Vermont's farmers are a critical part of the state's economy, history, culture and future.  From centuries-old dairy farms to newly begun organic fruit and vegetable farms, many Vermonters depend on the land for their livelihood, and all Vermonters take great pride in our rural working landscape. 

As the most senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Senator Leahy has for more than 35 years been a champion of agricultural, environmental and anti-hunger programs.  Senator Leahy’s most recent significant contributions came as he worked hard to insure that the 2014 Farm Bill included strong provisions for dairy and organic agriculture, funding for research and agricultural extension programs, assistance to farmers for environmental stewardship, land conservation and preservation funding to insure access to farmland and forests for future generations, provisions to support rural economic development and insure access to nutritious food.

Senator Leahy helped lead the fight in Congress against hunger and is a longtime supporter of federal nutrition programs, including the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  Senator Leahy recognizes the important role nutritional foods play in healthy lifestyles, especially for children, and is dedicated to doing all he can so that no one in Vermont or America, young or old, has to worry about where their next meal is going to come from.