tap into the growing trend of buying local.
Lawmakers want to set up a new investment corporation. The group would make a statewide assessment of where gaps are in the local food chain, and then help meet the need by giving loans, grants or technical assistance. It could go to processers, farmers or packers.
Supporters say Vermont imports $2 billion worth of food and more local products would mean more money staying in state.
"Right now Vermont has a historic opportunity to insure our food and economic security is saved by doing what we do best-- using our resources to support ourselves," said Rep. Jason Lorber, D-Burlington.
"We have a small state with a perfect geographic mix of soils, lands, climate, rainfall-- giving up these beautiful pastures that were mentioned and something that is still here which is a culture of farming," said Doug Flack of the Flack Family Farm.
There will be a public hearing Tuesday at the statehouse on the future of farming and food in Vermont. It goes from 7-9 p.m.
Kristin Carlson - WCAX News
