Vermont is well positioned to produce a substantial portion of its own energy supply and Farms and Forests will be a major player in that effort. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is making a concerted effort to help farmers understand the opportunities that renewable energy will present both from income, and improved air and water quality.

Vermont has joined a national effort whose goal is to produce 25% of our nations energy supply from agriculture and forestry by 2025. That is an ambition goal but one that can be accomplished. Vermont has set the goal of producing 25 % of its energy supply from renewable energy, principle from farms and forests, by 2025.

Throughout 2007 the steering committee for Vermont has been meeting and in January of 2008 published a report on a possible scenario on how we can accomplish the Vermont goal. The report is available at the link below.

2008 Vermont 25X’25 Report.pdf

In 2008 the 25x’25 Steering Committee formed committees to look at the next steps and work plan priorities that need to be taken to make the overall goal a reality. The report with those recommendations and an update on progress is available at the link below.

2009 Vermont 25X’25 Report.pdf

In 2009 the committee looked at the big picture of how the group could best assist in deployment strategies and developed a mission statement for the group as well as a direction forward. The 2010 report summarizes the year.

2010 Vermont 25X’25 Report.pdf

The technologies are fast changing and the committee will be making regular updates to the document. For more information on the national efforts go to www.25x25.org.

The links will take you to pages on the opportunities and challenges; for the various technologies and grant opportunities available to Vermont farmers.