New law limits liabilities for Agritourism

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets A new law may help some Vermont business owners sleep a little better at night.

Vermont Act 31, An Act Relating to Limiting Liability for Agritourism, went into effect on July 1, 2021. Act 31 acknowledges that there are “inherent risks” in participating in agritourism activities and shifts those risks to properly warned consumers. The Act covers recreational, educational, entertainment, historical and nature-based activities on farms, such as farm tours and pick-your-own.

It does not include on-farm lodging, retail establishments or farm stands.

To qualify for the limitation on liability, an agritourism host must post the required warning notice in a clearly visible location at or near the main entrance to each agritourism activity. They must also include the warning notice language in every written contract between the agritourism host and a participant. UVM Extension is distributing a limited supply of printed signs at no cost to farms. You can contact them via email if you're interested.

Learn More About Act 31
 

DBIC Sheep and Goat Grant

The application is open for the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center's Goat and Sheep Dairy Supply Chain Grant. Grants ranging from $20,000 - $50,000 are available. New England dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations seeking to develop products or expand markets in the goat and/or sheep dairy supply chain are encouraged to apply. Proposals must demonstrate positive impacts to multiple businesses within the supply chain.

Deadline to Apply: August 19

Livestock Pandemic Assistance

Swine, chicken and turkey producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing can now apply to receive assistance for those losses, including the cost of depopulation and disposal of animals. Payments will be based on 80% of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Applications can be submitted through your local Farm Service Agencyoffice.

Deadline to Apply: September 17

Present at Farm to Plate Gathering

Proposals to present at this year's annual Farm to Plate Gathering, to be held virtually on November 18th and 19th, are now being accepted. Up to ten workshop session slots are available. Typical session lengths are 1.5 hours but opportunities for shorter or longer sessions also exist. Priority will be given to proposals that address strategies and recommendations from the Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan.

Deadline to Apply: August 4

Get Paid for Cover Cropping

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Farm Agronomic Program (FAP) provides funding to support farms in implementing a range of conservation practices. If your farm will be planting cover crops between now and June 30th of 2022, you can apply to receive a per acre payment. Payments range between $30 - $45 an acre, with a maximum award of $8,000. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.

Deadline to Apply: August 1

 
 
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets