Joe Major

What do you believe is the role of state government, if any, in ensuring that everyone living in Vermont has the food they need to thrive?

I believe state government has an important role to play in ensuring that every Vermonter has access to healthy, affordable, and nutritious food. Food security is not only a moral issue, it is also tied directly to public health, education, economic stability, and the strength of our communities.

Vermont should continue investing in programs that support families facing food insecurity while also strengthening our local farms and food systems. That means supporting initiatives like farm-to-school programs, nutrition assistance, senior meal programs, and partnerships with local food shelves and community organizations. At the same time, we must make sure Vermont farmers can succeed by protecting working lands, expanding access to local markets, and helping small and mid-sized farms remain viable in a challenging economy.

As a legislator, I supported efforts such as the Farm Security Fund because I believe we need policies that both address immediate hunger and build long-term resilience in our food system. When Vermont families are struggling with affordability, rising housing costs, and healthcare expenses, access to nutritious food cannot become an afterthought.

I believe the best approach is one that connects agriculture, economic development, public health, and community support together. Vermont has a proud agricultural tradition, and state government should work alongside farmers, nonprofits, schools, and local communities to ensure no one in Vermont goes hungry while also sustaining the farms that feed us.

What would be your policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all?

My policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all would focus on strengthening both the people side and the agricultural side of the equation. We cannot talk about food security without also talking about affordability, housing, transportation, healthcare costs, and the long-term viability of Vermont farms.

First, I support continuing and protecting successful programs like Universal School Meals. No child should have to learn on an empty stomach, and these programs have made a real difference for working families across Vermont. I also support expanding access to local foods through programs like Crop Cash, Farm Share, and Vermonters Feeding Vermonters because they help families access healthy food while supporting local farmers at the same time.

Second, we need to strengthen Vermont’s agricultural economy so farmers can remain viable for generations to come. That means protecting working lands, supporting small and mid-sized farms, investing in local food infrastructure and processing capacity, and ensuring farmers have access to workforce support and affordable energy options. I supported legislation like the Farm & Forestry Operations Security Special Fund because farmers and agricultural businesses need protection and stability in an increasingly difficult environment.

Third, I believe we must address the affordability crisis facing Vermonters. Food insecurity is often tied directly to high housing costs, childcare expenses, and rising healthcare premiums. As a legislator, I have focused on affordability because families should not have to choose between groceries, rent, medication, or childcare.

Finally, I believe Vermont should continue building stronger partnerships between schools, food shelves, healthcare providers, local farms, and community organizations. Food security is not solved by one program alone. It requires a coordinated effort that supports healthy communities, strengthens local agriculture, and ensures every Vermonter has reliable access to nutritious food close to home.

What do you believe are the root causes of hunger, and what should the state do to address those underlying factors?

I believe the root causes of hunger are deeply connected to affordability and economic insecurity. For many Vermont families, hunger is not about a lack of effort — it is about the rising cost of living outpacing wages and household income. When families are struggling with housing costs, utility bills, transportation, childcare, and healthcare expenses, food often becomes the flexible part of the budget that gets sacrificed first.

In Vermont, we are seeing this challenge play out every day. High housing costs, rising property taxes, healthcare premiums, and childcare expenses are putting enormous pressure on working families, seniors, and individuals living on fixed incomes. Rural transportation barriers and limited access to grocery stores in some communities also contribute to food insecurity.

To address hunger, the state must take a comprehensive approach that focuses on both immediate support and long-term affordability. We need to continue supporting programs that help families put food on the table now, including school meals, food shelves, nutrition assistance, and local food access programs. At the same time, we must tackle the underlying economic pressures that drive food insecurity in the first place.

That means increasing the availability of affordable housing, supporting childcare and early childhood education, lowering healthcare costs, improving transportation options, and strengthening Vermont’s workforce and economy. We also need to support good-paying jobs and ensure rural communities are not left behind.

I also believe strengthening Vermont’s local food system is part of the solution. Supporting local farms, food producers, and regional distribution networks helps keep food available closer to home while building economic resilience in our communities.

Hunger is ultimately a symptom of broader economic challenges. If we want lasting food security in Vermont, we must create conditions where families can afford not just food, but all of the essentials needed to live healthy and stable lives.

How would you help strengthen the state’s agriculture and food economy to ensure Vermont farms can continue to grow the food we all need?

Vermont agriculture is a cornerstone of our economy, our environment, and our communities. Farmers are not only producing food, they are preserving working lands, protecting natural resources, supporting local jobs, and helping define Vermont’s identity. If we want a strong and secure food system in the future, we must make sure farming remains economically viable today.

As a member and Vice Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have worked to support policies that strengthen Vermont farms and rural communities. I believe one of our top priorities must be improving the economic stability of farmers who are facing rising costs, workforce shortages, market volatility, and increasing pressure on working lands.

First, we need to continue protecting and investing in working lands and farmland access so the next generation of farmers can succeed. Rising land costs make it difficult for young and beginning farmers to enter agriculture, and we need policies that preserve farmland while expanding opportunities for new farmers.

Second, we must strengthen Vermont’s local and regional food infrastructure. That includes supporting food processing, storage, distribution, and local purchasing programs that help farmers access reliable markets. Expanding farm-to-school, farm-to-institution, and local purchasing programs helps keep food dollars circulating in Vermont communities while improving food access.

Third, workforce challenges must be addressed. Farmers need access to reliable labor, workforce training, and affordable housing solutions for agricultural workers. We also need to support technical assistance and business development resources that help farms adapt and grow in a changing economy.

I also believe we must continue supporting conservation and climate resilience efforts that help farms remain sustainable long term. Vermont farmers are on the front lines of flooding, changing weather patterns, and environmental pressures. Investments in soil health, water quality, and resilient farming practices benefit both agriculture and the environment.

Finally, I believe state government should continue working collaboratively with farmers, agricultural organizations, and rural communities when developing policy. The people closest to the work often have the best understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Vermont agriculture.

A strong agricultural economy is essential to Vermont’s future. Supporting farmers means supporting food security, economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and the vitality of our rural communities.