Xavier Stevens
Democratic Candidate for Vermont House of Representatives in the Orleans-2 District
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 in Food, Shelter, and Healthcare as a Human Right. The poor and disenfranchised do not deserve to be punished for their situation.
What would be your policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all?
Legislation that gets food in the hands of those that need it alongside legislation the helps farmers get food out as cheaply as possible. The programs mentioned above are all great examples of legislation that feeds the hungry, provides cheaper/healthier options, and supports our local farmers.
What do you believe are the root causes of hunger, and what should the state do to address those underlying factors?
Affordability is the route cause of hunger. I support cheaper alternatives for everyday Vermonters, like Universal Healthcare, to help cut costs in places that we know we can so that citizens don't feel the need to cut costs in the places we know they shouldn't have to.
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?
I can address each of the 3 concerns [of protecting natural resources, strengthening local communities, and supporting a resilient economy] individually.
1. Volatile Markets: Many things can lead to volatile markets, from tariffs to crop price fluctuations. Making "direct to consumer" markets (like Crop Cash and Farm Share) you reduce variations in produce as high efficiency crop are more often required for consistent economic clients.
2. Rising Land Costs: To address the rising land costs would require a direct look at the private buyout farming industry. As private companies buyout farms, land values are going to skyrocket, not allowing everyday Vermonters to participate in this important occupation. Regulations on this would help Vermont Farmers maintain their farms for generations to come.
3. Ongoing Labor Shortages: As ICE/CBP has been making the rounds kidnapping immigrants, labor is becoming harder to come by. I do not support ICE and will do everything in my power to preserve immigrants rights. Immigrants are the backbone of the American economy and should be protected.