USDA

Senator Leahy, USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey, Chief of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Matthew Lohr, Congressman Peter Welch, UVM President Garimella, and Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts announce two major long-term projects centered on Vermont agriculture and water quality.

Leahy unveils the establishment of a USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Food Systems Center at the University of Vermont. The center, funded at $3 million per year, over five years, is a result of work by Leahy, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. UVM and ARS scientists will perform integrated research on small-scale farming and value-added food production and nutrition, to benefit farmers and rural communities in Vermont and across the United States.

Leahy, Northey, and Lohr also announce nearly $2 million in grants to study the impact of voluntary conservation and stewardship practices on Vermont’s water quality. The multi-year study aims to assist farmers as they work to improve water quality and conservation practices.

The National Rural Development Partnership and Partners for Rural America held this conference at the Vermont Statehouse on September 8. 2008. In part 4, titled "Telecommunications," speakers are: Paul Costello, Tony Elliott, Laura Duey, Mary Evslin, Jody Levin. If you want to purchase a copy of this program, please contact ORCA media.

The National Rural Development Partnership and Partners for Rural America held this conference at the Vermont Statehouse on September 8. 2008. In part 2, titled "Expanding Renewable Energy & Efficiency", speakers are: Paul Costello, Chuck Ross, Jeff Wolfe, Michael Dworkin. If you want to purchase a copy of this program, please contact ORCA media.