The committee discussed ongoing outreach and educational presentations the committee will host, including graduate students from the University of Vermont (UVM) presenting project work, Farm to Plate offering overviews and resources, and interest in revitalizing the Vermont College at Randolph (referred to as BTC) agriculture program.

Why it matters: presentations are intended to inform committee work, provide research and stakeholder perspectives, and surface workforce and education options that could support agricultural enterprises in the state.

Details: committee members noted a recent presentation (referenced in the meeting) from Ben & Jerry’s and said UVM graduate students will present results from recent projects in a coming meeting. Ellen Kaler and Farm to Plate staff offered to prepare additional topic briefings. Committee members described Vermont College at Randolph’s plan to restart an agriculture program and a target enrollment of about 25 students needed to make the program viable; members discussed possibilities for industry support such as scholarships, though they acknowledged such support would likely come from private or industry sources rather than direct House funding.

Next steps: committee staff will schedule the student and Farm to Plate presentations and allow members to use committee meeting time for substantive briefings. Members encouraged continued engagement with industry and educational partners to support workforce pipelines and program feasibility.