The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets needs your help to thoroughly capture the type and scale of flood-related damage agricultural producers suffered around the state.
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, we kindly request that you fill out the 2024 Flood Loss and Damage Survey.
Survey data will be used to inform flood response efforts, allocate resources, and advocate for future relief and recovery programs. The goal is to understand everyone’s need so relief and recovery efforts are better informed at the community and industry scale.
To fill out the survey for a community garden or farm plot, please coordinate with the community garden organization to submit one response for the entire organization.
The survey should only take 10-15 minutes to complete. The deadline to complete it is August 31st.
Please contact us at [email protected] or 802-828-2430 if you have questions or need a paper copy or assistance filling out the survey.
Flood Response & Recovery Update
We appreciate the immediate need for financial resources to assist in flood response and recovery efforts. We understand the frustration by the rate of response and provide the following flood response and recovery funding updates:
- Preliminary impact assessments are under way (via 211 and USDA FSA) and these assessments will directly inform various disaster declarations which support the activation and availability of federal disaster assistance programs.
- Additional State-funded financial assistance is not yet available for Vermont farms.
One of the most important early steps is capturing impact and loss data, which is essential to advocacy for additional resources. In the meantime, as farms and agricultural businesses continue to respond to flooding losses and damages, the following may be helpful resources:
- Complete the July 2024 Flooding Loss & Damage Survey
- Report losses to Vermont 211 and your local FSA Service Center.
- Photo-document damages for FEMA and FSA programs.
- Reach out for support from technical service providers.
- Refer to guidance from ANR Floodplain Managers around restoring flood impacted fields and to move flood deposited sediment and debris.
- Follow VT Department of Health information on how to safely return to your home or business, test your water, and clean up.
Resources for Produce Growers Impacted by Flooding
The Vermont Produce Program has released updated information about flood recovery and response for Vermont produce growers. They offer current best recommendations about produce fields and handling produce after the recent flooding event. Read the update for flooded crop and replanting guidelines, frequently asked questions, and more.
Below is additional relevant information from UVM Extension:
- Reach out to the VT Vegetable and Berry Growers Association listserv or [email protected] to request donations of fresh produce, seeds, seedlings, etc.
- To support soil health recovery, UVM will make bulk orders of free cover crop seed for flooded commercial vegetable and berry farms. Email your requests to [email protected], with details about acreage, cover crop species preferred, likely planting date(s), and whether organic seed is required.
- Free business planning advice for flooded farms is available from Intervale Center Farm Business Services,
NOFA-VT Farmer Services, and UVM Extension Ag Business Team.
If you have questions about how a crop or field may be affected by flooding, contact the Vermont Produce Program at [email protected] or call 802-828-2433.
Read the Update
2024 Fairs & Field Days Schedule
If you're looking for a fun and authentic experience in Vermont, then you won't want to miss out on the state's Fairs & Field Days.
These events are a celebration of Vermont's agricultural heritage, showcasing the best local produce, livestock, crafts, and entertainment. With more than a dozen events taking place throughout the state, you're sure to find a fair or field day that fits your schedule and interests.
Whether you're interested in carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, live music, or simply sampling delicious local food and drinks, Vermont's Fairs & Field Days have something for everyone.
See the Full Schedule
Grants for Technical Service Providers
The Northeast Regional Food Business Center is offering awards averaging $75,000 to technical assistance providers to offer guidance and training to local food and agricultural businesses, with an emphasis on tailoring support to individual needs and to the unique Northeast regional food systems.
Awards will also be available to organizations that focus on regional network development and partnership building among technical assistance providers.
The first informational webinar will be hosted on July 30th.
Apply by August 23rd
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
August
8/1 - Farm Agronomic Practices application deadline
8/8 - Dairy Processor Modernization Grant deadline
8/20 - RFSI Equipment-only Grant Applicant Webinar
8/31 - 2024 Flood Loss & Damage Survey deadline
September
9/5 - New Dairy Processor Start-up 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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