Act 143, enacted in 2018 and amended by Act 181, regulates , providing farmers with innovative ways to diversify their income and connect with consumers. These business relationships are both common and necessary to sustain working farms. They are generally co-located with existing farm infrastructure, and may often utilize existing or historic buildings. The law recognizes the evolving nature of agricultural enterprises and offers a flexible framework for farmers to expand their economic opportunities.
The key updates introduced by Act 181 have substantially broadened the scope of AOFBs. These changes include:
Expanding qualifying products to include agricultural items from any farm
Removing the previous requirement that 50% of annual income must come from on-farm products
Allowing products that promote the farm or business
Permitting bread and baked goods as qualifying items
Municipalities play a crucial role in implementing these regulations. While they cannot prohibit accessory on-farm businesses, they may require a site plan review. This process involves submitting an application to the local municipality, which will review the proposed business within 45 days. Farmers must provide details about their intended agricultural enterprise, demonstrating how it aligns with local regulations and supports the community's agricultural landscape.
To learn more, review the Agency of Food and Markets, .
For help and questions regarding General AOFB, farm determination, and farm structure questions, contact Noah Gilbert-Fuller, noah.gilbert-fuller@vermont.gov, 802-505-3407 or VAAFM at 802-828-2430.