The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is now requesting applications from Vermont businesses interested in vending at the Vermont Building at the 2025 Big E. The Vermont Building is one of six public market style buildings on the Avenue of the States at the Big E, a 17-day fair and exposition which takes place each September in West Springfield, MA. During this event, which brings in approximately 1.6 million people each year, the Vermont Building hosts a variety of Vermont food and retail businesses which showcase the best of what our state has to offer. The 2025 Big E will take place September 12th-28th.
This annual event provides a unique regional marketing opportunity to Vermont businesses. It is among the top-five largest fairs in the United States, with daily attendance regularly exceeding 100,000 people, and is the premier event of the year for many vendors. Fairgoers from all over the Northeast come to the Big E looking to find unique products and to get a head start on their holiday shopping. Last year alone, total sales in the Vermont Building exceeded $2 million!
Any business or organization will be considered that is registered with the Vermont Secretary of State, has been in business for over one year, and is in good standing with the State of Vermont. While most booths are inside, we will also be accepting applications from food truck vendors who would like to sell their products on the Vermont Building grounds.
The application to vend in the Vermont Building will be open from January 17th to March 2nd. View the Full Request for Applications (RFA) now on our website.
Community Action Workshop: Climate Impact Recovery Fund
NOFA-VT is offering a series of workshops around the state to support communities in sharing their voices about the importance of climate resilience. All are welcome.
Participants will hear from farmers who are experiencing climate impacts firsthand. NOFA-VT staff and leaders will share information about the new legislative campaign to keep farms resilient in the face of our changing climate. Then, participants will take collective action and learn about key ways to build momentum.
Register Now
Agricultural businesses are invited to join a free introductory grant course on January 24th in Berlin.
This one-day course will help businesses navigate the world of grants and will explain the steps of the granting process. This course is not intended to assist with actual grant writing, but it will help you be fully prepared to complete an application.
Participants must be part of an agriculture business. Email [email protected] to apply for the course. Space is limited, so apply early!
Learn More
The Vermont Farm Show invites folks who are involved with and care about local farms and working landscapes to join them for an in-person conversation about the future of the Vermont Farm Show.
Attendees will engage in conversation about what kind of Farm Show can best serve Vermont’s changing agricultural needs. Snacks will be provided.
This gathering - the first of several to occur across the state this winter - is taking place at Sterling College in Dunbar Hall on Tuesday, January 14th from 12:30-2:30pm.
Learn More
Marketing Workshops for Agritourism
Are you a farmer looking to strengthen your marketing strategies and enhance your agritourism operation? The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets and local marketing agency, Place Creative Company, are offering a series of workshops designed just for you.
These sessions will be packed with essential marketing tips to help you promote your farm experiences and connect with Vermont’s new agritourism marketing campaign, Seek and Savor! Learn more in this week’s Marketing & Agritourism Blog.
Read the blog
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
January
1/8 - Specialty Crop Block Grant pre-application deadline
1/20 - Trade Show Assistance Grant deadline
February
2/20 - Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant deadline
March
3/2 - Big E Vendor Application deadline
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Copyright © 2025, All rights reserved.
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!
