February 27, 2025
We’re roughly a month out from the release of the executive orders targeting federal programs that are not aligned with “the goals and priorities of [the president’s] Administration,” and we’re deeply concerned about the anti-democratic nature of this attack on bipartisan programming and the direct impact on agriculture. NOFA-VT and our farmers have received conflicting information about different federal funding streams, or, in some cases, no information at all. Despite court rulings that federal funds should still be dispersed, widespread confusion at USDA and staff terminations have resulted in some stalled programs, delayed payments, and broken grant contracts.
USDA shutdowns threaten farm(work)ers’ livelihoods, and in turn, everyone’s well-being; these cuts threaten the vital work farmers do to keep us fed amidst climate change and global instability.
Most recently, we received the news that the Climate-Smart Farming & Marketing Program is at a standstill. This is a regional initiative in which USDA contracted with Pennsylvania Sustainable Agriculture to pay farms $26 million over four years to implement practices that mitigate climate change and adapt to extreme weather events. The program is not officially canceled, but funds are frozen and a key third-party contractor has been terminated, effectively ceasing its operation. (Learn more about this news in a recent article in Civil Eats).
NOFA-VT is a local partner in the climate-smart program. We’re hopeful and prepared for this program to regain operation, as USDA’s investment in sustainable agriculture is crucial to the future viability and resilience of Vermont’s farms and our food system more broadly.
It is challenging to navigate a system in chaos, but we know that together we can continue to build an economically viable, ecologically sound, and socially just Vermont agricultural system. Whether you’re directly tending the land and growing food or advocating for those who do, you are part of a movement—thank you.
Take Action
Inform Us of Direct Impacts
If you haven’t already, we’re encouraging farms and agricultural businesses that have experienced interruptions in federal contracts, loans, or services to fill out this short survey.
Contact Secretary Rollins
Reach out to US Secretary of Agriculture Rollins and urge her to maintain stability for farmers and honor the binding agreements USDA made with farmers, ranchers, and the organizations that support them. Call (833) ONE-USDA or (202) 720-2791 to share your perspective and story.
Sample Script:
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
My name is [YOUR NAME]. I live [AND/OR FARM, SUPPORT FARMERS, LAND STEWARDS, ETC] in [CITY, STATE].
EXPRESS YOUR CONCERN
I am very concerned about USDA losing critical workers and stopping promised payments of grants and loans. Dysfunction at USDA threatens our country's food security and the livelihood of our rural towns. Please honor contractual agreements, release funds, and maintain USDA staff. [ADD STORIES OF PERSONAL IMPACT IF RELEVANT].
THANK HER
Thank you for your service to our nation’s farmers.
Contact Senator Peter Welch
We encourage people to bring their concerns to Senator Welch who supports sustainable agriculture programs (including the climate-smart program) and sits on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Members of Congress will be in their home districts March 17-22, and scheduling an in-person meeting is particularly impactful. You can also reach Senator Welch at 802-863-2525 or his online contact form.
Sample Script:
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
My name is [YOUR NAME]. I live [AND/OR FARM, SUPPORT FARMERS, LAND STEWARDS, ETC] in [CITY, STATE].
EXPRESS YOUR CONCERN
I am very concerned about USDA losing critical workers and stopping promised payments of grants and loans. This reverses decades of progress towards achieving equity for underrepresented communities, puts our farmers in a vulnerable position at the start of the growing season, risks our country’s food security, and threatens the livelihood of our rural towns. [ADD STORIES OF PERSONAL IMPACT IF RELEVANT]. I’m asking you and Congress to defend these public programs, services, and funding mechanisms and ensure USDA follows the rules and priorities legally established by Congress.
THANK HIM
Thank you for your devotion to Vermont’s farms.
Become a Member of NOFA-VT
When you become a member of NOFA-VT, you join other Vermonters who are part of the movement for a just, sustainable, verdant food system. Membership funds our work, but with annual dues starting at just $1, it’s also an opportunity to add your voice to the call for a better future, regardless of financial means. Please become a member and invite your friends and family to do the same.
Support the Vermont Farm Security Fund Campaign
We can impact our future food security and working landscape on the state level! Previous extreme weather events have shown that Vermont’s small, diversified farms are left out of federal programs designed to stabilize agriculture in times of crisis. We’re advocating for the creation of a Farm Security Fund in Vermont that will help all Vermont farms recover and continue farming in the face of climate instability. Learn more and share your support for the fund on our website.