Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The application for the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPGs) is now available. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these grants to help farmers create new products, expand markets, and increase their income. Approximately $30 million in total is available for this program.
You can use grant and matching funds for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. There are two levels of grant awards. Planning Grants have a maximum award of $75,000, and Working Capital Grants have a maximum award of $250,000. Both levels of grants require a one-to-one match of the grant amount.
The following entities are eligible to apply: agricultural producers or producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled, producer-based ventures.
USDA will accept applications until April 17th.
Businesses in Vermont towns with under 5,000 people may qualify for help with grant writing or planning through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI). For help with your application, contact [email protected].
Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant
There's one month left to apply for the Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant. Offered through the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, this grant is open to dairy farms and technical assistance providers in Vermont and across the Northeast region.
This grant funds a wide-range of projects that prioritize long-term farm viability and climate and economic resilience. Awards will range from $15,000 to $100,000 with a 25% in-kind and/or cash match contribution. A total of $950,000 is available for this round.
Applications are due February 20th at 2pm.
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What is the Future of My Farm?
"What is the Future of My Farm?" is a free, hands-on, interactive course designed for farmers seeking to optimize their operations and develop more resilient farming systems. This course will help you define your farm's future, assess its current state, and create a plan for achieving your whole-farm goals, now and in the future.
Through engaging discussions, practical activities, and guidance, participants will explore topics such as resource assessment, ecosystem processes, and decision-making to help their farms thrive into the future. This course includes six three-hour sessions and is available to farmers in the White River, Ottauquechee, and Bennington Conservation Districts.
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Vermont Farm Show Feedback Sessions
The Vermont Farm Show invites folks who 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.
Four more of these gatherings will occur across the state this winter. The next two will be:
Thursday, January 30th from 11:30am to 1:30pm in Rutland
Thursday, February 13th from 11:00am to 1:00pm in St. Albans
The dates and locations for the Southeast and Central Vermont gatherings are yet to be determined.
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Farm & Forest Viability Program
Is your business looking to increase profitability, make strategic decisions, or transition to a new enterprise or ownership? Winter is a great time to look ahead and start planning for your business’ long or short-term needs.
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program is a low-cost program that works one-on-one with farm, food, and forest businesses to navigate the complexities of running a successful enterprise. You will receive in-depth advising with experienced professionals to help you improve your business skills, plan for the future, and recover from weather-related disasters. After a $75 application fee, your work in the program will be entirely free.
To learn more, email [email protected], call 802-828-3370, or visit the program webpage.
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Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
January
1/20 - Trade Show Assistance Grant deadline
February
2/20 - Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant deadline
March
3/2 - Big E Vendor Application deadline
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
Our website address is:
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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