Senate Agriculture committee reviews miscellaneous bill items; Farm Bureau, current-use and testing language to return

The Senate Agriculture Committee used the session to advance and review many noncontroversial and outstanding parts of a miscellaneous agriculture bill. A committee member said, "I did receive word from Vermont Farm Bureau" that the House Ag Committee met with Jill Remick about proposed current-use changes to allow grazing rights and raised questions about how the tax department would use Schedule F filings to confirm payments to landowners.

Chair (S1) said he wants the bill to remain the Senate Agriculture Committee's product and asked the group to work toward compromises, with a target to finish sections 1–3 by Tuesday. On milk-producer provisions (section 11) the chair asked staff to have Bradley review the language one more time before final agreement. Sections 13–14 were described as noncontroversial; section 14 would allow additional time for testing without lowering standards.

The committee also discussed a provision (section 25) about floor drains and whether vegetable-washing wastewater must go to daylight systems; members said Paul Ralston requested a study and recommended involving ANR and other state staff in a joint report. Chair said the Cannabis Control Board will return with suggested language that members expect will aid hemp fiber and non-medicinal uses.

On current use and farm structures, the chair flagged cases where towns have not automatically enrolled building additions in current use, leading to sharp tax increases for some farmers; the committee scheduled testimony and further review next week to address enrollment and lister procedures. No formal votes were taken during the session; members agreed to follow up with stakeholders and agency staff and continue the bill work in short order.