Eagle Times Staff
MONTPELIER, VT — The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets would like to remind all farm operations that the annual winter manure spreading ban is now in effect.
VAAFM is aware that many Vermonters experienced unprecedented rainfall this summer, and these conditions reduced manure spreading opportunities and stressed manure storage capacity for farms. The winter manure spreading ban is still in place, but farmers can seek exemptions for emergency situations occurring because of the historic wet weather Vermont experienced in 2023.
Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order instructing VAAFM and the Agency of Natural Resources to outline appropriate best management practices that enable farmers to spread excess manure while protecting the environment. Following that collaboration, VAAFM is prepared to issue exemptions to farms that request an emergency exemption and demonstrate a related need because of the Flood of 2023 and the related disastrous weather and field conditions.
The Governor, VAAFM and ANR understand that many farms lack sufficient storage capacity because of the persistent rain and flooding. Farmers’ shared commitment to protect the environment is important, and we recognize that farmers were often unable to responsibly access their fields to harvest crops or to spread manure while Vermont experienced record wet conditions this season.
Between Dec. 15 and April 1, no manure or other agricultural nutrients (including compost and spoiled feed) may be spread on agricultural fields throughout Vermont unless an emergency exemption has been granted to an individual farm operation. This annual ban is required by the Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), which is a part of Vermont’s overall strategy to protect water quality, the working landscape, and natural resources.
To inquire about an emergency exemption, farm operations or custom applicators should contact either their regional farm coordinator or they can contact Laura DiPietro at 802-595-1990 or Nate Sands at 802-224-6850.
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