Join Vermont Ag at the Big E this fall

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is seeking food, beverage or retail business interested in a new fall marketing event! Join us, along with almost 30 other Vermont businesses, in the Vermont Building at the Big E! In 2019, 1.6 million people attended the Big E, making this a great event to showcase your Vermont products to the southern New England audience.

The Vermont Building, located on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield; MA showcases the authenticity, quality, and spirit of Vermont. Each year, companies from across Vermont head down to the Big E to share their products with fair-goers who appreciate the high-quality made-in-Vermont products. The application for a booth space is open now through June 15th.

Booth spaces are available for both retail and food/beverage products. Vending opportunities exist for the entirety of the 17-day fair, 8-9 day rotating spots, and occasionally 4-6 days.

Products of particular interest for 2021 are:
  • Savory prepared foods that do not emit any grease laden vapors in the cooking process.
  • Apple pie or crisp
  • Vermont made pottery
  • Hot and cold coffee to go
  • Other consumer goods such as accessories, art, gifts, jewelry, body products, apparel, and home products.

Deadline to Apply: June 15th, 2021

Learn More & Apply Now
Water Quality Grants

Did you know that the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets' Water Quality Division offers a variety of financial assistance opportunities throughout the year? Are you implementing conservation practices such as rotational grazing, crop rotation, or cover cropping? are you thinking of buying equipment or building infrastructure that will improve water quality on your farm? A water quality grant may be available to you to help offset the cost of these projects.

Restaurant Revitalization FAQ

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 created the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide tax-free grants for restaurants sustaining financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is administering the program, and plans to start accepting applications this month. The National Restaurant Association's frequently asked questions (FAQ) document provides more details about this important funding opportunity.

Hunger Action Conference

The Hunger Action Conference is an annual event that brings together community organizations, advocates, volunteers, and elected officials. The conference explores issues of hunger, food justice, anti-poverty, food systems and much more. This year’s virtual conference will feature a variety of discussions and workshops on the theme: “Nourishing Conversation, A dialogue About Food Justice”.

Event Date: May 7, 9am - 4pm

Subscribe to "Field Notes"

If you eat food or purchase commodities at retail locations in Vermont, you will benefit from this quarterly newsletter from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets' Food Safety and Consumer Protection Division, which is made up of the Agency's Dairy, Animal Health, Meat Inspection, Weights and Measures, Maple, and Produce sections. Get a glimpse into how this specialized team ensures safe food and fair markets for all Vermonters! Read the latest issue here.

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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620

VAAFM website address is:
https://agriculture.vermont.gov