Ben & Jerry's added its own political/enviro message to January's inauguration activities in Washington. The Vermont-based ice cream maker took out newspaper ads encouraging Washington policy makers to put aside Blue and Red divisions and instead think Green by working to halt global warming.

An agriculture advocacy group in Berkshire County,Vt., is considering establishing a central facility for the aging and distribution of locally produced artisan cheese. The group will also explore the value of a regional label to support cheese and other artisan foods.