Understanding Halal Markets in the Northeast
Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Have you wondered if halal markets are an opportunity for your farm or food products? Do you want to collaborate with other farmers to better meet the needs of halal markets in the Northeast? If so, join the Vermont Sheep and Goat Association (VSGA) in Middlebury on September 23rd for a workshop about the halal value chain in the Northeast.
The goal of this workshop is to improve understanding of the Muslim dietary laws (i.e., halal) and how this market can be better served. The workshop will be useful for farmers raising livestock and/or growing plants, as well as processors developing new foods and related products (e.g., cosmetics).
A specific focus will be on the halal slaughter of animals and some of the details that need to be considered both in terms of religious requirements and animal welfare. Additionally, some of the new technologies entering the food industry that have halal implications will also be discussed.
The workshop will be presented by Emeritus Professor of Food Science Joe Regenstein, who is still the head of the Cornell Kosher and Halal Food Initiative.
BEGAP Funding for Businesses Impacted by Flooding
The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) application portal is now open to businesses, nonprofits, landlords, and farms that suffered physical damage from flooding and severe storms in 2023 and/or 2024.
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.
Learn more
Join Rural Vermont at Union Brook Farm in Northfield for a chicken processing workshop on Sunday, September 29th.
Emily Virzi and Rose Thackeray will teach participants the basics of raising, slaughtering, and processing meat chickens. Participants get to take home one whole delicious meat bird.
If there is time and interest, Emily and Rose will also share instructions for the cutting and parting of whole chickens, show us their new poultry packaging equipment, and discuss new, relevant legislation.
Space is limited, so register early!
Register now
Are you interested in learning more about cover cropping?
Join UVM Extension and the Northeast Cover Crops Council (NECCC) this fall for a free webinar series about cover crops. The ten-part series, which started in August, takes place every Wednesday through October 23rd. Each workshop is from 12-12:30pm. Join for just one webinar or the rest of them.
Contact Susan at 802-524-6501 or [email protected] with questions.
Learn more & register
Thinking Climate Smart on Pastures
Join UVM Extension at Shelburne Farms on September 16th for a free farmer-focused discussion about ways to be more climate smart with farm operations.
Sam Dixson from Shelburne Farms will talk about ways they are working towards their net-zero goal using strategies silvopasture, riparian buffers, and introducing biochar onto their fields. Enjoy a walk around the farm to see the strategies in action.
Contact Carly Bass at 802-656-7541 or [email protected] with questions.
Learn more & register
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
October
10/1 - RFSI Equipment-only Grant deadline
10/31 - Innovation in Dairy Processing & Packing Grant deadline
Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to receive future editions straight to your inbox.
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
