Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Farmers tell Senate panel S.323 should clarify farm exemptions and ease permitting for value‑added activities
Summary
Farmers and dairy producers told the Senate Agriculture Committee that S.323 should clarify which farm activities are exempt from municipal rules, and witnesses described costly permitting delays — including wastewater and Act 250 interpretations that affected on‑farm kitchens and a dry‑ice business. The committee scheduled more testimony next week.
Farmers urged the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday to tighten and clarify proposed language in the miscellaneous agriculture bill, S.323, to protect small farms’ ability to add on‑farm kitchens, educational events and value‑added production without triggering additional municipal or Act 250 permitting.
Kieran Killeen, co‑owner of Killeen Crossroads Farm, told the committee he supports the bill’s intent but said the current accessory on‑farm business (AOFB) exemptions exclude construction of facilities for educational events and farm stays. “I cannot construct a kitchen to produce those value‑added products and run educational activities through that kitchen the way the current law is written,” Killeen said, arguing modest changes could allow classes and demonstrations while guarding against broad commercial uses such as weddings or large private events.
The testimony centered on the gap between the statute’s processing and sales exemptions and the needs of farms trying to diversify revenue. Killeen…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
