The 2024 USDA Maple Syrup Inquiry is out | Vermont Business Magazine

Submitted by tim on Mon, 05/06/2024 - 08:21

The 2024 USDA Maple Syrup Inquiry Is Out!

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is now conducting the 2024 Maple Syrup Inquiry in the Northeastern Region. This survey collects information from approximately 1,900 Northeastern producers. Maple syrup producers, processors, and commodity markets rely on the data from this survey to make informed business decisions and help promote the industry. Vermont's voice is critical as the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States!

If you are a maple producer, you may have received the inquiry within the past few days. The Agency of Agriculture encourages you to respond as your information is critical to showing the true picture of maple syrup production in Vermont. Survey recipients can respond securely online or via mail or fax.

All information from respondents is kept confidential and published so that no operation or producer can be identified. NASS will publish this data in the Crop Production report on June 12th on the Quick Stats database.

Respond to the Survey

NE-DBIC Goat & Sheep Development Grant

NE-DBIC has new funding to strengthen the Northeast goat and sheep dairy sector through projects that address business viability, market development, or innovative approaches to production.   

This program will fund Individual Business Projects for farmers or processors and Sector Enhancement Projects that engage multiple dairy businesses.

The application deadline is June 6th. Awards will range from $15,000 to $50,000 for Individual Business Grants and $25,000 to $75,000 for Sector Enhancement Grants with a 25% match commitment.

Learn More

Showcase Your Products at Harvest New England Day

Is your business looking for a fun way to connect with new customers across New England? VAAFM is now accepting applications from Vermont businesses who would like to vend at Harvest New England Day at the Big E on September 27th! The Big E is a 17-day fair and exposition that takes place each fall in West Springfield, MA.

Harvest New England Day is a single-day, farmers market style event and a great opportunity for businesses who are interested in trying out their product at the Big E without a multi-day commitment.

Apply by June 1st

Vermont Forest Industry Summit

The Vermont Forest Industry Summit is happening on June 6th at Bolton Valley Resort. This year's theme is Innovation in the Forest Economy. Come to hear speakers from across the Northern Forest region, network with industry members from the forest and wood products supply chains, and learn about new innovations, technologies, and products shaping the industry’s future. The agenda will feature learning sessions that explore developments in forest products, land use planning, forest management, and recreation. Continuing education credits may be available for select sessions.

Register for the summit

Accepting SNAP at Your Farm: A Win-Win

As the cost of producing food increases, and food prices rise for consumers, food assistance programs are becoming more and more important. For Vermont farmers interested in helping address food insecurity in their communities, there are several ways to help.

This week on the blog, we're diving into how you can help feed members of your community and expand your customer base by accepting SNAP at your farm.

Read the full blog

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

May
5/13 - VAAFM Agriculture Development Specialist application deadline

June
6/1 - Harvest New England Day at the Big E application deadline
6/6 - Goat & Sheep Dairy Development Grant deadline
6/25 - Dairy Product Trade Show Assistance Grant deadline

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar