The Farmer Advocacy Program seeks to encourage farmers to attend public input meetings related to natural resource.

We need YOUR voice at the table!

We work closely with farmers and other land stewards, so we hear your stories about what it's actually like to manage the working landscape and implement conservation practices.

One of the goals of the Orleans County Conservation District is to make sure farmer voices are represented and amplified. We realize it would be far better to have you represent the perspective of farmers at meetings by sharing your impressions directly with legislators, federal & state officials, and agency decision makers and program managers.

Your participation really makes a difference. When someone shows up to share a perspective from "on the ground," decision makers really listen. Becuase participation and engagement of citizens are what ultimately drives a community and determines its future. 

Only YOU can tell your story! We hope you will consider becoming one of our farmer advocates.

We value your time and will compensate you for your attendance at meetings. We know farmers are busy and that we are asking a lot of you to attend meetings. That is why we created the opportunity to pay you a $50 stipend to attend a meeting related to natural resource concerns.

Examples of the types of meetings you could attend include the following:

• Right to Farm
• Local Working Groups (Locally Led Conservation Planning)
• Water quality, wetlands and permitting issues related to surface withdrawals, etc.
• RAP revisions
• Tactical Basin Planning
• ACT 250
• Public Open Houses at the Vermont State House (Legislator Meet & Greets)

How it Works

To enroll in the Farmer Advocate Program:

1. Complete an application (downloadable form below) and email it to our District Manager (contact info in side bar).
2. Once your application is reviewed, you will be added to our listserv to be alerted of upcoming meetings and receive preparation to attend them.
3. Check out the listing of advocacy opportunities at the upcoming events, meetings, and public forums (see side bar).
4. You will receive a stipend for attending meetings after completing a short survey for each event.
5. We will provide preparatory information in advance of the meeting as well as periodic trainings on how to advocate and effectively meet with agencies, your legislators, and other decision makers.

To apply, complete the online form below, or download the application and email it to the District Manager (see side bar for contact info).