Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Farm & Forest Viability Program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board has grant awards available for on-farm capital improvement projects that make a positive impact on water quality.
These grants are designed to help farm businesses undertake projects that improve on-farm water quality, help farms comply with water quality regulations, and improve overall farm viability. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $50,000, and all awarded funds require a 1-to-1 match.
Program staff will be hosting two virtual information sessions to answer questions:
Match can be in the form of farm funds, farm labor, and/or state or federal water quality programs such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (NRCS-EQIP) and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets' Best Management Practices (BMP) and Capital Equipment Assistance (CEAP) Programs. Grantees will be reimbursed upon completion of the project.
Please direct any questions to Betsy McGavisk at [email protected] or 802-828-5562.
Trade Show Assistance Grant Application Now Open
The Trade Show Assistance Grant provides Vermont agricultural, food, and forestry businesses with funds to exhibit and sell their Vermont products at trade shows targeting out-of-state wholesale buyers.
Applicants may request between $2,000 and $5,000 to offset the costs of up to five trade shows. Eligible applications will have at least three wholesale accounts.
$50,000 is available from the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, along with additional funds from the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council to support dairy businesses with their trade show marketing plans.
To learn more, read the Request for Applications.
Apply by January 20th
Wholesale Readiness Program for Food Entrepreneurs
Are you an early-stage, but established food entrepreneur selling a consumer packaged good (CPG) or value-added product in the northeast? Are you primarily selling direct to consumer and ready to begin selling to stores (or more stores!) in your region?
If so, consider joining the Wholesale Readiness Program for Food Entrepreneurs between January and May 2025 to learn from industry experts and entrepreneurs like yourself who have grown their CPG brands in the Northeast.
This free program will be hosted primarily online via live sessions on Zoom between January and May of 2025 with an optional in-person final event
Learn More
Assistance for Flood Damage to Farmland & Forests
The USDA Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) are still open for Washington, Chittenden, Essex and Caledonia counties. These programs can help restore farmland or non-industrial forest that suffered damage during this past July's flooding and severe storms.
If you’ve suffered a loss from the flooding or severe storms this past July, contact your local FSA County Office and request assistance before December 20th (Caledonia and Essex) or December 23rd (Chittenden and Washington).
Find Your Local FSA Office
Winter Fun on the Farm: Agritourism Ideas for the Season
The arrival of seed catalogs marks the start of the winter season in Vermont, inspiring both locals and tourists to engage in festive activities like visiting Christmas tree farms and booking sleigh rides. During this season farmers can explore agritourism opportunities by utilizing their farm's landscape and resources. Suggestions include outdoor activities like snowshoeing, sledding, fat biking, and backcountry skiing, as well as indoor options such as workshops, cooking classes, and farm tours. This week on the blog, we discuss planning fun winter activities for all ages on your farm.
Read the Blog
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
December
12/12 - Business Enhancement Grant deadline
12/15 - Fairs & Field Days Capital Grants and Operational Stipends deadline
January
1/8 - Specialty Crop Block Grant pre-application deadline
1/20 - Trade Show Assistance Grant deadline
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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
Our website address is:
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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