ESSEX JUNCTION — This year the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame celebrates its 16th year and will expand its nomination criteria to reflect the evolving face of Vermont agriculture. For the first time ever, nominations will be accepted in three categories: Emerging Leaders, Ag Innovators and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Agriculture is a critical part of Vermont’s community and economy,” says Champlain Valley Expo vice president and owner of Dakin Farm, Sam Cutting IV. “We are updating our nomination criteria to recognize the changing face of our agricultural economy. There is so much energy and innovation in this sector! We want to continue to honor those who’ve dedicated decades of services to Vermont agriculture, as well as recognize and encourage those poised to lead us in the future.”
Nominations will be accepted in three new categories:
•  Emerging Leader: This category highlights individuals who are stepping up to become the next generation of agricultural leaders in Vermont. Age 40 or younger (born after June 1, 1978), these individuals demonstrate a deep commitment to Vermont’s working landscape and are poised to lead our Ag community into the future. They are remarkable for their service, youthful energy, and dedication to Vermont agriculture.
•  Ag Innovator: Individuals in this category have demonstrated a fresh and forward-thinking approach to agriculture. They are making a significant, positive impact on Vermont, in areas such as growing the local economy, promoting stewardship and conservation, improving community health and nutrition, or developing new tools and practices, among others. They are notable for their unique perspective and unconventional approach. (Age is not a factor for consideration in this category.)
•  Lifetime Achievement: This category recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement, improvement, or development of Vermont agriculture over the course of their long career. Nominees shall have played an active role in Vermont agricultural issues for at least thirty years.
Nominations will be accepted until noon on June 22.
“We are excited to have Alison Kosakowski Conant, of AK Conant Communications, working with us to expand this program,” said Tim Shea, Champlain Valley Expo’s executive director. “With deep roots in agriculture and communications, she is helping us preserve the traditions of the past, while also expanding to reflect the innovative nature of agriculture in Vermont, today.”
To nominate a Vermonter for the 2018 Vermont Ag Hall of Fame electronically, visit tinyurl.com/y83uksph.
To download a printable, paper copy of the nomination form, visit tinyurl.com/y75hmwrl.
Since its founding in 2003, more than seventy Vermonters have been inducted into the Vermont Hall of Fame. Inductees are honored each year at a luncheon hosted during the Champlain Valley Fair. This year’s luncheon will be held Wednesday, Aug. 29, at noon. Vermont’s Ag Secretary, Anson Tebbetts, and Chuck Ross, Director of UVM Extension, will serve as emcees for the event.