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VAAFM: Funding for energy production and efficiency

Submitted by tim on

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Reducing energy costs through increased efficiency or on-site renewable energy production is a goal for many agricultural producers and rural small businesses. And while the payback is often substantial for these kinds of projects, both from cost savings and reduced environmental impact, initial project costs present significant barriers.

The good news: USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program can help.

The program is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption by providing grants and guaranteed financing to install renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

This competitive program offers loan guarantees of up to 75% of total eligible project costs and grants for up to 25% of total eligible project costs. A broad array of projects are eligible under this program - from biomass, solar and geothermal projects, to energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling upgrades and insulation improvements.

The next deadline to apply for this program is: November 1, 2021

Learn More Here

The Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB) has released a request for proposal seeking service provider organizations to support farm, food and forestry enterprises in two primary areas: a) building executive business skills and b) increasing marketing skills. Applicants may apply for one or both service areas in the same proposal. Both non-profit and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Awarded contracts will be for a one-year time frame, with award(s) of $50,000 - $100,000.

Apply By: September 29 @ 5 pm

On August 19th the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets was alerted that three live Spotted Lanternflies were spotted on a shipment delivered in Rutland. At the time of delivery, two of the insects were killed and one was delivered to officials for identification. At this time, no other evidence of the invasive species has been discovered and the issue is considered resolved. If you think you’ve found a spotted lanternfly you can report it here. Agricultural fruit crops such as grape, apple, cherry and peach, and hardwoods including maple, oak and walnut are all susceptible to this invasive.

Join Shelburne Farms for a series of workshops to explore and expand your farm to early childhood (FTEC) efforts. Learn how FTEC concepts help meet multiple standards across licensing (CACFP, VELS and STARS) by promoting children's learning, social emotional well-being, healthy eating habits, family engagement and community building. Workshops can be taken individually but participants are encouraged to attend all three if possible. Attendees can receive college credit and scholarships are available for Vermont educators.

Series Starts: September 16, 6-8 pm

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing up to $50 million in cooperative agreements to support historically underserved farmers and ranchers with climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The Racial Justice and Equity Conservation Cooperative Agreements are available to entities and individuals for two-year projects that expand the delivery of conservation assistance to farmers who are beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers. Awards range between $100,000 and $1,000,000.

Deadline to Apply: October 25
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar

httphttps://agriculture.vermont.govs://agriculture.vermont.gov

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets