Welcome to Vermont’s environmental regulatory world, Mr. and Mrs. Vermont Farmer. Due to the ongoing struggle between Vermont environmental activists and agriculture, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is mandated to define what a “small farm” is and what Required Agricultural Practice regulation thresholds they’ll be subject to. Rigorous public hearings have been going on for more than two years.

Public comment on the latest proposed thresholds closes this Thursday, July 7, according to Ryan Patch, VAAFM senior ag development coordinator. The following may help clear up confusion regarding the small farm definition and RAP regulatory requirements.

What’s a small farm in Vermont? It depends

Small farms split into 3 RAP categories

Under the old regulations, some 7,000 small farm operations required no permits. Inspections were based on complaints, according to Patch. Under the new proposed regs, they would be reclassified with 1,500 subject to water quality protection certification, state inspection and RAP oversight. In brief, they break out this way:

* Non-RAP Operations: NRO farms would have less than 4 acres in farming and less than 5 cows, less than 4 horses, less than $2,000 annual gross income. With a history of no substantial impacts on water quality, based on Ag Department experience, these farms would be regulated at the municipal level. They wouldn’t need to follow the proposed RAPs – unless municipal rules and enforcement isn’t present.

* Small Farm Operations: SFO operations, required to meet RAP requirements, would have 4 acres or more used for farming, or make more than $2,000 in gross sales, or has filed a 1040F in the last two years, or has an approved business management plan.

* Certified Small Farm Operations: CSFOs would represent farms with more than 50 dairy cows, or 75 beef cows, or 40 horses; or who farm more than 50 acres of annual cropland (ex: corn silage / soybeans) or 50 acres of vegetables.  These CSFOs would need to follow the RAPs. They would also be required to enter into a Small Farm Certification program, requiring annual self-certification that a farm is following the RAPs, regular inspection on a 7-year cycle, and development of a 590 Nutrient Management Plan.

All farms with more than 200 dairy cows, 300 beef cows, 150 horses or 3,000 sheep fall into the Medium and Large Farm Operation categories. They would require permits, certification and inspections. 

Note: Information provided by VAAFM did not distinguish gross sales vs gross income. It’s assumed that the references were to gross farm income or sales.

The complete factsheet on RAP farm size can be found at RAP fact sheets . Public comment and questions can be submitted until July 7 to [email protected] or mailed to 116 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620.