The bill amends various sections of Vermont's agricultural laws, focusing on the rights of dairy producers, the Farm-to-School Program, pesticide regulations, seed law changes, and the consolidation of the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program. Key amendments include clarifying that a handler cannot refuse to purchase dairy products from a producer without valid reasons and proper notice, allowing producers to contest such refusals through a hearing with the Secretary of Agriculture. The Farm-to-School Program is restructured to provide local grants or contracts to support relationships between schools and local farmers, with new criteria for applications and awards. Additionally, the bill repeals the Pest Control Compact, updates licensing requirements for pesticide applicators, and introduces new labeling requirements for seeds, along with increased penalties for violations.

Furthermore, the bill proposes the dissolution of the Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation, transferring its assets to the Authority and establishing new loan eligibility standards for farmers and forest products businesses. It introduces a new subchapter focused on hemp regulation, consolidating authority under the Cannabis Control Board, and mandates compliance with federal and state laws. The bill outlines specific criteria for hemp growers and processors, including registration and licensing requirements, and establishes enforcement measures for non-compliance. Additionally, it amends the permitting process for large and medium farm operations, streamlining application evaluations and eliminating certain annual operating fees starting July 1, 2026. The bill aims to enhance support for agricultural and forestry projects while ensuring consumer safety and product integrity in the hemp industry.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 24-4413(d), 24-4413, 32-5811(21), 32-5811, 32-9603, 10-6081(t), 10-6081, 32-3752(1), 32-3752, 18-4301, 18-4353, 30-248, 6-2752, 6-4721, 6-83, 6-1112, 6-641, 6-642, 6-644, 6-646(b), 6-646, 6-647, 6-648, 10-16A, 6-4851(i), 6-4851, 6-4858(e), 6-4858
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 24-4413(d), 24-4413, 32-5811(21), 32-5811, 32-9603, 10-6081(t), 10-6081, 32-3752(1), 32-3752, 18-4301, 18-4353, 30-248, 6-2752, 6-4721, 6-83, 6-1112, 6-641, 6-642, 6-644, 6-646(b), 6-646, 6-647, 6-648, 10-16A, 6-4851(i), 6-4851, 6-4858(e), 6-4858, 32-3755, 10-211(c), 10-211, 10-212, 10-216, 10-220a, 10-280a, 6-34, 18-4201(15), 18-4201, 32-7811(b), 32-7811, 10-723
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 24-4413(d), 24-4413, 10-6081(t), 10-6081, 6-2752, 6-4721, 6-83, 6-1112, 6-641, 6-642, 6-644, 6-646(b), 6-646, 6-647, 6-648, 10-16A, 10-211(c), 10-211, 10-212, 10-216, 10-220a, 10-280a, 6-34, 18-4201(15), 18-4201, 32-7811(b), 32-7811, 10-723
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 24-4413(d), 24-4413, 32-5811(21), 32-5811, 32-9603, 10-6081(t), 10-6081, 32-3752(1), 32-3752, 18-4301, 18-4353, 30-248, 6-2752, 6-4721, 6-83, 6-1112, 6-641, 6-642, 6-644, 6-646(b), 6-646, 6-647, 6-648, 10-16A, 6-4851(i), 6-4851, 6-4858(e), 6-4858, 32-3755, 10-211(c), 10-211, 10-212, 10-216, 10-220a, 10-280a, 6-34, 18-4201(15), 18-4201, 32-7811(b), 32-7811, 10-723, 7-845, 6-4643(e), 6-4643
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 6-2752, 6-4721, 6-83, 6-1112, 6-641, 6-644, 6-647, 10-16A, 10-211(c), 10-211, 10-212, 10-216, 10-220a, 10-280a, 6-34, 18-4201(15), 18-4201, 32-7811(b), 32-7811, 7-845, 10-723, 6-4643(e), 6-4643, 6-4851(i), 6-4851, 6-4858(e), 6-4858
As Enacted: 6-2752, 6-4721, 6-83, 6-1112, 6-641, 6-644, 6-647, 10-16A, 10-211(c), 10-211, 10-212, 10-216, 10-220a, 10-280a, 6-34, 18-4201(15), 18-4201, 32-7811(b), 32-7811, 7-845, 10-723, 6-4643(e), 6-4643, 6-4851(i), 6-4851, 6-4858(e), 6-4858