Funding Available for Specialty Crop Projects
The Request for Applications is now available for the 2025 Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program!
Approximately $180,000 in funds is available for projects that will strengthen Vermont’s specialty crop industries through research, consumer education, marketing, produce safety improvements, and more. Projects must benefit more than one producer. This year, awards will range from $15,000 to $45,000.
What’s a specialty crop? The official USDA list includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture crops (including honey, hops, maple syrup, and mushrooms), and nursery crops (including Christmas trees and floriculture).
The pre-application will be open from November 18th to January 8th. Select pre-applications will then be invited to submit a full application.
To learn more, read the Request for Applications and attend the applicant webinar on December 3rd.
Regenerative Livestock Farming Grant Closing Soon
The Brighter Future Fund’s New England Regenerative Livestock Farming Grant provides up to $10,000 to existing livestock farms in select counties across New England to support field-based conservation practice projects that improve soil health, water quality, and pollinator habitat.
Vermont livestock farms in the following counties are eligible to apply: Bennington, Caledonia, Essex, Orange, Windham, and Windsor.
Apply by November 29th
BEGAP Application for Flood Damage Closing Soon
Don't miss your chance to receive financial support for damage caused by this summer's flooding events.
The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) provides funding to businesses, nonprofits, landlords, and farms that suffered physical damage from the flooding and severe storms.
If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets at 802-828-2430 and press 0.
Apply by November 15th
Help Inform Vermont's Clean Water Budget
Vermont’s Clean Water Board is seeking public input on the State Fiscal Year 2026 Clean Water Budget by November 17th.
Vermonters can weigh in on how they would like to prioritize approximately $44.5 million to fund projects to protect and improve the quality of water in our rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
Visit the Clean Water Board webpage to learn more about Vermont’s clean water funding and to share your feedback on the draft budget.
Learn More
Farmers who manage dairy ewes are invited to participate in a research study to understand management practices and perceptions related to ewe health in the U.S. dairy sheep industry. Survey respondents will receive a $20 e-gift card for their participation.
The survey should take about 40 minutes to complete, but you do not have to take the survey in one session. You may save your answers and return to the survey later. All answers will be confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside the research team.
Take the Survey
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
November
11/14 - Farm to School & Early Childhood Capacity Building Grant deadline
11/15 - Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) deadline
December
12/3 - Specialty Crop Block Grant applicant webinar
12/5 - On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant deadline
12/12 - Business Enhancement Grant deadline
12/15 - Fairs & Field Days Capital Grants and Operational Stipends deadline
January
1/8 - Specialty Crop Block Grant pre-application deadline
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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