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Vermont farmers say Act 181 changes and NRB complaint threaten on‑farm multipurpose operations
Summary
A cooperative of farms told the committee a November NRB letter contends a newly built pole barn is primarily for events and therefore not exempt, prompting legal fees and calls for clearer multi‑use on‑farm structure language in the miscellaneous bill and administrative reports required by Act 181.
Joseph Morrell, who operates Eastman Farm in Barnard and participates in a cooperative managing roughly 450 acres, told the House agriculture committee that a Natural Resources Board (NRB) letter accused the farm's pole barn of being constructed “primarily for an event,” which he said exposes them to enforcement despite long‑standing on‑farm uses.
Morrell said the pole barn stores hay and tractors, is used year‑round, and supports value‑added activities including on‑farm processing and a market kitchen. He…
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