The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Vermont provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. Our Vision: Harmony between people and the land
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and is intended to harness innovation, welcome new partners into the conservation mission, and demonstrate the value and efficacy of voluntary, private lands conservation. All partners in conservation are encouraged to learn more about RCPP.
The Vermont Conservation Partnership
In 1998, several key agencies and organizations whose missions are focused on assisting Vermont agriculture address nonpoint source pollution issues developed and agreed upon a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which created The Vermont Conservation Partnership. The MOU outlined the roles and responsibilities of each partner as well as committed each organization to a collaborative effort to help farmers resolve their conservation issues. The Secretary of Agriculture has been delegated the legal responsibility for Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution issues in Vermont and therefore convenes The Vermont Conservation Partnership when necessary.
The Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) is the state organization for the 14 conservation districts in the state. VACD's mission is to help the Districts carry out natural resource oriented programs at the local level. Conservation Districts are local units of government responsible for natural resource conservation work within their boundaries.
Vermont Natural Resources Conservation Council (VNRCC) - It is the responsibility of Council to provide leadership to Conservation Districts by:
Guiding program development through objectives established for allocation of state funds; developing policies that improve the sustainability of Conservation Districts;
Represent District needs to the Administration and Legislature; and maintain an effective communication network among Districts.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets - The Agency's goal is to provide consumers and the Vermont agricultural community with the highest level of service possible including ensuring and enforcing quality standards for agricultural products, regulating pesticide use, providing information, technical and marketing assistance to producers and developing new markets for Vermont products.
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) - The USDA Farm Service Agency mission is to ensure the well-being of American agriculture, the environment and the American public through efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity programs; farm ownership, operating and emergency loans; conservation and environmental programs; emergency and disaster assistance; domestic and international food assistance and international export credit programs.
University of Vermont Extension - The Mission of Extension is to improve the quality of life of Vermonters by bringing the benefits of research and technology to them, and to provide educational programs and practical information concerning Vermont communities, families and homes, farms, businesses, and the natural environment.
Lake Champlain Basin Program - The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) is a federal, state, provincial, and local initiative to restore and protect Lake Champlain and its surrounding watershed for future generations. LCBP works in New York, Vermont and Quebec.
Vermont New Farmer Network Resource Guide - a collaboration of agricultural organizations and what they can do to better serve new and aspiring farmers.
Our Partners
Numerous individuals, groups, agencies and organizations are also actively involved in enhancing Vermont's Natural Resources. These include but are not limited to:
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Conservation districts
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Conservation Organizations
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RC&D Councils
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Agri-business
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State & Federal Agencies
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Professional Societies
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Universities
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NRCS Earth Team Volunteers
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Agricultural & Environmental Groups
Our Customers
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Farmers
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Landowners
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Other federal agencies
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Local & State government
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Rural & Urban communities
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Watershed groups
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Other individuals, groups, associations
The State Technical Committee provides information, analysis and recommendations on a wide variety of policy issues to NRCS. Although State Technical Committees have no implementation or enforcement authority, USDA gives strong consideration to the Committee's recommendations. Find out more about the State Technical Committee.
