Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Agriculture has compiled response & recovery information and resources in recognition of the ongoing State of Emergency. We recognize that many of you are still in places that are unsafe or unstable. Please prioritize your health & safety first, and know you are in our thoughts as we attempt to chart a path to recovery.
All of the up-to-date Agency of Ag response and recovery resources are available at agriculture.vermont.gov/flood. New resources are being added daily as well as the most current Agency guidelines for dealing with issues like milk dumping, crop damage, re-opening processing facilities, and more.
A new key resource from UVM Extension: Routine soil testing, heavy metal screening, and soil nitrate analysis will be free for flood-impacted farms through August 15th. Visit the UVM Ag and Environmental Testing Lab webpage for more details.
In addition to Agency resources, we have compiled a list of external resources helpful to the response effort. Those resources and their links can be found on our webpage or below.
- USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool
- USDA Service Centers
- UVM Extension Disaster & Flood Recovery Resources - Resources tor recovery from the recent catastrophic flood event as well as other natural disasters
- State of Vermont Volunteer - To volunteer with recovery efforts, you can register here.
- Farm First is available to connect with technical, legal or financial assistance as well as to a counselor or trained peer.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 988 if in crisis.
- Vermont Department of Mental Health Flood Resources - A disaster event such as this historic flooding is unexpected and often brings out strong emotions. People can call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline’s toll-free number (1–800–985–5990) and receive immediate counseling.
- Vermont Department of Health Flood and Health Resources - Guidance for Vermont Flood Recovery Health and Safety
- VT Flood Response and Recovery Fund 2023 - supports Vermonters recovering from the catastrophic rainfall across Vermont.
- Floods and their Aftereffects - Resources and information from the CDC
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Resources and information from the CDC
- Private Drinking Water - Well Safety and Maintenance - Resources and information from the Vermont Department of Health
- Northern New England Region | American Red Cross
- United Way in Vermont
- Vermont Agricultural Mediation Program - free mediation services to resolve financial and other farm related issues
- UVM Spatial Analysis/Drone Team - UVM's team is working hard to inventory the damage using drones and satellites. If a farm needs evidence of damage to get relief funds please reach out via email at: [email protected].
- Vermont Floods 2023 (earthengine.app) - map of flooded areas in VT from GOOGLE Earth Engine
- Farm Credit East - Crop Growers agents will assist all growers who have questions concerning reporting, contact the Northeast Service Center at 800-234-7012 or www.cropgrowers.com
Access the Latest Flood Related Resources
Apply for Farm Agronomic Practices Program Funding
If you are planning to cover crop or inject manure this fall, apply by August 1st for VAAFM’s Farm Agronomic Practices Program grant.
The FAP program provides $45/acre to support cover crops that are drilled or incorporated, $30/acre to support cover crops that are broadcast or inter-seeded, and $25/acre for manure injection.
For more information and to apply, head to the FAP Program webpage.
Application deadline: August 1st
Reminder: Farmers Market Price Reports
A reminder that weekly price reports from farmers markets across Vermont are available every week from June-November.
These price reports can assist consumers with preparing to shop their local market, or producers who need help pricing their products for markets or crop insurance.
To have a PDF of the report emailed to your inbox weekly, email Drew Watson at [email protected]. Reports go out on Thursday of each week.
See this week's Market Report
Food Connects Hiring a Farm to School Sales Coordinator
Food Connects is seeking a Farm to School Sales Coordinator to join the Food Hub Sales Team to support the growth of Food Connects Food Hub sales to various schools in the region.
This person will employ their exemplary customer service skills, industry knowledge, and attention to detail to increase sales with current school and institutional customers and onboard new customers.
Read the full job description
Reminder: Farm to Family Coupon Program
$164,000 in coupons are now available to help eligible Vermonters buy locally grown fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and farm stands.
Coupons are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be used at any of the 60 markets and farm stands enrolled in the program this summer.
Visit the Farm to Family Program webpage to check eligibility.
Check income limits and eligibility
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Copyright © 2023, All rights reserved.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
