Vermont Business Magazine Businesses and organizations impacted by flooding and severe weather are now able to apply for emergency grant funding through the new Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP). $20 million has been budgeted for this first come, first serve program, which includes $1 million specifically for agricultural operations. Any businesses that suffered physical damage to their land, infrastructure, crops or animals is eligible to apply.
Grants are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. The application portal opened August 3rd, so apply now while funding is available!
If you represent a farm or agricultural operation and have questions, please email [email protected] or contact Agency of Agriculture staff Abbey Willard at 802-272-2885 or Mary Montour at 802-461-6087. You can also view an updated FAQ page specific to funding for ag operations.
Complete the VAAFM
Loss & Damage Survey
If you are a flood-affected business, organization, or individual that raises animals and/or grows feed or crops for anyone beyond your immediate family, we kindly request that you fill out the VAAFM Loss & Damage Survey.
Survey data will be used to inform response efforts, effectively allocate resources, and advocate for future relief and recovery programs.
The survey will take 5 to 10 minutes to complete and is open until August 28th.
Fill out the survey
NBRC Forest Economy
Program Webinars
The Northern Borders Regional Commission (NBRC) Forest Economy Program will open soon. Letters of interest are due September 22nd.
The program offers grants to support projects in the forest economy related to community development, workforce training, marketing, business planning and technical assistance, and public infrastructure.
NBRC is hosting two info sessions: August 8th at 9:30am and August 9th at 3:00pm.
Register for an info session
Join NOFA-VT Sunday August 20th at 10am for an introduction to seed saving.
Learn basics from Toni Kessler of West River Seeds at the Kindle Farm School in Townshend.
The cost to attend is $25 for members, $35 for non-members, and free for BIPOC. Registration is required.
Register here
Ensuring Visitor Safety on Your Farm
When hosting visitors on your farm, it's crucial to prioritize safety to ensure a memorable and risk-free adventure for all involved.
This week on the blog, we dive into essential safety measures that every agritourism operation should implement.
Read the full blog!
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
