Learn to Use FieldWatch and Protect VT Bees!
Do you want to learn how crop producers, pesticide applicators, and beekeepers can work together to reduce accidental pesticide exposure to honey bees and sensitive crops?
Join the Vermont Bee Lab and UVM Extension on December 15th at 1pm to learn about FieldWatch, a free-to-use mapping tool that can enable easy communication and collaboration as required by Vermont’s new rule for the protection of bees.
The Bee Lab will introduce the different FieldWatch registries, including DriftWatch, BeeCheck, and CropCheck, and request feedback. Your interest and engagement will help determine how this program operates in Vermont!
This program qualifies for 1.0 Vermont pesticide recertification credits, just enter your Pesticide Applicator ID Number at registration.
Register for the FieldWatch Info Session
Partnerships for Local Agriculture & Nutrition Transformation in Schools
The USDA and the Chef Ann Foundation are seeking proposals for projects led by groups of local partners with systemic and equity-driven approaches to transforming school food supply chains.
Projects should seek to build and strengthen relationships among community based food systems stakeholders and School Food Authorities.
Grant awards range from $500,000-$600,000 with no match required.
Application deadline: January 22nd
Farm and Food Industry Stakeholder Listening Session in Williston
The Agency of Agriculture is hosting in-person and virtual listening sessions for the ag community over the coming months. The goal is to hear directly from producers, processors, and distributors; understand needs, priorities, and concerns; and help inform and guide our programs and future grant opportunities.
The second session will be Monday, December 4th from 5:00-6:30pm at the Agency's Williston Office. No RSVP required. More events will be announced soon for early 2024.
Learn more and attend a session!
Listening Session for CCFAP Self-Employment Policies
Join the Department for Children and Families for an online listening session on self-employment policies as they relate to the Child Care Financial Assistance Program.
These 45-minute sessions will help guide the investments and policy changes outlined in Act 76, an act related to child care and early childhood education.
The sessions are December 12th and 14th at 3pm and 6:30 pm, respectively. Registration is requested.
Register for a session
Telling Your Farm's Story: Part II - Crafting an Elevator Pitch
This week on the blog, we’re continuing with the three-part series on telling your farm’s story.
In our last installment, we delved into how to create a compelling tagline. Today, we’ll work on your elevator pitch – a concise and impactful 30-second explanation that encapsulates what your farm is all about.
Read the full blog
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
12/5 to 12/9 - 2023 Vermont Maple Conference
12/15 - Agricultural Fair & Field Days Capital Grants and Operational Stipends deadline
12/20 - Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program deadline
1/14 - Specialty Crop Block Grant Program deadline
1/15 - Trade Show Assistance Grants deadline
1/18 - On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant deadline
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