I'm writing to encourage you to support an appropriation for the Farm & Forestry Operations Security Special Fund (S.60) in the FY27 budget. S.60 was passed unanimously by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Scott on March 26. Once funded, this program will ensure farmers and loggers have the financial support they need to recover from extreme weather, which they continue to experience year after year.
NOFA-VT, along with a broad coalition of farming organizations, is requesting $15.6 million to support this critical program. This number is based on the formula that was included in the bill: 50% of the average of the last 3 years of documented farm and forestry operations' losses.
S.60 requires funding in the state budget, or the Agency of Agriculture cannot roll out the program to be ready for an emergency.
The Senate Agriculture Committee has recommended $1 million in a memo to the Appropriations Committee, which would be enough to start the program and ensure some funding is available to farmers and loggers this year.
I hope you will work to support funding for the Farm Security Fund in the FY27 state budget. Supporting this request means supporting rural livelihoods, protecting the health of our land, preserving the heart of our communities, and ensuring strong local economies.
