Weigh in on Farming Practices

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has submitted their plan for Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) to the Secretary of State on their path to final implementation. There is now a public comment period open until July 7. This is the third draft of the RAPs that the Department has released for comments. Revisions to the RAPs are required under Vermont’s Clean Water Act that passed in 2015.

The RAPs have some deficiencies. Regulations on buffers need more stringent protections, and provisions to keep cows out of streams need to be more explicit. Help keep agricultural reforms moving forward by submitting public comments on the RAPs. Provide input to the Agency by email to AGR.RAP@ vermont.gov or by mail to the Agency of Agriculture at 116 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620. The Agency will also hold a series of public meetings to take comments on the RAPs in late June. The meeting schedule can be viewed at this link.