$150,000 Available for Small Farm Diversification & Transition Grants

Submitted by tim on Mon, 01/15/2024 - 09:16

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets Small farms looking to undertake diversification and/or transition activities can apply now for grants from a pool of special one-time funds from the VT legislature.

The application portal is open now through March 4th. Small farms can apply for grants ranging from $5,000-$15,000. There is no match requirement for this grant.

There will be an optional applicant webinar on Wednesday, January 17th from 10:00–11:00 AM.

This grant can cover the costs of equipment, supplies, infrastructure, marketing, research, and/or workforce development costs that relate to the following project categories:

Diversifying farm products, including continuing with a diversification project that began in the last 5 years
Transitioning from one form of farming to another, including continuing with a transition that began in the last 5 years
New processing or scaling of current processing of farm products
Developing an accessory on-farm business

Apply for a Small Farm Diversification & Transition Grant

Dairy Food Safety
& Certification Grant

The Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant is open now. Apply for $10,000 - $50,000 for projects supporting increased production safety standards.

Funds can be used for technical assistance, audits, food safety plan development, training, testing fees, and certain infrastructure upgrades.

This opportunity is open to dairy farmers, processors, and producer associations.

Application deadline: February 22nd

Business Planning for
Agritourism Webinar

UVM Extension is hosting a free webinar on January 23rd on successful business planning for agritourism enterprises.

Learn about the innovative AgPlan app, a user-friendly tool tailored for various farm enterprises, including agritourism.

Discover key steps in business planning and learn about how you can get support developing a personalized business plan through an online training series in February and March. Please register in advance.

Webinar: January 23rd, 1-2pm

Essex and Orleans County VAAFM Listening Session

The next occurrence in the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets listening sessions is on January 25th from 11am-1pm.

The event is co-hosted by the Essex and Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation Districts. It is hybrid, with in-person locations in Essex and Orleans counties, as well as the option to join remotely. Registration is required.

The goal of the event is to hear directly from agricultural producers, processors, distributors, and service providers to better understand their needs, priorities, and concerns.

Next session: January 25th

Dairy Cost of
Production Workshop

Join UVM Extension and Adirondack Management Services on January 24th for a free workshop on key financial concepts for farmers and calculating dairy cost of production and breakeven milk price.

The in-person event will be held at the People's Trust Company in St. Albans. Leading the workshop is Joanna Lidback, dairy farmer and principal financial consultant with Adirondack Management Services.

Registration is required for this free event. Lunch is included.

Workshop: January 24th, 10am-3pm

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

1/15 - Trade Show Assistance Grants deadline
1/18 - On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant deadline
1/19 - Meat and Produce Agriculture Development Grants open
1/19 - WLEI Supply Chain Impact Grants deadline
1/19 - VHCB Water Quality Grants deadline
1/22 - WLEI Building Executive Business Skills Program deadline
1/25 - Essex and Orleans County VAAFM Listening Session
2/17 and 2/18 - 2024 NOFA-VT Winter Conference
2/22 - Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant deadline
2/26 - Meat and Produce Agriculture Development Grants deadline
3/4 - Small Farm Diversification and Transition Grant deadline

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar