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i_yfarmers_2017a_2017-08-10t09:01:25z9 Hearing Summary

Date: 08/10/2017

Location: SCR 357

Final

Public Testimony



YOUNG AND BEGINNING FARMERS


Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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02:55 PM -- Public Testimony



02:56 PM -- Sarah Parmar, Colorado Open Lands, discussed how conservation easements benefit young farmers and ranchers who want to enter the industry. Ms. Parmar responded to questions from the committee regarding landowners who currently are working with Colorado Open Lands and have lands in the conservation easement program.



03:08 PM --
Meg Caley, Sprout City Farms, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU), National Young Farmers Coalition, discussed the work of Sprout City Farms and the importance of programs that provide incentives to young and beginning farmers and ranchers entering the industry. She discussed access to land and the importance of partnerships with landowners and agricultural producers. She discussed the work that RMFU is doing to make the permitting process easier for building greenhouses. Ms. Caley responded to questions from the committee regarding lease agreements and farm to school programs.



03:26 PM -- Michael Womochil, Colorado Community College System, discussed the Landscape Career Pathways Program. Mr. Womochil discussed other programs, in both rural and metro schools, that provide training for students who are interested in production agriculture. Mr. Womochil emphasized that proposed legislation should help to coordinate existing programs that provide assistance to young and beginning farmers.



03:36 PM --
David Moosmen, To Market Ltd., discussed farm to table programs in the state. He stated that distribution centers and food terminals should be more available statewide. He described his program, which sells local products that would otherwise be thrown away to schools at a lower price point.








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