Don't Miss the Environmental Quality Incentive Program Deadline

Submitted by tim on Mon, 10/10/2022 - 00:36

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets New waste storage infrastructure can be costly, but is one of the most effective ways for farms to decrease nutrient runoff and is often a necessary investment to keep up with state water quality regulations.

The Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) can help farms invest in manure management projects, in addition to less engineering-heavy projects like rotational grazing infrastructure and in-field conservation practices.

Farms are eligible for up to $450,000 in federal assistance under EQIP every Farm Bill (every 5 years).

If farms think ahead and break up their most costly projects across multiple Farm Bills, they can maximize the federal and state assistance they are eligible for. The 2018 Farm Bill is coming to a close in the upcoming Fiscal Year.

Contact your local NRCS now to see how close you are to your EQIP cap under the 2018 Farm Bill and to apply for this final year of funding before your cap resets next year! The deadline is November 18th.

Click Here for More EQIP Info

Vermont Day Breaks Big E Attendance Record

Exceptional Year for Vermont Vendors and Visitors at the Big E!

It was a fantastic year in the Vermont Building at the region's biggest fair, The Big E. Preliminary sales for 2022 totaled $1.7 million over the 17-day event.

The Vermont Building again hosted many great vendors from the Green Mountain State. One such vendor was Nomadic Kitchen, whose S'mores Macaron was recommended by MassLive as the #1 new food to try at The Big E in 2022!

Additionally, the all-time Big E single day attendance record was hit on Vermont Day (September 24th). With Governor Scott in attendance, 177,789 people attended the Big E.

Logan George, the Maintenance and Services staff member for the Vermont Building, received The Big E "Host of the Day" award on September 28th. The award recognizes one individual of The Big E each day during the fair who goes "above and beyond" to make the fair a positive experience for everyone involved.

A huge thanks to the vendors, building staff, and visitors who make the Vermont Building such an incredible place at the fair!

Learn more about the Vermont Building

Short Term Forgivable Loans for Priority Sectors

The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has funding available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support businesses that continue to experience economic harm from COVID-19.

In accordance with state guidelines the program will only accept applications from businesses in travel & tourism, restaurants and eating establishments, lodging, childcare, agriculture, or any BIPOC-owned business until October 15th.

After October 15th, VEDA will reassess the need to continue limiting applications to these priority sectors. Please check back for updates.

Businesses must have fewer than 500 employees, have been in operation as of March 13th, 2020, demonstrate economic harm from COVID-19, and plan to use the forgivable loans for operating expenses.

You can download the application package here, which includes a tool to calculate your eligibility and the size of your potential loan. Applicants are highly encouraged to seek technical assistance to determine their eligibility.

Priority Funding Deadline: Oct. 15th

Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Mailing List

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative has a new mailing list! The Initiative supports innovative entrepreneurs at the forefront of Vermont's Working Lands economy through technical and financial assistance to help growing businesses thrive.

The Working Lands Fund supports grants and contracts that have ranged from $5,000-$250,000. If you are interested in Working Lands grant opportunities, events, and business support, please sign up for their new mailing list.

Learn more about Working Lands

Calving: What’s Normal, What’s Not Normal, and When to Intervene

Managing Cows During Calving Webinar

Join University of Vermont Extension for an online webinar as part of their Dairy Herd Health Workshop series hosted by Dr. Dayna Locitzer, large animal vet at the Green Mountain Bovine Clinic.

The upcoming webinar will attempt to give farmers a better understanding of how to manage their cows during calving, including appropriate care for each of the three calving stages, and how/when to intervene.

Webinar: Oct. 20th from 12-1:00pm ET

Organic Certification Cost Share Program

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar