Check Out These Upcoming Food and Ag Conferences

Conference Season

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets In addition to apple picking, cider donuts and foliage tours, fall is prime time for food and agriculture conferences. Several important regional conferences are just around the corner, and with all of them being held virtually, they're more accessible than ever.

• 2021 Farm to Plate Gathering 11/18 - 11/19, Virtual
  Explore the inspiring efforts across the state that are bringing the 2021-2030 Vermont Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan to life. Take part in practical trainings and topic deep dives and learn how to work collectively to implement strategic priorities. Cost to attend is $45 with scholarships available for farmers, farm workers, small business owners and employees, BIPOC and students.
• NESAWG Annual Conference 11/8 - 11/11, Virtual
  The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group's (NESAWG) 2021 conference theme is Resistance and Healing Amidst Crisis and Injustice. This year's conference will feature food systems stories of crises, injustice, hope and resilience. The cost to attend is $75 or less with scholarships available.
• UVM Community Horticulture Conference 11/5 - 11/6, Virtual
  A conference for everyone who loves to garden with an amazing lineup of speakers. Learn about indigenous agricultural practices and their application in today’s gardens, how mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant health, mushroom foraging, heirloom plant cultivation, food resiliency and more. Cost to attend is $45.

Working Lands Grants Resources The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative has several funding opportunities available at this time. If you're looking for help on the logistics of assembling an application, check out the short video How to Apply For a Working Lands Fund Grant. Need help with developing your overall project or application? See our Business and Resources Toolkit page, which lists resources to assist in business planning, financial analysis, and development. For any further questions or clarifications please reach out to program lead Lynn Ellen Schimoler. DBIC TA Services Grant The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center will begin accepting applications for Dairy Business Viability and Technical Assistance Grants on October 26. Awards ranging $10,000-$100,000 will support coordinated technical assistance projects to benefit multiple Northeast dairy producers and/or processors. Dairy processors, producer associations, distributors, retailers, and technical service providers are encouraged to apply. Deadline to apply: December 7 Staffing Struggles and Solutions This in-person workshop will dive into Vermont’s business staffing struggles and issues, explore ideas surrounding retention, and provide an update on the world of staffing with international workers. J-1 and H-2B visa strategies and best practices will be covered, as well as the state of the numerical cap, and a look ahead to summer 2022 petitions. A new staffing software solution for seasonal businesses will also be explored. Event Date: November 17 @ 9 am Intro to Raising Heritage Poultry Interest in traditional or “Heritage” breeds of poultry has been on the rise as farmers look toward animals that can thrive outdoors and on pasture. This online workshop will cover perks and challenges producers will face raising heritage poultry, including how to take advantage of other income streams beyond eggs or meat that can be generated from your flock. The workshop is free to attend but registration is required. Event Date: November 2 @ 2 pm