Open Farm Week 2024 Farm Registration Now Open

Submitted by tim on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 04:43

Open Farm Week 2024 Farm Registration Now Open!

This year's Open Farm Week is set for August 4th-11th. Join us as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this cherished Vermont tradition! Register your farm now to get in on the fun!

For a whole decade, farmers have been throwing open their barn doors and inviting Vermonters and visitors alike to experience the magic of Vermont’s farming heritage. It's been a decade of sharing stories, savoring flavors, and celebrating the hard work of our farming community.

Open Farm Week is all about connecting people with the roots of their food—introducing them to the farms and the fabulous farmers who make it all happen. From cozy on-farm dinners to hands-on workshops and captivating tours, there's something special happening at every participating farm.

Not sure where to start with your event planning? The Open Farm Week Committee is here to lend a helping hand with technical assistance, information, and resources to help you craft an unforgettable on-farm experience.

Register by July 1st

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant

There's still time to apply for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant! This new, one-time USDA funding will support the middle of the supply chain -- including aggregation, distribution, manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, wholesale, and value-add. The grant focuses on supply chain resilience and expanding market opportunities.

Check out the recorded informational webinar and FAQs to learn more.

Apply by June 5th

Dairy Processor Modernization Grant Opens Soon

In June, the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center will begin rolling out new processor-focused funding opportunities, including the Dairy Processor Modernization Grant.

This grant will help expand dairy processing capacity or create efficiencies that will lead to long-term business viability. With total funding of $1,200,000, individual awards will range from $25,000 to $350,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. The Request for Applications will be released in June.

Learn more

Custom Meat Facility Capacity Survey

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets, in partnership with Rural Vermont and Vermont Farm to Plate, is conducting a survey on custom meat facilities to better understand the capacity, needs, and experiences of these businesses within Vermont. We hope to better understand the impact of this work, and the work of itinerant slaughters, to be able to communicate that impact, and to better support these communities of processors, slaughterers, farmers, and eaters.

Contact [email protected] with questions.

Survey due: June 7th

Specialty Crop Marketing & Branding Toolkit

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has just released a brand new Marketing and Branding Toolkit for specialty crop and value-added food producers in Vermont.

Funded by a grant through USDA, this toolkit guides producers through the process of uncovering and defining the narrative they want to tell in the marketplace to attract customers. It offers suggestions on how to effectively communicate that story, as well as how to efficiently reach consumers and boost the popularity of your products.

Access the toolkit

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

June
6/1 - Harvest New England Day at the Big E application deadline
6/5 - Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant application deadline
6/6 - Goat & Sheep Dairy Development Grant deadline
6/7 - Custom Meat Facility Capacity Survey deadline
6/23 - Medium Farm Operation General Permit Public Comment Period deadline
6/25 - Dairy Product Trade Show Assistance Grant deadline

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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar