Vermont seeks $500K to revive Crop Cash Plus for local farm support

In a recent Vermont Senate Agriculture meeting, key discussions centered around the importance of local food programs and their impact on community health and economic viability. The meeting highlighted the need for continued funding for initiatives like Crop Cash and Crop Cash Plus, which support local farmers and improve food security for residents.

Kaylee Boucher, a cheese maker representing Green Mountain Loiches, emphasized the critical role these programs play in sustaining small farms and providing affordable access to nutritious food. Boucher shared her personal experience, noting that local dairy products are essential for her health, particularly as they offer higher fat and protein content compared to store-bought alternatives. She expressed concern over the rising costs of local dairy, which can be prohibitive for low-income families.

The Crop Cash Plus program, which allows customers to purchase a wider range of staple foods, including dairy and eggs, was particularly praised for its ability to reach underserved populations. Boucher reported that when both Crop Cash and Crop Cash Plus were operational, approximately $40,000 in coupons were spent at the Burlington Farmers Market. In contrast, with only Crop Cash available in 2024, that number dropped to $12,000, illustrating the significant impact of the Plus program on vendor sales and customer access.

Boucher urged the committee to support a request for $500,000 in funding to reinstate Crop Cash Plus, arguing that it would enhance the programs' effectiveness and ensure that high-quality local food reaches those in need. The discussion also touched on the limitations of the existing Crop Cash program, which currently excludes essential items like milk and cheese, leaving many community needs unmet.

The meeting underscored the vital connection between local agriculture and community health, as well as the economic challenges faced by small farmers. As the committee considers the funding request, the future of these programs remains uncertain, but their potential to strengthen Vermont's agricultural landscape and support food security is clear.