Page 7 - 11-2018 Agriview for web

November 2018 7

Climate Corner

Recommendations for Agriculture in the
Vermont Climate Action Commission

By Alex DePillis, VT Agency of The Governor appointed it does or doesn’t hold on to Finally, the team recom- tions and comments.
Agriculture, Food & Markets Marie Audet of Blue carbon. With staff help from mended finding markets and The Vermont Climate
Spruce Farm of Bridport the Agency of Agriculture, partners to sell carbon cred-
Back in July 2017, as the farm representative Food & Markets, UVM its, as is now being done in Action Commission web
Governor Scott to the Commission, and Extension, USDA NRCS forestry. site is http://anr.vermont.
re-affirmed Marie teamed up with and Forest Service, UVM gov/about_us/special-topics/
Vermont’s commitment the appointee for the Soil Science, and the Agency The 90-page report has vermont-climate-action-
to reduce greenhouse gas forestry sector, Robert J. of Natural Resources (ANR), 53 recommendations. Over commission
emissions and appointed a Turner of Bristol, to work our group came up with 90 people commented to the
commission of 21 people to on recommendations that nine recommendations. The ANR about the report dur- Next time in Climate
recommend specific actions could help farmers and first is to get a baseline, so ing a 60-day comment peri- Corner: the first Vermont
that would meet goals forest owners make a profit we can accurately measure od. Governor Scott continues farm with a digester to cre-
found in Vermont’s statutes, and deliver benefits like how much carbon dioxide to evaluate the recommenda- ate greenhouse gas credits
while “…driving economic better water quality, by plants convert to stable “soil for the California market.
growth, setting Vermonters managing land so that plants organic carbon.” Several
on a path to affordability, accumulate carbon in the recommendations focus Reminder: Revised MFO GP
and ensuring effective soil. on ways to promote good Requires Submittal of
energy transition options practices for soil carbon that New NOIC Form
exist for all Vermonters.” It turns out there’s a lot also improve water quality.
to learn about dirt and how M edium Farm Operators (MFOs) covered
under the newly revised General Permit
Pittsford Seeking Entrepreneur for Village Farm (GP) are reminded to submit a New Notice
of Intent to Comply (NOIC) Form to the Agency
S ome citizens in Pittsford have purchased a small farm in the center of town and of Agriculture, Food & Markets (the Agency) by
have formed a 501(c) 3 to preserve the natural beauty and historic value of the December 11, 2018.
farm while having the site serve as a community center. The farm is located at
the junction of US Rt. 7 and Elm Street. MFOs can find the NOIC Form on the Agency web-
page at: http://agriculture.vermont.gov/mfo, or directly
At a series of town meetings earlier this year the residents asked that we retain the visiting: https://go.usa.gov/xPBkg. NOIC forms can also
farm as an Ag Hub. There is an 18th century farmhouse as well as a barn that was last be obtained by contacting the Agency Water Quality
used as a dairy barn in 2007. It has been reviewed by an engineer and is deemed fine Division at (802) 828-2431 or at AGR.WaterQuality@
for agricultural purposes. The property consists of 20 acres, half of which might be con- vermont.gov.
sidered prime ag land. https://www.pittsfordvillagefarm.org
These forms are subject to revision so the applicant,
We are seeking an entrepreneurial person who would like to carry on some type of prior to use of a form referenced in this MFO GP,
agricultural activity on the farm. For more information, please contact Baird Morgan at should always consult the website listed above or the
cbairdmorgan@gmail.com or 802-483-6335. Agency Water Quality Division to make sure that they
are using the current version.

NOIC Forms should be returned by email to: AGR.
WaterQuality@vermont.gov or by mail to:

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Medium Farm Operation Program
94 Harvest Lane, Suite 203
Williston, VT 05495

For more information about the MFO GP revision
process, to find other associated MFO GP Forms, or to
read the newly revised MFO GP in full, please visit:
http://agriculture.vermont.gov/mfo.