The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is now requesting applications from Vermont businesses interested in vending at the Vermont Building at the 2024 Big E. The Vermont Building is one of six public market style buildings on the Avenue of the States at the Big E, a 17-day fair and exposition which takes place each September in West Springfield, MA. During this event, which brings in approximately 1.6 million people each year, the Vermont Building hosts a variety of Vermont food and retail businesses which showcase the best of what our state has to offer. The 2024 Big E will take place September 13th-29th.
This annual event provides a unique regional marketing opportunity to Vermont businesses. It is among the top-five largest fairs in the United States, with daily attendance regularly exceeding 100,000 people, and is the premier event of the year for many vendors. Fairgoers from all over the Northeast come to the Big E looking to find unique products and to get a head start on their holiday shopping. Last year alone, total sales in the Vermont Building exceeded $2 million!
Any business or organization will be considered that is registered with the Vermont Secretary of State, has been in business for over one year, and is in good standing with the State of Vermont. While most booths are inside, we will also be accepting applications from food truck vendors who would like to sell their products on the Vermont Building grounds.
The application to vend in the Vermont Building will be open from February 2nd - March 17th.
Read the Request for Applications
Apply for a Meat and Produce Agriculture Development Grant
The Meat and Produce Agriculture Development Grant is open for applications, with submissions due by February 26th at 2pm.
This funding opportunity is for meat and/or produce growers and processors to implement projects that improve their climate resilience, operational efficiency, product quality, and more.
A total of $1.6 million in one-time funding is available. Awards range from $35,000-$300,000, with no match requirement.
Application deadline: February 26th
Register for the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Summit
Registration is open for the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Summit. The summit will bring together dairy farmers, processors, service providers, and industry stakeholders from across the northeast.
From farm innovation to processing expansion and more, you'll leave with new ideas to put into action, peer-to-peer connections, and strategies to build a more resilient dairy sector.
Registration is open now! Discounted rates are available for dairy farmers, processors, and students.
Summit: April 2nd and 3rd
Caledonia County VAAFM Listening Session
The next occurrence in the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets' listening sessions is on January 31st from 6-7:30pm at the Municipal Building in Hardwick.
The event is co-hosted by the Caledonia County Natural Resources Conservation District and the Center for an Agricultural Economy. Dinner will be provided from a local restaurant courtesy of the co-hosts, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Childcare will also be available for children pre-k age and older.
The goal of the session is to hear directly from producers, processors, distributors, and service providers. Registration is required.
Next session: January 31st
Announcing Service Provider and Producer Association Awards
The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative announces 14 awards totaling $652,211 to maintain and grow the agricultural and forestry sectors in Vermont. These investments are for service providers who work directly with working lands businesses as well as producer association groups that represent and promote Vermont products.
“Coming off severe weather challenges, these investments will have positive impacts for those making their living off the land,” said Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Secretary Anson Tebbetts.
“Investing in our working lands and making Vermont more affordable is a priority. These dollars will help grow businesses while supporting our rural economy.”
Read the press release
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
1/25 - Essex and Orleans County VAAFM Listening Session
1/31 - Caledonia 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 Grant deadline
3/4 - Small Farm Diversification and Transition Grant deadline
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov