AGRICULTURE & THE ENVIRONMENT
Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005
SHERATON CONFERENCE CENTER, BURLINGTON

Rising fuel prices, nutrient run-off, changing policies, new regulations, encroaching sprawl: Vermont farmers face many environment-related challenges. Fortunately, new inventions and initiatives are creating exciting opportunities for farms and environmental industries. This solutions-oriented event explored the latest technologies, practices, and programs that can help farms become profitable and sustainable. Sponsored by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies, University of Vermont, Vermont Technology Council, Draker Solar and the 12-22 North Green Business Community, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, Vermont Community Loan Fund, and the Vermont Dept. of Economic Development.

Our Agriculture & the Environment conference proved to be a major step toward transforming agriculture practice and policy in Vermont. The overflow audience of 243 participants included farmers, environmental scientists and engineers, stage agency heads and staff, representatives from non-profit agricultural and rural development organizations, educators, students, legislators, and staff from federal agencies and legislative offices.

For more information on the event, or to receive Powerpoint presentations or Richard Waybright’s 25-minute video about Mason-Dixon Farm, please call Daniel Hecht at (802) 485-2455.

 

AGENDA

9:00 - WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS: Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie.

9:15 - ACT 77: Agriculture Sec. Steve Kerr and Rep. Harvey Smith: An overview of the important farm sustainability bill passed last year and an update on what is needed for implementation.

10:00 - NEW RESOURCES FOR FARM ENERGY: What do rising energy prices mean for farmers? What technologies and programs are emerging to assure farm viability and sustainability? Panelists will present on latest developments in their fields and take questions.

  • Chuck Ross, Office of Sen. Patrick Leahy, moderator
  • David Dunn, Central Vermont Public Service CowPower
  • Jeffery Wolfe, Global Resource Options – appropriate solar energy solutions
  • Netaka White, Vt. Biofuels Association – biodiesel/biofuels for Vermont farms
  • Adam Sherman, Biomass Energy Resource Center – energy from ag by-products and wood
  • Lawrence Mott, Earth Turbines, Inc. – new potentials for small wind power installations
  • Rob Ide, Vermont Dept. of Public Service – policy, net metering, and infrastructure

12:00 - LUNCH

1:00 - KEYNOTE: Richard Waybright will detail his 30 years as a pioneer in farm sustainability and productivity enhancement. Dick is an inspiring, entertaining speaker with many suggestions for farmers based on the success of his “living laboratory,” the award-winning Mason-Dixon Farm.

1:45 - SOLUTIONS IN NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT: Manure, run-off, water and soil quality, odor – how can farmers turn challenges into revenue sources? Short presentations and audience questions.

  • David Lane, Dep. Sec. Agriculture, moderator
  • Chris Stone, Stone Environmental – watershed modeling tools for run-off control
  • Guy Roberts, Avatar Alternative Energy – integrated nutrient mgt. systems for small dairies
  • Lorenzo Whitcomb – Whitcomb Farm’s experience with biodigestors/nutrient management
  • Tim Burns, Bioprocess, Inc. – biodigestors and methane conversion technologies
  • Jonathan Chamberlin, Bourdeau & Bushey, Inc. – mobile soil testing/mapping with GPS
  • Buzz Hoerr, Electrocell Technologies – electrical control of bacteria and nutrient separation

1:45 - EMERGING PRODUCTS, PRACTICES, AND PROGRAMS: This panel explores a number of environmentally-beneficial innovations with great promise for farmers.

  • Rep. David Zuckerman, Chair of House Agriculture Committee, moderator
  • Donna Casey, CVSWMD – municipal organic waste as a resource for farm energy, income
  • Helen Jordan, VCRD – environmental and economic advantages of Buy Local initiatives
  • Bob Baird, Vermont Land Trust – new programs for access to conserved, affordable farmland
  • Willie Gibson, NE Organic Farmers Ass. – economic/environmental benefits of organic farming
  • AJ Rossman, Draker Solar Design – monitoring tech that makes systems work better, cheaper
  • Tom Rainey, Vt. Ctr. for Emerging Technologies – cutting-edge sustainable ag technologies
  • Bob DeGeus, ANR – small-lot forestry practices and value-added lumber products

3:45 - FROM POTENTIALS TO POLICY: NEXT STEPS: The closing panel of policy-makers will discuss ways to implement sustainable farm policy and will take audience questions and comments: ACCD Sec. Kevin Dorn; Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie; Ag Sec. Steve Kerr; Sen. Ag. Chair Sara Kittell; Chuck Ross, Office of Sen. Leahy; Rep. Harvey Smith; House Ag. Chair Rep. David Zuckerman.

ALL DAY:
  • Exhibits by businesses, agencies, and organizations on related subjects.
  • Exhibits, materials, and expert advice on funding for sustainable technologies.

Contact Daniel Hecht, VEC Executive Director
dhecht@norwich.edu
(802) 485-2455