VAAFM: Come Celebrate 56 years of the Vermont Maple Festival

Submitted by tim on Mon, 04/03/2023 - 00:48

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets It's time to plan a trip and enjoy the 56th celebration of Maple Syrup in Vermont. This year's theme is "Maple - the Heart of Vermont." Let the Vermont Maple Festival launch you into the basics of maple and the host of ways it can be used.

The Festival will kick off at noon on April 28th and includes a craft and specialty food show, Maple Exhibit Hall and contest, parade, sugarhouse tours, the Annual Sap Run, and more!

Almost all of the events at the three-day festival are free to attend, and families are encouraged to come for events like a pancake breakfast, kids entertainment in Taylor Park, and the Kid's Center.

Tap into all there is to see, learn, savor, and do, from April 28th-30th!

Visit the VT Maple Website for More Info

Farm to Institution Market Development Grant

Applications are open for grants supporting market development opportunities for local food producers and processors. Awards of $10,000 - $30,000 will help grantees sell more local food to schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

Vermont farm or food businesses, producer groups or associations, and supply chain facilitators (non-profits, food hubs, etc.) are eligible to apply.

Join an informational webinar on Thursday April 6th to learn more.

Application Deadline: April 25th

Reminder: Produce Safety Improvement Grants Due April 9th

Don't forget, if you're hoping to implement produce safety changes for your farm, Produce Safety Improvement Grants are open!

This program can be used to implement on-farm food safety practices that address Produce Safety Rule requirements or meet market demands.

Grants are available from $5,000 - $20,000 with no required match.

Applications close April 9th at midnight.

See the Request for Applications

$44 Million Available for NBRC Catalyst Grant

$44 Million Available for NBRC Catalyst Program

Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), a federal partnership between the federal government and states of ME, NH, NY, and VT to fund economic development and infrastructure projects, has announced a grant round for the updated Catalyst Program.

Up to $44 million in grant funds will be available for state or local governments, political subdivisions, Indian Tribes, and non-profit entities (for-profit entities and LLCs are not eligible).

NBRC will hold a webinar for potential Vermont applicants on Monday April 3rd at 10am. Registration is recommended.

Letters of interest due April 21st

Understanding Accessory
On-Farm Businesses

In recent years, more and more Vermont farms have started welcoming visitors onsite as a way to diversify revenue and engage with their customers and community.

However, it can be daunting to navigate the regulations, permits, and licenses required to incorporate these agritourism experiences into your business.

This week on the blog, we’re digging deep to help you understand Vermont’s “Accessory On-Farm Business” designation, how it might apply to your business, and how the state is working to clarify and improve the law.

Read the full blog!

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar