( – promoted by JulieWaters)
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the Farm to Plate summit, held in Rutland. This event was part of a process that began last year with legislative action that was part of the Recovery Act economic development stimulus bill. This bill was largely crafted in the Senate Economic Development committee, on which I sit, and the House Commerce Committee, with input from the House and Senate Agriculture Committees on this part of the bill. The bill included $100,000 for the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) to develop a 10-year strategic economic development plan for the agricultural sector in Vermont. Much work has been done to date, and Saturday’s event was both a report and an opportunity for Vermonters to offer their feedback on the plan as it is shaping up.
I was encouraged to see over 300 people at this event, and to find out that more than 800 have participated so far in the process led by the VSJF. I was further encouraged by the presentations by both Ken Meter, the keynote speaker, and Ellen Kahler, director of the VSJF.
Although Ken’s presentation had some distressing statistics regarding the decline of the agricultural sector over the past several decades, these same statistics showed the incredible potential that is right here in Vermont to both stimulate our economy and promote good health in our communities. Ellen’s presentation of the VSJF’s research further confirmed this great potential. I am looking forward to the VSJF’s final report, and I am looking forward to working to implement the recommendations they come up with.
In the jobs bill that just passed the Vermont senate, we again included funding to continue the VSJF’s work on the Farm to Plate initiative (as well as funding for farm-to-institutions and farm-to-school, and to get the Vermont Seal of Quality restored). Ellen also pointed out in her presentation that several private funders have contributed as well. This investment is critical for us to build a strong local food system in Vermont, increase our resilience and independence as a state, and get our economy growing.
Already in Vermont, there are over 54,000 jobs that are related to our food system. This is 20% of all private sector jobs in the state. The potential to increase the number of jobs in this sector is great. In order to do this, though, we must invest in infrastructure, and also find ways to allow more direct sales between farmers and consumers. Also, we must get more local food into our grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and institutions. We have done much already in this area, but we have really only scratched the surface of what is possible. With a good 10-year plan in place, we will be able to focus our efforts in this area, and I look forward to doing that as governor.
-Doug Racine
I’ll accept that I am at the point of diminishing value. My objections have fallen on deaf ears and it is undoubtedly better to let it lie for a time. But let me make a suggestion to candidates posting on this website; please consider creating your own definition of a base that will win you the primary nomination instead of using the definition created for you.
It will be an open primary and the only show in town so consider campaigning now as if the general election is underway. Appeal to a broad swath of Vermonters with a message of moderation and inclusiveness stressing the fortunes of the state and all its residents regardless of party. Build a broad appeal now and work to draw into the primary those Vermonters who might otherwise dismiss the primary as strictly a hard-line Democrat “thing”. In my own opinion it would allow you to stand out from your primary opponents as a statesman above the petty fray and in positive, engaged contrast to the “silence offers no flaws” approach of Mr. Dubie. It would also allow you to form a consistent narrative of a leader concerned for the general welfare now that can be maintained through the general election.
While I’m sure alienating more left wing Democrats is a concern, it is only a significant concern if more are lost than can be gained by aggressively pursuing the primary votes of those who would otherwise abstain from the Democratic primary. In the upcoming primary every Vermonter has a say who the Democratic nominee will be, consider using that as an opportunity.
to Vermont’s future prosperity. It is critical for our next governor to have a firm appreciation for and commitment to that vision. Throughout the Douglas years, one had the impression that he regarded the rural character of the state as an embarrassment and something to be quickly built-over in order to obscure it!
I would love to see Hardwick’s successful model replicated throughout the state. The town’s creative approach to supporting local agriculture is truly inspiring – having created jobs at a time when other towns are losing them.