Food and Beverage Law Blog Vermont Considers Steps To Increase Meat Processing Capacity

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (AAFM) has submitted a proposal to the Legislature to increase Vermont’s in-state meat processing capacity, with demand for local meat products outstripping current processing capacity. The proposal involves (1) financial assistance to existing facilities to expand facilities and capacity, and (2) vocational training to expand the available qualified workforce. The Senate Agriculture Committee took testimony on the proposal on February 24, 2021 from Abbey Willard, AAFM’s Director of AAFM’s Division of Agricultural Development. The Committee Chair, Sen. Bobby Starr, indicated that he wants to fast-track this proposal so that development work can begin before this fall.