On Behalf of Farmers
Regional Programs
Bennington County farmers have many district-affiliated resources to turn to for help. Programs of interest include:
SVNMP
Photo: Gregory Morris
The Southern Vermont Nutrient Management Program (SVNMP) is a joint project of the Bennington, Ottauquechee, Poultney-Mettowee, Rutland, White River, Windham, and Winooski Conservation Districts. The program aims to improve management practices and increase farm sustainability while also working to maintain and improve local water quality. For more information or to learn how to contact the SVNMP, download the SVNMP "Growing With You" brochure.
Land Treatment Planners
As of March 2008, all Large Farm and Medium Farm Operations in Vermont must have a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan. Land Treatment Planners can gather and analyze the core data required in the plan, for free, and entirely confidentially. For more information on the land treatment planning program and for information on contacting our land treatment planner, refer to A Land Treatment Plan Will Get You Off To A Good Start.
Agricultural Resource Specialists (ARS program)
Photo: Justin Wan
The Agricultural Resource Specialist assists farmers in implementing the state's Accepted Agricultural Practices (see AAPs - Accepted Agricultural Practices brochure). The ARS program also offers Farm*A*Syst, a free and confidential drinking water protection program for farms. Farm well water testing provides information on bacteria, nitrates and common pesticide levels. If a water quality problem is found, ARS staff can assist the landowner in trying to determine the cause of the contamination and work with the landowner to find the best solution. For more details, download the VT Farm*A*Syst brochure.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRCS employees coordinate the programs of the USDA Farm Bill, develop cost-sharing contracts, and implement projects on farms. The Bennington County Conservation District provides office space for NRCS soil conservationist Jennifer Kimberly. Kimberly can be reached at phone #802.442.2275 or by email at jennifer.kimberly@vt.usda.gov
Other programs
State cost-share programs
Clearbrook Farm
In Vermont, funding has been set aside through the Agency of Agriculture to help farmers develop Nutrient Management Plans, and to implement various on-farm practices. Further details are available online.
Other useful resources
University of Vermont Extension Farm Viability Enhancement Program offers business planning and decision making help to new and established Vermont farmers. The Rutland representative can be reached by phone at #802.773.3349 or (in Vermont) at #800.281.6977.
Northeast Organic Farming Association-Vermont (NOFA-VT) is a non-profit association of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations. Find out more online.