If you are a farmer, farm worker, or just someone who eats, the policy decisions made by our legislature impact you! Join NOFA-VT, Rural Vermont and Action Circles for a series of advocacy days starting in February to learn more about the legislative process and speak directly to the elected officials making policy that shapes Vermont's food and farming systems. Starting on February 10th and continuing through April, these monthly events are a great opportunity to have your voice heard in the legislative process, and to get some training from "the experts" on how to deliver your message effectively.
ON-FARM SLAUGHTER ADVOCACY DAY
Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 9 - 10:15 AM
FSIS Rollback of VT On-Farm Slaughter Law: It's Time to Resist!
In a recent letter to the State of Vermont, the USDA’s Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) continued to render an opinion that Vermont's practice of on-farm slaughter does not meet FSIS' interpretation of the federal law. The letter arrived without letterhead or a signature and used language that is blatantly contradictory. The letter questions the multiple owner rule that was passed into VT statute in 2019 - even though that passage occurred in consultation with FSIS. The letter further negates the existence of Vermont's on-farm slaughter law by stating: “the personal use exemption requires all owners to be individuals who were involved in the raising of the animal” AND “There is no provision in the statute or regulations allowing the use of third-party itinerant slaughterers under the personal use exemption.” Learn more HERE.
Action Steps:
1. Join NOFA-VT and Rural Vermont for the Small Farm Action Day on March 24th from 9-10:15am on YouTube. Support farmers testifying against the FSIS policy and demonstrate our people power by viewing live here! <UPDATED LINK ON HOUSE AG YOUTUBE!
2. Take action during the livestream and boost emails to legislators on the agriculture committees with your version of the following message:
“I am affected by the FSIS rollback of our On-Farm Slaughter law. I support the immediate repeal of the registration and report requirements to protect farmers and urge the legislature to challenge FSIS policy and to uphold On-Farm Slaughter in Vermont!”
3. Sign-On to repeal the registration and report requirements and protect farmers!
If you have questions or need more info, contact Legislative Director Caroline Gordon.