A Devastating Blow: Vermont USDA Research Team Faces Layoffs
In a quiet corner of Vermont, nestled within the University of Vermont’s Horticulture Research and Education Center, a team of dedicated researchers and scientists were abruptly met with a harsh reality. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service had decided to lay off several members of their team, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit group.
One of the team members, Caitlin Morgan, a food systems scientist, received a life-altering call from her boss on a Thursday evening. The message was clear – those still within their probationary period should prepare for an impending termination letter. Less than 24 hours later, the inevitable arrived for Morgan, effective immediately.
Reflecting on the sudden turn of events, Morgan shared, “It’s been super chaotic and traumatizing for those of us who’ve been working in the government, but it hasn’t hit the general populace the same way yet. There’s going to be ripple effects from what’s happening to us, and there’s probably going to be iterations on that for other people.”
The 17-member team, which included researchers and scientists, had been tirelessly studying food systems and agricultural sustainability in the state. Their work ranged from research on flood resilience to the transition of agricultural land following the decline of dairy farms. However, this rich tapestry of knowledge and expertise was abruptly disrupted with the firing of at least nine employees, including six scientists, stripping the team of years of invaluable institutional wisdom focused on forging a more sustainable agricultural future.
Despite the termination being justified as “poor performance,” all the employees had undergone years of rigorous training for their roles and consistently received “fully satisfactory” ratings in their quarterly reviews, Morgan revealed. The University of Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture remained tight-lipped, declining to comment on the unfolding situation.
The Fallout: A Wave of Uncertainty and Displacement
The recent wave of firings among probationary employees across the federal government has sent shockwaves through Vermont’s workforce. President Donald Trump’s actions have triggered a series of unsettling repercussions, leaving many employees in a state of uncertainty.
An email sent on Feb. 5 to all probationary employees at the USDA served as a grim reminder of their precarious status, urging them to consider a buyout offer and cautioning them about the imminent threat of being let go. The buyout offer, while tempting with its promise of financial security until September and the prospect of securing another job, presented a stark choice for employees torn between loyalty to their current work and the allure of the private sector.
One former employee, speaking anonymously, shared the internal struggle faced by those torn between staying in a “dream job” and venturing into unfamiliar territory. “I really believed in the research. We were doing such good work, and it’s devastating. It just doesn’t exist anymore,” the employee lamented.
For those left behind, a cloud of uncertainty looms as they brace themselves for the possibility of more layoffs in the coming week. In the absence of termination paperwork from leadership, affected employees find themselves in a state of limbo, unable to navigate the bureaucratic maze of filing for unemployment benefits.
A Personal Struggle: Navigating Parenthood and Professional Obligations
For Caitlin Morgan, the sudden upheaval brought about by the layoffs came at a particularly challenging time. As a federal scientist, her ability to work remotely had been a lifeline, allowing her to balance her professional responsibilities with the demands of motherhood after welcoming a baby just six months ago.
Faced with the prospect of returning to the office full-time, Morgan found herself at a crossroads. “My baby doesn’t bottle feed, and I wasn’t going to be able to be in-person full time,” she explained. The rigid demands of a traditional office setting clashed with the reality of her situation, presenting a formidable obstacle to overcome.
As Morgan grapples with the uncertainties of the future, she remains resolute in her commitment to weathering the storm. “It’s really hard for my colleagues, and it’s hard for everyone in different ways and to different degrees,” she observed. “But it’s actually not the thing that scares me the most. The thing that scares me the most is living in a non-functioning society.”
In the midst of uncertainty and upheaval, Caitlin Morgan’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll behind the headlines, shedding light on the personal struggles and unwavering resilience of those caught in the crossfire of unforeseen circumstances.
