The recently concluded Legislative Session was a busy one, resulting in major investments in housing, broadband, and many other areas. Thanks to the leadership of the Governor and Legislature, the base funding appropriation for working lands was nearly doubled to $1 million annually this year. These funds help support new jobs and investments in our farm and forest businesses through strengthened supply chains, new value-added production lines, and business expansion in Vermont.
And, thanks in part to your support, the advocacy of the Working Lands Coalition, and the leadership of many legislators, the Legislature also voted to set aside an additional $2 million for Working Lands investments, separate from the new base funding appropriation.
With these new investments, and the $5 million+ allocated during the last budget process, between the last two Legislative Sessions more than $8 million has been allocated to Working Lands Enterprises. These funds help benefit farm and forest businesses all across the state.
See the most recent 2022 Working Land Impact Grant Recipients! ->
To learn more about VCRD’s role with the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI), visit our website. For a full WLEI overview, visit the State of Vermont’s website.