A growing presence in a green state.

• Position: Vermont - Conservation Law Foundation of New England - Brief Article

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...