VAFFM: Several COVID-19 relief programs still available

COVID-19 Relief Still Available

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets When the coronavirus first appeared, most of us thought of the pandemic as a transitory disaster - something to endure. But as case counts have ebbed and flowed and the virus has continued to evolve, it seems obvious that we will be living with the impacts of this disease for much longer than anyone hoped. That's a poignant reality for the people, businesses and organizations still struggling to recover. Fortunately, there are several programs still available that can help provide some relief.

The Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP II) provides financial support to customers who may face disconnection of service because of past-due balances for their electric, landline telephone, natural gas, water or sewer/wastewater charges. Vermonters financially impacted by COVID-19 with 30+ days overdue charges can get help now to pay their arrearages for residential and non-residential accounts. Residential assistance is available for up to $10,000; businesses can receive up to $50,000. October 24 is the deadline to apply.

The Vermont Recovery Loan Fund provides financing to businesses and organizations, both for- and nonprofit, that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants must demonstrate revenue loss, temporary business shutdown, or an increase in expenses due to COVID-19 impacts to be eligible. Loans from $5,000 to $75,000 are available, with rates generally 0% for the first two years, and then fixed at 3%. Loans are available until funds are exhausted.

USDA's Pandemic Response and Safety Program provides grants to food processors, distributors, farmers markets and producers to help respond to the pandemic. This includes measures to protect workers against COVID-19. The deadline to apply to this program is November 22.

SARE Farmer Grants Farmer Grants from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program are for commercial producers who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique. Projects should seek new knowledge other farmers can use and address questions that are directly linked to improved profits, better stewardship, and stronger rural communities. Deadline to Apply: Nov. 16 @ 5 pm Hemp Webinar Series University of Vermont Extension continues their hemp webinar series with a one-hour workshop on growing hemp for bulk fiber. Learn how St Johnsbury based Zion Growers evolved from a CBD-focused venture to a fiber-based processor and hear about both the pitfalls and the opportunities in the marketplace. And be sure to check out the recordings of past webinars from this series for more great information about hemp production. Webinar Date: October 20 @ 12 Noon Mediation, Counseling for Dairies Are you trying to figure out what the future holds for your dairy farm? The Vermont Agricultural Mediation Program (VTAMP) provides free intra-family mediation and counseling to dairy farms in Vermont facing financial challenges. Mediation and counseling helps dairy farms reach consensus among family members and/or business partners, improve their farm's financial situation and keep business and family relations intact. For more information visit their website or contact Matt Strassberg (802) 583-1100 ext. 101 Insurance for Small Producers The U.S. Department of Agriculture is rolling out a new insurance option specifically for agricultural producers with small farms who sell locally. The new Micro Farm policy simplifies record keeping and covers post-production costs like washing and value-added products. The program is open to producers earning an average revenue of $100,000 or less, or for carryover insureds, an average revenue of $125,000 or less. The policy will be available beginning with the 2022 crop year.