2011 Vermont Code
Title 06 Agriculture
Chapter 162 AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
§ 2962a Purpose; powers and duties

§ 2962a. Purpose; powers and duties

(a) To achieve the purposes of this subchapter, the Vermont agricultural innovation center shall:

(1) Promote agriculture and the business of agriculture in Vermont, including the production or marketing of value-added agricultural products.

(2) Coordinate with federal and state agencies and private sources to make financial resources available to the center for distribution of financial assistance for the promotion of agriculture, including the production or marketing of value-added agricultural products.

(3) Administer federal grant monies for the production or marketing of value-added agricultural products. Grant monies shall be administered in accordance with their terms which may include:

(A) Technical assistance, including technical, engineering, and product research services;

(B) Assistance in marketing, market development, and business planning, including advisory services with respect to leveraging capital assets;

(C) Organizational, outreach, and development assistance to increase the viability, growth, and sustainability of businesses engaged in the production or marketing of value-added agricultural products;

(D) Studies that analyze the feasibility of facilities, including processing facilities, for use by potential producers or marketers of value-added products in order to determine the size that optimizes construction and other cost efficiencies.

(b) The agricultural innovation center may:

(1) consult, contract, or coordinate with the Vermont economic development authority or other agricultural funders to provide financial assistance for purposes authorized by this subchapter;

(2) support the establishment of partnerships for the promotion and development of agriculture in the state, including the production or marketing of value-added agricultural products;

(3) support local initiatives to produce or market value-added agricultural products;

(4) pursue and coordinate access to regional and local revolving loan funding and all state, federal, and private funding that is available for the development of agriculture and value-added agricultural products;

(5) receive and accept grants, gifts, loans, or contributions from any source subject to the provisions of 32 V.S.A. { 5;

(6) use the services and staff of the agency of agriculture, food and markets to assist in the performance of the center's duties with the concurrence of the secretary of agriculture, food and markets;

(7) contract for support, technical, or other professional services necessary to complete the work of the center. (Added 2009, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), { 1, eff. Jan. 15, 2011.)