Stay Up to Date With the VAAFM Funding Opportunity Calendar

Submitted by tim on Tue, 12/20/2022 - 22:59

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets As we head into the holiday season and a New Year is on the horizon, The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has a number of funding opportunities to support food, farm, and forestry businesses in 2023. We encourage you to keep up to date on deadlines with the Funding Opportunity Calendar.

The Community Supported Agriculture Grant, Dairy Processor Innovation Grant, Trade Show Assistance Grants,, and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are just some of the great opportunities open in the new year.

If you have questions, each funding opportunity listed on the calendar has the name and best phone/email to contact. We hope to see your application in the near future!

Check out the Funding Opportunity Calendar

Register for the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program

Registration is open for the 2023 UVM Extension Master Gardener Program. This 16-week course starts on January 20th.

There are two available tracks, one for those seeking their Master Gardener certification, and another for students who wish to navigate at their own pace.

Registration is $400 for Vermonters and $550 for non-Vermonters.

Application deadline: January 18th

Tips for Getting Started With
Trade Shows

Trade shows can be a wonderful way to expand your market and generate new wholesale customers, but they require a significant investment of time and money, so it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to make the most of the experience.

This week on the blog, we discuss the top things to think about when deciding to go to a trade show.

Catch up on the full blog!

Reminder: Trade Show Assistance Grants

Is your Vermont agriculture or forestry business looking to expand into new markets? Consider applying for a Trade Show Assistance Grant!

This funding helps businesses identify, plan, exhibit, and sell their Vermont products at out-of-state or international trade shows or virtual shows targeting out-of-state buyers.

These matching grants provide 50% reimbursements for eligible trade show-related expenses to help businesses connect with wholesale buyers.

Applicants may include up to five trade shows in their yearly marketing plan, requesting a total of between $2,000 and $5,000 in eligible reimbursements for shows that take place between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.

Application deadline: January 31st

New Wood and Pellet Heater Investment Tax Credit

Beginning on January 1st, the new federal tax credit for high efficiency biomass heating products will take effect.

This new tax credit is the result of a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act, signed in August of 2022.

The new 30% tax credit, capped at $2,000 annually, is available for appliances installed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2032. This is a change from a 26% tax credit with no annual cap in 2021 and 2022.

To be eligible, the appliance must have a thermal efficiency of at least 75% per the higher heating value (HHV) of the fuel.

A full FAQ and guidance is available through the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association's website.

Tax credit begins: January 1, 2023

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar

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