Rooted in Law: Shaping the Future of Agricultural Systems
April 4 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT
Following the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, the Food and Agricultural Law Society (FALS) and the Food Law Student Network (FLSN) are proud to showcase the innovation, resilience, and community-driven impact of agricultural cooperatives in Vermont and nationwide. This symposium, Rooted in Law: Shaping the Future of Agricultural Systems, will emphasize the critical role of cooperatives in addressing modern challenges such as climate change, labor equity, and market access in agriculture.
This symposium will also be accessible virtually via Teams. A link will be shared on this page prior to the event.
SCHEDULE
3 p.m. – Opening Remarks
3:10 p.m. – Fireside Chat:
- Erika M. Dunyak, Director of the Business Start-up Clinic and Visiting Clinical Professor, Roger Williams University School of Law
- Clara Ayers, Farmer and Co-Owner, Fairmont, LLC, and Regional Director, Agri-Mark
3:50 p.m. – Panel Discussion:
- Gordon Merrick JD/MFALP’20, Senior Policy and Programs Manager, Organic Farming Research Foundation and Board Member, South Royalton Market Food Cooperative
- Jeannie Oliver LLM’13/LLM’14, VP of ROC NH and Energy Solutions, ROC-NH
- Kara Brown, Sales Manager, Deep Root Organic Cooperative
- Matt Cropp, Executive Director, Vermont Employee Ownership Center
4:50 p.m. – Vermont Lieutenant Governor John Rodger
5 p.m. – Reception
