VAAFM: Trade Show Assistance Grant Application Opens Soon

Trade Show Assistance Grants Open Soon

Vermont Agency of Agriclture Food & Markets Is your Vermont food or forestry business looking to expand into new markets? Consider applying for aTrade Show Assistance Grant from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets (VAAFM). This funding helps Vermont agriculture and forestry businesses with funds to identify, plan, exhibit, and sell their Vermont products at out-of-state 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 5 trade shows in their yearly marketing plan for up to $5,000 in eligible reimbursements. A total of $30,000 is available for these competitive grants through the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative. For this funding round, VAAFM has a special interest in supporting wood and forestry businesses in their trade show marketing efforts. Applications will be accepted from January 17 - March 2, 2022.

Learn More About Trade Show Assistance Grants
Vermont Family Farmer of the Month Awards

Applications are open once again for the Vermont Family Farmer of the Month award. Each month, this fund makes a financial award of $10,000-12,000 to a Vermont family farmer for a project that will improve the viability of their farm. Awards recognize farmers whose businesses are contributing to a resilient Vermont agricultural landscape and demonstrate environmental stewardship and innovation. Applications are due January 26th for March, April, May and June awards.

The Vermont Family Farmer of the Month is a fund administered by NOFA-VT in partnership with VHCB Farm & Forest Viability Program, Shelburne Farms, and the Vermont Grass Farmers Association.

Application Deadline: Jan. 26, 2022

Vermont Pay for Phosphorus Program

The Vermont Pay for Phosphorus Program (VPFP) is an innovative new outcomes-based program from the Water Quality division of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM). This program will provide performance-based payments to Vermont farmers for reductions in phosphorus losses from their agricultural fields.

The VPFP recognizes that the conservation of soil and water generates value to the public and directly compensates farms for that value. In this approach, farmers have the flexibility to implement whichever conservation practices they know will work for their own operations each year. $4.9 million dollars are available for farms across four years.

Application Deadline: Jan. 31, 2022

The Vermont Envirothon is a statewide competition where high school students put their knowledge of forestry, wildlife, soils and water resources to the test. Participants have the opportunity meet professionals in the field, develop public speaking skills and add to their resume. The team that demonstrates the greatest overall knowledge is selected to represent Vermont at the North American Envirothon event held in Ohio.

Do you know a student or teacher who might be interested? Help us spread the word about this exciting event or register a team.

Farm hosts have a variety of options for listing their accommodations and experiences and for setting up online reservation systems. Join experienced agritourism operators for a discussion of the options for listing and booking farm stays and experiences. Reaching your Target Market: Booking Sites for Farm Stays and Experiences webinar is free of charge and is a part of a monthly series of virtual agritourism gatherings presented by the International Workshop on Agritourism.

Webinar: Jan. 18 @ 11 a.m.

2022 Vermont Livestock & Grazing Virtual Conference
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov