Rural Vermont told the committee that ANR has not opened rulemaking needed to implement Act 41 (2021) protections for on‑farm composting, and that uncertainty about setbacks and operations prevents farmers from investing in new facilities despite legacy operations being protected.

Vermont League of Cities and Towns representatives told a legislative committee Jan. 14 that Act 181’s location-based mapping of Act 250 jurisdiction could concentrate new municipal permitting authority in small growth centers, potentially exposing some farmers to permitting costs; VLCT urged slowing implementation and delaying an 800-foot "road rule."

After hours of testimony and two rounds of votes, the McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals approved staff conditions but rejected a conditional‑use permit and two variances for a proposed on‑farm slaughter and processing facility (petition Z250068), denying the petition 6–1 on concerns about access, traffic data, and neighborhood compatibility.

Expertos del panel del State Water Resources Control Board discutieron si mantener tres vías de cálculo del aporte de nitrógeno del agua de riego o unificarlas; coincidieron en más investigación y en encargar borradores revisados sobre la pregunta 9 y 7d antes del taller del 14 de enero.

At a Jan. 8 Community Development Committee meeting, staff presented preliminary amendments to chapters 14, 15 and 17 to align county zoning with state code and DATCP guidance. Key debates centered on whether private burial plots should require conditional use permits, how to treat small versus commercial slaughterhouses, and limits on home occupations; staff will file petitions and schedule public hearings.

The Planning Commission approved Major Use Permit PL25‑13 for Rancho Lake LLC's proposed 19.6‑acre outdoor cannabis cultivation and a Type 13 distributor, adopting the mitigated negative declaration and including a recommended Lake OES preparedness condition; the vote was 3–1, with one absence and a 7‑day appeal period.

A New Force in Japanese FarmingJapan is witnessing a significant shift in its agricultural sector, driven by a demographic change...

Neighbors, county transportation staff and planners debated a conditional‑use request for a 1.044‑acre slaughterhouse that would use a 33‑foot shared easement to reach Greenwood Road. DOT said a traffic memo/study and likely widening of the first 500 feet of access will be required; the board continued the hearing to Jan. 8 and requested the state's attorney weigh in on parcel interpretation.

Templeton staff proposed adding 'nuisance animals' to Chapter 133 of the bylaws to establish enforcement protocols; some speakers warned the change could conflict with Commonwealth right-to-farm rules and Templeton's status as a right-to-farm community, urging review with legal counsel.

Panel discussed Question 8 and recommended simplified reporting pathways for small or diversified farms, proposing risk-based categories (including a potential separate nursery category) and urging reduced regulatory burden where data show low nitrate risk.

Staff recommended a streamlined pilot to implement AB 720 estate-tasting permits starting Jan. 1, 2026, using existing agricultural-road safety standards; growers urged fewer transport rules and a higher per-visit cap. Supervisors directed staff to return with refinements within 60–90 days.

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors heard public comment for and against proposed county regulations for solar energy systems and voted to return the draft ordinance to the Planning & Zoning Committee for further work and clarifications, particularly on prime farmland and wetlands provisions.

Panelists convened to refine how the State Water Resources Control Board should treat nitrogen management: whether to set crop‑specific application limits, landscape‑scale discharge goals, or phased targets; staff were directed to compile expert speakers and draft summaries for follow‑up meetings.

The zoning hearing officer recommended actions on five petitions involving residential and agricultural changes.

The Mullers argue their shed proposal complies with county ordinances despite requiring a conditional use permit.

Vicky Kermoyan and Paul Carmoyne advocate for local wineries against vague regulations.

Councilors share community event successes and propose discussion on farm animal issues.

Commission evaluates alcohol sales limits amid farm stand conversion and community concerns.

Lakeville establishes an Agricultural Commission to refine its right to farm bylaw.

Farmer addresses concerns over legal cannabis project near existing vineyard in River Valley.

Board of Health approves transfer of poultry regulations to the Agricultural Commission.

Unpaid drainage assessments risk land becoming assailable if not resolved by June.

Committee discusses requiring signed landowner agreements for nutrient management amid manure transportation issues.

Planning director outlines proposed animal unit changes to address local farming concerns.

Zoning Board introduces new regulation for grain facility setbacks to 200 feet.