It’s a familiar symbol on maple syrup and other Vermont products, but the state Agency of Agriculture says the Vermont Seal of Quality has become meaningless and should be scrapped. But some lawmakers think otherwise.
Agriculture Secretary Roger Allbee told two Senate committees yesterday that the Seal of Quality is now being stamped on products ranging from dog food to beer. He says there are no standards supporting it.
The seal created in 1982 to tout the purity of Vermont food products.
Allbee says if the state is to have such a program, it needs to ensure its integrity.
Lawmakers say they’re looking for ways to shore the program up and revamp it.