Dirt & Democracy Vermont Land Use Panel

Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Vermont State University Randolph Campus Center

What will Vermont’s farms, forests and communities need to thrive fifty years from now? How can today’s land-use decisions support that future?

Join White River Natural Resources Conservation District for a forward-looking conversation about working lands, local food production, housing and healthy watersheds. Together, we’ll explore how these needs fit together, what helps people build a livelihood on the land, and how communities can help shape the decisions affecting their future.

The panel will bring together perspectives from farming, conservation, economics and state government:

• Roger Allbee, former Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, author of Turning the Soil: 250 Years of Vermont Agriculture
• Rep. Greg Burtt, farmer and member of the Vermont House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry
• Neil Ryan, third-generation farmer from Corinth
• Michael Fernandez, Bennington farmer and Conservation District Director
• Amanda Janoo, economist and Democratic gubernatorial candidate

Jennifer Byrne, White River NRCD Director, will facilitate. Governor Phil Scott has also been invited but has not confirmed his participation.

Following the panel, stay for a brief dance lesson and live music from Jackson & the Janks, part of the Freedom & Unity 250th Revolutionary Roadshow.

Food by The Box food truck!

Drinks catered by Babes Bar!

Schedule

5:00 PM — Doors open
5:30 PM — Opening remarks
5:45–7:15 PM — Land-use panel
7:15 PM — Brief dance lesson
7:30 PM — Live music, dancing, dinner and drinks

Admission is free. Donations are welcome at the door for the band.

Can't attend in person? We will be streaming LIVE on our Youtube!

This is an informational community event, not a campaign event. Views and opinions expressed at the event do not represent those of the White River NRCD or its Board.

View recordings of previous Dirt & Democracy events here.

Pre-registration is appreciated: