UVM research chief asks lawmakers for input on ag priorities, flags PFAS and dairy facilities needs

Eric Von Weberg, director of the Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station, told a legislative panel he is seeking input on research priorities set under the federal Hatch Act and on how the station should use limited state and federal funding to address emerging problems such as PFAS, farm resilience and dairy infrastructure.

Von Weberg said the station’s work is funded through a federal–state partnership under the Hatch Act and related laws, and stressed the need for stakeholder input to set priorities that reflect Vermont’s agricultural needs. “I am here to seek input on the research priorities of the Agricultural Experiment Station,” he said.

Nut graf: The discussion centered on how a small state land‑grant program can target scarce dollars — roughly $1.5 million in Hatch funding matched by state dollars under a baseline 50/50 arrangement — to urgent local problems. Von Weberg and committee members flagged PFAS research, revitalizing dairy teaching and research facilities at UVM’s Miller Farm, and maintaining staff and graduate‑student capacity as near‑term priorities.

Von Weberg outlined the station’s mission and assets: about 38 faculty…