The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has released details for an upcoming Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant application. This new, one-time USDA funding will support the middle of the supply chain - meaning everything in between farm production and retail. This includes aggregation, distribution, manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, wholesale, and value-add. The grant focuses on increasing resilience in the supply chain, supporting market development and new market opportunities, development of value-added products, and fair prices, better wages, and safe job opportunities.
The Request for Applications and FAQ are available online. Applications will be open from May 1st to June 5th at 1:59 PM. Approximately $2,000,000 in total funding is available. Grant awards will range from $100,000 - $500,000 with a match required. Please note there will be a separate, equipment-only RFSI application period this summer with no match requirement.
Please join an informative webinar on Tuesday, April 30th at 11:00 AM to learn more about the program and ask questions. This webinar will be recorded and posted online.
Dairy Product Trade Show Assistance Grant
The Dairy Product Trade Show Assistance Grant is open now! Dairy processors and producer associations can apply for funds to cover the cost of attending trade shows including registration, travel, cost of product samples, marketing materials, and more.
Don’t wait for the deadline! Grants are available on a rolling basis until June 25thor until funds run out. Grants will range from $5,000 to $20,000 with a 25% match.
Forestry Accelerator Now Accepting Applications
The Forestry Accelerator is a four month accelerator for North American start ups that are commercializing new and improved products, services, and technology in the forest and wood industries. Companies receive expert advice and tools to build a market-validated business case, model, and operating plan through a rigorous commercialization curriculum, coaching, webinars and panels, and connections to industry experts, customers, and suppliers. The next program will run July - November 2024.
Northeast Farmers Market Grants Now Available
Farm Credit East's Northeast Farmers Market Grants are open now through May 31st! Farmers Markets may apply for up to $500 in funding to support participating farmers, market enhancements, marketing efforts, and/or programs to support disadvantaged communities or improve access to fresh, local food. These grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets.
Questions may be directed to [email protected].
Butchering Fundamentals Course
Southwest Tech is offering a free course on Butchering Fundamentals this summer. Students will learn principles of whole animal butchery and be introduced to the techniques of cooking all parts of the animal for maximum utilization. In this hands-on course, students will learn primal, subprimal, and case ready cuts of chicken, lamb, pork, and beef. In addition, students will be introduced to cooking techniques, food preparation skills, kitchen and butcher shop safety and sanitation, equipment identification and use, recipe instruction, and more.
Tuition is free with a refundable $100 tuition deposit, required to save your seat. Space is limited, so apply soon!
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
May
5/2 - VAAFM Scale Testing Full Day (Randolph Center)
June
6/1 - Harvest New England Day at the Big E application deadline
6/6 - Goat & Sheep Dairy Development Grant deadline
6/25 - Dairy Product Trade Show Assistance Grant deadline
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
Our website address is:
https://agriculture.vermont.gov