ACT NOW Funding Available for Conservation Practices

Submitted by tim on Mon, 02/03/2025 - 05:51

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) just opened an ACT NOW fund pool, which provides payments to farmers for common conservation and planning activities.

Select EQIP conservation practices on cropland, such as cover crop, no till, reduced till and nutrient management, as well as many planning activities such as forest management plans and comprehensive nutrient management plans are eligible for this cycle of ACT NOW funding.

ACT NOW allows NRCS to pre-approve a ranked EQIP application, if that application meets or exceeds the state determined minimum threshold ranking score. This means there could be less waiting time from when farms submit an application to signing a potential contract.

ACT NOW fund pools are separate from other NRCS fund pools. The funds are available on a first come, first served basis. Participants applying need to be registered and eligible with the Farm Service Agency.

FY2025 EQIP contracts will not be subject to the payment limitations identified in the 2018 Farm Bill; however, the regulatory contract limits still apply. If you have maxed out on 2018 Farm Bill payment limitation, this is an exciting opportunity to receive funding!

Contact your local NRCS Center if you would like to apply for the ACT NOW fund pool.

Contact your local NRCS Center

Funding Opportunities for Dairy & Livestock Producers

Join the UVM Extension Dairy Team and partnering organizations on February 6th in Norwich to learn about funding opportunities that are available for dairy and livestock producers in Vermont. We will review avenues for funding, the 2025 schedule, and what types of projects are eligible for funding with a focus on funding for climate-smart agriculture.

The team will facilitate an interactive process for participants to build an effective farm description that includes the mission and vision for their operation, which can be incorporated into any application. While this workshop is specifically designed for Vermont producers, New Hampshire producers are also welcome to attend.

Register now

Vermont Tourism Listening Sessions

The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has launched a statewide strategic planning process to develop the first-ever Destination Management Strategic Plan for Vermont. As one of the first steps in this process, VDTM will conduct listening sessions across the state between February 10th and 14th.

These listening sessions are designed to explore various aspects of the visitor economy in Vermont, including current and future challenges, opportunities, and priorities to support visitation around the state. This is an opportunity to voice your thoughts and contribute to shaping the future of tourism in Vermont. Please RSVP to sign up for a session.

RSVP now

Tree Fruit Growers Annual Meeting

The Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association, together with the UVM Fruit Program, will hold their 129th Annual Meeting on Friday, February 21st at the American Legion Hall in Middlebury.

Meeting topics will include disease management; managing bitter pit; and novel uses for plant growth regulators. Additionally, updates will be shared from the USDA Risk Management Agency, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and Vermont Department of Health.

Register now

Vermont Tourism Summit Scholarships for Farmers

The 40th Annual Vermont Tourism Summit will take place on April 28th and 29th in Burlington.

Are you a farmer with an agritourism business? Or are you considering adding agritourism to your farm to diversify and boost your income? The Vermont Tourism Summit is the perfect opportunity to learn, network, and take your agritourism venture to the next level. Partial scholarships are available for farmers interested in attending.

Learn more

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

February
2/20 - Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant deadline

March
3/2 - Big E Vendor Application deadline

Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to receive future editions straight to your inbox.

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar