Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Healthy Food Financing Initiative Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund is now accepting funding inquiry forms for food retail and supply chain projects that increase access to healthy, affordable food in underserved areas.
Funding is designed to support catalytic projects that aren’t able to access traditional financing and may be used for predevelopment activities, equipment, construction costs, acquisition of land or buildings, and other one-time soft costs such as community engagement and environmental assessment.
At least $9 million is available for implementation grants (up to $250,000 each), $1.5 million for technical assistance (up to $100,000), and $16 million for loans ($500,000–$5,000,000).
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, for-profits, cooperatives, local/state/tribal governments, and food policy councils.
Funding inquiry forms for implementation grants must be received by August 18. Funding Inquiry forms for technical assistance must be received by September 1. Loan applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Pasture Walk: Low-Impact Strategies for Grass-Fed Milk
Join UVM Extension on August 14 for a pasture walk at Northwind Farm, an organic dairy on 100 steep acres in the Northeast Kingdom. The farmers will share how they’ve shifted toward a more grazing-intensive system—tracking daily milk production and feed costs, replacing stored feed with in-season pasture amendments, and transitioning to spring-season calving.
Participants will explore the farm’s compost-pack spreader, dirty water irrigation system, and approach to low-input milk production. Come see how grazing management and creative infrastructure can support ecological and economic goals.
Register now
Breakout Session Proposals for Farm to Plate Gathering
Vermont Farm to Plate’s Annual Gathering is taking place November 20-21 at Burke Mountain Resort this year! They are currently accepting breakout session proposals for this year’s theme, “Keep Calm and Collaborate on: Working Better Together as a Region in Uncertain Times”.
Proposals may be for two types of sessions: Skill-Building Workshops focused on practical tools (e.g., consensus-building, equitable financing, advocacy strategy, restorative practices, etc.) or Experiential Deep Dives into real-world issues (e.g., land access, farm viability, food access, supply chains, climate resilience, etc.).
Submit a proposal by August 15
If you're looking for a fun, authentic Vermont experience, you won't want to miss the state's Fairs and Field Days! These events are a celebration of Vermont's agricultural heritage, showcasing the best local produce, livestock, crafts, and entertainment. With plenty of events still taking place this summer and fall, you're sure to find a fair or field day that fits your schedule and interests.
View the schedule
Influencers 101: Boost Your Agritourism Business
Influencer marketing is quickly becoming a powerful tool in agriculture—and it could be a great fit for your agritourism business, too. But what exactly is an influencer, and how could they help your farm? This month on the blog we explore tips on choosing the right influencer as well as where to find help to better understand how to work with influencers.
Read more on the blog
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
August
8/14 - Dairy Processor Modernization Grant deadline
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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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