RFSI Equipment-only Grants
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has grant funds available through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program to support specialized equipment purchases that will strengthen the middle of the food supply chain in Vermont. The Request for Applications for this RFSI Equipment-only Grant is now available.
The grant can fund eligible equipment purchases that help Vermont farms and food businesses to increase market access, diversify product offerings, and/or increase production quantities.
Awards will range from $30,000 to $100,000, with no match commitment. Approximately $1 million in total funds are available for this grant round.
Join the Grant Applicant Webinar on August 20th at 11am EST to ask questions and learn more.
Applications will be accepted between August 28th and October 1st.
Dairy Seat on Working Lands Board
The Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB) seeks a dairy farmer to serve on their board. The dairy farmer seat is available to anyone who currently milks cows, goats, or sheep and feels they can represent the Vermont dairy industry.
WLEB is responsible for stewarding the Working Lands Enterprise Fund (WLEF), which receives $1,000,000 annually to grant to farm and forest businesses and service providers in Vermont. The twenty-member board is made up of private sector members throughout the supply chains of agriculture and forestry, and staff from state agencies and nonprofit partners.
Learn more
Dairy Product Trade Show Assistance Grant
The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-BDIC) has grant funds available to showcase and promote regionally produced value-added dairy products at trade shows. Dairy processors and producer associations can apply for grant funds to cover the cost of attending trade shows.
Grants will range from $5,000 to $20,000, with 25% match requirement. Eligible trade shows must occur between August 2024 and June 2025.
Applications are open now and awards will be made on a rolling basis.
Learn More
Agriculture Flood Loss & Damage Survey
If you are a business, organization, or individual that raises animals, meat, or poultry and/or grows feed or crops for anyone beyond your immediate family, please fill out the Agriculture Flood Loss & Damage Survey.
Survey data will be used to inform flood response efforts, allocate resources, and advocate for future relief and recovery programs.
Please call 802-828-2430 or email [email protected] if you have questions or need a paper copy or assistance filling out the survey.
Complete the survey by August 31st
Call for Farm to Plate Workshops
Vermont Farm to Plate seeks workshop proposals for their 2024 Annual Gathering on November 20th and 21st. This year's theme, “Transformative Action,” will deepen attendees' commitment to addressing the goals of the Vermont Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan 2021-2030.
Anyone involved with Vermont’s food system is invited to submit a proposal for an innovative breakout session that helps attendees to build the knowledge, connections, and collaborative problem-solving skills to empower them to act in transformational ways.
Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Apply by August 23rd
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
August
8/20 - RFSI Equipment-only Grant Applicant Webinar
8/28 - RFSI Equipment-only Grant opens
8/31 - 2024 Agriculture Flood Loss & Damage Survey deadline
September
9/5 - New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant deadline
October
10/1 - RFSI Equipment-only Grant deadline
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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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