Trade Show Assistance Grant Now Open
Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
The application is now open for the 2026 Trade Show Assistance Grant!
A total of $30,000 is available to help Vermont agricultural, food, and forestry businesses exhibit and sell their products at trade shows targeting out-of-state wholesale buyers, offering valuable opportunities to connect with buyers and expand into new markets. Direct-to-consumer shows are not eligible for funding.
These matching grants, ranging from $2,000 to $7,500, can offset costs for up to four shows that take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.
Eligible applicants must be headquartered in Vermont, have at least three wholesale accounts, and their products must meet the Vermont Local Definition under Act 129.
Read the Request for Applications for more details.
Recordkeeping for Organic Livestock Producers
Join NOFA-VT on December 18th from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. for a webinar on recordkeeping for organic livestock producers. Whether you are considering organic certification or are already certified, learn about the recordkeeping requirements and various ways to fulfill them.
Guest farmer presenters will share some of their favorite systems for documenting what they feed throughout the year, the value of grazing charts, methods for keeping animal ID lists up to date, and ways they use records as business and decision-making tools. Join live to participate in real time, or register to receive the recording.
Register now
Join the Vermont Pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show
Specialty food and beverage businesses are invited to showcase their products in the Vermont Pavilion at the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City from June 28-30th. This is an ideal event for established businesses that are poised to expand into new domestic or international markets.
Businesses interested in joining the Vermont Pavilion can register for an informational webinar on Friday, December 12th from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Business may apply for a Trade Show Assistance Grant to offset the costs of attending this show.
Learn more
Value-Added Producer Grant Informational Webinar
Join the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) on December 10th at 2:00 p.m. for an informational session about the upcoming USDA Value-Added Producer Grant application cycle, which is expected to open later this month. NSAC will host USDA Rural Development's Rural Business and Cooperative Services to offer an overview of the grant program, provide updates to the application process, and answer questions from attendees.
Register to join the live webinar or view the recording later.
Register now
Using Winter to Evaluate Your Agritourism Operation
Winter tends to look a little different on every farm. For some, livestock chores keep the days full. For others, things finally slow down enough to catch your breath. Either way, this season is a good time to look back at your agritourism efforts from the past year and start thinking about what you want to change or try for the next one.
This week on the blog we discuss what areas of your operation to review and improvements to consider. Winter isn’t just paperwork; it’s a chance to dream a little.
Read more on the blog
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
December
12/11 - Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant application due
12/14 - Fairs and Field Days Stipend and Capital Grant application due
12/15 - 2025 Agricultural Drought Impact Survey due
January
1/21 - Trade Show Assistance Grant application due
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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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