RV's opposition to S.54!

 This bill has a number of problematic aspects with respect to the agricultural community and equity for small businesses, as well as criminal and racial justice reform.  S.54 was never seen before an agriculture committee, and evidences a significant degree of questionable agricultural literacy, including the recent addition of the following clause: "a cannabis establishment shall not be regulated as “farming” under the RAPs… or other State law” (which poses a number of unanswered questions related to Current Use, Agricultural Easements, and any barriers for existing farm operations which may want to join this marketplace).   S.54 has now passed the House Floor (see how your representatives voted here) and it will head to Conference Committee before going to the desk of the Governor.  We do not know what potential changes to expect in Conference Committee - and do not know who will constitute the Committee - but we are not hopeful of a positive outcome given the significant problems in this bill. Please see Rural Vermont's comments here, and check out the VT Growers' Association website (which links to a petition from VT Hemp Farmers opposing the bill) for more information.  We are working on sending out more information soon - and encourage you to inform farmers, your representatives, and other community members about the ways in which this bill, and its process, do not include our agricultural communities' voices or interests, and does not embody equity and justice more broadly.