By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-999830.mp3
Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Working Land Enterprise Investment Bill was introduced in both the Vermont House and Senate this week. It creates the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Board and Fund to help market the state's working landscape, attract entrepreneurs and business development in the farm, food system, and forest industries and encourage youth involvement in those sectors of the economy. House Representative Will Stevens is a lead sponsor of the bill. The bill was developed through the Vermont Working Lands Partnership, a project of the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Council Executive Director Paul Costello notes that Vermont leads the nation per capita in organic farms, farmers' markets and direct purchase by consumers. But Costello says the average age of Vermont farmers and foresters is nearly 60 and a new generation must be attracted to the working lands. Vermont Natural Resources Council Sustainable Communities Director Kate McCarthy says this bill provides greater efficiency in supporting the economies of farms and forests. Paul Costello says the bill, if passed, strengthens Vermont's future as a green economic leader. A public hearing on the bill will be held Wednesday evening January 18th at the Statehouse.