Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets New funding is available through the Northeastern Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) for research and development projects that support dairy processing and packaging innovation across the Northeast.
With a focus on scalable and replicable alternatives to current industry standards, projects funded through the Innovation in Dairy Processing and Packaging Grant will help processors make informed, long-term business decisions with positive environmental and economic impacts.
Awards will range from $75,000 to $350,000, with a 25% match requirement. The application is expected to be open from September 12th to October 31st.
The Request for Applications will be available August 27th.
Updates for Accessory On-Farm Businesses
There have been multiple changes to the rules for Accessory On-Farm Business (AOFB). This year, the Legislature passed Act 181, which expanded AOFBs’ ability to sell qualifying products that are not produced on the farm where an AOFB is located, added new types of eligible products, and created related Act 250 exemptions.
Read the full update to learn how these changes might benefit your AOFB operation.
Learn more
Northeast Forest Farming Conference
Join the Northeast Forest Farmers Coalition for the inaugural Northeast Forest Farming Conference hosted at Smokey House Center in Danby, VT on September 6th - 8th.
This weekend-long event will be full of opportunities to learn about all aspects of forest farming. Topics will include forest botanical plant ecology, site selection, production and stewardship models, medicinal uses, business planning, propagation techniques, and much more.
Register now
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
Working Lands Board Seeks Dairy Farmer
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 nonprofits.
Learn more
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
August
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
10/31 - Innovation in Dairy Processing & Packing Grant deadline
Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to receive future editions straight to your inbox.
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
To support great journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
