By the Journal-Opinion
With estimated agricultural losses from July flooding of $12 million and rising, the State of Vermont has formed a task force to help the state’s farmers recover.
“This panel will deliver a report to federal and state policy makers in the coming weeks focusing on short-term and long-term strategies to help Vermont agriculture recover and become more resilient,” states a news release from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.
The announcement comes as interim survey results have found that the state’s agricultural sector sustained at least $12 million in damage. So far, only 205 respondents have completed the survey, which will remain open until Aug. 28 and is open to businesses, organizations or individuals that raise animals and/or grows feed or crops for anyone beyond immediate family.
Some preliminary survey results:
| Number of responses | 205 |
| Total estimated losses | $12,283,704 |
| Total impacted acreage | 18,170 |
| Average % of annual income lost | 30% |
| Most Significant Damage | Percentage of Respondents |
| Loss of crops meant for wholesale or retail markets | 38% |
| Loss of crops meant for animal feed | 35% |
| Damage to Soils or Land | 20% |
| Damage to Infrastructure or Equipment | 7% |
Agricultural Damages Reported by Vermont County
| Franklin County | $289,000 | Chittenden County | $1,552,725 |
| Orleans County | $334,025 | Essex County | $120,000 |
| Lamoille County | $1,287,300 | Caledonia County | $971,963 |
| Washington County | $1,064,700 | Addison County | $2,056,955 |
| Rutland County | $391,000 | Windsor County | $1,101,225 |
| Bennington County | $2,005,000 | Windham County | $667,200 |
| Orange County | $442,611 |