The Natural Resources Board (NRB) is collaborating with Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) to produce a report for the legislature on Accessory On-Farm Business (AOFB).

Accessory On-Farm Business is a statewide municipal land use category outlined in Act 143 of 2018. It expands opportunities for farmers to diversify operations through on-farm sales of agricultural products as well as educational, recreational, or social events. For more information, visit the AOFB website.

The report will explore current conditions, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen and expand AOFBs. This survey is one strategy we’re using to solicit critical input from stakeholders around the state – we greatly appreciate your time and feedback!

Any questions can be directed to Julia Scheier at Julia.Scheier@vermont.gov or 802-522-7042.

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* 1. In what county do you farm?

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* 2. Do you feel your location impacts the operations of your AOFB? Please explain why or why not.

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* 3. What kind of products do you grow or produce? Check all that apply

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* 4. Do you currently operate an AOFB?

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* 5. What type of AOFB are you currently operating? Check all that apply. If not applicable, then skip.

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* 6. If you are selling products at your AOFB, what products do you currently sell or wish to sell in the future? Check all that apply. If not applicable, please skip.

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* 7. Are there activities or product sales that you would like to incorporate into your business that you're unable to or wouldn't qualify? Please explain.

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* 8. What are your annual gross sales from your current AOFB? If not applicable, then skip.

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* 9. Are you interested in starting an AOFB?

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* 10. What type of AOFB are you interested in starting? Check all that apply. If not applicable, then skip.

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* 11. What has been the greatest barrier to your success in starting/operating an AOFB? Only check one.

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* 12. Does your municipality have zoning?

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* 13. Does the zoning include site plan review? If not applicable, then skip.

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* 14. Has your municipality incorporated Accessory On-Farm Businesses (Act 143) into its site plan review? If not applicable, then skip.

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* 15. If your municipality doesn’t have zoning, has there been an explanation why? If not applicable, then skip.

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* 16. Have you approached your municipality for a permit for an Accessory On-Farm Business?

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* 17. Did you successfully receive the permit? If not applicable, then skip.

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* 18. How long did the application process take? If not applicable, then skip.

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* 19. How much did it cost you to prepare the application or participate in the process? If not applicable, then skip.

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* 20. Are you aware of any other farmers in your municipality that have received a permit for an Accessory On-Farm Business?

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* 21. Of those other farmers that have received a permit, how many farmers have actually implemented their accessory On-Farm Business? If not applicable, then skip.

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* 22. Are you aware of complaints received by your municipality regarding your Accessory On-Farm Business or others in town?

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* 23. If yes, can you describe those? If no, then skip.

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* 24. Have you encountered any other permitting questions or challenges (like Act 250) as it relates to your Accessory On-Farm Business?

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* 25. What other comments or questions, if any, do you have about Accessory On-Farm Business and/or how Act 143 is structured?

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* 26. Do you have any other comments regarding Accessory On-Farm Business or any associated land use permitting at the municipal or State Level?

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* 27. How can VAAFM be more helpful with the implementation of Act 143?

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