Fill Out the NOFA-VT Direct Markets Survey!

Submitted by tim on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 22:38

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets After a multi-year hiatus, NOFA-VT is resurrecting the Direct Markets Survey with the support of the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.

This survey aims to gather data about the 2022 season for NOFA-VT to speak about the state of direct-market sales in Vermont, and to update the NOFA-VT Farm Stand/CSA Directory. The directory is an important tool for customers to find out where they can purchase your farm products directly.

Your survey responses will be confidential. The survey will take 30-40 minutes to fill out.

People who respond prior to February 15th will be entered into a raffle for free registration at the 2023 NOFA-VT Conference, happening in Burlington (and online) on February 18th-19th. People who respond after February 15th will be entered into a raffle for free registration to NOFA-VT summer workshops, swag, free coffee, and other prizes.

Thank you in advance for your time and information which help understand the state of farming in Vermont. This knowledge is essential in advocating for resources and how best to target support.

Click Here to Fill Out the Survey

Apply for the Rural Energy for America Program

Applications are now open for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The program provides loans and grants for producers and small businesses in rural areas with a population of less than 50,000.

Agricultural producers and small businesses in eligible rural areas may be eligible for guaranteed loan financing and grant funding for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

To get started on your a pplication, contact Ken Yearman, USDA VT Energy Programs Coordinator, at (802) 828-6070 or [email protected].

Deadline to apply: March 31st

Organic On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant

Organic dairy farmers can apply for $10,000- $50,000 to purchase specialized equipment.

Eligible equipment includes bulk tanks, pipelines, glycol chillers, and more through the Organic On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant.

Funded through the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center at VAAFM, this grant aims to help dairy farmers streamline milk pick-up, increase storage efficiencies and improve milk handling.

Grant applications close this Thursday the 9th, please begin your application as soon as possible!

Deadline to apply: February 9th at 2pm

Local Food Purchase Assistance

The Agency of Agriculture is sub-awarding additional grant funds from a USDA cooperative agreement to help entities purchase and distribute local food to underserved communities.

We hope to help introduce farmers and food producers who are interested in selling food with organizations receiving funds.

If you are a Vermont farmer or food producer who would like to connect to organizations with funding for local food purchasing, please complete the form.

Complete the form by February 22nd

Reach New Customers at the Big E!

Vending at agricultural and other consumer-facing fairs is a fun way to reach new customers and expand your market. There are fairs that take place across Vermont and New England, but the biggest is the Big E, a 17-day fair and exposition that takes place each September in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

This week on the Marketing & Agritourism Blog, we share information about how your business can apply to sell your products inside the Vermont Building at this exciting event!

Read the Blog!

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar

Our website address is:
https://agriculture.vermont.gov