By Jamie Martin
The Vermont Farm Bureau took a proactive step in October 2024 by hosting the Bridging the Divide conference, designed to enhance collaboration among agriculture organizations in Vermont.
The conference successfully convened representatives from 16 different groups, all focused on strengthening their collective advocacy in state legislative matters.
State Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts underscored the importance of unity, stating, "It is important that the groups work together." His remarks encouraged a comprehensive discussion on the various facets of Vermont agriculture, where groups outlined their priorities and challenges.
The gathering identified several consensus areas, notably the need for a unified approach to advocate for a new farm bill and other legislative issues. This collaborative spirit was further cemented with a commitment to yearly strategy sessions to continuously refine their advocacy focus.
The event received support from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Strategic Action Fund, which assists state Farm Bureaus in addressing priority issues through advocacy. This funding highlights the critical role that state-level initiatives play in influencing national agricultural policy.
This initiative by the Vermont Farm Bureau is pivotal in ensuring that the voices of local farmers and agricultural stakeholders are amplified, enabling more effective advocacy and fostering a stronger legislative presence for Vermont’s agricultural community.
Photo Credit: american-farm-bureau-federation
Categories: National