The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state to hear directly from dairy stakeholders, farmers, and processors. These sessions will allow those involved in Vermont's dairy industry to express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas about the future of Vermont dairy.
VAAFM leadership looks forward to engaging in conversations with the dairy community that can lead to new, actionable ideas. Each meeting will include a working portion focused on putting ideas into short-term, near-term, and long-term priority levels.
At the conclusion of these listening sessions, VAAFM will be using the anonymous ideas and data provided to develop a report that can support future dairy policy discussions, efforts, and initiatives.
In-person listening sessions began in early March and will continue through the end of April. Virtual sessions will be offered for particular dairy focus groups such as young/beginning dairy farmers, goat and sheep dairy farmers, dairy processors, and a general dairy audience.
FAP Program Open for Spring Applications
The Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) program is now accepting spring applications. This program offers funding to help farmers install practices that improve soil health and water quality. Spring practices funded by FAP include grazing ($30/acre), no-till pasture and hay land renovation including frost seeding ($30/acre), manure injection ($25/acre) and no-till crop planting ($15/acre).
Applications are funded on a first-come, first-served basis, rather than through a competitive process.
Apply by April 1st
Apply for the England Leopold Conservation Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 New England Leopold Conservation Award. The $10,000 award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.
Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Landowners may also nominate themselves. Nominations are due June 15th.
Learn more
New & Improved Vermont Land Link
The Intervale Center has relaunched Vermont Land Link, with a completely redesigned website to better serve Vermont's agricultural community. This free service can help anyone find land in Vermont, from commercial farmers to forest producers to livestock grazers.
As a platform of the Intervale Center, Vermont Land Link directly connects users to the Intervale Center’s Farm Business Services team, which can help to make landowner—farmer matches successful.
Land seekers and landowners are encouraged to create profiles and listings that showcase the unique potential of their properties or specific land-use vision.
Learn more
Share Your Thoughts on Vermont's Climate Action Plan
The Climate Council is currently updating Vermont's 2025 Climate Action Plan and wants your feedback! A draft plan is expected at the end of March, with public engagement occurring in April.
You can share your thoughts and climate priorities with the Climate Council by attending a virtual or in-person event or submitting a written comment. Climate Councilors will consider public input when revising the Plan, which is due July 1st.
Visit the Climate Action Plan website to register for an event or submit a written comment.
Learn more
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
April
4/10 - Dairy Co-packing Grant deadline
4/10 - Farm to School and Early Childhood Vision Grant deadline
Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to receive future editions straight to your inbox.
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!
