Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets October is Farm to School and Early Childhood Month, and we're excited to kick it off by announcing the Farm to School and Early Childhood Capacity Building Grant is now open! This grant is designed for schools and early childhood programs that are looking for ways to build an agriculture and food education program for students.
This grant opportunity combines grant funding ($5,000-$20,000 award range) with customized support programs that include grant coaching, technical assistance, and professional development. Schools, early childhood programs, and supervisory unions/school districts are encouraged to apply.
The Capacity Building Grant is one of three annual Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant programs. Learn more about all our grant offerings at the Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant webpage.
Register for an optional applicant webinar on October 17th to learn more about this grant opportunity and ask questions.
Contact [email protected] or call 802-585-6225 with questions about this grant opportunity.
Suicide Awareness for the Agricultural Community
Join Leanne Porter of Farm First on October 17th for a webinar about suicide awareness in the agricultural community. In this webinar, Farm First will share significant causes of stress and anxiety in the agricultural community, signs that a person is in trouble, and how to support someone who may be at risk of suicide. Farm First is one of the first and foremost programs in the nation to directly address the mental health needs of farmers.
Register now
Service Provider & Producer Association Grant
The application is still open for the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Service Provider & Producer Association Grant, which aims to provide business support services to Vermont agriculture, food, and forestry businesses, and to strengthen Vermont producer associations in these sectors.
Grant awards will range between $10,000 and $75,000, with no match requirement.
Apply by November 7th
A Vision for School Composting in the Upper Valley
The Upper Valley Super Compost Project (UVSCP) is an innovative example of how we can work across generations to solve problems on the local scale while building community and relationships. With the support of a 2023 Farm to School and Early Childhood Vision Grant, the UVSCP was able to upgrade the compost system at Sharon Elementary School. This project has served as a model that UVSCP can bring to other schools.
“We’re practicing what we preach and leading by example to show kids and community members that we can make a difference doing simple things and by changing our behavior. That’s what I’m really proud of,” said Cat Buxton, the director of UVSCP."
Read more
Funding for Businesses Impacted by July Flooding and Storms
Don't miss your chance to receive financial support if your business was damaged by this past July's flooding and storms.
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.
Learn more about applications for agricultural operations on the BEGAP for Agriculture Operations webpage.
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
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
October
10/17 - Farm to School & Early Childhood Capacity Building Grant applicant webinar
10/23 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant deadline
10/31 - Innovation in Dairy Processing & Packing Grant deadline
November
11/7 - Service Provider & Producer Association Grant deadline
11/14 - Farm to School & Early Childhood Capacity Building Grant deadline
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