AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT
Director: Linda Sanderson, 326 Sanderson Road, Milton VT 05468
Tel: 802-999-3510; Email: [email protected]
MISSION STATEMENT: The Grange is an organization with deep ties to agriculture. Agriculture is the basis of our ritual work, and our organization has long been dedicated to its promotion and preservation. The environment we live in and the proper conservation and cultivation of it are critical to our survival. The goal of this committee is to foster a deeper appreciation for agriculture and the environment within our Community Granges and aid them in raising awareness and developing policies at the local, state, and national level.
  1. Master should appoint an active Agriculture & Environment committee to develop and promote Community Grange activities at Grange meetings and in the community.
  1. This appointed Agriculture/Environment Committee shall develop a program that addresses one or more issues pertaining to agriculture that is also relevant to that Grange’s membership.  This is a time of momentous change in agriculture in our state, so there are many possible subjects. From new environmental regulations and changes to land use taxation, to marketing new value-added products and recognizing global trade and local markets, there are plenty of new things for your Agriculture committees to talk about and inform your membership about.
  2. Make financial donation(s) as directed by the interests of your Grange. Suggestions: Kelley Farm, Heifer Project International.
  3. As a State Grange Agriculture Project, we would like to support schools who have school gardens and/or Farm to School efforts that are beginning or established projects.  Things you can do as a Subordinate Grange:
    1. Invite a teacher or food service director to the Grange to explain their project and how the Grange can help.
    2. Offer to support their school garden project with funding to establish raised beds, for seeds, tools, manure, and/or watering equipment.
    3. Give a helping hand and visit as an experienced Grange gardener.
    4. Offer to bring in some homegrown veggies, berries, or cheese samples for a taste testing event for a class or the whole school.
    5. Support a Community Harvest Dinner to help the school celebrate their efforts.
  4. There is an effort to expand Farm to School here in VT. We can do our part financially and legislatively. See website at: www.vtfarmtoschool.org  for ideas and resources to guide you.
  5. All Agriculture/Environment Committee donations should be sent directly on or before June 15, 2025, to:

Linda Sanderson, 326 Sanderson Road, Milton VT 05468

Checks should be made payable to: Vermont State Grange Agriculture/Environment

Please designate amounts for each project. You may also select other Agriculture related donations that appeal to your membership.
  1. Keep the State Agriculture/ Environment director/committee informed of your programs, as you develop and promote Community Grange activities. Invite them to your annual agricultural program. Effective communication, on all levels of Grange work, is key to success.
  2. Develop at least one resolution related to agriculture and the environment. Resolutions through Grange are a fantastic way for your membership to express their concerns about agricultural issues in a unified voice to our legislators at the state and national level, as they look to make changes to agricultural policy. Check the GMG articles from the Ag Director for ideas and information.
  3. As the COVID19 pandemic begins to subside, we recognize the aftereffects on our farms and small businesses, as well as some of our more vulnerable citizens. VT dairy farmers have experienced a crisis following the nearly 5-year downturn in the price they receive at the farmgate. We know that people want to continue to help - donating milk helps dairy farmers by securing a market for their milk and families who are struggling with food insecurity. There are opportunities still available for Granges to donate milk to your area food shelves. Remember that milk is one of the most sought-after food items when our struggling neighbors go to find food. Perhaps your Grange can donate and earmark it for milk. Storage is sometimes an issue. If you are feeling generous, consider donating a refrigerator to your local food shelf. What a great community service that would be for farmers and consumers alike.

Resources for Programs and Policy
  • VT Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets’ Agriview found at www.Agriculture.Vermont.gov or call 802-828-5667
  • If you are a farmer or producer, you can get a free subscription in your mailbox monthly by calling 802-828-1619 or e-mail [email protected]
  • VT Agriculture Community Calendar at http://agriculture.vermont.gov/events/month
  • For more information on Vermont’s Farm to School, go to the website: http://agriculture.vermont.gov/vermont_farm_to_school_program.
  • Find clever ideas at your local County Fairs this year and please participate in the VT State Grange Fall Festival.
    • Veggies and fruit, baked or canned goods, displays.
    • Check out the premium list.
    • See Fall Festival pages in this program book for more information.
    • Join the fun and show off your produce! There are cash prizes!
  • Skimmed Milk is full of current, ever-changing dairy information. Find it at [email protected]