Agricultural Resource Specialist Program (ARS) is offered by the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (www.vacd.org) and is supported by funding from the VAFFM. Three main services are offered to farmers: AAPA, AEM and FWWT:

Accepted Agricultural Practices Assistance (AAPA) offers farmers free technical assistance and information to help them meet the requirements of VAAFM’s AAP regulations. The ARS works with farmers on developing strategies specific to the farm, accommodating seasonal changes and soil characteristics. If strategies involve implementation costs, the ARS provides information and referrals for State and Federal cost-share programs.

Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) is a statewide, voluntary program that assists farmers in environmental stewardship, protecting the quality of the farm natural resources as the foundation of the farmer’s long-term economic viability. Assessments cover farmstead water supplies, nutrient management, pesticide use, and many other farm practices. Suggested actions are linked with technical resources for design and implementation and financial resources for cost-share opportunities.

Farm Well Water Testing (FWWT) is a free drinking water protection service for farms. Water testing for farm wells provides information on bacteria, nitrates and common pesticide levels. If a water quality problem is found, ARS staff will assist the landowner in trying to determine the cause of the contamination and to find the best solution.

Land Treatment Planners (LTP) are available to assist farmers in developing land treatment plans, which provide detailed information on farm soil and water resources, recommendations for continued stewardship and compliance with state and federal regulations. Land treatment planning is the foundation of a nutrient management plan (NMP). Although LTP is not itself required for Vermont farms, it provides the core data needed to develop a NMP. A NMP, however, is required for all Medium and Large Farm Operations and is encouraged for Small Farm Operations (SFOs). This free program is provided to farmers through a partnership between the USDA NRCS, Conservation Districts, and VAAFM.

www.vermontagriculture.com/ARMES/awq/LTP.html

Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District (PMNRCD) was created in 1940 as the first Conservation District in Vermont, and continues to work with agricultural producers as well as landowners, communities, youth and the general public on issues related to water quality and natural resource conservation. The 309,000-acre Poultney-Mettowee Watershed is home to 17 Vermont and New York towns. The watershed contains a combination of farmlands, forested areas, villages and rural communities. These areas are home to a diversity of wild and domestic plants and animals including several rare and significant species.

www.pmnrcd.org

Otter Creek Natural Resources Conservation District (OCNRCD) was created in 1941. The OCNRCD supports agricultural operators by contracting CREP to plant riparian buffers on 744 acres to date, writing conservation plans – both LTP and CNMPs - and hosting an Agriculture Resource Specialist to assist with implementation of the AAPs, test drinking water sources, and participates with farmers in the Agricultural Environmental Management program. The OCNRCD supports programs for the public in Conservation outreach and education, and has been implementing rain gardens for four years. The District provides conservation items including tree seedlings, and maintains a listing of contractors.

www.vacd.org.

Southern Vermont Nutrient Management Program (SVNMP) is a joint project of the Ottauquechee, Poultney-Mettowee, Rutland, Bennington, White River and Windham Conservation Districts, started in 1999. Funding has come from the EPA, VAAFM, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Vermont Community Foundation, USDA NRCS and the Lake Champlain Basin Program. The purpose of the SVNMP program is to help agricultural producers address nutrient management needs with the help of on-farm consultant assistance. The program aims to improve management practices to increase farm sustainability while also working to improve local water quality. Employees work one-on-one with agricultural producers, as well as coordinate educational events in the SVNMP region. A key part of the outreach is to assist in implementation of USDA on-farm contracts.

www.pmnrcd.org/nutrient_management/svnmp.php

Rutland Area Food & Farm Link (RAFFL) is a non-profit formed to increase access to local foods and support the economic viability of area farms through education of the public and by facilitating new and expanded markets, distribution mechanisms, and processing infrastructure while seeding the region with new farmers. RAFFL works to create economic opportunity for local farms; to connect residents to an abundance of healthy local foods; and to support environmental sustainability within our food system.

www.rutlandfarmandfood.org/