06/19/2026
We need to be thinking of ways to proactively recruit and retain businesses— especially dairy as it’s a huge player in VT!
Over the last several days, we have spoken with many people across Vermont’s dairy industry—including farmers, processors, policymakers, and lawmakers. For those we have not yet had the opportunity to connect with, we want you to know that we are focused on the many challenges facing dairy today, from processing plant closures to the day-to-day realities of operating a farm.
Behind the scenes, we are working closely with partners to identify what Vermont can do to improve the situation and strengthen the future of dairy. These conversations involve a wide range of stakeholders who are providing ideas, recommendations, and potential solutions. We are approaching this work with both short-term and long-term strategies in mind.
As we have these discussions, one theme continues to emerge: Vermont’s dairy sector is affected by many of the same economic pressures facing employers across the state. High taxes, complex and costly regulations, rising energy costs, workforce challenges, and land use policies that can make it more difficult and expensive to invest, expand, and operate all affect the competitiveness of our dairy farms and processors. While dairy faces unique market challenges, these broader economic realities cannot be ignored.
Our goal is simple: to help create a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone involved in dairy. That means looking not only at immediate concerns, but also at the policies and business conditions that will determine whether dairy farms and processors can thrive in Vermont for decades to come.
In the days ahead, we will continue these discussions with additional stakeholders, including dairy farmers from across the state. We are committed to listening, learning, and working together to identify practical solutions that support both our agricultural economy and our rural communities.
Vermont’s dairy farmers—and the thousands of people who work throughout the dairy supply chain—are vital to our economy, our communities, and our future. Dairy remains one of the cornerstones of Vermont agriculture, helping keep our working lands open, supporting local businesses, and contributing billions of dollars in economic activity. Supporting those who produce, process, transport, and market dairy products will remain a top priority.
We invite Vermonters to join us in this effort. By working together, we can address today's challenges while building a stronger, more resilient dairy industry for future generations.
— Anson Tebbetts
Secretary, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
